Research. If the appointment for the interview was made on a Monday, to take place on the coming Friday, use the intervening time to learn as much about your prospective employer's business as you can. Go to the library and look them up in a directory. Learn about their assets, their specialties, their annual gross business and the names of the top officers.
Try to read the trade publications in the field the company operates in-?whether construction, engineering, electrical, retailing, food, pharmaceuticals, and so on. One or two issues of a trade publication can give you a good idea of the trends in the particular field, and build up the sort of background that can serve to give you confidence when you are actually at the interview, so that you won't feel alien to the questions that might be asked.
Transportation. Always allow a half hour more than you actually need to reach your destination. If you arrive too early, you can walk around. If your prospective employer's office is distant from your home, check directions for how to get there. Should you be driving, find out the shortest route. If you have any doubt as to the directions, call the personnel director for detailed instructions. Write them down, so that you won't get lost and arrive late for your interview.
If you go by train or plane, check the current time table. Many suburban lines change schedules frequently, especially during the summer. If flying, make your reservations in advance, and plan to be at the airport in ample time. Avoid traveling during holidays and weekends.
Most important of all, try to arrive for your inter view on time; otherwise you can create an unfavorable impression of yourself. If you foresee an emergency, such as the heed for a postponement, you might have handy the name of the individual you are to see, the company name, their address and telephone number. Getting Your Material Together. As you are getting ready to start out for your interview, place at least three more copies of your resume into your briefcase. This is in case the interviewer asks for another copy, in addition to the one you had submitted beforehand.
If you have any written samples of your work, such as an annual report, or copies of blueprints, or sketches you made, or newspaper clippings about yourself and your work, take them along, after you have had duplicates made.
Appearance. Wear clothing that will make a favorable impression-stylish, but in good taste. Incline to ward the conservative in dress, until you have had an opportunity to know more about this aspect of your employment opportunity. Also, wear what is suitable to the weather and the occasion. Be sure your dress or suit is clean, and not wrinkled or spotted. A woman should see that her hair is well brushed and combed and that her nails are clean and groomed. A man should also be well groomed as to hair and nails.
Personal Contact. Once you appear at the reception desk, greet the receptionist cordially and announce your name: "I'm Mortimer Hirsch and I have a 10:30 appointment with Mr. George Fielding."
Assume an air of confidence when greeting Mr. Fielding. In speaking with him stay within the purpose of your interview. Don't go off on tangents and speak of matters that are not relevant, and try not to be over awed by the elegant office or the impressive personality of your interviewer. Speak clearly. Avoid such clichés as "I couldn't care less," which is really quite meaningless.
Keep in mind that the interviewer's main purpose is to find someone who will be an asset to the company he represents. And don't bring up the matter of salary, hours, benefits or vacations until the job has been offered to you. Most likely, these matters will be taken care of when the decision to place you on the payroll has been made.
If you are asked to fill out an application blank, furnish references or take a physical examination, cheerfully indicate your willingness to comply.
When the interview is over, make your farewell pleasant and courteous, and leave promptly. Also give a friendly nod to the receptionist on your way out.
"Dos and Don'ts" for the Interview This checklist will help you with your interview:
- Take with you a summary of your past experience and education, with names, places, and dates. A complete resume is better, if you have one.
- Have ready a list of three to six people or firms (with names, addresses and telephone num bers) who may be used as references.
- Take your Social Security Number with you.
- Do not take anyone with you to the inter view.
- Be on time for your interview, not even one minute late.
- Dress well-cleanly and neatly. If you are a woman, do not use flashy makeup or excessive jewelry. If you are a man, avoid sports clothes.
- Even if you feel tired or not too well, sit up and look alert. Do not yawn, slouch or show signs of nervousness.
- Do not smoke or chew gum.
- Answer all the employer's questions frankly, honestly and briefly. Do not boast, but speak with confidence.
- If you are asked to fill out a number of forms or take various tests, do so as cheerfully and as efficiently as you can.
- When you are asked, point out the value of your past experience, especially as it applies to the job you are seeking, and do it with confidence.
- Do not argue with the person interviewing you.
- Do not criticize others-including your past employers or associates-or apologize for your lack of experience.
- Keep your personal, domestic or financial problems out of the conversation. The employer only wants to know what you can do and how well you can do it. He is not interested in your personal troubles.
- Be polite. Show courtesy and respect for the person interviewing you. If the employer offers suggestions about other jobs or types of work, but will not hire you for the one you are applying for, listen to what he has to say. He may provide you with just the lead or advice you need to secure another job.
- Do not be arrogant.
