Preparing for the job interview

You’ve been called into a job interview.  An interviewer has expressed interest your resume and cover letter and would now like to interview you.  What do you do to ace the interview?  The first thing is to research the company and figure out how you fit into the company’s needs. Some information you should know includes:

• What is the company’s specialty?
• Who are their clients (past and present)?
• What is their target market?
• What is there to know about the department you will be working in?
• Who are the company’s competitors and what are their strengths and weaknesses?

Your Appearance

Whether we like it or not, we are often judged by our appearance, and we do not get a second chance to make a first impression   It is important to dress appropriately for a job interview.  Knowing how to dress in a creative field can be tricky.  As creative people, many employers expect some eccentricity, however you should still try to fit into the corporate culture. When in doubt, it’s better in overdress than under-dress   You will never lose a job for overdressing.  A suit and tie in a casual environment will demonstrate that you’re serious about the job.  Being under dressed however, will suggest that you’re not serious about the job.

1. Resume: Bring several extra copies of your resume as there may be several people interviewing you.
2. Job Application Information: You may be asked to fill in a job interviewer  so bring any relevant information including graduation dates, work start and end dates, etc.
3. List of references: Bring at least three references. Make sure the people listed know you will be listing them.  Make sure they are professional references and not friends and family. 
4. Pen and Paper: You may need to take notes.
5. Portfolio / Demo DVD: Bring a bring version of your portfolio, mounted properly and cleanly.  If your work is dynamic (i.e websites, programming, games, etc.), bring a copy of your digital portfolio.
6. List of questions: Prepare a list of questions to cover during the interview if you have any.

 Your first impression will set the tone for your interview, therefore, you must present yourself as a professional.

• Arrive the to fifteen minutes early.
• Be courteous.
• Be patient (make sure your cell phone is off).
• Presentation (be prepared and look organized.  Keep an organizer with your resume, references, etc.)
• Etiquette (be prepared for a handshake, but let the interviewer extend their hand first.)
• Respect (Address the interviewer by their last name (Mr. or Ms.).  Wait to be asked to sit.
• During the interview:
  • Let the interviewer set the tone.
  • Keep your answers direct and to the point.
  • Provide examples o your experience (relate interview scenarios to previous experience).
  • Ask questions when given the opportunity.
• End the interview with the same respect as you started with.
• Send a thank you letter.
• Follow up.  Send a courteous and but brief followup if you have not heard back withing 10 business days.