Article I	Article II
	INTERVIEW TIPS
	ARTICLE I
	YOU'VE LANDED THE INTERVIEW - NOW WHAT? Tips for the Face-to-Face Interview
	Does it really matter how I dress for an interview?    YES
	This is an area that has become much more complicated in the past several years. Where suits and ties and dresses, skirts and slacks were once the norm in virtually all business environments, many companies are now much less formal. The problem is, there is often little or no correlation between the type of business and the accepted attire. Research and advance planning will help you understand the dress requirements of a prospective employer and plan your interview wardrobe accordingly. As a general rule, it is always a good idea to dress business professional.
	People make assumptions about your professional credibility and potential performance based upon your appearance during a first meeting.  It is difficult to overcome a poor first impression, regardless of your knowledge or expertise.
	A FEW TIPS:
		Get ready in advance.  Lay out what you will wear the night before.  Make sure everything is clean and neat.
		Shoes say it all.  Be sure that your shoes are neat and polished.
		Focus on personal hygiene.  Neatly trimmed nails and a professional haircut or hairstyle can make all the difference.
		Less is more.  Don't overdo jewelry or accessories.  Avoid heavy aftershave, perfume, or excessive makeup.
		Overall, stick to the conservative side.  Most experts say that your clothing should not really be noticed.  You want the focus to be on you, not what you are wearing.
		Be sure to arrive for your interview 10-15 minutes early.  Late arrival to an interview automatically sends a red flag concerning your punctuality and in some cases can cost you the job!  Arriving extremely early is also inappropriate; the interviewer may not be ready and may view the announcement of your arrival as an unwelcome interruption.
		It is a good idea before you go into the interview to make a quick stop by the restroom to check your appearance.
		Do not carry gum, coffee, soda, or like items into the interview.
		Take a few copies of your resume printed on resume paper, in the event you interview with more than one interviewer.
		Turn off your cell phone, do not set it on vibrate!  Vibrate can still be heard by the interviewer and can be a distraction.  In addition, be sure to turn off your blackberry, pagers, or any other electronic device.
		Take along a breath mint and use it just prior to the interview.
		Communicate positive body language.  Have good eye contact.  Use your listening skills.  Emphasize your qualifications and smile.  Project a positive impression of yourself.  Be self-assured, not self-important.
		Avoid distracting behaviors.  Do not handle anything on the interviewer's desk.  Do not use exaggerated hand and body gestures.  Avoid fidgeting and slouching.
		Write a thank you letter.  Follow up your interview with a note to anyone you spoke with.  The note is a courtesy that confirms your interest in the position.
	GENERAL RULES:
		Wear the best you can afford; it's a good investment.
		Err on the side of conservative; less is more when it comes to color, jewelry, and perfume or cologne.
		Navy or charcoal gray suits are preferred.
	MEN:
		A classic suit - solid color, preferably dark
		Long-sleeved shirt.  Shirts in white or off-white are the safest.  Fashion ties with pictures are inappropriate.
		Conservative shoes with dark socks.  Shoes should be polished.
		Jewelry should include no more than one ring and a dress watch.  Necklaces, earrings, sports watches, and multiple rings are discouraged.
		Neat, recent haircut
		Cover all body art or piercings
		Carry a quality portfolio
	WOMEN:
		Suits are still the first choice, although a conservatively tailored dress is appropriate.
		Shirts should add a bit of color, without overwhelming the suit; neckline should be conservative and not show cleavage.
		Always wear neutral pantyhose in a sheer or non-patterned material.  Bring along an extra pair just in case you get a run.
		Shoes should be conservative, clean, and closed toe.
		Jewelry can express your personality without becoming overly distracting.  Avoid dangling earrings and wear no more than one ring per hand and a dress watch.
		Cover all body art or piercings
		Wear minimal makeup
		Well-manicured nails
		Neat, professional hairstyle.
		Carry a clean purse or portfolio.
	SMOKERS:
		Smoke far enough in advance so your clothes have time to air out.
		Wash your hands and use lightly scented lotion or body spray.
		Brush your teeth or rinse your mouth and pop a mint.
	ARTICLE II
	SMILE - YOUR NEW EMPLOYER IS LISTENING Tips for the Initial Phone Interview
	Phone interviews are becoming more and more common in the job search process.  They save the company and the candidate a lot of time.  If you are in the job market, it is important to prepare yourself for a phone interview.  Just like any other interview, the better you are prepared, the better the phone interview will be.  A good telephone interview can give you an advantage prior to meeting a potential employer.
		Be Enthusiastic.  The first 15 seconds are crucial and interest in your voice is key.  Just the way you answer the phone has impact on the caller.  Talk distinctly and with confidence.
		Schedule the Interview for a Quiet Time.  If you have the opportunity to schedule the time of the phone interview, be sure to schedule it when you know you will be able to give them your full attention.  Make sure the environment at your home or office is clear of other people and noise, such as radios, TVs, pets, etc.  You do not want to have any distractions or any loud noises that may be disruptive to you and/or your interviewer.
		Have Your Resume Next to the Phone.  Have your resume in front of you for quick reference.  Be sure it is the same copy you had sent out to the employer who is calling.  Your interviewer will be looking at your resume throughout the interview, and you want to be sure you know exactly what he/she is talking about.  It will help make the interview run smoothly.  You do not want to come off as being unsure of some of the details of your work history.
		Prepare Notes.  Prepare a list of accomplishments for each of your positions prior to starting the call.  Know what you are going to want to highlight.  Have prepared answers ready to some basic questions like, "why do you want to work for our company?" or "why should I hire you?"  Take advantage of the fact that this is over the phone.  Use your notes to help you say exactly what you want to say.  Remember, so far your resume is the only tool your caller has to know who you are.  Sell yourself more than your resume does!
		Research the Company.  Just like any interview, research the company, products, revenues, and other pertinent industry information.  You should jot down a few things in your notes that you can refer to in case questions that require company knowledge come up.  If possible, have the company website already pulled up.  That way if something comes up in the conversation, it shows you are right on top of things.
		Have Questions Ready.  Show your interest in the employer rather than focusing only on yourself.  Have a few questions prepared in your notes that you might want to know about.  Asking good questions illustrates that you are already thinking seriously about the position and joining the company.  Potential employers expect to be asked questions and welcome opportunities to talk about their company and their own background.
		Address Reasons for Leaving.  Be clear on your reasons for leaving each position.  Almost every interviewer will ask that question.  If you left a job because there was a conflict in the department or with your supervisor, be brief about the conflict.
		Know Your Schedule.  If your interviewer is interested in setting up an actual face-to-face interview, know your availability.  That last thing you would want to do is succeed in a phone interview only to tell them to call you back because you are not sure when you can meet with them.  Chances are, you will not hear from them.  Have a copy of your schedule next to the phone.
		Closing.  How many times have you thought of something you should have said after you left an interview?  Do not let that happen again!  Know that you have said everything you want to say before the interview is over.  Again, write down any comments and/or questions you want to address as well as how you would like to close the interview.
		Always Thank the Caller for his or her time and say that you are interested in the opportunity.  If the interviewer has not asked you about your schedule or availability, it is a good idea to ask, "What would the next step be in the process?"
		Send a Thank You Note.  Confirm information.  If you don't already have it, be sure to ask for the interviewer's exact title and name spelling, as well as the complete mailing or email address, so that you can send a thank you note.
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