An interview is a strategic meeting with the following purposes:

1. Persuade the employer that you have the experience, education and ability to do the job
2. Show the employer that you have the personality and leadership style that fits into the organization
3. Convince the employer that you want to join the organization
4. Gather sufficient information that will allow you to decide whether or not joining the organization is the best choice for you

How can you get ready for an interview?
Preparation is critical before an interview in ensuring your success and moving onto the next step.

Research the job and the organization. Knowing about the job will help you prepare a list of your qualifications so that you can show, point by point, why you are the best candidate. Knowing what the company is all about will help you prepare an interview strategy and appropriate questions and points to emphasize. Find out as much as possible about the interview methods of the company or organization, including the interviewer(s) name(s) and the proper pronunciation as well as what position(s) they hold within the company.
Prepare for the interview questions. Seek typical interview questions on the internet and practice answering them. Do the same for difficult interview questions. If you are particularly nervous, have someone you trust interview you and get feedback, or videotape yourselves and judge for yourself. Knowing what questions could be asked and preparing for them in advance will help calm your nerves before and during the interview.

Review your resume and cover letter. Have one last look at what the company has seen of you so far and anticipate what they may think about you before meeting you in person. This may help in anticipating what they may want to discuss with you.

Know how to get there. Figure out how to get to the interview place before the day of the interview. Know how long it will take you to drive and park, and be sure to budget time for heavy traffic if your interview is during rush hour or near construction. It is a good idea to take a practice drive to the interview spot beforehand so you will feel completely comfortable driving there the day of your interview. This will also help to prevent unnecessary stress.

That said, arrive early. Arriving 10-15 minutes before your interview time shows you respect your interviewer’s time and also means you won’t be out of breath when you arrive. Collect your thoughts while you wait, and take advantage of those moments before the interview to learn what you can about the company’s culture.

Should you bring anything to the interview?
Bring only what is necessary. Remember you want to reflect your career brand. Bring a couple of extra copies of your resume as well as a copy of your references. If you have a portfolio with examples of your work and testimonials, bring that as well.  Bring a pad of paper and a trusty pen in case you need to jot down details or notes, but don’t get distracted by this; keep your attention on the interviewer. You should be able to fit all of this into a briefcase or a professional portfolio.

Prepare your questions. Your notepad may also serve as a means to write your questions for the interviewer down before the interview. Having them in front of you will ensure that you gather all the information you need to be able to make an informed decision after the interview.

It’s time for the interview.
Make a great first impression. You will already be dressed in an appropriate interview outfit so all you have to do now is acknowledge the interviewer with a firm handshake, eye contact and a smile. Characteristics that contribute to a professional image are appropriate business attire, good posture, self confidence, enthusiasm, a positive outlook, excellent interpersonal and communication skills, maturity, sense of humour and warmth. Chewing gum at an interview is not acceptable.

It’s not just about the interviewer. Always be polite to the receptionist and any other employees you encounter; you would be surprised how often these people are asked for their impressions.

Go in relaxed. A positive upbeat style enhances the image you’re presenting – you want to shine from the inside out. While skills and talents are essential, exuding calmness and a positive attitude is equally important.

Be prepared for small talk. Don’t let small talk catch you off-guard. Read the paper or keep up on news before your interview so you can be ready to discuss something besides the weather that day.

Know your strengths. Emphasize your strengths, and stress achievements that relate specifically to the position for which you’re being considered.

Be clear. Be prepared to state your objective, including what you want, what you don't want, relevant experience, education and career goals. Tie your responses to the company's mission or to the function of the position you're interviewing for. Alignment and creating mutually beneficial alliances is attractive, so demonstrate this within the interview.

Focus on the needs of the company. Be an exceptional listener and focus on the needs of the company as well as how and what you'd contribute. This will help you to establish rapport. Also, you'll most likely learn valuable information about the company, the position or the interviewer that will enable you to better respond – this will help you to make better contact and a strong impression.

Describe your weakness as strengths. There are two effective ways to communicate your weaknesses. One way is to communicate your weakness in the context of what you've learned as a result of the weakness, demonstrating the ability to learn from your mistakes. Another effective way to discuss your weaknesses is to demonstrate that your weakness is actually a strength.

Ask questions. Ask intelligent questions that demonstrate your range, depth and curiosity. This demonstrates your prior research and sincere interest in the job and the company. Don’t hesitate to ask about the interviewer’s experience and professional background, as this builds rapport and is a good way of breaking the ice. Also ask about skills of individuals who have been hired for similar roles to anticipate how well you may fit the position. You may ask general questions about the company’s thoughts of expansion, or the long term goals of the company, or how they see the department evolving in the next few years. Do not ask specific questions about salary or benefits unless the employer broaches the subject first. When an interviewer asks you if you have anything else you would like to add or say, having a response is best. You can use this opportunity to thank the employer for the job interview, summarize your qualifications and repeat your interest in the position. If you want to add information or emphasize a point made earlier, you can do that too. This last impression is almost as important as the first impression and will add to the substance discussed during the interview.

What should you do after the interview?
Make notes immediately after the interview. Write down the names and titles (check spelling) of all your interviewers, your impressions, remaining questions and information learned. Also note any dates of importance for follow up or further interviews or meetings.
Follow up the job interview with a thank you letter or email. Employers regard this as an indication of your final interest in the position.

Learn from your experience. Ask yourself if you were dressed appropriately, whether you answered any questions particularly well or poorly and whether or not there was anything about the company you should have known but did not. Recall the quality of your questions as well as your answers.