• Before you even think about going on an interview, make sure you have appropriate interview attire and everything fits correctly.
• Get your clothes ready the night before, so you don't have to spend time getting them ready on the day of the interview.
• If your clothes are dry clean only, take them to the cleaners after an interview, so they are ready for next time.
• Polish your shoes.
• Bring a breath mint and use it before you enter the building.

• Suit (solid color - navy or dark grey)
• Long sleeve shirt (white or coordinated with the suit)
• Belt
• Tie
• Dark socks, conservative leather shoes
• Little or no jewelry
• Neat, professional hairstyle
• Limit the aftershave
• Neatly trimmed nails
• Portfolio or briefcase
• Women’s Interview Attire

• Suit (navy, black or dark grey)
• The suit skirt should be long enough so you can sit down comfortably
• Coordinated blouse
• Conservative shoes
• Limited jewelry (no dangling earrings or arms full of bracelets)
• Professional hairstyle
• Neutral pantyhose
• Light make-up and perfume
• Neatly manicured clean nails
• Portfolio or briefcaseWhat to Bring to the Interview:• Two copies of your resume
• Two copies of your references
• A portfolio of your work, if applicable to the position
• If you have just graduated from school, bring your transcript.

• Gum
• Cell phone
• Ipod
• Coffee or soda
• Cover tattoos
• If you have lots of piercings, leave some of your rings at home (earrings only, is a good rule)

• If you don't know where the address is, do a test run the day before.
• Dress appropriately and neatly. For an office setting, it’s a good idea to dress formally even on casual Fridays.
• Be on time or a little early.
• Experts suggest that you don't smoke for 1/2 an hour before the interview.
• Before the actual interview, take deep breaths and relax your muscles. This will help you relax mentally too.
• While interviewing, forget about trying to look "cool". Show your energy and enthusiasm for the job.Tips to Help You Rehearse for an Interview:
• Prepare questions that you think the employer might ask, then practice the answers with your friends or family. It will help you feel more confident during the real thing.

• Try to imagine yourself as an employer. What would you look for in someone you were going to hire?
• Learn as much as you can about the job and the business/organization before you go to the interview.
• Think of some of the reasons why the employer would benefit from hiring you.
• Practice talking about your personal and workplace achievements. Everyone has done something they are proud of or feel good about. You should tell the interviewer what skills you used to achieve these results.
• Think of some questions to ask the employer to show that YOU are interested in the job. Don't be surprised if your interviewer(s) takes notes during the interview. You should also take a pen and paper so that you can take notes as well. Act Professionally:
• Don’t chew gum.
• Greet your interviewer with eye contact and a smile.
• Shake hands firmly. If you have sweaty palms, bring a handkerchief.
• Sit up, look attentive, do not cross your arms or legs. Speak Up!
• Listen closely to the interviewer.
• Show a real interest in the company and the job and have a positive attitude.
• Do not lead off the interview asking about the pay, since this may lead the employer to think that this is your only motivation.Sell yourself!
• Tell the employer about your abilities and good qualities.
• Answer all questions carefully and honestly.
• Be as positive as you can.
• At the end of the interview, it's your turn! As the interview comes to a close, one of the final questions you may be asked is "What can I answer for you?" Have interview questions of your own ready to ask.

- Tell me about yourself.
- What made you choose this particular field?
- What do you know about our company?
- Why should we hire you?
- Why are you looking to leave your current position?
- Describe your management style.
- Where do you see yourself in five years?
- Which qualifications do you feel make you a better candidate for this job than anyone else?
- What do you consider to be your major strengths and weaknesses?
- Name 3 adjectives that would describe you.
- What are the three most significant accomplishments in your career so far?
- What are some of your motivating factors?
- What is the most difficult decision you have had to make in your current position?
- Tell me what you know about our product.
- What is the most appealing aspect about the position?
- What concerns do you have about the position?
- How would you describe your ideal job?
- Are you willing to relocate/travel?
- How do you determine or evaluate successes?
- Questions regarding race, age, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, marital status, arrests, credit history, or alcohol or drug abuse are illegal. If you are faced with a question you don’t think is appropriate pause and answer carefully. “Can you tell me how this applies to the job I would be doing?” would be a reasonable answer. It is illegal for an interviewer to ask certain personal information in an interview.

- How would you describe the responsibilities of the position?
- How would you describe a typical week/day in this position?
- Is this a new position? If not, what did the previous employee go on to do?
- What is the company's management style?
- Who does this position report to? If I am offered the position, can I meet him/her?
- How many people work in this office/department?
- How much travel is expected?
- Is relocation a possibility?
- What is the typical work week? Is overtime expected?
- What are the prospects for growth and advancement?
- How does one advance in the company?
- Are there any examples?
- What do you like about working here?
- What don't you like about working here and what would you change?
- Would you like a list of references?
- If I am extended a job offer, how soon would you like me to start?
- What can I tell you about my qualifications?
- When can I expect to hear from you?
- Are there any other questions I can answer for you?

- What does this company do? (Do your research ahead of time!)
- If I get the job when can I take time off for vacation? (Wait until you get the offer to mention prior commitments)
- Can I change my schedule if I get the job? (If you need to figure out the logistics of getting to work don't mention it now...)
- Did I get the job? (Don't be impatient. They’ll let you know).

Not being able to answer the question "What do you know about this company?" might just end your quest for employment, at least with this employer. Background information including company history, locations, divisions, and a mission statement are available in an "About Us" section on most company web sites. Review it ahead of time, then print it out and read it over just before your interview to refresh your memory.

Dressing inappropriately can work both ways. You will certainly want to wear a suit if you are interviewing for professional position.

It's important to communicate well with everyone you meet in your search for employment. It is, however, most important to positively connect with the person who might hire you. Shake hands, make eye contact, exude confidence, engage the person you are speaking with, and you will let the interviewer know that you are an excellent candidate for this position - before you even answer an interview question.

Leave your cell phone behind or at least turn it off before you enter the building. Same goes for coffee, food and anything else other than you, your resume, your job application, and your list of references. They don't belong at an interview.

There is nothing worse than interviewing someone who goes on and on and on... The interviewer really doesn't need to know your whole life story. Keep your answers succinct, to-the-point and focused and don't ramble - simply answer the question.

It's really hard to communicate with someone who answers a question with a word or two. Even though you shouldn't talk too much, you do want to be responsive and fully answer the question as best you can.

Even if you have submitted a resume when you applied for the job, you may also be asked to fill out a job application. Make sure you know the information you will need to complete an application including dates of prior employment, graduation dates, and employer contact information.

Make sure you listen to the question and take a moment to gather your thoughts before you respond. You'll knock yourself out of contention if you give the wrong answer.

Your last boss was an idiot? Everyone in the company was a jerk? You hated your job and couldn't wait to leave? Even if it's true don't say so.

Afraid you didn't make the best impression? Are you sure that you aced the interviewed? Either way, be sure to follow up with a thank you note reiterating your interest in the position and the company.
Finally, even if you do flub the interview, don't take it to heart. I don't think there is anyone hasn't blown an interview or two. If it happens, look at it like it just wasn't meant to be, learn from your mistakes and move on to the next opportunity.

- Thank them for taking the time to meet with you.
- Restate all your accomplishments, strengths, and goals that demonstrate qualities valuable to the employer.
- Address anything you feel was overlooked.
- Reaffirm your interest in the position and the company.
- Indicate how this position meets with your goals and aspirations.