Your efforts in writing a resume, lining up references, networking, updating online profiles, working with a search professional, and all other self-marketing efforts, often result in an interview.
A convincing interview performance will get you the job.
Interview Imperatives:
Find out before the interview what to expect: who you will be talking to, type of interview, duration, etc.
Be able to articulate why you are interested in the opportunity.
Arrive 10-15 minutes early.
Wear conservative business attire.
Act confident, energetic and interested.
Extend a firm handshake, maintain good eye contact and smile!
Listen carefully and respond to questions completely.
Provide specific examples from your experiences.
Be positive and upbeat.
Never denigrate your current or previous employers.
Have a short list of written questions.
Keep your own questions at a relatively high level and focus on the position (goals and expectations) and organization (plans and culture). Don’t ask questions about pay and benefits until a mutual interest is established and those topics are raised by the employer. Finally, before you leave, ask for the business cards of everyone you talked to and email a thank-you as soon as you are able to do so.