Research the company.

Know the position. In what ways do you meet the requirements of the position? How do your skills, experience, and education match up against what is called for in the job description?

Interview several people who are already doing the kind of job you’re considering. Ask them what they like most and least about the job, what are the key skills and responsibilities, and what their interviews were like.

Be aware of commonly asked questions. The Career Planning Office has several books on this subject. Check out some of the web sites like monster (http://interview.monster.com) or hotjobs (http://www.hotjobs.com/htdocs/tools/interviews/index-us.html).

Ask plenty of questions throughout the interview. This demonstrates your interest and helps you bond with the interviewer. The Career Planning Office has some informative books on this subject in their resource library; or, do an internet search using “interviewee questions” as your keyword.

Attend one of the workshops on interviewing offered by the Office of Career Planning. All students will receive emails throughout the year alerting them to the dates of upcoming workshops.

Make an appointment with a career counselor for more help or to schedule a mock interview once you feel that you are prepared.

Be on time. Arrive 5-10 minutes ahead of time. Be aware of traffic, parking, etc.

Have a confident walk, a firm handshake, eye contact and a smile.

Be personable, enthusiastic and friendly.

Dress neatly and in conservative business attire.

Avoid one-word answers; give examples.

Try to get the last appointment (the last person interviewed is chosen 58% of the time).

The more you can get the interviewer talking, the more likely you are to get the offer. Ask them questions and demonstrate your interest by listening carefully to the answers.

First impressions are critical. The first 20 seconds can’t get you the job, but it can certainly get you eliminated from further consideration.

Non-smokers get the offer 94% of the time – so if you do smoke, be sure you don’t smell of smoke.

Be sure to write a thank you note. Use the additional information you gathered during the interview and make your note more personable.