Prepare!  Prepare!  Prepare!  Interviewing is a process.  There are several things that an employer
looks for when interviewing a candidate.  Some are relayed to you prior to scheduling an interview
and some an employer just expects and should be the norm when interviewing for a new position.  The
interview process is not one to be taken lightly regardless of the position for which you are
applying.

Interview Checklist
Thoroughly review Corporate Website of Potential Employer
Take a dry run to company to designate appropriate length of commute and exact location of
company
Review your resume vs. the job description.  While interviewing, be sure to stress the specific
skills that relate to the job requirements.  Remember to show your value and how your skill set
will benefit the potential employer.
Bring a Leather pad holder with your resume.  Look prepared!!
Men:  “Dress to Impress” This is never more important than on an interview!  You only one chance
to make a first impression!!!  Wear a nice blue or gray suite with a white shirt, conservative
tie.
Women: “Dress to Impress”  Wear a dress suit, again, conservative in color.  Dress in a suit
regardless of the company dress code.  Also, avoid wearing perfume if possible.  Strong scents
have turned off hiring managers, especially if they have a strong sense of smell.  If you really
feel you need to, just keep it light.
Prepare some questions for the interviewee…they like seeing that you have an interest in
learning about the position to ensure that it is the right position for you.  Gather questions
from the job specifications.
Show interest in the position, not just interested in “the company”.  It goes a long way.
Be sure to interact with the interviewer throughout the interview so they know you understand
what she/he is explaining.

Most popular reasons for failure on interviews:
“They did not dress appropriately; he/she didn’t look professional.”
“They talked too much and I couldn’t get a word in.”
“Their skill set was too light” (candidate didn’t stress how their skill set would benefit the
potential employer and fulfill their current need).  
“Person was over qualified” (candidate oversold him/herself knowing that it was a lower level
position).
“Talked more about things he/she didn’t know rather than their strengths.” (Remember: It is not
what you say, it is how you say it!! Do NOT speak negatively!! If there is something missing
from your skill set “de-emphasize” this and focus on the parts of your skill set that will
fulfill their need.)
They answered their cell phone!! And one of the popular new ones…they were texting while in the
interview!

Things to keep in mind before going in:
Are you dressed appropriately?
Make a mental note to remember the people you met with and their titles.
Smile!! Companies want to surround themselves with friendly people who are team players and get
along well with others.  A smile costs you nothing, but will increase your value exponentially!
Avoid “Yes or No” answers!! It shows a lack of detail and depth in your skill set.  By the same
token, do not over answer the questions and go off on a tangent.  Know when to stop!
If you feel there are some areas of the interview that did not go as smoothly as you would have
liked, it is appropriate to ask if there are any reasons why you would not fit the position.
At the end of the interview, inquire as to the next step going forward in the interviewing
process and when they are looking to make a decision.
Prior to leaving, be sure to express your interest and enthusiasm in the position/company.  Make
it the last point the interviewer hears from you and be sure to say it with a SMILE!
And last but not least, be sure to sell yourself on one or all of these three important things:
think about how you have saved your company money, how you have made your company money, or how
you did something that impacted the way the company now operates.

Saundra@blackfrederick.com
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How to have a Successful Interview  

Contributed by Saundra Harvey,
BlackFrederick.com Career Place Editor
The 21st Century Information Source for African Americans in Frederick County & Beyond