Preparation, attention to detail can lead to job interview success

Other than a college degree and a strong resume, most jobs require one thing - an interview.

Many experts say the interview can not only make or break an applicant’s job search, but possibly his/her career path, as well.

Consultants offered the following tips for soon-to-be graduates to make a lasting and potentially career-launching first impression.

1) Do preliminary research.
“Researching information about the organization is one of the most important things to do in order to prepare for an interview,” said Toni Avant, director of the University of Mississippi Career Center. “Sometimes organizations give feedback on some of their interviews with students, and they often say that they wish the student had done more research.”

Researching background information about the company and its mission statement are only part of what students may need to know before going to a job interview.

“Being knowledgeable about the job and knowing the duties outlined in the job announcement are an important part of research,” Connie Armstrong, personnel specialist for the U.S. District Court in Oxford, said.

Researching basic information can also be helpful in developing a list of questions to ask about the company during the interview.

Senior exercise science major Carolyne Wade said she wrote a list of questions to take to an interview so that her interviewer would know she had taken the time to prepare.

2) Dress the part.
Being properly groomed and choosing the right outfit is critical in presenting a professional image at an interview.

“One of the first things I did to prepare for my interview was to pick out my outfit,” said junior Katie Longoria, who is also a sales associate at Coach in Memphis.

“I wanted to look nice, but conservative. I even made sure the polish on my nails wasn’t chipped.”

Experts said dressing conservatively is the rule of thumb when it comes to the interview dress code.

“I usually tell students to go by the ‘Rule of Ten,’” Avant said.

“No more than ten accessories at a time. You want to be neat and appropriate, but you don’t want to call attention to what you are wearing as opposed to what you have to say.”

3) Anticipate questions the interviewer might ask.
“It’s best to develop an arsenal of example answers to questions they might ask,” Avant said.

Creating a list of questions encourages applicants to think about how they would answer those questions if they were asked during the interview. It ultimately aids in helping job-seekers communicate responses more clearly and efficiently.

“I had a friend e-mail me a list of sample questions, and I thought of how I would respond to each one,” Wade said. “I also thought about things in my life that had a big impact on me, like my community service, working at a summer camp, breaking my ankle and life events like that.”

4) Practice.
“Doing a face-to-face practice interview often helps reduce anxiety,” Avant said.

The Career Center offers mock interviews to assist and further prepare students applying for jobs or graduate school programs.

The Career Center structures mock interview questions to accommodate the needs of each student.

“I did a practice interview at the Career Center, and it really helped me know what to expect when I went for my graduate school interview,” Wade said. “It made me feel much more relaxed and prepared.”

5) Don’t be late.
Longoria said she gave herself plenty of time to get to her interview while allowing time for bad traffic, just in case.

“I tell students to try to arrive about 10 to 15 minutes early,” Avant said. “If you are a few minutes early, you can check your appearance in the mirror before the interview and make any necessary touch ups.”

6) Know interview etiquette.
An interview begins in the parking lot.
“You could bump into the CEO of the company getting out of your car,” Avant said. “Always use your best manners, and extend common courtesy to everyone— from the CEO to the custodian.”

Body language and good eye contact is also important during the interview because they show genuine interest.

“Always follow the lead of your host,” Avant said. “Don’t take your jacket off during an interview, especially if the host has not removed his (jacket).”

7) Be yourself.
“Don’t answer any questions in a certain way because you think that’s what the employer wants to hear,” Longoria said. “Eventually, they will realize you weren’t telling the truth, or you will be miserable trying to be something you are not.”

Honesty and sincerity will enhance the positive and professional image you want to present at the interview.

“Be truthful,” Armstrong said. “A potential employer finding out an untruth is definitely a deal breaker.”

8) Follow-up with a thank you note.
“This is one of the most important steps in the interview process, but it is one that most people leave off,” Avant said. “A hand-written thank you note shows that you took the time to write out a letter. Be sure to thank them for their time and show them what you learned during the interview.”