Be prepared:
• Conduct research on the company, e.g., products and services, markets, corporate culture, size and locations. Be prepared to ask questions.
• Visit the company website and be prepared to comment on the site or latest press release.
• Know your resume well and be ready to expand on the statements in your resume using numbers and accomplishments.
• Rehearse the Common Interview Questions (see below).
• Prepare your interview materials in advance (e.g. certificates, awards, honors, clippings of any accomplishments, community involvement, or activities, letters of thanks, commendation, or recommendations).

Present a professional appearance and demeanor:
• Wear appropriate business attire. A professional and well-groomed appearance is critical. Consult with your staffing manager or executive recruiter to help determine proper attire.
• Pay attention to your grooming.
• Don’t smoke or wear too much cologne/perfume.

Arrive early:
• Arrive 5-10 minutes early for your appointment, unless otherwise instructed.
• Always greet the receptionist warmly and professionally – he/she is the “gatekeeper” and your impression with him/her could either help or harm you.

During the interview:
• Stand up to greet your interviewer with a firm handshake and a smile. Follow him/her to the interview room.
• Mind your manners - be polite, but don't overdo it.
• Express yourself clearly and with confidence, however, without conceit.
• Remember your body language. The manner in which you carry yourself can leave either a positive or negative impression. Sit straight, yet comfortably. Don’t be afraid to lean forward and show interest. Make eye contact with the interviewer whenever you can.
• Convey enthusiasm, and a sense of pride and dedication in your work.
• Remember to listen - don't interrupt.
• Maintain a good conversational style and think about your responses before answering.
• Focus on what you can contribute to the organization rather than what the employer can do for you.
• Ask the questions you prepared in advance.
• Ask for the job. Too many candidates leave interviewers wondering about their interest. If you are truly interested in the position state that clearly to the interviewer and inquire about the next step.
• Send thank you letters to each person you interview with. Keep these letters brief and be sure to send them timely. Verify names and titles prior to sending.

COMMON INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
Tell me about yourself.
Focus on relevant skills, experience, etc. don’t ramble. Use your resume summary or highlight section as a starting point.
What do you know about our company?
Do your investigative homework before the interview! Take a look at the Internet for information or at the library researching the company. Research as much information as possible – including products, history, size, financial status, reputation, image, management talent, people, and philosophy. You will want to be excited about the company and project that to the interviewer. Ask questions!
Why do you want to work for our company?
Emphasize the positive reasons why you want to join their company, but avoid aspects such as more money or shorter hours. These would not endear you to a prospective employer. Start by addressing their needs and how your abilities can benefit them:
• Solving problems
• How you can contribute to company goals
• What projects you would like to be a part of
Why should we hire you?
Again relate this answer back to you knowledge, experience, abilities and skills. This is your chance to shine. Tell them about your achievements in your previous positions which are relevant to the new position you are applying for.
Why did you choose a career in……
Be positive about your reasons. If you have changed careers make a logical argument as to why you did so.
How long do you anticipate staying with our company?
As long as we both feel I’m contributing, achieving, growing, etc.
Why are you leaving your current employer?
Never say anything negative about any employer; stress what you are looking for, not what you are running from. Give group answers if possible, “our” department was consolidated.
What are you looking for in a new job?
Make sure your answer fits in with the company who is interviewing you. A suitable reply would be that you are looking for a new job where you can apply your existing skills and learn new ones.
What would your ideal job be?
Again, remember where you are! Describe the job in terms of the criteria they have used to describe their job. An ideal job might include things like challenging work, a fair rate of pay for the job, nice colleagues, good career prospects, good team atmosphere, opportunity to learn new skills, apply old skills, etc.
Where do you see yourself five years from today?
Give long-range goals and state the goals that are job related. Discuss career goals, aspirations and how your current experience will get you there.
If I were to ask a co-worker about your strengths, what would he/she say about you?
Give three strengths and relate them back to the company & job you are applying to.
Same question however related to weaknesses?
Always turn a negative into a positive. Cite an example of a minor weakness and how you have overcome it or are currently working on.
Can you work well under pressure and deadlines?
Yes, it’s a way of life in business. Be sure to cite examples of your success.
In your current or last position, what features did you like the most? Least?
Be honest but put a positive spin on your least favorite duties.
What did you do on a day-to-day basis?
Stress the positive things you did including your achievements. Even if some or much of it was paperwork, you can still show your interest in the way it was tackled.
What has been your greatest success? How did you achieve it?
You should pick an achievement that is related to their needs.
What has been your biggest failure?
Try to pick a failure which you were later able to correct.
What motivates you?
Our suggestions are career growth, opportunity to learn new skills, good co-workers, etc.
What interests do you have outside work?
Your hobbies and interests can tell an employer a lot about you, including whether you are sociable or solitary, and whether you can take on 'leadership' roles. So you should think about which interests will paint the right picture of you given the position you are discussing.