On-Site Interviews: How to Prepare

Dear Tamara, I had a phone interview with an employer. I guess I did okay because they want me to come to their office for a final round of interviews. What can I expect? Any tips? Congratulations on your stellar phone interview! How exciting!Here are some tips to make your visit a success: When you are offered an on-site interview, follow up with an email to acknowledge your acceptance and to thank your contact person again for the opportunity. Also confirm logistical details in writing. Before you travel, make sure that you are clear on the following:

• Date and start time of your interview
• The itinerary for the day
• Travel arrangements and local transportation
• Location of and directions to the site
• Your contact person's information
• Lodging

Make sure that you know the reimbursement procedure for that employer. If your contact person does not state outright whether you will be reimbursed for your expenses or if they will be making the flight/hotel arrangements for you, go ahead and ask. The number, length and style of interview days vary. Some on-site interviews begin at breakfast and end with an after-dinner reception, while some last half a day or less. You might meet with a series of individuals or a larger group. You could meet with everyone in the office or only the direct supervisor and a few co-workers. If possible, try to determine roughly the length and format of your day ahead of time so you know what to expect. Prepare! Do some deeper research on the employer, the industry, and the people you might meet during your interview. Connect with alumni or other networking contacts to learn even more about the field and that particular employer. You should expect longer interviews and more specific questions. The interviewers will want to get a sense of your qualifications, your interest in the company, the position, and the industry area. Practice your answers to interview questions and know your resume cold. Pack your bags. A suit is standard interview attire. If possible, carry your suit on the plane in a garment bag so that you don't have to worry about lost luggage. If you need to wear your suit on the plane, then bring a shirt/blouse in your carry-on bag in case of a pre-interview accident. You'll also want to bring extra resumes on resume paper, a small notebook and pen, a travel alarm clock, any research material that you would like to review before the visit, and the logistical and contact information for the interview. When you arrive, check out the area. Read the local newspaper, watch the news, drive or walk around to determine what the area has to offer. Imagine what it would be like to live there, and get a sense of how much it might cost. The night before your interview, schedule a wake-up call and set your travel alarm. Do not bill anything to the room. When you check out, review the bill closely and hold on to the receipt. The Interview. Give yourself plenty of time to arrive at the interview site early. Eat a good breakfast and hydrate yourself. Even if you have a 'lunch' on your interview schedule, don't expect that you'll get much chance to eat. The interview lunch is more about the interview than the lunch. If possible, leave your suitcase or garment bag at the hotel. You don't want to be schlepping around a bunch of stuff. For the interview day, put your extra resumes, itinerary info, paper and pencil/pen in a nice folder or a small professional looking bag. Remember that you are being interviewed from the moment you walk in the door. Everyone you come in contact with is important and is evaluating you whether you are in the 'formal' interview or not. Get business cards from all of your interviewers or at least make note of their names so you can follow up with thank you notes. Also, look around and see if you would like to work there. Do you like the setting and the people? Is it the kind of place you'd like to be for 40 hours a week? It's important to project enthusiasm and a positive attitude throughout the day. Employers want to hire people who are genuinely interested in the job. If you are really excited about the opportunity, make sure to convey your excitement. After the interview day, prepare your thank you notes. They should be in the mail in 48 hours or less. If the timeline is tight and the employer will be extending offers right away, send an email before the decisions are made. Evaluate your experience. Now it's reflection time! How did it go? How did you do? Would you like to work there? How does the company compare to others that you may be considering? Schedule an appointment to meet with a career advisor in order to debrief and consider your options. Good luck and Happy New Year! Tamara

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