| The whole purpose of an interview is for the | | | | plans. This will help you prepare to answer |
| employer to meet you, to get acquainted with | | | | questions related to how you see yourself fitting |
| your professional background and experience, | | | | into their organization. In fact, why are you |
| learn about your special skill sets and qualifications, | | | | applying for this position? What do you envision |
| and of course, to see how you match up with | | | | you will do for this firm and where do you want |
| their organizational needs. You obviously have | | | | to fit in? What do you have to offer and |
| piqued their interest with your resume, so now is | | | | contribute? Who will you be working for and |
| not the time to disappoint them by not paying | | | | where? Is the interviewer your prospective boss? |
| proper, close attention to the important details | | | | What are the future plans of the company |
| related to your interview appointment. Plus, this is | | | | division where you will be working? |
| the opportunity for you to do your homework, | | | | Finally, read the posted job description if you have |
| learn everything possible about their interview | | | | not already. If you have not, ask for a copy of it |
| plans and process, learn all about their firm and | | | | when you confirm your interview appointment. |
| key people, and plan how you will knock them | | | | Knowing the details of the job description will |
| over with your winning interview. | | | | prepare you to intelligently address the |
| CONFIRM THE DETAILS: DAY, DATE, TIME, | | | | qualifications and requirements of the position. |
| LOCATION AND PEOPLE | | | | TRAVEL PLANS: GET A MAP AND PLAN YOUR |
| It should go without saying you must always | | | | TRAVEL ROUTE |
| confirm the details of your interview appointment, | | | | If you are meeting at the prospective |
| but we have seen too many times candidates | | | | employer’s office, which is generally the case, |
| missing their interviews because they did not think | | | | take time beforehand to confirm the location on a |
| to confirm the details. When called about your | | | | map, obtain driving directions and the best route |
| interview appointment, before getting off the | | | | to use for the time and day you are traveling to |
| phone, confirm the exact day, date, time and | | | | the appointment. If possible, drive the route days |
| location of the interview. This includes the address | | | | before so you are familiar with it and the traffic |
| and room where the interview will take place. | | | | congestion at that time of day. This will help you |
| Just as important, confirm all of the names and | | | | to know for certain how much time you need to |
| titles of the person(s) you will be meeting and a | | | | allow yourself to travel and arrive with time to |
| contact phone number should you require | | | | spare. Ask yourself where you will park; is parking |
| additional information prior to your appointment. | | | | free or paid? Covered or uncovered? This might |
| This is the ideal time to learn who will be | | | | be important on a stormy day. How far will you |
| conducting your interview, the type of interview | | | | need to walk from the parking lot to the office |
| they are planning and the expected duration of | | | | and how long will it take you? If possible, doing |
| the interview process so you can plan accordingly. | | | | some reconnaissance days beforehand so you will |
| Will you be expected to meet other personnel? | | | | not be surprised about how long it may take. |
| Who are they? Will there be multiple interviews | | | | After all, you do not want to be late for your job |
| that day conducted separately by other key | | | | interview, ever. It will not only make a bad first |
| personnel? Who? Where? How long? How many | | | | impression, it may take you out of contention |
| resumes should you bring along? Should you take | | | | before you ever have the chance to sell your |
| along sample materials so you can leave it with | | | | qualifications. |
| them? How many copies should you make? | | | | OUT OF TOWN TRAVEL |
| These are all important questions you need to | | | | Likewise, if you are traveling from out of town |
| have answered so you can take away any | | | | for the interview put in the same effort as you |
| surprises that might crop up. | | | | would at home by doing your reconnaissance |
| In the likelihood your first interview will be by | | | | beforehand. If possible, arrive into town the day |
| telephone, make absolutely sure they have the | | | | before a morning interview (it allows you to be |
| correct phone number to call you and you have | | | | rested and better prepared) so you will have time |
| theirs in the event you should become | | | | to get your bearings. Always check and |
| disconnected during the interview. Just as | | | | double-check your travel arrangements, including |
| important, ensure you will be in a location that is | | | | air, hotel and rental car reservations. Get a map |
| completely private and that you will not have any | | | | and ask for driving directions if necessary. Be |
| disturbances or interruptions of any kind while you | | | | absolutely sure you know where you are going |
| are on the phone. You do want any unbecoming | | | | and how long it will take you to get there from |
| or unprofessional background noise (children | | | | your hotel. |
| playing, dog barking, colleagues walking in and out | | | | If you are traveling into town, it is advisable to |
| of your office, etc.). It also goes without saying | | | | arrive the day before to acclimate yourself to the |
| that should you have a telephone interview, you | | | | surroundings, region, climate (higher elevation in |
| should never be driving in your car. Find a quiet | | | | some cases) and to help you feel rested and |
| remote location to park with no distractions. | | | | ready to go the following day. You certainly want |
| RESEARCH THE ORGANIZATION | | | | to be your freshest, sharpest self so it only |
| Now is the best time to conduct your research | | | | stands to reason you need to prepare yourself in |
| on the organization and after confirming your | | | | every way possible, including getting into town |
| interview plans, you now know the names and | | | | early. After traveling far distances and over a long |
| titles of the key people you will be meeting – | | | | time, you will not be at your best, so avoid such |
| the very ones whom you need to impress and | | | | an interview appointment at all costs. |
| win over to land the job. Get to know everything | | | | CHECK THE WEATHER FORECAST |
| you possibly can about the firm, its key | | | | Also, it is advisable you check the weather |
| personnel, management and the interviewers. | | | | forecast regularly. If it rains or is exceptionally |
| It seems overly simplistic, but ask your self what | | | | windy (any foul weather) you want to be |
| kind of business is this firm? What do they do and | | | | properly prepared to weather the elements. Carry |
| what are they most noted for? You would be | | | | an umbrella, overcoat, hat, gloves and scarf if |
| surprised how many candidates have no clue | | | | necessary. You want to be sure that when you |
| about the organization with whom they are | | | | arrive at your interview you are still well dressed |
| interviewing with, and it places them at a distinct | | | | and properly groomed, so it is worth taking every |
| disadvantage in the competition. What is the stock | | | | ounce of precaution against inclement weather. |
| price? Where is the headquarters? Are there any | | | | Should you encounter foul weather, then make |
| regional offices? Where? Who are their clients? | | | | sure you have extra time upon your arrival to |
| What is their reputation in the marketplace? How | | | | use the restroom to freshen up and take a good |
| many employees? What is their annual revenue? | | | | look in the mirror so you will look sharp. |
| Read the annual report from the past three years | | | | Reconnaissance can prepare you for this situation |
| to familiarize your self about the core nature of | | | | as well. |
| their business, earnings and revenues, and future | | | | |