Arrive Prepared

• Arriving prepared to an interview involves prior research of the company and the job title. Research should include the average salary for the position, just in case you're offered a job on the spot. Prepare by doing practice interviews with friends or colleagues. Bring several copies of your resume to the interview, including contact information for your references, in case there is an interviewing committee. Arrive a few minutes early to the interview, approximately 15 minutes before the session begins. Don't forget to bring writing equipment to take notes on the things you learn about the firm and the job duties.
  
  

Limit Unrelated Chat

• Interview chat should focus on the job, but an occasional side comment adds interest to the session. A light attitude shows you take the job seriously but also have a sense of humor, an attractive trait for employees. Avoid excessive humor or laughing loudly at your own jokes. Listen carefully to the introduction provided by the interviewers, since this provides insight to the company and the position. Prepare questions about the job and the company, and ask these when appropriate during the interview. Sessions frequently end with the interviewer asking if you have any questions. Be sure to save at least one question for that time to show that you've done your research.
  
  

Dress For Success

• Research to find out the typical dress code for the company or the type of job, and then select clothing one or two levels more formal than this for your interview. Interviewees at a firm where employees wear dress causal should wear a suit to the interview. If you can't afford new clothing, do your best with what you have or borrow something from a friend for the interview. Clothing should be clean and pressed. Ask for input from friends and relatives on your ensemble. If you're not used to wearing the appropriate clothing, try the outfit on and sit for several practice interview sessions with friends until your comfort level improves.
  
  

Follow Up

• Your follow-up actions may mean a job offer. A handwritten thank-you note must be sent immediately after the interview to members of the interview committee and any person you used as a contact or reference for the opening. Make sure the envelope for the note lists your full name and provides contact information. This information ensures that, even if the interviewer never opens the note, the person knows you followed up. As one of the last questions during the interview, ask the approximate time until filling the position. Wait during this time and then contact the point person of the interview session to inquire about the status of the hiring process.