by James Richardson

Created on: November 05, 2009   Last Updated: January 06, 2011

You've landed the big interview. Congratulations! After the initial excitement, it's time to prepare not only for the interview but to demonstrate why you're the candidate for the job.

ATTIRE

It may be cliche, but dress to impress. Show you care about appearances with a suit and tie, and trend toward conservative colors, styles, and accessories.

RESEARCH

Research the company you're interviewing at. Check their homepage to get a feel for their business, portfolio, locations, etc. Stakeholder-based companies usually list financial reports on their website, often under "Investor Relations." Use these data to gauge the financial health of the company and explore what challenges/opportunities it's facing. Move on to the press/media page to read some recent corporate news releases.

Checking Forbes, Fortune, and local news outlets' archives for stories about the company is another good way to gain insight. Compile your research into organized notes and use it for the next step.

CHEAT SHEET

Get a classy, leather-bound notebook. Use the previous research to compile questions for the interviewer. If you're having trouble coming up with any, start with, "Describe a day in the life of this position," "What kind of advancement prospects are there?," or, "Give me a feel for the company's dress code/culture."

Asking questions builds rapport because it shows you are engaged, informed, and genuinely interested. Use your research to develop multiple good questions for the interviewer, and be prepared for more to come up during the interview. Remember: well-thought inquiries do not demonstrate incompetence.

Anticipate questions on behalf of the interviewer. Prepare for the usual, "Describe your weaknesses," "Describe a difficult co-worker," or, "Demonstrate what you have to offer us." These are just a few examples of common interview questions, but planned responses can prevent "brain freeze" when you're in the hot seat.

While you don't want to be reading directly from your notes, having a cheat sheet can make the interview less nerve wracking.

TAKE ALONGS

Besides your notebook, bring an attractive pen. While a 10-for-a-dollar pack may do the job, a nicer pen for note taking can set you apart.

Make sure you've got extra copies of your resume, which hopefully is tailored to match the job description. Extra cover letters also may be helpful. Consider an identity package that includes your calling card, envelopes, and personal stationary. A consistent I.D. package demonstrates attention to detail and is not hard to create with desktop-publishing software and templates.

Have transcripts, references, portfolio samples, and other helpful data organized in your notebook. Being prepared always builds rapport.

WRAPPING UP

Thank the interviewer for his/her time. Say what a pleasure the meeting was and let them know you genuinely can see yourself as a contributing member of the company.

Ask the preferred method of contact and when you can expect feedback. This is a good time to hand the interviewer your calling card. Follow up with a thank-you note no less than 24 hours after the interview, respecting the interviewer's requests regarding contact method.

IN SUMMARY

Dress well, demonstrate your knowledge and competence, and add those little details that make you stand out. The interview is a first impression; make a good one, and you'll be on your way to landing that big position!

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