What you should know about the job

From the minute you arrive on a prospective employer's property until the moment you leave you should be making careful observations. Look at the people in the company, the way they are dressed, and the way they interact with each other. How do managers interact with their assistants and staff? Are people incredibly busy or do they seem to have too little to do? Is disorganization rampant, is the building clean, and do the employees appear to take pride in their work or surroundings?

Some people appreciate the structure and stability of a bureaucracy; others want a much more flexible and less formal workplace. Try to get a feeling for the work environment, and ask yourself if it is a good fit for you. While you want come away with as much information as possible from your observations, you should try to avoid jumping to conclusions. Remember, you're there to interview for the job, and the interview is your opportunity to ask questions.

It is a good idea to let the interviewer do some of the talking, which demonstrates good listening skills on your part. This also allows you to learn more about the job, the workplace, and the things that the interviewer may be looking for. To encourage this, have ready some questions of your own. Try to phrase your questions in a way that focuses on the job or on what you can do for the organization, rather than what the organization can do for you.

Sample questions you may want to ask the interviewer:

"What would my first assignments be in my initial year with the organization?
"What is the work environment like?"
"How has the company changed?"
"How would my work be evaluated?"
"What would you consider to be the most important responsibility of this position?"
"What would you consider to be the main area for improvement in the department?"
"How many other people are working in this position?"
In addition to what you say, your verbal tone, appearance, and body language will help the interviewer gain more of an understanding about who you are. It is crucial that you display an enthusiastic attitude and an awareness of professional conduct. Most interviewers will assume that you are trying to show your "best side," so always remember the following:

• Wear professional business attire that is freshly cleaned and pressed. A good rule of thumb is to dress one degree more formally you would in the job, so find out about the company's dress code ahead of time.
• At a minimum, men should be dressed in slacks, formal shoes, and a collared shirt with tie. A business suit is frequently appropriate, depending upon the environment.
• Though business fashions generally offer more variety for women than men, it is usually safest for women to wear relatively conservative clothing to the interview. This may take the form of a dark or tan suit with formal shoes. No showy jewelry.
• Hair should always be properly trimmed and neat.
• Men should be freshly shaved.
• Do not wear excessive cologne or perfume.
• Enter with confidence and shake the interviewer's hand relatively firmly.
• Do not slouch in the interview. Sit facing the interviewer.
• Always maintain good eye contact and keep your head up.
• Try to project an attitude of alertness or enthusiasm - without going overboard.
• Do not talk too fast, fidget, or display other signs of nervousness. Always remain as calm as possible.
• If your mouth gets very dry and you are not offered a drink, don't be afraid to ask for one.

The Salary Issue

• At some point you will probably be asked about salary. The best time to discuss salary in an interview is towards the end, when you have proven to the interviewer that you would be an asset to the organization. At the beginning or in the middle of an interview especially, you could rule yourself out if you do not handle this question properly.

Whenever you are asked about your salary expectations, always try to avoid being the first to mention a specific figure. State that you are interested in the job, and ask what the salary range is for the position. If your efforts to put off salary negotiation until later in the interview fail, be prepared to provide a figure you know is competitive. This is the type of situation that underscores the importance of doing your research before you get to the interview.

Additional Considerations

Part of your preparation process for interviews may include using "mock" interview sessions. In these, you ask a friend or family member to play the part of the interviewer and you give him or her specific instructions to follow, including rating your performance. Continue practicing until you are completely comfortable with the situation.

Unfortunately, things do not always go as planned. In an interview you may find yourself in an awkward situation - perhaps the interviewer is relatively hostile, impatient, or disorganized. You might also feel that you "blew" an important question. Be prepared for these types of problems by reminding yourself to remain calm and composed, regardless of what happens.

Always thank the interviewer for his or her time before you leave. It is appropriate and important to ask when the hiring decision might be made. You should also thank every person whom you contact in the organization, including assistants and receptionists. Many managers rely on the comments of "non-interviewers" when making a hiring decision.

After the interview, make a note of any important events or information you learned. Do this as soon as possible, while everything is fresh in your mind.