Interview Preparation

Research the Organisation

If you go in unprepared and have researched in a slipshod, haphazard and half hearted way, the interviewer will look at the way you have done your research in the same way you are likely to do the job. Become familiar with the company history, their purpose and goals. Good sources of information can be; Websites, local libraries (newspaper articles, other info.), company brochures, Chamber of Commerce, personnel dept, sales and marketing dept. or ask friends if they know anyone who works there. You could visit a store, distributor or end user to gain more information. All organisations want to be loved and you have to demonstrate your interest. The benefit will be you can uncover any potential problems early and raise/discuss them with the employer at interview. This adds a tremendous amount of credibility to you as a potential employee, it should also give you a very good fix on the company and their competition. Make sure the employer is aware of the hard work you've done by taking the information into the interview with you.

Presentation

Look professional - it's best to dress conservatively, with the main emphasis on the obvious - clean and ironed shirt, polished shoes. It's considered a cliché but is still valid: You never get a second chance to make a good first impression!
Open the meeting with a firm handshake, good eye contact and a confident approach. You may wish to take a briefcase or presentation folder containing a pad and pen so you can write down points that you would like to clarify or raise later in the interview. You are showing interest. As a professional interviewee you should go to an appointment with some prepared qualifying questions.

Take Evidence

You should consider putting together a brag file; evidence of your previous success and therefore likely future behaviour. This could include sales league tables, incentive plans, review/appraisal reports, referral letters, certificates or even trophies! If you have achieved then take along the evidence.