Things to Consider

Do you know what job you are applying for? What are the requirements? Do you have a description of the job?

Do you know the company? - Asset size, number of employees, main products they produce, have you read their mission statement? Read their website - they probably have an About Us section that tells about the history and where they are heading. Do they have an annual report on their site?

Don't have internet at home? Go to the local library - many of them offer free Internet. Plus, what a great place to find books and learn new trades and skill sets.

Watch your body language. The way you sit during the interview tells the interviewer a lot about you. If you slouch or lay back in the chair, then you will be percieved as lazy. Keep good eye contact with the interviewer.

Shake the interviewers hand. Use a firm hand shake and look in their eyes.

Take a list of questions with you to learn more about the job. After the interview, most of the time you are asked - Do you have any questions? It impresses me when someone says Yes and asks an intellegent question or two. It tells me you care about the job, want to learn more about the job, etc. But, don't ask questions that have already been clearly answered. Make sure the questions you ask are open ended. Do you have a retirment plan? - Not a good one as they would say Yes and you know nothing about it. A better question would be - Can you tell me a little bit about your 401k plan? I have even asked an interviewer - what do you enjoy about working for X company? Hopefully if they are in Human Resources, they are glad and proud to be an employee. I appreciate it and like talking about my employer.

Don't get frustrated. You will probably not find a job within a week or two. Job searching can take a while. Keep your chin up and keep plugging.

Align yourself with the job you are applying for. If they are looking for a techy person, make sure you put your techy side first. - your skill set, computer knowlege, classes, certifications, etc.