Preparing for the Interview

The interview is a first impression. It is your best tool for marketing yourself. To best prepare yourself for the interview, there are a number of things you can do.

FIND OUT AS MUCH AS YOU CAN ABOUT THE POTENTIAL EMPLOYER

Visit the firm's website to find out about its structure, ventures, culture, etc.  The company's hiring officers and in house recruiters will notice if you have researched the company.

LOOK UP EMPLOYER'S COMPETITORS

Get a feel for the market that the firm operates in. This will also let the recruiter know that you have done some research prior to the interview.

PREPARE

Behavioral interview questions are designed to gauge your ability to perform under a given set of circumstances. The basic belief behind behavioral interviewing is that the best predictor of a candidate's future activities is how he / she performed in a similar situation in the past.  Take time to identify two or more examples of how you performed in a work situation.  Behavioral interview questions typically begin with a phrase such as "Tell me about a time when you...." and interviewers look for examples of leadership, motivation, initiative, communication skills, and judgment.

RELAX

The interview is a basic screening tool.  If you find yourself getting nervous, take a few deep breaths.  If you haven't done much interviewing before, it's a good idea to practice at least once before the "real thing".

ASK QUESTIONS

You may want to ask for more information about the position, or you may want find out what it's like to work at a particular location.  Companies are happy to answer any questions you have.

THE "THANK YOU" LETTER

Don't underestimate the power of a thank you letter (also called a follow-up letter) it may be the deciding factor in your favor, especially when there are other candidates with your qualifications applying for the same job.  Immediately after a round of interviews, always send a thank you letter to each of your interviewers by fax, mail or email. Email is the quickest way, and is acceptable these days.  Avoid using cutesy net stuff, like emoticons (e.g., happy faces), shorthand and acronyms (e.g., u for you and TIA for thanks in advance).  Regardless of how you send your thank you note, follow professional, business letter standards.    Near the end of your interviews ask each interviewer for his / her contact information, correct name spelling, or just ask for a business card. Most interviewers expect you to send thank you letters.  The thank you is an effective interviewing strategy.  It shows that you are courteous, knowledgeable and professional.  It demonstrates written communication skills.  It helps to make you stand out.  It elevates you above competing candidates.  It gives a second opportunity to reinforce your strong points.  It allows you to include information you might have forgotten to mention during your interview.  It confirms your understanding of topics discussed. It helps to avoid misunderstandings.