This is an area that can make or break you – if you are late or running in the door at the last minute – it screams “This interview is not that important to me”! Arrive 15 minutes early for your interview and always tell the receptionist or the interviewer that you know you are early.

If you are going to be late due to circumstances beyond your control, i.e., traffic, getting lost, lack of parking, etc., have the number of your interviewer handy so you can place a call to them and explain that you will be late. That is often very much appreciated and can actually work in your favor. Not calling and just showing up late – no matter what the reason – never works in your favor. If you cannot reach your interviewer, have the phone number of your recruiter available so you can call them and hope that they can reach someone for you.

Always bring an original resume with you to your interview. More than likely, your interviewer will have one, but never take the chance that they got it or that they still have it. It is advisable also to bring a list of references with you in the event that you are asked for them.

There is so much that can happen during an interview – planned or unplanned – that it is hard to say “Be Prepared”. The best advice is “Be Prepared for Anything”! It is most important that you have good listening skills as future employers often like to discuss the company history, the culture of the company and sometimes a very in-depth description of where your position fits into company.

Go to the interview prepared to take notes. You will find yourself jotting down questions as your interviewer is talking. It is best not to ask questions during this time – hold onto all of your questions until the interviewer asks (and they will) “Do you have any questions”? The point of this is often you will have a question and the interviewer will answer it before they are done explaining the company.

When you are asked questions, be very thorough but not lengthy in your answers. Be prepared especially to answer questions about a gap in your employment, why you left an employer or why you are no longer with an employer, specific experience, ability to work overtime at a moment’s notice – to name just a few. Above all, be honest about all of the information you give. References are done – and if there is an inconsistency, your future employer is most likely to discover it.

Posture is important – it is body language that says “I want this job”. Sit up straight, have eye to eye contact, turn off your cell phone and give your interviewer your undivided attention….this speaks volumes!

When it is appropriate for you to ask questions, be as specific as you can. Try to ask open-ended questions so you can get as much information as you need in the event you need to make a decision about accepting the position, i.e., “Why is this position open at this time; How long could I expect to be in this position; Can you tell me about the last person in this position and what they did to excel; What are you expectations and what could I do to exceed your expectations; In what way will upper management support me”.

When the interview is over, be sure to ask what the next step is and whom will you be hearing from and when. Again, this shows an interest and a desire to take it to the next level. Your final step should be the Thank You note that you write when you return from the interview – this is critical and is protocol in today’s business world. If the position is of interest to you, the note should include one or two specific points that were discussed in the interview.