Job Interview Preparedness

1. Personal Hygiene

This is always top on my list of things to do. I have any and all unwanted hair removed. If my hair needs dyed, I color it. I file my nails. Obviously a shower, deodorant and a hairbrush are also involved.

2. Resumes

I have my resumes and job applications printed at Kinkos. Their print quality and paper is better than mine. I typically print between two and five resumes. At the very least you want one for yourself and one for your interviewer.

3. Websites

If the company has a website, I look it over. I specifically make sure to read the main page, any information about the company and I check out their careers link and any training links they have. It's also a good idea to look at their various locations.

4. Car

If I am interviewing at a small business or at a location where I think they'll be able to identify my car, I wash it. I clean it inside and out. This also helps with perception. You want the company to believe that you are neat and orderly, and have your life together.

5. Clothes

I always make sure I know what they expect of my dress. I've been to interviews where they've required business professional, business casual, casual, and business attire. Business professional includes a jacket or a suit preferably in black, dark blue, or charcoal. Business casual does not require a jacket and can involve brighter colors. Casual can be jeans and a nice shirt. Business attire is vague. I take it to mean a suit in any color that may or may not involve a jacket. In otherwords, look like you're ready to conduct business.

6. Mapquest, Directions, Paperwork

On my personal computer I print out any relevant emails pertaining to the interview. I print mapquest directions for the location, and if I can find the job summery, I print that out.

7. Professional Portfolio and Briefcases

I put all of my paperwork in a professional portfolio which includes a slot for a pen and a legal pad. Sometimes I take a leather briefcase. Sometimes I don't. I've found that briefcases are more cumbersome than helpful in interviews. However, they do add an extra level of professionalism.