By Wendy J. Terwelp, CCMC, JCTC, CPBS

Question: What are some of the basic steps in preparing for, and going on, an interview? Answer: Remember that the interview BEGINS when you enter the parking lot and ENDS when you leave the parking lot.

1. Prior to the interview, write down three questions that you’d like to ask your interviewer. Do NOT mention salary, compensation or benefits in this FIRST interview.
2. Bring a portfolio with a note/legal pad. Inside, have copies of letters from clients, your best performance review, samples of your work or other tangible items you’re most proud of as well as at least six resumes. You may be asked to interview with additional company officials.
3. Plan your wardrobe and dress professionally. Don’t forget to shine your shoes! Otherwise you’ll look fantastic in your new clothes, but oops — scuffed shoes. The interviewer will notice.
4. Plan your route. A day before your interview, drive by the place where you’ll be interviewing so you will know where you’re going. Also, have an alternate route planned. Construction can be the worst!
5. Get to the interview 15 minutes early. This gives you time to find the office of the person you will interview with, fix your hair (or whatever), review the company’s brochures and most importantly, RELAX.
6. It’s SHOW TIME. The interviewer greets you. Look at him/her directly and give a FIRM handshake (the limp fish handshake will NOT do). Firm does not mean crush to see who's the strongest.
7. If the interviewer should offer a beverage or cigarette, politely decline the offer. If you are a bit nervous, strange things can happen. (Lunch interviews are, of course, the exception. If this is the case, try not to order finger food, messy food or pricey menu items.)
8. During the interview, make eye contact. Ask questions. Appear interested. Lean into the conversation. Get his/her business card. TAKE NOTES (that’s why you brought your pad). The notes will help you formulate your thoughts and impress the interviewer with your interest. It also gives you great ammunition for the thank you letter.
9. Upon the close of the interview, ask the interviewer what the next step is and express your enthusiasm for the opportunity he/she has presented. Tell him/her you WANT the job. Thank him/her. Shake his/her hand.
10. After you leave, breathe a sigh of relief! You’ve completed your first interview. Now, write that thank you letter!