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Interview Preparation - Failing to Prepare is Preparing to Fail

Preparation is critical in conveying a positive and polished image, and having a productive and successful interview. Before your first interview, there are some important steps to take in order to prepare yourself.

Understand yourself and the great things you have to offer.

Think about your skills, interests, and values.
Know your strengths and weaknesses, and be able to give examples to demonstrate your strengths.
Think about decisions you have made, the thought process behind each one, and the outcome.
Identify accomplishments that you are proud of, and how you achieved them.
Provide examples of how you have developed your skills.
Explain why you are interested in this industry and position - show your personality.
Define your short and long-term goals.

Research the employer, the position, and the industry or field.

Know what salary range is usual for this type of position.
Read current periodicals and trade journals to learn about the latest trends in the industry.
Review mission statements, annual reports, and company literature.
Find out who the firm's competitors are.
Where do they place in the industry?
Who are their clients or customers?
Familiarize yourself with the employer's organizational structure.

Practice, Practice, and Practice some more for the interview

Hire a Career Coach to review your interview strategy and help you with difficult questions.
Practice answering interview questions with a friend, and/or use a tape recorder to record your answers. You can then critique your answers, or ask a friend to do so.

Additional Information

Look at the interview from the employer's perspective. Know what they want and give examples to prove you can deliver.
Prepare a strategy for each interview; share the information you feel is appropriate and relevant.
Stay focused - keep the conversation on topic. Be as concise as possible.
Don't dominate the interview - the interviewer leads the meeting and guides the questions.
Ask appropriate and well thought-out questions.
Don't expect an offer on the spot.
Be assertive, not aggressive; confident, not cocky.
Practice your firm, confident handshake.