Preparing for a Job Interview: Do Your Homework

A job interview is not the first step of your employment journey. Long before the interview ever occurs, there are some crucial things you need to know and do. You'll only have one chance to make a good impression. This article offers tips to help you prepare for your job interview so you'll be cool, calm and collected and make a lasting impression.

Begin at the Beginning. If you don't have a day-timer or other calendar system, get one. Use some sort of recordkeeping system to record the jobs for which you have applied. A spiral notebook is fine, as you will have as much room as you need to record all applicable information about each job. Leave several blank lines at the end of the entry to record interview information.

Keep Meticulous Records. This applies to recording details of the jobs for which you have applied as well as job interview information. When you apply for a job, record all information including job title, company name, salary information if available, phone and fax numbers and any other pertinent information. Also record the date you applied for the position and whether you submitted an electronic or paper application.

When you receive a call to schedule an interview, write down the name of the person(s) who will be conducting your job interview. Also record the date and time of the scheduled job interview. Be sure you have the address, including suite number, of the job interview location. Ask for a main phone number a direct phone number to the person who will be conducting the job interview.

Do Your Research. As soon as a job interview is scheduled research the company if at all possible. Go on line, visit the company website and check newspaper archives for articles about the company. Who is the CEO? What is the company mission statement? Where is their corporate headquarters? What is the title of the person who will be interviewing you? These are all important questions to find the answers to. You may be able to use the information you've gleaned to impress your interviewer! It will also give you some idea about the dynamics of the company.

Plan Ahead. Call the company with which you have an interview the day before the scheduled job interview. Confirm the date and time, and ask if there is anything you should bring with you to the job interview. Be sure you have a clean, crisp copy of your resume and at least one black pen. Review the information you've recorded about the job.

Select the clothes and shoes you'll wear to the job interview. A good rule: it's better to dress up than to dress down. If you're not sure what to wear, dress in a nice suit. Men should wear a tie and women wear a conservative blouse or top and both should wear conservative black or dark shoes. Even if the ad indicates a business casual workplace, don't wear jeans, and if you choose to wear khaki pants, dress them up. Most importantly, no matter what you wear be sure it is clean and pressed.

The Day of the Interview. Be sure you have the directions and a notepad. Arrive at least 15 minutes early. This is not a suggestion-it's a must! Introduce yourself to the receptionist and tell her why you are there. Try to get a feel for the "mood of the day." Use the restroom, even if you don't think you need to.

The Moment of Truth. Use a firm, relaxed handshake when introducing yourself to the interviewer. Wait for direction on where to sit, unless there is only one option. Take a deep breath and smile. Open your notepad and take out your copy of your resume. Let the interviewer begin the conversation.

You've done your homework. You've prepared ahead of time. You can be confident and relaxed during your interview. Good luck with your interview and with your job search!