Before the Interview

Be prepared to discuss everything on your resume.  If you have relevant courses listed on your resume, be prepared to explain how they are relevant or try to recall any group projects that you may have worked on for the courses.  Just as important, be able to identify which ones challenged you and why.   Assess your work experience, as well as your related experience, to think of what you gained from each and what you may have done differently and why.  Be able to explain what your strengths and weakness were with each.   Research the company with which you are interviewing.  Look for information that really stands out to you to be able to identify why you would be an ideal candidate, and to help you describe why you are interested in working for the company.

• Be comfortable with the mission statement if it is available to review.
   
• Based on your research on the company, have some questions prepared.  But be sure to listen to all of the information detailed during the interview; you want to avoid asking questions about topics that were already discussed.
   
• Practice answering questions out loud.  There are many resources available on-line to find some typical questions that you might encounter during an interview.
   
• Be on time for the scheduled interview, making sure that all appropriate forms are completed before your arrival.  If an application needs to be completed at the time of the interview, try to be early.
   
• Dress in appropriate attire.  Even if the company may be known for a relaxed work environment, formal business attire is normally recommended for all initial interviews.  Conservative styles and colors are also a safe bet.
   
• Bring a pen to the interview.