This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

Job Hunting : What to do before your interview

Job search tips, successful interviewing, negotiating salary.

 1.  Get a copy of the job description before you go on the interview. If your interview was arranged by a recruiter ask him or her to provide you with a copy of the job description. Otherwise ask the prospective employer’s Human Resources representative for a copy.

2.  Thoroughly review your background and experience. Look closely at your resume to make certain you can explain everything on your resume, with specific examples.

3.  Research the company you are about to interview with. Look at the company’s web page. Look them up on Linkedin, The Vault or Hoovers for useful information.

Find out what's happening in Sherman Oakswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

4.  Practice your “Tell Me About Yourself,” a 90-second scripted description of who you are as a professional. You need to feel comfortable talking about who you are and what you have to offer.

5.  Review likely questions you may be asked. Write down thoughtful, personal answers that respond to an employer concerns and expectations.

Find out what's happening in Sherman Oakswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

6.  Get the name and title of all of the people you will be meeting with. This will help you to understand each interviewer’s role in the interviewing process.

7.  Find out how long the interview will take. This will help you to allocate your time. Take the day off from work on an interview day. Do not schedule anything else that day and have family or friends pick up the kids from school. Focus on your interview instead of worrying about your other obligations.

8.  Know where you are going. Know how long it should take you to get there and where you park once you arrive. Get to the interview at least thirty minutes ahead of schedule. Relax and review before the interview.

9.  Know what your job is worth. Go to www.salary.com or one of the other compensation comparison pages. Be reasonable. Know what you want (ideal salary), what you will settle for (acceptable salary), and what you need (benefits). Remember! Never bring up compensation. If asked you are open on salary.

10. Take with you a list of questions for the interviewer. Take a note book. Write down comments and impressions of the interview. 

11. Remember your goals. Always go for an offer. Otherwise you will never know if an opportunity is right for you. Never take yourself out of consideration. The best indication that you interview well is if you get job offers. 

These and other successful interviewing techniques will be discussed Saturday, November 12th, from 9 AM to 12 Noon at St Mels on Ventura Blvd. in Woodland Hills. For more information and reservation please call, the Woodland Hills Chamber of Commerce at 818-347-4737. A $10 donation is requested.  

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?