Preparing for a job interview

Preparing for a job interview is necessary in order to present yourself in the best light. Interview preparation is a systematic process that requires thought and self-analysis prior to the interview.

To prepare for an interview, first think about your daily/weekly/monthly tasks at your current and past jobs, and write down each of those tasks. Write down your areas of expertise, and include a description of why you are expert in those areas. Write down the areas where you need to improve and why, and include a description of your plan for improving in those areas. Thinking about these topics and writing them down will assist you in discussing your knowledge, skills and abilities at the interview.

Second, think about what your next career steps will be, what direction you want your career to go, and why – and write these things down. Thinking about these topics and writing them down will assist you in answering frequently-asked interview questions about your future goals and plans.

Third, go over the job requirements of the position for which you’ll be interviewing. The potential employer will be asking you questions to determine whether your skills and abilities match the job requirements. If you were the employer, what questions would you ask? Write these down. Then write down answers to each of the questions that you came up with. This exercise will help you anticipate the questions that the potential employer is most likely to ask, and to formulate answers to those questions.

Fourth, present the best you. Your goal is show that you are the best candidate for the position you are being interviewed for.

Some general interview tips:

• Dress well. Always dress better than the employer requires.
• Be well-groomed. The George Michael look went out of fashion years ago.
• Do not be late.
• We'll say it again, do not be late.

It is very important to be on time for the interview. The night before the interview, get directions to the interview location (Google or Mapquest are handy for this), print out the directions, and place them in your car. Also, select your interview outfit the night before. This will prevent unnecessary stress or delays on the day of the interview.

Immediately after the interview, be sure to e-mail a thank you letter to the interviewer(s).