Preparing for an Interview

Good preparation leads to a good interview. If you have not interviewed in awhile, it is useful to just practice interviewing. This can be through actual job interviews before tackling the critical interview or you can ask your friends to interview you.

That said, find out as much as you can about the job, the company, and even the person interviewing you (if you know this). Summarize your knowledge in key points that you can throw into your answers.

If you really want the job, try to communicate how much you want to work for that particular company - not just get any job. Be enthusiastic but not gushing. If you are the right fit for the position both you and the interviewer will know this. First impressions are important. Dress appropriately for the interview. Have a 2-min summary of your background and how it fits the job requirements (elevator speech).

Remember, in most cases the interviewer is not trying to personally trip you up. They are simply trying to identify the best candidate for the job. Some jobs are stressful. If you can't handle yourself in the interview then you probably can't do the job anyway.

Review the top 10 questions typically asked at a job interview (Google will help). Be certain you can answer the "what was your biggest mistake or what are your weaknesses" type of question. Answer in a way that demonstrates you learned something from the experience. Try to find and example of something that isn't that godawful a thing to have done, if possible. Everyone has something. The purpose of this question is not so much what you did but how you answer the question.

Have one or two intelligent prepared questions to ask about the job or the company - but these questions should be phrased to demonstrate your knowledge and interest with the company, not to point out some glaring inadequacy.

After the interview, immediately after, do a self-assessment. What were the tough questions? Can you clarify your response in your thank you note? And absolutely send a thank you note. I feel these days that an email is appropriate. However if the interviewer has done something extraordinary, then a hand-written note sent by mail might also be needed.