Preparing for the Interview

• Know what the company does, where it does it and what kind of jobs it has. Know as much as possible about the company. Do research. Go to the Career Resource Center, the campus library and the city library to obtain information. Familiarize yourself with the company's pertinent issues. Study their annual reports. Know the types of customers they have and their method of distribution. Consult anyone and everyone who can provide information on a particular organization; for example friends in the industry, bankers, suppliers, outside auditors, etc.
• Familiarize yourself with the questions interviewer might ask. Think about your answers--what are your strengths, weaknesses, goals? Do not try to memorize questions and answers.
• Plan some good questions to ask the interviewer about their company and the position for which you are interviewing.
• Be prepared to tell the company representative what you want to do and how you are particularly qualified to do it.
• Get familiar with your resume.
• Dress appropriately. Wear business clothes that are clean, neat and conservative in style and color.
• Know the name and address of the company and how best to get there. You should actually make a trial run to determine the best route for driving to the interview. This kind of information may seem fundamental; however, being late for an interview or forgetting the name of the company can cost you a job offer.
• BE ON TIME! It is good to be at least thirty minutes early which will give you time to relax, got to the men's/ladies room and make sure your tie, dress, etc are correct and be in the waiting area at least fifteen minutes before the interview. This will also give you ample time in case there is an accident, road construction, etc on the route you are traveling.
• Know the name and title of the interviewer and the names and titles of the people one or two levels above him/her.
• Relax and be yourself.