Preparation and Homework Pay Off in Big Ways in the Job Interview Process

When it comes to job interviews, doing your homework before you get there can often make the difference between landing a job or heading back home to browse the Internet -- again.

According to Career Services directors with The Art Institutes system of schools, asking the right questions and doing a little basic research before your interview can pay off in big ways. For example, Connie Winn, director of Career Services for The Art Institute of Portland, says one of the best opportunities to gather important information before you even get to the job interview is when you get the call to come in.

"Most people are so excited to get an interview, they forget this is a great opportunity to find out a few facts that could give them a real edge," says Winn. Ask the name of the person (or persons) who will be conducting the interview, their title (you’ll need this for a thank you note), and a contact name and phone number of the person you’re speaking with in case that individual is different from the person you’re interviewing with. The last, says Winn, is necessary in case you have a problem the day of your scheduled interview.

Next, research the company. Now that almost everyone has a Web site, there’s no excuse for not learning more about a possible employer. "Find out what their core business is, who their competitors are, and whether they differentiate their company through products, customer service or operational excellence," says Lorraine Hernandez, director of Human Resources for The Art Institute of Colorado.

The day of the interview, go easy on the caffeine and sugar, be well-rested and don’t arrive more than 15 minutes early. Greet people with a simple handshake. During the interview, focus on your strengths, explain how you accomplished a particular task and what obstacles you encountered along the way.

Also important to remember, says Matt Byrne, assistant director of Career Services for The Art Institute of Pittsburgh, is to be truthful on a resume. "If you’re applying for a job at a high technology firm and say you know a particular software program, make sure you do. You may be asked for a demonstration," he says. If you require a computer or other equipment as part of a job interview, ask beforehand if it’s available. If not, Byrne says, be prepared for a "low tech demonstration of what you can do -- a possible employer will be impressed by your ability to respond on the spot."

Usually at the end of the interview, you’ll be asked if you have questions. Hernandez cautions, "Don’t say, 'You’ve answered all my questions.'

Instead show you’re very interested in the job by asking one or two strong questions -- this is where your research on the company comes in -- and reiterating the contributions you can make."

Other basic advice from the experts includes:

-- If your interview is in an area you’re unfamiliar with, take a dry run to make sure you know how to get there

-- Always bring extra copies of your resume (in case you meet with more people than you expected)

-- Wear clean, professional-looking attire (this is the best way to go, even if the company has a casual dress policy); polish your shoes, wear simple jewellery, go light on the perfume or aftershave and remove excessive body-piercing if you wear it; clean nails and simple hair are best

-- Be polite to everyone you meet

-- Ask your interviewer for a business card and offer one of yours, if you have it

-- Ask permission to follow-up with a phone call to check on the status of the job selection process

-- Write a thank you note (either hand-written or typed) as soon as possible, reiterating why you want the job and the contributions you can make to the company

Finally, before you leave, Byrne strongly urges that you let an interviewer know you want the job. "So many people feel self-conscious about this, but interviewers are people too, and everybody wants to be wanted. Don’t be afraid to say 'I’m really interested in this position, and I hope I get the job," says Byrne.