So, you are sitting at home one evening and the telephone rings. It is a call from that company you have always wanted to work for. “Can you come in for an interview next Tuesday morning?” Now what?

Hopefully you have a check list of items you need to complete prior to going to that interview, but if you do not this is one example that you can use with confidence:

1. Make sure you have that suit cleaned and ready to go, clean shirt, shined shoes and a hair cut. This may sound like something that is fairly straight forward, but you would be surprised at how many people show up in a semi or even unpresentable manner. If in doubt as to the dress code of the day remember the following:

a. For men – a conservative suit and tie is never out of style.

b. For women – conservative business attire is never out of style.

c. For both – clean cut, clean shaven, well presented and well dressed is never out of style.

Common sense should be your guide.

2. Keep the makeup, perfume and cologne to a minimum.

3. Prepare at least five additional copies of your résumé. Do not be surprised if there are at least three people who will be talking to you during the interview.

4. Prepare at least the same number of copies of your references.

5. Clean out your brief case or your professionally appearing note book folder and place all of them in this container to take to the interview.

6. Take a note pad and at least two pens with you. No need in having one pen run out of ink at the most inopportune time.

7. Make sure you know where to go. If you are unsure, make a trial run to the address.

8. For heavens sake – be on time! Better to be five minutes early. Be sure to account for any potential traffic troubles.

9. Run over some potential questions you think you might be asked. Then go and find the answers.

10. Have a trusted associate or friend interview you for the position. Play it straight, do not yuck this up. Then critique this rehearsal. Do this several times. Some people have been known to video tape their rehearsals. They are often surprised at how they appear. Fix the problems and polish the rest.

Now that you are ready to go, what should you do next? It is time for you to do a little study on the company. What does it do? Who are the people on the management team? Is there any information on new developments?

You need to go armed with information AND a few questions of your own. This will indicate to the people interviewing you that you are indeed interested in the company and have the potential to make a difference. After all, the whole reason for you being there is to see what YOU can bring to the company.

When you enter the room, walk upright and with confidence. Remember, you would not be here today if you were not someone they wanted. It is up to you to make or break this interview. When you are introduced use a firm handshake and look that person in the eye. Be sure to say their name out loud – it will help you remember who you are talking to when you are deep into the interview. Ask them for their business cards and place them in front of you, aligned with the seating order. It is simply another small tip to help remember their names.

Do not sit until invited to do so. Sit slightly forward on your chair and do not fidget. Look directly at the person speaking to you. Appear intent upon hearing every word spoken. In fact you should be anyway! Ask if the interviewers would like a copy of your résumé.

Do not be afraid to ask questions. In fact this is possibly one of the top 10 important things to do. It shows interest and it shows your level of potential commitment. If you have a list of questions, ask if you can produce it for reference. Use this judiciously. You do not want to take over the process. However, it is also your duty to keep the attention of the interviewer. They too have long days.

Be prepared for the tough questions. Why did you leave, why are you here, what do you bring to the company, why should we hire you, who are you at work / at home, describe your best day, your worst day, etc. This is where your dress rehearsals will help you over the tough spots.

You will be able to tell when the interview is winding down. You will most likely be given a chance to summarize yourself. Be sure you have addressed this in your rehearsal. In no more than half a dozen sentences you need to be able to tell the interviewers how you bring value to the company and how they cannot hire a better person. Be sure to not make this sound like a boast, be straight forward, enthusiastic and at the same time somewhat humble.

When the interview is over, stand up and say thank you. Collect any paper you may have on the desk, the business cards, and shake hands with those in the room. Walk out with confidence after a heartfelt good bye. Smile. It truly does convey confidence and warmth and sincerity.

As soon as you return to your home, sit down and summarize the entire interview. Be sure to write a thank you note. Do not send it until the next day. In that note be sure to mention your name, the position you interviewed for, an anecdote you remembered from the interview and thank them for their time. Inform them you would like to contact them within a reasonable time to see how “events are transpiring”. Follow through.

Now for a small addition to this topic that many will not think of, or even consider.

This is your time to ask questions that are important to you. You are about to potentially go to work for this company. This interview needs to be a two way street. If you do not ask questions and you do not check their management and employee relations, you might regret it for a long time. You need to check this company out closely. Remember the fit has to go both ways or you may be very, very unhappy in your new position.