Everyone needs to prepare in advance to have a successful job interview.

Below are some important tips.

Prepare! Prior to your interview:

• Make sure you understand where your interview is taking place and how you will get there (including what time you need to leave) so that you are not late the day of the interview. Everyone should be 15 minutes early to all interviews;
• Take time to review your resume, think through what you like about yourself, what will make you successful in the position and how you would like to express that. Practice saying a few sentences out loud and get used to talking about yourself. Have the answer to the question "Tell me about yourself" ready in advance. Practice with a friend or relative in front of a mirror. Interviewers will ask you about yourself and want to understand your thoughts about the job;
• Make sure you fully understand the job description and if you have questions, jot them down on a list and ask during the interview. You are not expected to know everything about the job and questions are appropriate and thoughtful;
• Go on the company’s website where you will be interviewing and make sure you understand what the company does or makes and who you are interviewing with;
• Write up at least two questions about the job or company itself. The interviewer will most likely ask you if you have any questions and if you have thought this through in advance, you will be communicating preparedness and thoughtfulness.
• Plan your outfit the night before so you aren’t running around looking for an ironed shirt at the last minute. Reference RTW’s Dress Code – all Fellows must wear professional attire to all interviews.
• Print out 3 copies of your resume. You never know how many people you will be meeting. Carry the resumes with you in a stiff carrier so they will not get wrinkled or folded.
• Know your schedule. The interviewer will want to have a sense of what days and times work for you and you should be able to respond. Some positions offer a range of hours so be prepared to ask for what works best for you.

During the interview:

• Dress professionally, all Fellows must attend all interviews in professional attire even when on Zoom;
• Be at least 15 minutes early to your appointment. If you are on Zoom, be at least 5 minutes early.
• Make sure your cell phone is turned off;
• Bring pencil and paper to write down any specifics the interviewer will give you. Take the paper and pen and put it down in front of you at the beginning of the interview to signal you are ready to pay attention;
• After shaking hands, offer all interviewers a copy of your resume;
• Refer to the interviewer by Mr./Ms./Dr. their last name;
• Don’t worry about being nervous. Being nervous is natural. You can still have a great interview, even if you are nervous!
• Ask questions to show that you are interested in the details of the position and make sure you have a good understanding of what the job entails;