Preparing for a job interview is #1…before you even show up at the interview. Here are some tips from someone who has been on “the Interview Panel” side of things.

Do Your Homework

Show up and show off what you've done. You should know something about the company that you want to work for. We have vision statements and our purpose is etched in stone for a reason. A lot of time and thought were given to our motto and trademark so you should know what we stand for and what we do.

It’s great when I see an interviewee show off their internet research, even if it’s only to let the corner of our logo peek out from underneath their portfolio. That shows me you've come prepared and our company is important to you.

Requirements Must Be Matched

We will state what the requirements are for the position and you must show, usually through your resume, that you meet those requirements. If you don’t list them we won’t talk to you. There are some jobs, like a nurse or a plumber or a bus driver, that have requirements, whether what we want or what the law says we must require.

Don’t think that maybe what you have is maybe what we require…because maybe you won’t get an interview. Actually, cross that last phrase out…you won’t get an interview.

Want the Job?

Then you must show us that you want the job. You need to:

• Show up on time for your interview

• Be presentable, regardless of our industry. Cleanliness is next to “employment-ness”

• Answer our questions honestly and to the best of your ability. We are trying to determine if you are a good fit and if you appear deceitful in your interview we may think you will be deceitful in your work

• Your answers during an interview should match what you include on your resume. You had time at home to craft a great resume so use that as your script and don’t be afraid to refer to it during your interview.

• Don’t talk down to us and don’t lean away from us. Engage, be friendly, and be open. We’re looking for the right candidate and it just might be you. So include yourself in our conversation.

Be and Show Yourself

Yes, job interviews are often frightening experiences and most of us think we don’t do well at them. But part of what will set you apart from the others and a way to relax is to actually let us see who you are. We’ll find out anyways, if you’re the successful applicant, so show us now.

I’m not suggesting that you goof around and think we’re your best friends…we don’t even know you. But while you shake our hands, and you should do this, you can smile; you can even show that you’re nervous, but be happy to be there, because this is our first impression of you…even before we've asked you a single question.

Your Sales Pitch is You!

You have anywhere from 15 to 60 minutes to sell yourself to us and convince us that you are the best person for the job. You need to show that you are confident in whom you are and that what you offer is what we need.

Many people may not feel confident and many are even intimidated in an interview. But you still need to sell yourself to us and, even, tell us all the wonderful things about yourself. I recommend that you take the time before the interview to jot these down on a piece of paper so that you have them in the forefront when you show up to be interviewed. Perhaps even have someone do a mock interview with you so you can practice speaking highly of yourself out loud.

Job interviews are not easy for most people. You need to plan your tactics before you show up and then execute when you’re in the room. By planning you've just increased your chances of getting that all important “We’d-like-to-offer-you-the-job” phone call.