What to Do Prior to That Interview

One of the primary reasons job seekers perform poorly during interviews is lack of preparation. Unprepared applicants typically know very little about the company and tend to give general, bland answers to interview questions. In order to make a great first impression during a job interview, you must dedicate time and energy toward preparation. Follow these preparation tips to increase your chance of moving on to the next phase of the hiring process.

Research the Company

A recruiter is generally impressed by an applicant who has knowledge about the organization, so take time to research the company before the job interview. Visit the company's website to learn a bit about its history and culture. Look up information about some of the organization's top employees, and jot down their names and the ways in which they contributed to its success. Check out the company's Facebook and Twitter pages to find out about current projects or activities. Come up with questions based on the information you researched, and ask these questions during the interview to demonstrate your interest in the company.

Make Copies and Prepare and Pitch

Prepare extra copies of your resume and cover letter just in case the interviewer doesn't have these documents readily available or has other managers sitting in on the meeting. You should also prepare an "elevator pitch," or a short blurb about yourself that highlights your major accomplishments and the expertise you plan to bring to the organization. Study and memorize your pitch before the job interview to ensure you're ready to present it confidently.

Practice Common Interview Questions

Prepare answers to common job interview questions such as "Tell me about your last job?" or "Why did you choose our company?" Craft answers that demonstrate your knowledge about the organization to impress recruiters. Don't hesitate to drop names or refer to a recent article on the company's website to make your answers more insightful.

Prepare Your Wardrobe

Selecting the right attire is an important preparation tip, as your wardrobe is the first thing the interviewer notices when you enter the office. Select clothing that properly represents the culture of the organization. For example, if you're interviewing for an upscale law firm, wear a professional business suit. If you're interviewing for a job as a call center representative or factory worker, wear business casual attire. Try your clothing on before the interview date to ensure it fits properly and looks conservative.

Prepare a Thank You Note

Prepare a thank you note in advance so it's ready for submission shortly after the job interview. A well-crafted thank you note is likely to create a positive impression about you that sets you apart from other applicants. Make the note brief, and send it via email. You can also prepare a small thank you card to leave with the receptionist on your way out.

When you're well-prepared for a job interview, you're likely to answer questions more confidently and build rapport with recruiters. Use all of the resources available to you to learn as much as you can about the organization, its culture and its top-level employees, and present your knowledge with enthusiasm during the job interview to ensure you stand out among other applicants.

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