� Know the companies you are applying for and a general idea of the responsibilities they expect

� See if the company is going through a merger/acquisition as it could reflect new opportunities and growth. It can also be a warning sign of pending layoffs.

� The job postings reflect the ideal candidate they desire, but it is just a wish list. Just because they are asking for the world doesn't mean you are not qualified. If you have 50% of the skills or education: apply! What can they do except by-pass your resume/CV or worse (joke) you get an interview.

The night before put in your mind the items you

want to convey to the interviewer(s):

� Who you are� Your education� Your previous work experience� How you learn� How you resolve problems� How you interact with people� And the most important: You are the right person for the job!

What to wear:

� It is best to over dress than under dress. Suit for a woman and man, and it is highly suggested for women to wear slacks.

� Keep the piercing of any kind to a minimum. You don't want to be remembered for a nose ring unless the company you are interviewing for is that progressive.

� If you have tattoos its best to keep them covered. If it is not possible, than use it to your advantage. Find a way to integrate it into the conversation, especially if it ties back to your heritage.

� Wear a watch. It doesn't have to be a Rolex. Someone might ask what time it is, and providing the information will keep you in their mind.

During the interview (face to face):

� Being nervous is good as it will keep you on your toes: don't be arrogant, judgmental, or demonstrate frustration even if the person you are talking to doesn't know a thing. They may be the actual decision maker or have influence on the hiring. Body language can dictate getting the job or not.

� Shake everyone's hand and repeat your name in full. It will help them remember and associate your face with your name. It may feel strange, but introduce yourself to every person in the room as if they are the only one there. Give a confident hand shake.

During the interview (face to face):

� If you have a minor cold and they put their hand out you may make an impression by refraining from shaking hands, but always say your name so it sticks in their mind. Bring your own tissues. If you have the ability to reschedule until you feel better it is best to do so, but you risk them hiring someone else.

� Do not cross your legs but keep them reasonably together. � Sit up straight. Use the back of the chair unless it easily

leans back. If so move up in the chair.� Place your hands on the top of your thigh or together. If you

have sweaty hands place them on your thigh.

During the interview (face to face):

� If they offer you something to drink just tell them no thank you or I am good. Less chance of having to squirm because you have to go to the bathroom.

� While in the interview always look engaged in the conversation by keeping your eyes in contact with theirs. If you are nervous look at their ear which is at the same height as their eyes roughly.

� Most interviews shouldn't be an interrogation where they ask questions and you answer them. Try to have a conversation like you do with your friends, parents, or teachers. Just keep the slang to yourself.

� Smile.

During the interview (face to face):

� If you are interviewed by someone who was forced to do so they may not be nice. Don't take offense and stay positive. Answer the questions with a smile.

� Look around the office or conference room. If you see something that sparks your interest bring it into the conversation. Just make sure you get your points about you in the content of your conversation.

� If you are in a group interview and asked a question respond to the person, but while responding look at everyone. Even if they aren't looking at you doesn't mean they aren't listening.

� If you are asked to explain how you handled a difficult situation always identify the challenges you encountered and always end it in a positive outcome even if it wasn't.

During the interview (face to face):

� If you use your hands during a conversation as a sign of expression keep them in front of you and chest high.

� If they ask if you have any questions always ask at least one. If it is the hiring manager ask about the team or some of the projects they are working on (if he/she hasn't already said).

� If they ask if you are willing to work overtime it is best to say yes. Once you are in the door and hired you can work out logistics if you can't do overtime.

� If you are asked to tell something about yourself try to tie it to the job you are interviewing for compared to something personal.

During the interview (face to face):

� If you see pictures in the room of fishing, hiking, or various other activities and you can related try to bring it into the conversation towards the end.

� Never end the interview yourself. Let them initiate it and always say Thank you and you look forward to speaking with them again.

� Never ask how much the position pays. You will find out later.

During the interview (face to face):

� If they ask you what your expectation is for salary or compensation don't give them a number. It is a guarantee you will come low or high. Reverse the question and ask them what they usually pay for qualified candidates as yourself.

� If they come in low don't say it is lower than you had expected. They may be testing your reaction. Just respond with thank you for the information and you look forward to further discussion as you are presented a job offer.

