In today’s down economy, you have to bring your A-game to every job interview. While having that stellar resume will hook the HR recruiter and get you in the door, the interview is what is going to get you the job. There are a couple of things you just have to do with a vengeance.

Here they are in no particular order but the 1st is critical:

• Prepare, Prepare, and Prepare!
  • This shouldn’t be too obvious but ample preparation will give you the confidence and substance to present yourself as the most qualified candidate. Follow all of the next steps and you will have prepared well.
• Dress the Part
  • Like Deion Sanders once said, ‘When you look good, you feel good, and when you feel good, you play good.’ As in football, we believe this mantra applies in the real world. If you look the part, you’re going to act the part. It’s another check box for the interviewer and will cause him/her to take you seriously. In other words, don’t dress like a Starbucks barista if you’re interviewing for a paralegal position.
• Anticipate the Questions
  • Do your research on the job requirements. Basically, know what they are looking for. Think about the typical questions an interviewer might ask and have a couple of solid, thought through answers in your back pocket. Answer using examples from your past that show how you succeeded. For problem solving questions, always set up the answer by stating the problem, what were the critical issues, how you solved it (i.e. what you did), and the positive outcome of the situation.
• Talk to an Insider
  • Use your personal and military network to find people who may know people at the company you are interviewing at. Pick their brain on the job and department. This way, you’ll get a good feel for the people, job and the overall culture. This inside information will give you the ammo to ask smarter questions that show you really get this position and role.