The first rule to remember for interviewing is to prepare! Spend some time researching the organization with which you will be interviewing. Find out if they have recently published any work in the forensic literature. By developing a familiarity with activities of the organization, you can illustrate your enthusiasm in becoming part of that team. While preparing that information, do not forget to review your technical knowledge. If you have a degree in chemistry, make sure you can explain the basic theories of chromatography and spectroscopy. Review your resume and identify where you have utilized your technical knowledge in the work atmosphere. This information should be highlighted during your interview. After you have answered all of the interviewer’s questions, having questions of your own is important. Not only will asking questions provide more information about the job, but it will show the interviewer you have a genuine interest in what the job will provide for you. Ask what the specific duties and responsibilities of the job include. Find out whom you would be reporting to. Ask if the majority of the work is to be done independently or as part of a team. Ask about growth potential in the position. What are the requirements to advance in the job? Ask about the work atmosphere. Is there camaraderie among the employees? Does everyone generally work well together? Ask to have a tour of the facility and to meet the staff.    

Interviewing for a job is never easy and will never occur without the butterflies appearing in the stomach. One thing to keep in mind is that practice makes perfect. The more interviews you go on, the easier each one gets and the more comfortable you will become. Mistakes will happen, awkwardness will occur, but as long as you learn from the experience, there is always the next one!

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