Get ready for your interview

A job interview can make even the most self-confident person nervous. Preparation is the key to help ease pre-interview jitters.

Prepare

1. Make sure you understand your own accomplishments. If you were asked to talk about yourself or what you've done, what would you say?  Have a standard introduction about yourself ready and keep it brief!
2. Research the company interviewing you. Many companies have a website with valuable information. Make sure you have an understanding of what the company does and think of a few questions to ask them. This will help demonstrate your interest in the position and help showcase your research skills.
3. Be prepared to answer the question: "Why do you want to work here?" and or “Why are you interested in this position?” Doing this can give you an opportunity to decide if the job is right for you. Ask yourself: does the job fit with your career plan?
4. Think of some questions you may be asked in the interview and have some well-thought-out answers. With this in mind, be ready for some curve balls — an interviewer may ask you some unexpected questions.
5. Don't schedule other appointments too close to your interview time. You don't want to be late, and you don't want to rush out of the interview to your next appointment.

Tips

• Dress appropriately. Depending on the industry and or position you are interviewing you should probably wear a suit. Call the human resources department at the company you are interviewing and ask them about their dress code if you are unsure what to wear. Even if the company has a casual dress-code it isn’t a good idea to show up in jeans and a polo shirt. It is always best to err on the side of being overdressed, rather than underdressed.
• Bring extra copies of your resume.
• Shake hands using a firm handshake. A limp or awkward handshake can serve as a negative first impression.
• Treat everyone with respect, especially the receptionist.
• Don't be nervous about being nervous. Being prepared and having rehearsed your answers to possible questions should help calm your nerves.
• Don't discuss salary during the interview. Wait until you are offered the position.
• Turn off your cell phone or at least put it on silent before the interview.
• Be yourself.