How well do you know a company before you come in for an interview? How well do you know the person(s) interviewing you? Companies like it when prospects do their homework. So during an interview, don't be surprised if they ask, "What do you know about us?"

Your silence or shrugging shoulders could make it a very short meeting.

Don't get caught off guard. Know the accounts agencies have in their portfolios. LinkedIn and Facebook may also offer some names and faces behind the campaigns.

Plus, a little preparation can help you develop a list of questions to make it a more informative meeting and establish a better rapport with the people you meet.

If you're invited to interview, you can gather even more information by paying "Keyser-close" attention to the agency's surroundings.

Arrive early. (If you arrive on time, you're late.) Agencies tend to decorate their lobbies with their work, awards. etc. You may uncover a few new things you didn't know about the agency. What about the interviewers? What are their office spaces like? Do they tell you anything about them? If you find something in common, the connection quickly changes  the mood during the interview. You're not sweating bullets (or as much). And you may find yourself feeling more like, well, yourself. Chemistry weighs in a great deal when choosing candidates and hopefully the real you is who they want for the job.


So here's a corner of my desk. If I had you here for an interview, what might this say about me? Is there something here that might help you connect with me? (Or did I just scare you away from the position?)