- Read the job description and understand what position the company is hiring for!
- Review the company's web site and be familiar with what the company does. Approximately 65% of the people interviewing don't bother to take the time to do this. When asked about the company they answer, "I don't know what you guys do" or some variation. Gee, sure would love to have that person on my team.
- Read your resume. Some interviewers say if the info is on their resume it is fair game to ask them about. So even if the skill listed has nothing to do with the job you are applying, assume you may be asked a question about that skill. If you can not speak to it, remove it!
- Come up with some insightful questions about the job and the company. During the interview you will be asked if you have any questions. This is the time to show you are interested and have done your homework. This is NOT the time to ask about salary or benefits.
- If asked what sort of job you are looking for, or where do you want to be in five years, than have your answer apply to the job you are interviewing for. An example would be if interviewing for a sales job, "I love sales and would like to find something exactly like the job description you have." I have asked that question when interviewing and have heard, "I am looking for anything right now.", or "I am open to either sales or accounting". The interviewer wants to know this is what you want. So make that plain to them.
- Don't get comfortable! Some interviewers try to put candidates at ease so they can see how they act normally and not in an interview situation. Be wary of disclosing too much info. This is not the time to talk about how many beers you used to drink in college.
- Finally, during the interview, act professional. That means sit up, look the interviewer in the eye, speak clearly and dress well.
Of course if you don't care if you get the job, just ignore all this and keep doing whatever the heck you want...Good luck out there!
