A lot of people are job hunting these days. Given the heightened competition for every position, it’s important (no, imperative) that, when you “get to the plate”, you’re fully prepared for your turn at bat.

Alina Dizik has a good piece in the WSJ for those who, by virtue of long tenure at their last position haven’t gotten much recent interview experience. Here’s a complementary list of five things to do before that big day:

1. Do your homework on the organization AND the person you’ll be interviewing with. Who are they? What are they known for? What are their recent successes and stumbles? What’s their history? Who do you know that works (or has worked) for this organization? Chat them up, but don’t be overly influenced.
2. Practice. That’s right, practice. Get together with someone who is familiar with behaviorally-based interviewing for some mock interviewing practice. Dress as you will for the real interview, and practice responding to a half-dozen questions you know you’re going to get, like:
- Tell me about yourself.
- What are your relative strengths/weaknesses?
- Describe the key contributions you’ve made at each of your jobs
- Why did you leave your last job, (or considering leaving)?
- How will other people (e.g., former bosses/coworkers) describe you?
Videotape the session(s), review, and try it again.

3. Check your look electronically. That’s right, it’s as important to check your electronic footprint before interviewing as it is your zipper. While you can’t do a lot about it, at least you’ll know what the interviewer is likely aware of, and can speak to it if need be.

4. Formulate a short list of questions to ask if given the opportunity. Questions like – What kind of people wind up being most successful here? What’s the biggest surprise that people get when they come to work here? If the interviewer would potentially be your boss, ask one or two questions about their management style and priorities.

5. If at all possible, pre-drive the route to the interview location at the same time of day as your interview. That way you’ll have some idea of traffic congestion, parking availability, and the like. Don’t think you need to do this step? Think again, about just how crummy you’d feel if you got stuck in traffic or couldn’t find a parking spot and wound up being late for your interview.
On the big day, show up brimming with confidence, knowing that you’ll be a hit because you’ve already spent your time in the batting cage.

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A thought leader in the arena of leadership and employee engagement, Bill Catlette is a seminar leader, keynote speaker, and executive coach. He helps individuals and organizations improve business outcomes by having a focused, engaged, capably led workforce. For more information about Bill, his partner Richard Hadden, and their work, please visit their website at www.contentedcows.com, or follow him on Twitter at http://twitter.com/ContentedCows