Interview Tips

• Dress Professionally
• Conservative two-piece business suite (dark blue or grey)
• Conservative long-sleeved shirt/blouse
• Clean polished conservative shoes
• Well-groomed hair
• Clean, trimmed finernails
• Light briefcase or porfolio case
  
  
• What NOT to Bring to the Interview
• Cell Phone
• iPod
• Coffee or soda
• Gum
• If lost of piercings, leave some at home
• Earrings only is a good rule
• Cover tattoos
  
  
• Arrive Early
• It's best to arrive ten minutes early for the interview
• If you are unsure of the interview location, try to find it a few days before your interview
  
  
• Come Prepared
• Be able to discuss your skills, interests and job targets
• Research the company before the interview
• Become familiar with the services provided by the company and how you can make them better
• Learn what you can about the person who will be conducting the interview with you
• Be ready for some difficult questions
• Rehearse answers to potential questions with a friend or family member so that you'll feel more comfortable the day of the interview
• Be ready to ask questions about the position or company based on your research
• Don't ask about salary, vacations, benefits, bonuses or retirement on an initial interview unless you're sure the employer is intered in hiring you
• If you're asked about the salary you want, give a range based on your research of the job market
  
  
• Brush Up on Your Soft Skills
• Smile and shake hands firmly
• Sit up, be alert and interested at all times
• Look the hiring manager in the eye while speaking
• Communicate what you want the hiring manager to know effectively
• Don't answer with a simple "yes" or "no" ... explain  your answer when possible
• If you don't understand a question or need a moment to think — say so
• Be sincere and truthful
  
  
• Send a Thank You 
• Send a thank you letter promptly
• Hand write it to make it more sincere and personal
• Mention specifics from the interview that really made you want to get more involved with the company
• Send it to the attention of the interviewer

*Sources: "101 Dynamite Answers to Interview Questions," Drs. Caryl and Ronald Krannich, and "How to Get Ahead in Accounting and Finance," Robert Half International Inc.

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