The chances you will get to the next round of interviews depend on how the very first one goes. Following these Interview Preparation Tips will help get the next interview scheduled. These are the best directions to address the Who, What, Where, When and How to be absolutely prepared for the interview. All of these points reinforce the Why to be prepared….You’ve got to make the strongest impression and blow away the competition!

• When? When scheduling the interview, you must understand their interview process. Each company has a different protocol. Some companies have one interview with the hiring authority. Other companies have a much more grueling procedure where you meet with HR, then someone who is on the team, then the hiring manager, then their boss. Or, it could be you and four or five people in a conference room shooting questions at you. And then after that, you may sit behind a computer and take a pre-employment test! The more you can find out, the better you’ll be.
• How long? Find out approximately how long you’ll be there. You’ll want to know if it will be an hour, half a day or all day. You’ll want to be sure you block out enough time on your calendar. There’s nothing worse than trying to focus and be present in the moment with the interviewer when you’re stressing about getting to your next meeting or getting home to let the dog out or picking up your kids. If you know ahead of time, you’ll present yourself with calm and assurance. You’ll also know whether or not to pack a small snack! Even though it happens to everyone, it can be embarrassing and distracting when your stomach growls!
• Who? Know who you’ll be interviewing with. When you know who you’ll be meeting, you can find out about them. Do your research, look them up on LinkedIn or Google them – see what you can find. You may learn that you have prior companies in common or connections who can tell you more about what it’s like to work for him or her.
• How much? Find out as much as you can about the company. Do your research and take notes. What is the culture? What is their history? Are they growing? Would you fit there? In the interview, when you say something like: “When I was researching the company, I came across an article about the CEO stepping down. What types of concerns are there about the replacement?” Not only will that show a deep level of interest on your part, it will also show that you have confidence in yourself to ask direct questions. They will be very impressed with your initiative. These qualities will show you’re a great candidate.
• What? What to wear. Regardless of the company’s dress code, you should dress professionally. If you’re told to dress casual, do NOT wear jeans or sneakers. Always present yourself in the best light. This may be your ONLY opportunity to make an excellent impression. Take care to have your hair cut (or styled) and you must have clean nails. The only position that might be exempt from clean fingernails is a mechanic!
• What? What to bring.  You should always bring a portfolio that has two pockets on each side and a three ring binder in the center. In the left side of the pocket, you will have your prepared questions. Behind your questions, you’ll have several copies of your resume. Always bring plenty of extras… just in case. In the right pocket you will have your prepared notes or ‘cheat sheet’. These notes will include the reminders that you might need – these can prompt you to answer questions with more certainty and confidence. Let’s face it; you might be questioned about something on your resume that happened ten years ago. It’s better to check your notes rather than stumble or say you don’t remember.  In the middle of the folder, you’ll have fresh paper to take a lot of notes. Here’s an Interview Checklist for other things you’ll want to bring with you.
• Where? Make sure you have the correct address and directions. Double check with the interview scheduler to make sure there isn’t any recent construction and ask what the local traffic is like. You never want to be late for an interview! Always leave yourself extra time. Ideally, get to the location twenty minutes before the interview time. This way, you can have ten minutes to review your notes and have a moment of calm. Then, you can enter the building ten minutes early to use the restroom – wash and (thoroughly) dry your hands!

Don’t forget, no matter how much you’ve practiced, you still may be nervous going into the interview. The most important thing to remember is to be YOU!  You’ve heard that before, and that’s because it is the best advice. Before you exit your car, try this stress relieving exercise. Take a deep breath and hold it for a brief moment. While you are holding it, have a strong, positive picture in your mind of how you are able to present your best self. Visualize yourself with the best posture and a genuine smile; see yourself self-assured and confident. Then, when you exhale, exhale slowly; ‘blow’ out any thoughts that might be rattling your nerves. Repeat these steps a few times until you feel absolutely ready.