Take to the interview:

• School certificates
• a prepared personal resume/CV
• a list of personal references, if you do not have a resume/CV
• a pen, a pencil and paper (a small notebook to fit in pocket or purse)

Do not take to the interview:

• chewing gum
• a bag of recent purchases
• a friend or relative
• anything to take the interviewer's attention away from you, as a prospective employee

Personal Appearance

Dress appropriately. Appropriate dress is generally more conservative than everyday dress. The type of clothes you wear for an interview depends upon the kind of job you are applying for. Clean, unwrinkled work clothes may be appropriate for a construction job. Slacks and a sport coat or a nice dress may be more appropriate for an office job. Let your own good taste be the judge.

Time

Be on time. Ten minutes early is a good idea. If you can't make your appointment, call as far in advance as possible to reschedule the interview.
When your interview is completed, don't hang around. Leave on time.

Attitude

• Be polite. You can't go wrong if you call the interviewer "sir" or "ma'am."
• Be courteous. This applies to everyone in the firm; not just the interviewer. You may be judged by another employee's impression.
• Show confidence. Be direct. If you don't know an answer, say so. Act active, alert and enthusiastic.
• Be interested. Show an interest in the job and in the company.

THE INTERVIEW

The Preliminaries

Greet you interviewer by name as you enter the office. Take your cues from the interviewer. Shake hands, but only if the interviewer makes the first gesture.

Normally, wait until a chair is offered before you sit down. Don't smoke, unless invited to do so. Do not chew gum during the interview. Try to relax. Some nervousness is expected and is usually discounted by experienced interviewers. If you don't know what to do with your hands, put them in your lap and keep them still.

Surprise Question

Be prepared for at least one surprise question. Some interviewers favor one of the following:

• What can I do for you?
• Tell me about yourself.
• Why are you interested in this company/job?

Although these questions may sound easy, they are much more difficult than you think, especially if you have not considered them prior to the interview. This is where your research and preparation pay off. It enables you to talk intelligently about both your goals and the company. However, if you are asked what the company can do for you, be specific. For instance, you want a job with prospects for advancement. If you are asked to tell about yourself, tell those things about yourself that relate to the situation: your background, your education and your applicable work experience.

The Interviewers

If your interviewer follows a simple question and answer technique, your ability to answer quickly and intelligently is of great importance. Remember, the plain, unembroidered truth is your best friend.

Follow the interviewer's lead in answering questions. Be informative without boasting or telling your troubles. If you find yourself talking too long, give the lead back by saying, "Perhaps you have another question to ask me."

Some interviewers like to do most of the talking and judge you by your reactions - the interest, comprehension and intelligence you show. Other interviewers may hardly talk at all. Their attitude is that you must sell yourself. If you are new at being interviewed, the latter is the harder to deal with because you will have to call on your knowledge of yourself and your interest in the company. Remember, the bottom line in any interview is you have to sell yourself.

Be Positive

Your goal in this interview is to make sure your good points get across. The interviewer won't know them unless you point them out, so try to do this in a factual and sincere manner.

Do not make slighting references to former employers or professors.

If you have been fired from a job and the interviewer asks about it, be frank in your answer,

Show the interviewer that you are interested in the company by asking relevant questions. Ask about responsibilities, working conditions, promotion opportunities and fringe benefits of the job you are interviewing for.

If at some point you decide the interview is not going well, do not let your discouragement show. You have nothing to lose by continuing a show of confidence, and you may have much to gain. It may be real, or it may be a test to see how you react to adverse conditions.

Salary

Some interviewers may bring up salary early in the interview. At this time, you may indicate that you are more interested in a job where you can prove yourself than a specific salary. This politely passes the question back to the interviewer. If the interviewer continues to press, give him a range or suggest the going rate for a particular job. If possible, you should negotiate for salary after you have been offered a job and when you are ready to complete the paperwork.

If You Are Offered a Job

It is rare, but you may be offered a job on the spot. If you are sure you want the job, accept with a definite "yes." If you are not sure and do not want to accept without further thought or interviews, play for time. Be courteous and tactful, but ask for time to think it over. Do set a definite date to give an answer so the interviewer will know you are giving careful consideration to the offer.

You may be offered an application form. Be certain you fill it out completely and neatly. A messy application or one not properly filled out will create a bad impression. Your resume contains a lot of information required on the application.

Ending

Most interviews last between 20 and 30 minutes. Watch for indications that the interview is about over. Sum up your interest briefly. State that you think you are qualified to handle the job and would like to have the opportunity to do so. Determine who is to get in touch with whom. Thank the interviewer for his or her time and leave.

FOLLOW UP

After the interview, send a note thanking the interviewer. Express your gratitude for the time he or she gave you. Not only is it common courtesy, it also makes a good impression. The follow-up letter should reflect your enthusiasm for the job. It should not reflect your anxiety about getting the job.

Some Dos and Don'ts in Successful Interviewing

Do

• Act natural.
• Be prompt, neat and courteous.
• Carry out promises.
• Ask relevant questions.
• Allow employer to express himself.
• Read company literature.
• Make yourself understood.
• Listen to the other person.
• Present informative credentials.
• Think of your potential service to the employer.

Don't

• Criticize yourself
• Be late for your interview.
• Freeze or become tense.
• Present an extreme appearance.
• Become impatient.
• Become emotional.
• Talk too much or too little.
• Oversell yourself.
• Draw out the interview.
• Make elaborate promises.
• Come unprepared.
• Try to be funny.
• Unduly emphasize starting salary.
• Linger over fringe benefits.

Interview Questions You May Be Asked

• What do you know about our company?
• Why do you want to work for our company?
• What was your best subject in school? Your worst? Your favorite?
• What extracurricular activities did you hold?
• What kind of contribution can you make to our company?
• Do you like to work with others or by yourself?
• Why are you leaving your present employer?
• What do you think of your present management?
• How much money do you expect to earn at 30? At 35?
• Can you take instructions without getting upset?
• What do you think determines a person's progress in a good company?
• What interests you about our product or company?

Questions They Shouldn't Ask You (but Sometimes Will)

• What is the lowest salary you will accept?
• How old are you?
• Are you married, and do you have any children? How many?
• Were you ever arrested and what for? (An applicant can be questioned about convictions but not about arrests.)
• Have you ever used drugs?
• Can you work Saturdays and Sundays?
• Have your wages ever been garnisheed?

Questions You May Want to Ask

• Is this job permanent? Is it training for another position?
• What kind of person do you want to hire for this job?
• What is the rate of turnover in this job?
• How does the size of the company compare with five years ago?
• Does the company have a policy of promotion from within?
• Is this a new position?
• What are the daily duties for this job?
• What is the purpose of this job?