Since I have a few friends and relatives who will be going on job interviews, I decided to compile a list of my top 7 job interview tips. I have endured many a job interview in the past, and have found these tips to be very practical and often overlooked (ie: I learned from my own mistakes).

I chose 7 because, well…I typed them out and ended up with 7 (7’s my lucky number). On to the list:

1. Bring 4-5 copies of your resume to the job interview

Hand one to the interviewer as a courtesy just as you sit down. They also come in handy in case there are additional supervisors or executives who sit in during your interview. I usually carry 8-10 copies of my resume in a small folder wherever I go.

2. Carry a leather pad-folio with pen and pad to take notes

They usually like that. The pad-folios have a pocket or sleeve where you can store your extra copies of your resume, a list of references (including phone number, address, job title and relationship; you never know what information you will need). I also carry copies of letters of recommendation, copies of awards, certificates, etc, with me.

3. Bring your Driver’s License and Social Security card with you

All employers need to have copies of these items upon hiring, so be prepared, expecting that you will get the job so that you don’t have to make an extra trip home. Hey, even if they say they are going to hire you, they could bring in an additional interviewee after you leave. Don’t take any chances.

4. Turn off your cell phone completely during the interview

I know you’re waiting for that call from the other job or that extra-special someone, but you do not want it to disrupt the interview process. People can still hear the vibrating noise in your pocket, so just turn it off all the way.

5. Thoroughly research the company using Google

Check out their website thoroughly, learn the names of important executives, financial information about the company, their stock ticker symbol, recent news about the company and recent changes in the industry that apply to the company.

6. Prepare at least 3-4 intelligent questions you would like to ask the interviewer

These can be about the company, their personal experience on the job or similar. If they ask you if you have any questions, you can choose the most relevant from your prepared list to ask them.

7. Just relax!

Remember that you are also interviewing the company to determine that you in fact wish to work for them. You have options! We all do, and over-worrying is not going to solve anything.

Please comment, enjoy and share!