During the interview (face to face):

� If they offer you a position and you want it then shake their hand and say thank you. The next step will be negotiating a salary.

� If they offer you a position but you have one or two others you are considering then shake their hand, but ask them if you can give an answer in the next day or two. You need to talk to your spouse or parent(s). Don't tell them you are considering other opportunities.

During the interview (phone to phone):

� Keep in mind all of the above even if they cannot see you.� Don't talk outside unless you absolutely have too. Don't be

in a noisy area.� If you have pets it is best to keep them in an area that

prevents interruptions.� If you have children it is best to reduce interruptions, but if

you anticipate it tell the interviewer at the beginning. � Don't do house choirs or cook while interviewing. It is a

distraction.

During the interview (phone to phone):

� Don't use a computer or have a book. They can hear everything even if you don't think so.

� Make sure when you answer the phone its not 'Yo', 'Speak', or other salutations. Answer and say your name clearly.

� They can't see you so you may need to emphasize an answer with a higher pitch voice.

� Treat the phone interview like a face-to-face. You want that face-to-face interview next.

During the interview (video-to-video):

� Keep in mind all of the above.� Make sure the camera doesn't face something you don't

want them to see, i.e. dirty room, inappropriate pictures on wall, etc.

� Treat the video interview like a face-to-face as they can see you, but voice and video does not always come across clear.

During the interview (face-to-face at restaurant

breakfast, lunch, dinner):

� Keep in mind all of the above.� Be there 5-10 minutes early to determine how noisy it may

be.� If it is noisy and the interviewer doesn’t say anything, ask the

host to seat you in a quiet area of the restaurant.� When the waiter/waitress asks what you want to drink let the

interviewer select first. Whether the interviewer orders alcohol or not do not order it yourself. Get water, soda, tea, or coffee. You don't want to find yourself getting to loose and say/do something you may regret later.

� If your mother, grandmother, aunt or other's taught you proper etiquette when eating, this is the time to use it. If you haven't been taught it, this is the time to know it.

During the interview (face-to-face at restaurant

breakfast, lunch, dinner):

� You are at the mercy of when the food arrives so try to get as much about yourself initially out of the way.

� Let the interviewer order their meal first.� Look for two meals you would like to order. Based on what

the interviewer orders, it will give you an idea of how much they are going to spend. Don't order the lobster or crab. It's expensive and messy!

� When the food arrives let the interviewer ask a question and then let them eat while you answer or talk about yourself. Have it last at least 5-10 minutes. It may suck but you may need to let your food get a little cold.

During the interview (face-to-face at restaurant

breakfast, lunch, dinner):

� When the interviewer starts talking, then start eating your food. This is the time to properly eat your food. There is nothing worse than talking with food in your mouth. They can wait to hear you after swallowing your food. Take a drink before speaking if needed. You don't want food hanging down from your teeth ;-)

� If the interviewer eats like a pig, this doesn't give you a right to do so. If you eat your food fast then do so with some level of elegance.

� If they are paying for the meal make sure to eat as much as possible or ask for a to-go box. You can throw it away later when they don't see you.

During the interview (face-to-face at restaurant

breakfast, lunch, dinner):

� Do not complain about the service. That is the responsibility of the interviewer.

� If the interviewer orders a desert there is nothing wrong with doing the same.

� The key is get them to know you and show your best. They are paying for the meal so be appreciative.

� Before walking out of the restaurant tell them thank you for the meal and their time. If they brought you to dinner they are interested in you. Ask them when they are planning to make a decision.

Post Interview:

� Send a Thank you letter to everyone who interviewed you. If you don't recall who they are then call their human resources office and ask. If you don't know their email address then send a physical thank you letter to their place of employment. � In the letter identify something you talked about during the

interview. End the letter with a reiteration of your skills and/or education and that you look forward to being an asset to the team and company.

� Cross your fingers, but don't sit around and wait for the call. Go after the next job opportunity.

� If you are not selected for the position, chalk it up as interviewing experience. The more interviews the better you will be. Someone will say 'yes' at some point. It may be 1, 10, 50, or 100 applications before getting the 'yes' but it will happen.