Interview Planner

• Purchase correspondence paper stock (stationary and matching envelopes).
• Keep enough paper stock on hand to print your résumés, cover letters and other correspondence on matching stationary and envelopes.
• Know the standards for writing cover letters, thank you letters, and when to phone.
• Keep stamps on hand at all times!
• Keep track of all career related written and verbal correspondence.
• Identify your basic interview wardrobe: select one or two outfits or suits that are considered fairly conservative for your field.
• Locate your local overnight or one-hour dry cleaner.
• Polish your business shoes.
• Always have extra, clean copies of your resume with you.
• Keep on file an interview folder to bring with you on interviews. It should contain: a few résumés in a plastic sleeve, some reminders for yourself about your skills and your goals, and a pen and some paper to make notes before and after the interview.
• Bring to the interview: your interview folder, the names of the people you are meeting and the address with directions. You may also want: a comb, tissues, breath mints.
• Know where you're going in advance.
• Leave yourself plenty of time to get there.
• You want to arrive a little bit early, not just on time and never late.
• Follow up with thank you letters immediately.
• Make sure you can be reached, whether by phone, fax or email.