The War for Jobs is on! The competition between college grads, job widows (laid off workers) and Seniors fighting to stay in the workforce is severe. Who will America hire?

With 50% of the jobs cut and salary cuts that now match those being paid to overseas workers, the stakes are high!

Preparation for an interview requires painstaking diligence. It’s not just about the Client knowing about you but it is now your responsibility to educate yourself about a potential future employer because it is crucial to the success of your interview.

Here is what to do before you send in your resume:

1. Learn who they are and if you are a fit for what they are looking for
2. Check out their website: Find out how many job openings they have, whether they have recently downsized or are projecting growth, # of departments and locations, how long they have been in business, their growth chart, their Corporate culture, their stock price and ranking, everything you need to know about them.

The more you know the better you can plan for the interview or even decide if this is the type of company you want to grow with or can provide the career ladder you can climb.

If you get called, here’s what to do before the interview:

1. Throw away your old resume. If you are still unemployed, it obviously will not work!

2. Make up a list of questions to ask during the interview.

3. Call ahead of time to find out: Who will you meet and how many interviews will there be before they make a decision, How long will the interview take ( to avoid a parking ticket)

4. Dress code for the interview. Dress for 2 levels up so they can perceive you to be someone they can promote

5. What you should bring to the interview: Your resume, completed application, DMV what else?

6. Parking: Find out where the parking is because it is off-site sometimes and this may cause you to be late

7. Directions: Ask for specific directions from the receptionist. Mapquest isn’t always right!

8. Test drive at least a day before the interview so you know exactly how to get there. This will prevent you from being late!

Here’s what to do for the interview:

1. Arrive 30 minutes early! Being late puts the interviewer/s in a bad mood and will cut your interview short because they may have other schedules right after you.
2. Dress for 2 levels up: Never dress casual for the interview even if it is on a Friday. (See article about How to Dress for the Interview)
3. Resume: Take at least 3 copied on colored paper to make you stand out!
4. Take a scratch pad and Ask permission before you take notes. This shows the interviewer you are diligent and don’t want to miss a word they say.
5. Wash your hands after you arrive and dry them thoroughly. No one will want to shake your wet hands! In the restroom Floss your teeth and check your nose and face which should be flawless!
6. Chat up the Receptionist: Find out all you want to know. If you make yourself memorable, then this is the best person to call back for information on interview results!
7. Stick a smile on your face to show you are a happy person. Don’t forget to check your teeth first and don’t wipe it off until you leave the parking lot!
8. Shake hands firmly and quickly release them. Holding on too long is a gesture of familiarity and you don’t know them yet!

9. Don’t sit until you are shown your seat and sit only after your interviewer/s sit down.
10. Don’t unbutton your coat jacket.
11. Take out your materials and yellow pad and be ready to take notes.
12. SMILE, SMILE, SMILE!
13. Answer all questions. Be honest and open. They will spot discrepancies or lies because they have trained themselves to do so.
14. Wait until the interview is done and then ask if you may ask them a few questions.
15. Ask for their business cards. After the interview you will need to send them a nice thank you letter.
16. Ask when they will make a decision.
17. Ask if it is ok to call for feedback.
18. Visit the Receptionist on your way out. Let her know that you will be calling about the interview and hope she does not mind!

Here’s what you do after the interview:

Shoot off an email to each of the interviewers you have met to include the receptionist. Thank them for their time and let them know that they were very professional, you fit right in and that this is the best interview you have had. Also ask if you can call them (insert a specific day and time) about their decision.

Every job has only one person’s name on it. That needs to be a perfect fit. Now that you have done your best, you will get the respect you deserve and will more then likely receive notification, one way or another.

Good luck! If you have any questions: email Jo Prabhu jp@1800jobquest.com