5 obvious things 'too many people' forget to do before job interviews, according to CEO of 10 years

No matter how many job interviews you've been>1. Learn about the company's story, products and services

People miss this>2. Research who you're going to meet and prepare some icebreakers

When your interview is arranged, get the names and titles of everyone you'll meet. You can even ask the coordinator if there's anything they think you should know about those people.

The goal isn't just to research who they are, but to look for connection points, e.g., you both worked at the same company several years ago.

This will help you come up with some icebreakers.>3. Have meaningful questions to ask

Midway into the interview, the hiring manager asks, "What questions can I answer for you?" Replying with "I'm good, thanks!" shows a lack of preparedness, interest and engagement.

Your questions should be smart and strategic, probing the job responsibilities and goals or how the department functions. The questions you ask also show the interviewer how you think.

Here are some examples of smart questions:

• Why is this position open?
• How can I contribute in ways that go beyond the job listing responsibilities?
• Can you give examples of people who previously held this role but were a bad fit? And why?

At the end of the interview, don't ask about "next steps." If you did well, the hiring manager will let you know soon enough.

Instead, tell them how much you love the company, enjoyed the conversation and are interested in the position.

4. Put your phone>5. Pick the right clothes and do a 'mirror check'

Don't procrastinate on this: Plan your outfit ahead of time. Try it on. Make sure it's clean, pressed and still fits.

Not every job interview requires professional attire, but you still should present yourself as well-groomed and put together. When in doubt, ask people in your network who currently, or used to, work at the company about what's considered appropriate. Sometimes the person arranging the interview will tell you.

The day of the interview, do a "mirror check" before you leave. Anything stuck in your teeth? Breath fresh? Hair combed? Shoes polished?

On the way to the interview, don't buy or bring anything that could spill on you. Just ask the guy who flew from Chicago to New York the morning of his interview. He ordered tomato juice; there was turbulence. You get the picture.