OK. You are scheduled for a key job interview in a few days. What should you do to prepare?

First, research the company. Consult your recruiter for as much inside information up front as possible. Check out the company’s Web site. Most companies have a Web presence which contains valuable information. There’s no excuse for going into a formal interview blindly.

Some points to know:

• Vital statistics: company size in both number of employees and revenues

• Ownership

• History and notable milestones

• Products and services

• Industry trends

• Job description of position you are seeking

• Any bridge-building personal connection or common background with interviewers

• Several formulated questions to further your understanding of the company, its current challenges and future goals

Secondly, research yourself. What are your requirements for changing positions and employers? Are you open to changing industries? What type of culture do you work best in – fast pace vs. slow pace and start-up vs. mature company? What is your commute tolerance and are you willing to travel or relocate? What level of compensation are you seeking – is this a lateral move or are you looking for an advancement in your career that merits an increase in salary and incentives?

Third, be aware of the information employers may seek as part of a background check. Be prepared to address any questions, but know the legal aspects to background checks. For example:

• Your permission is required for employers to review education records, military service records or medical records. Background checks may also include: driving records, credit records, social security number, court records, employment verification and character references. You may want to view these yourself first to avoid surprises.

• Other records that employers may also have access to but are forbidden by state and federal laws without your authorization to use in making hiring decisions include: arrest information, criminal history, workers’ compensation history or bankruptcies.

Fourth, find out the names and titles of persons whom you will be interviewing with so that you are prepared for all levels.

Now that you have prepared, how should you handle the interview?

First and foremost: Do not go on an interview unless you are absolutely prepared to present yourself 100 percent professional.

Dress sharp and on the conservative side.

If you are required to fill out a company application, complete all questions in full and check to ensure that all the facts you supply in the application are true and accurate. This information can be used to check your references and conduct background screenings. Untruthful information will result in lost job offers. Important: Make sure the facts on your application match the information on your resume.

Be on time. Try to relax and take deep breaths while you are waiting. Make eye contact, smile, and if appropriate, shake hands with any support staff assisting you before the interview, as well as with the interviewer or interviewers if it’s a team or panel.

Be prepared to succinctly answer traditional interview questions such as what are your strengths and weaknesses, why do you want to leave your current job, what are your professional goals. Most hiring managers today are trained to ask situational type questions – “Tell me about a time that you had to handle an irate customer and describe in detail your actions to resolve the situation.”

Speak clearly and positively, being honest, brief and clear.

Make sure your answers address the questions asked. Give any supporting information when appropriate, but don’t be long-winded.

Emphasize your past accomplishments and how those can benefit this company. Don’t be cocky, but don’t undersell yourself either.

Don’t be afraid of silence. If you are finished answering a question, don’t feel like you have to fill up any pause in the interview with conversation.

Never communicate anything negative about current or previous employers and hiring managers – this will only shed negative light on you – keep it positive.

Take the opportunity when offered to ask your own unanswered questions.

At the end of the interview, make sure you understand any follow-up steps to be taken and when.

Get business cards from all of the interviewers.

Remember: This is your opportunity to sell yourself if your skills and qualifications seem to be a good fit. The employer has a problem and you as the candidate could be the solution.

After the interview, write a thank you note to your interviewer(s), thanking him or her for the opportunity to meet and send by post or e-mail.

If applicable, remind the interviewer(s) how your background and experience would apply to the position and how you could be the solution to their problem(s).

Finally, if you don’t get the job, find out why. Ask your recruiter and the employer what skills you may be missing or what exactly eliminated your candidacy. Be sure to thank the interviewer for this information. This one simple practice can frequently lead to other opportunities.

Good luck!

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Jennifer Laxton is a senior partner with Executive Search Associates Inc. in Santa Rosa, www.esa.com. You can reach her at 707-525-1010 ext. 101 or jklaxton@esa.com.

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