Preparation is the key to interview effectiveness. If you go to an interview without thorough preparation, don't expect to do well. You will literally cheat yourself and those involved in the interview by selling yourself short. To market yourself effectively, you simply must prepare well for the interview. To make a decision that is right for you as to whether you want to invest part of your life working for this organization depends in large measure on how well you have prepared before you go to the interview. How well you market yourself for the position—and sell yourself—depends on your advance preparation.

Most people head off for their job interviews ill-prepared. In some cases, it is because they did not know how to prepare; in other instances, they thought they could shortcut the process. Relying on their perceived people skills and cleverness—''I have always been good at talking with people; I can bluff my way through this too"—is a mistake some make. As a result, they present themselves poorly. After a frustrating period of going for interviews and not getting job offers, they may accept the first job they are offered—even though they have a nagging feeling that this isn't a job where they want to spend their time or one that will advance their long-term career goals.

Throughout this book we will examine many areas requiring thorough preparation. Before we begin, it should be useful for you to take stock of how far along you are toward being ready for an interview. The list of statements that follows comprises what we call your "Job Interview Readiness I.Q." You should review these statements prior to each interview you have scheduled, since preparation for one interview does not guarantee readiness for another interview. The work you did to fully prepare you for one interview may only partially prepare you for the next one. After all, both the participants and the situation will change. As these elements change, additional preparation will be necessary to meet the new situation.

If you can respond in the affirmative to each of the following statements, you should be well prepared to face the job interview. A solid, unequivocal "yes" to each statement should give you confidence that you will interview well.