I have done plenty of episodes on how to answer various types of interview questions. What I want to touch on today is everything else surrounding the job interview. When I was the director of a University Career Center, I noticed my students would spend hours preparing for an exam – and yet very little time preparing for a job interview. The last time I had a job interview, my goal was to be so well prepared that the interviewers couldn’t throw me a curve ball. There would be nothing they would mention about the university that I wouldn’t at least know something about. At the end of my grueling, two-day interview gauntlet, the man who was to become my boss said that he felt more like I interviewed him than the other way around.OF COURSE. I was considering a 1,000-mile move with two small children. I wasn’t about to make that huge leap without being sure of what I was getting myself into. Here, then, are the 11 tips to help you be optimally prepared for your next job interview. 1. Carefully examine the job description.Here is what Indeed has to say about this: “During your prep work, you should use the employer’s posted job description as a guide. The job description is a list of the qualifications, qualities, and background the employer is looking for in an ideal candidate. The more you can align yourself with these details, the more the employer will be able to see that you are qualified. The job description may also give you ideas about questions the employer may ask throughout the interview.”What does this look like? If, for example, the job posting indicates a high priority on a certain skill or credential, you want to make sure you weave your ability with that skill or the fact that you have the desired credential into one or more of your interview responses. You can also use the job description to anticipate behavioral questions you may be asked. 2. Get crystal clear on why you want the job, why you want to work for that employer, and what you bring to the table.You need to be able to clearly articulate what attracted you to the position and the company and why you believe you are the best candidate for the job.Rather than telling them how excited you are about the position, demonstrate your excitement with tangible details as to the skills, characteristics, and qualifications you will bring to the position. Your excitement will be evident.3. Conduct in-depth research. There are a few levels of research you want to do prior to a job interview.-Research the company -Research the company culture -Research the industry -Research the product or service the company provides -Research the role 4. Research your interviewers.In addition to in-depth research on the company and the position, you want to use LinkedIn to research those you will be interviewing with. Where have they worked previously? What other roles, if any, have they held in this company? What is their educational background? Can you find evidence of what they like to do outside of work?Bonus points if you can make a connection with an interviewer based on your research, such as a common hobby or attending the same undergraduate institution. 5. Plan your interview attire.You may think that your interview attire depends on whether it is an in-person or virtual interview, but it doesn’t. My number one piece of advice to clients who will be having a phone or Zoom interview: dress like the interview is in person. It really does make a difference. The more you know about the company culture, the job you are applying for, and the interviewers, the better you can plan what you’ll wear. Here are some general rules:-Dress above the requirements of the job-Dress as well as, but not better than, the boss-Look like a well-dressed, successful professional in your field-Consider styles and colors that work for you and project the proper image-Sit down in your interview attire in front of a mirror-Break your shoes in ahead of time, and make sure they are suitable for walking-