1. Be sure to know the exact time and location of the interview. Bear in mind that many companies have multiple buildings and office locations, so do diligence beforehand and don’t wait until the last minute to find out where your meeting is supposed to be taking place. NEVER assume anything.
2. Learn your interviewer's first and last name. Also, it’s a good idea to know the correct pronunciation of their name, and their current title. This can usually be accomplished simply by placing a call to the main switchboard, and explaining your situation and intentions. Again, NEVER assume anything.
3. Visit the company’s website to learn pertinent facts about them such as annual sales revenue, their history, principal lines of business, locations, company personality, etc. Also, Google the company name (in quotation marks to better focus the search) and their related industry to gain further info, such as who their competitors are, current industry news, etc.
4. Be sure to take a few moments to determine how this opportunity will impact your immediate and long-term career development, and how well it fits within your goals. If it doesn’t stack up, you may want to re-evaluate why you are looking to land this job in the first place.
5. Treat your interview like a two-way street, and be prepared to ask questions that will help you decide if this opportunity is the right fit for you. Insightful questions help both you and the interviewer determine if the relationship will be mutually rewarding. The better you understand the opportunity, the more able you’ll be to communicate your interest in the position, and how your particular skills would benefit the company.
6. Always prepare your attire the day/night before, and be sure to look your absolute best, head to toe. Hair neat, nails trimmed, clothes pressed, eyeglasses clean and smudge-free, shoes shined, breath fresh. Forego late night beers with friends and get a good night’s sleep. Don’t overdo perfume or cologne.
7. Make sure that you have multiple copies of your updated resume with you. If things go well, you may end up meeting with more than one person while you’re there.
POINTS TO CONSIDER
1. For hiring managers, the "right match" means they have identified individuals who are capable of performing the challenges inherent to the available position, and view these individuals as having the potential to be significant resources and assets to the company. But just because you’ve been narrowed down as one of these finalists, don’t assume that the job is yours. This is your chance to rise above the other candidates, so act accordingly.
2. Don’t assume that your interviewer will be a kind, caring, friendly individual. Be prepared to potentially deal with any one of a number of different personality types, including aloof, condescending, bored, distracted, and rude. Above all, remain positive and enthusiastic. Present yourself in the best possible light, but don’t forget to be yourself.
3. Have a list of questions rehearsed and mentally prepared, based on the knowledge you’ve acquired of the position, the company, and the industry. This will show your work ethic, convey your true interest in the available position, and just as importantly, help you determine if the position is the “right match” for you.
