There are certain days in a person’s life that require more than the typical morning routine. These include the first school day, the first date day, graduation day, the wedding day, and the birth of a child day. However, there is one important day that is often left off the list….Interview Day! Yes, on Interview Day, more is required than brushing teeth and getting Starbucks. For moms, this can be difficult. Our list of “special days” is short by intention. We don’t have time to fuss around. After all, we have 6 minutes for the shower, ten minutes for trying to get the kids out of bed, three minutes for getting cereal in bowls, ten more minutes for dragging the kids out of bed, seventeen minutes for hair and makeup, and fifteen minutes for car pool. That’s a total of sixty-one minutes. Anything more may require an earlier wake-up and more time shaved from our precious sleep resource. However, if you have a shot at the dream job (or even a “have to pay the bills” job), it’s important that you are prepared for the big day. Here are some practical pointers to get you interview ready.

Do Your Homework
Find out as much as possible about the company before you arrive. More than just their mission statement, investigate their philosophy. For example, is the environment “family friendly” with flexible work schedules? Do they enjoy a good reputation within the community? Talk to people who may know people who have worked there and get the inside scoop. Just like a buying a new pair of jeans, you need to take the time to try-on the company before you invest.

Dry-Run
Practice, practice, practice. Stand in front of a mirror or have your spouse or a friend do a role-play. Anticipate the questions and rehearse the answers. Steal a line from the Boy Scouts and have your motto be “Be Prepared”. Preparation will help offset the nervousness and set you up for a good first impression.

Dress to Impress
Ladies, get your hair done, get your nails done, and invest in a good suit*. A polished appearance is key for landing the job. Although I won’t go as far as to say “Image is Everything”, it’s pretty darn near close when it comes to interviewing. Plus, having a well-put-together look will provide the much-needed boost of confidence necessary for such stressful circumstances.

Ask Questions
Have questions prepared about the company and about the position. In addition, and this is really important, ask the employer questions about her career and what she values about the job. You see, people love to talk about themselves. Be warned – this may result in the interview going on much longer than expected. But that’s okay! Let her talk. Remember, this is a two-way street. Just like your prospective employer, you are gathering great information that will help you make an informed decision.

Write a Thank You note
Let me be clear. I’m not talking about an email or even a typed written letter. I’m talking about pen and paper, hand written, postage stamped, snail mailed note. Even in this age of technology, a hand-written thank you note is the most appropriate way to express your appreciation for the interview and to communicate your desire for the job.

So add Interview Day to your list of days that need a little extra time and attention. Like all other special days, it marks a milestone that has the potential to change your life forever. So put your family on alert and get to bed early. That way, when your alarm clock goes off an hour earlier, it won’t be quite as painful.

*“Dress for Success” is a non-profit organization that provides services for clients seeking a job. Many women living below the poverty line cannot afford a professional suit for interviewing. Dress for Success provides suits for women with job interviews and offers career development courses to insure their clients remain employed. For more information on Dress for Success, visit their website at www.dressforsuccess.org.