Welcome to the Prepping for the Interview podcast. I'm your host, Paul Kavicky and with me are Jonathan Ross and Roberta Terrell who work with DTN Productions International – Hallmark of Etiquette.

Let's take this step by stehow to prepare for an interview.

Sure – A basic first step is determining how much do you know about the company where you'll be interviewing.  It's important to go online and research what's important to them – their slogan, mission statement, current news. 

It's also helpful to know the size of the company or firm, their various locations, who are some of their competitors, a little of their history and their potential growth.

Yes, companies and firms spend a lot of marketing time and money on their message and they want to be reassured that you've cared enough to check them out in advance. 

Roberta, do you remember on a recent interview, a candidate told us her first question was "what is our stock price today?"  She didn't know the answer and it started the interview out on a somewhat uncomfortable note.

Ouch!  So what else – what is step two?

Before going to the interview, prepare a few questions that you plan to ask the interviewer.  It's also important to show that you've done your homework on them to ensure there is a match!  

So ask some questions such as " how are the goals for this job determined?"…. "What type of professional development training is provided?"… "Are there other departments with whom I would be interacting?"…"I read there are plans for a new office to be opened, are there more on the horizon?

Make sure that you know the names and titles of people you will be meeting and interviewing with whenever possible.  And be prepared for different types of interviews.

What does that mean, Jonathan – how many different types?

There is the traditional "tell me about yourself, your experience, education and goals interview"…but most popular today is the behavioral interview, which is more about assessing if the candidate demonstrates through a series of probing questions the desired "hirable" behaviors.

That sounds interesting – any other examples?

Yes, initial screening interviews which are quite brief are commonplace as well as telephone interviews (especially when the candidate isn't local) and the panel interview of a few or several interviewers all asking their own questions.

And how does one get prepared for an interview? 

If your campus offers a mock interview program, which allows for the simulated interview experience, take advantage and practice there!  And spend time rehearsing on your own the answers to some typical questions. 

And attend any employer information session on your campus – they usually take place the day before the on-campus interviews.  Of course attend job and career fairs.

So back to the steps on preparation – what remains?

Take time to do a map search so you know for sure where you're going the day of the interview – don't take any chances, you can't be late!

And if you really want to impress them, have a business card ready to hand out.  It should contain your pertinent contact details – cell #, e-mail address, home address for traditional postal mail. 

It's pretty inexpensive and companies like VistaPrint, FedEx Office, Papyrus can get you what you need to make that perfect impression on paper.

And resumes – any updates or recommendations?

Take the necessary time to compose an effective resume and cover letter.  And don't forget to provide a list of references as well as letters of recommendation.

Do some research and read up on the best resume formats and note you may need more than one version for different positions for which you're applying.  Keep it concise with clear objectives, list notable skills, and use action words within an easily read format. 

Nothing should be cute or too casual – but it should come across as confident! 

And carry your resume in a nice folder to keep it clean and not wrinkled.  Also…take extras; you never know for sure how many people may show up for your interview.

Any final thoughts?

Pre-plan what you will be wearing, no last minute decisions that will make you frazzled! 

And call ahead to reconfirm your appointment – it demonstrates your organization and may also help remind them.  It would be embarrassing to arrive and they don't have you on their calendar – yes, it happens!

Well then step one toward a successful interview is complete –

Ready, Set, Go!