What to Do

• What strengths, skills and accomplishments do you want to emphasize?
• Know your personal strengths. Why does the employer need your expertise? What contribution can you make to the organization?

• Find out pertinent and useful information about the company such products and services, structure, size, outlook, etc.
• Find out as much about the job as possible, for example, how the position fits into the overall structure of the company, desired qualifications, responsibilities, salary range, etc.

• Use the free Interview Stream tool to practice before your real interview.
• Schedule an appointment with a Career Coach to practice your answers in a mock interview and get immediate feedback.[link]

• Arrive 15 minutes early. If the interview is far away, or in a location you don't know well, plan to arrive 30 minutes early as a buffer in case you get lost.
• Bring resumes and examples of past performance (for example, the brochure of a program you managed)

• Offer a firm handshake at the beginning and end of the interview.
• Maintain good eye contact.
• Smile and show enthusiasm.

Before answering a question, determine what the interviewer is asking. If the questions is unclear, ask for clarification.

• The key to answering interview questions well is to relate work experience, educational training, and personal strengths to the particular job that you are applying for.
• Use the S.T.A.R. (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to convey your skills, abilities, strengths, and achievements effectively.
  

• Ask questions to show that you have researched the organization and want to learn more about it.
• Your questions influence the employer's perception of you.
• In a first interview, do not ask about salary, benefits, or hours.
  

Follow up with a formal, brief thank you card or email.  It reminds the employer of your abilities and qualifications and may distinguish you from candidates who do not send a thank-you.