Your Attire:

A navy blue, dark gray, or black suit is appropriate for most positions. Be sure it’s cleaned and pressed.
Shirts should be freshly laundered and well pressed, and a quiet tie with a subtle design is suitable for a first interview. For both, avoid loud colors and busy designs.
Shoes that are black and freshly polished are a safe choice for an interview. Socks should be black or blue and worn over the calf. Ladies, avoid open-toed shoes.
Fingernails should be short, clean, and freshly manicured if possible. Ladies, choose subtle colors over bright colors for nail polishes.
Hair should be well-groomed and freshly trimmed. Avoid combing or brushing hair with your jacket on.
Jewelry should be limited and subtle.
Avoid colognes or fragrances completely.
Do not take your cell phone into the interview. For ladies, avoid oversized purses if possible.

Your Arrival:

Arrive no earlier than fifteen minutes, but no later than five minutes, prior to the interview.
Prior to entering the building, chew mint gum or a breath mint – but do not chew gum during the interview.
Allow adequate time for traffic, parking, and a last minute appearance check.
Treat everyone you meet as if they are the decision maker, including the receptionist.

Printed directions to the interview, as well as Kaye/Bassman’s phone number and the client’s phone number (in the case you run late).
A pad of paper and pen (preferably a folio).
Three copies of your resume (make sure the resume is identical to the one supplied to the interviewer).
Samples of your work, if relevant and appropriate. Never discuss or show proprietary information.
Your prepared questions for the interviewer.

Try to maintain a 50/50 balance between talking and listening.
Be aware of body language; maintain good posture, lean forward slightly to indicate interest, and maintain eye contact.
With any open-ended question, reframe to understand what specifically the interviewer would like you to cover. For example, if the question is “tell me about yourself”, your response could be, “Of course! Is there a specific area you’d like me to start?”
With any confusing, or multi-angled questions, reframe to clarify if you are responding with the type of information they are looking for. For example, if the question is “tell me about a time when you had a conflict with a supervisor”, your clarifying response could be “would you like me to discuss my relationship with my last supervisor?”
If you are even slightly unsure about a specific question, or need time to formulate and process your response, ask for clarification: “Can you be more specific? I want to make sure I respond accurately to what you are asking for.”

Speaking negatively about your current situation, boss, or working environment.
Asking questions about or sharing information regarding current or expected compensation.

Unless you are absolutely certain you would not like to move forward in the interviewing process, close for next steps. Ask how they perceive you fitting in to the organization, and if there are any areas that haven’t been covered that are important to the hiring decision.
An example close: “I like what I have heard today and am very interested in moving forward. I understand you are looking for someone in this role who has (A, B, and C) and as we’ve discussed, I have (specific experience with A, B, and C). Before I leave, are there any more questions about my background or qualifications that I can answer or clarify for you to better assess my fit within your team?”

Call Kaye/Bassman at 972-931-5242 and we will discuss what you liked, what questions you still have, what questions you perceive they have about you, and your interest in next steps.
Send a hand-written card or an email to each person that you met, thanking them for their time. Cite specifics from the meeting and cover any areas further you think may need supplementation.