Stop! Don’t Go to Your Interview Until You Read This!
Kent Jacobson, a.k.a. "Mr. Success"

 You got the interview now what?  I’ve got the 10 Basic Tools You need to have prior to your Interview.  I Have a short prep list of 10 *must embrace* tasks for you to complete prior to your 1^st interview.

Task #1 Prepare a portfolio of your professional career. Highlight the examples based on key words included in the job description.  This will be a good test to see if you really do have what they are looking for.  Or you may need to rework some of the resume’ information you have to fit the job description in preparation for the interview. Always include a *behavioral* example; this has become popular method of interviewing.   Here is a quick link if you’re not sure what this type of interviewing format is. http://www.quintcareers.com/sample_behavioral.html

Task #2 Research, Research & Research the company.  Gather information, search the web, check online forums and inquire with other professionals on what the perception in the industry is well in advance of your 1^st telephone or personal interview.

Task #3 Understand and thoroughly investigate the position you have applied for and are interviewing to get. If there is any doubt contact the HR professional yourself, do not rely on the headhunter or service you may be working with.

Task #4 Create as list of questions formed while performing tasks 2 & 3. Write these question out in a manner in which you can categorically ask and write in the response. This will serve you in two ways,   keep you organized and establishes you organization and pep skills to the interviewer.  Also, if there happens to be multiple people interviewing any contradictions can be quickly be brought to light in a positive manner.

Task #5 Research salary ranges for the position. Balance your perception of self worth vs. the marketplace.  Business owners or HR professions will normally have a number in mind and if you exceed that number without backup … your out!  On the same hand, do not sell yourself short, you regret it and it may translate to your job performance.

Task #6 Determine the type of benefits that are important to you and prioritize each of tam because these may be the keys to negotiating beyond just the money. Some companies are more flexible at the beginning with vacation, flex schedules etc.

Task #7 Revisit your questions so you can add to, subtract and re-categorize as necessary.  Yes, this takes time!

Task # 8 Practice answering questions your friends and family come up with.  Nothing is out of bounds because you do not know what some one will ask.  The more you can do this the better off you will be at it.  If you get asked a question that throws you off, just as the interview to repeat it or you ask the question back to them. 

Task # 9 Dress professionally, men this means a suit or as a minimum a dress sport coat an, tie and slacks. Women, a pant suit or appropriate dress/skirt.  Overdressing is preferred, it also shows respect to the people you are interviewing with.  You can not overdress, but do limit jewelry, shine your shoes and be conservative with the make-up and colors you choose.

Task # 10 You must be yourself, be confident and try to have fun.  Practicing will help you out tremendously in this area.

One tip is that you should also carry a business card with contact information such as phone number that you will answer and an email you do check.

If you are looking for some self improvement courses and programs, one online resource I utilize is Success University. For just a small donation, you get 14 free days to check out all the resources, great place. Check it out here:  http://start.successuniversity.com/specialoffer.aspx