Two important decisions are about to be made: theirs and yours! Be prepared, practiced and professional; then you'll be well on your way to securing that great job!

Prior to the Interview

• Research the company (online or at the library). You must be able to explain why you want to work for them.
  
• Determine what you will wear and have it dry cleaned. Dress conservatively and professionally. You only get one chance to make a first (and often lasting) impression.
  
• Place extra copies of your résumé, references, paper and pens in a small briefcase ready to go to the interview.
  
• Practice your answers - especially to troublesome and predictable questions - out loud.
  
• Most companies use "Behavioral Interviews," which say past performance predicts future actions. Be prepared with examples of what you have done. Anticipate questions.
  
• On your own copy of the résumé, note traits and accomplishments you want to mention during the interview. Make a list of work-related questions to ask.
  
• Obtain a blank job application from any company. Complete it and take it with you.
  
• Drive to the company if you are unsure how to get there.
  
• Call to confirm your appointment a day ahead.

Day of the Interview

• Arrive 15-20 minutes early.
  
• Be on your best behavior with everyone. Pay attention to what you see and hear.
  
• As you wait, don't fold your hands on your lap or your palms may get sweaty. Rub them together or smooth your skirt to get rid of that!
  
• If you feel nervous, take very slow, deep breaths to calm yourself.
  
• Relax a little. Smile. Shoulders back. Be a real person they can feel good about. (Caution: that does not mean letting down your guard and talking without thinking!)
  
• Remember that interviewing is a learned behavior. You will get better as you interview more. Practice interviews really help.

During the Interview

• You will be led to the interviewer's office or a neutral place. If there's something you can comment on favorably and honestly, do so. Don't gush, but a sincere remark is a nice start.
  
• Take out your résumé, questions, pen and paper so you can jot down important information. Offer them a clean copy of your résumé.
  
• Avoid one-word answers. Provide backup details when appropriate.
  
• Be prepared to give examples of your success on the job.
  
• Use a "StAR" as a guide: Situation, Action, Result. It's a short, practiced answer designed to give information in a meaningful way. Briefly explain what happened, what you did and the end result.
  
• Pause and think before you speak, especially with difficult questions. Don't use fillers like "um" and "ah." Be comfortable with silence.
  
• Employers want good communicators, which includes thoughtful listening and speaking. Listen carefully to the question asked. Stay focused. Answer the question using good grammar.
  
• Don't be arrogant, cocky or show an entitlement attitude.
  
• Don't be negative about anything.
  
• Don't chew gum or smoke.
  
• Don't tell jokes, swear or use immature slang.
  
• Never argue unless the interviewer is challenging a choice you've made. If that's the case, stand up for yourself politely and assertively. (They may not disagree at all, but want to see your reaction.)
  
• Don't exaggerate your accomplishments.
  
• Never lie.
  
• Don't volunteer negative information about yourself.
  
• Maintain good eye contact, but don't stare. Looking away can be misinterpreted as dishonesty.
  
• Be prepared for silence. Simply smile as you wait for the next question or change the subject by asking one of your prepared questions.
  
• Notice body language, and respond accordingly.
  
• Ask good questions. Be curious. Help make it a good interview.
  
• At the end you may be asked, "Is there anything else you'd like to tell me?" You must say something: a summary of what you've discussed or why you're a good candidate.
  
• Thank the interviewer and let him/her know you are interested in the position. Ask: "Where do we go from here?" or "When can I expect to hear from you?"

After the Interview

• Record your impressions about the company, interviewer and job.
  
• Jot down any new questions you have. Note "red flags" to check on at the second interview.
  
• Write a thank-you note to the interviewer. Proof it for grammar, spelling and meaning.
  
• Keep looking until you accept a new position then stop. No one will be impressed that you've taken a job but are still interviewing in case you find something better.