A Winning Career Search Principle - Form and Presentation is Critical

I've often been amazed at how little preparation some folks put into their job search and especially into the preparation for the interview itself. So much matters in this process. The day of the week, the color and make of your suit, the condition of your personal hygiene, your plan for the interview, the materials you choose to bring with you, your preparation and anticipation of questions that may be asked, and the knowledge and research you complete about the company prior to the interview. Failing to adequately invest in the preparation for the Interview is probably the largest reason for failing to win the job. Bringing your "A" game to the interview can be the most expensive choice of your life or the lowest cost/ highest return investment you ever made. What are you going to do?

Let's assume for the moment that a company is going to offer you an interview. I start with "going to offer" because preparation begins with what you are going to do during this call when it comes. When the call comes you should try to establish some rapport and attempt to collect some information.

* How many folks are interviewing for the position?
* What will the process be?
* Will there be a series of interviews?
* Will you be interviewed by a panel?
* How long is planned for the interview?

You need to make sure you allow enough time in your schedule. What times are available? When are the other candidates interviewing? The more you learn the better.

Now that you have some background, ensure you aren't the first interview if at all possible and try to gain a position in the process that is at the end or toward the end of the candidates. Work to assure there is plenty of time for your interview and hopefully find a place where, if necessary, the interview can run over. Try to understand the objectives of this round of interviews, if there will be multiple, and position yourself optimally for that. Keep the conversation light but engaged and leave a positive pleasant feeling when you leave. Remember the caller's name and position.

After this discussion, the hard work begins. Call your contacts who are familiar with the company and learn as much as you can about their current condition. See if you know customers and get their impressions. Study all available public information on the company. If the company has a customer service department or other public faces, make calls reaching them to get a feel for their face to the world. Ensure you know the appropriate dress for the interview and come over-prepared. If you are dressed slightly above the interviewers attire, they will likely appreciate the respect and attention to detail. Develop a plan for the interview that provides value to the company. You win if they begin to view you as the solution to a problem or an addition to the bottom line. Following the interview, send thank you notes, provide followup information, and if you have connections to the hiring manager have them proactively offer their recommendation. Taking all these concepts together is a great way to put your job interview on the path to a job offer.