• Do your homework. Know the basics about the company, its business, its customer base, recent news headlines, and about the people you will be meeting.
  
  
• Take time to mentally prepare for standard interview questions. We have put together a sample list of such questions for you to download to the right. You can also find questions in handbooks available at your local bookstore or library. The Internet is also a great source.
  
  
• You should ask questions too. Prepare questions to ask the interviewer. Make a list of questions related to the company and position you seek. These questions should be ones you could not answer in the course of your research. If you don't have any questions, the interviewer will most likely get the impression you're not really interested in the organization or that you lack initiative.
  
  
• Produce several clean copies of your resume so that you can offer a copy to any individual that you will be meeting.
  
  
• Have the names, addresses and reach numbers of at least 3 professional references available. A minimum of 2 should be from individuals who were direct supervisors. Notify your references in advance to inform them that they may be contacted.
  
  
• Know how to get to the interview site in advance. If you live in an area with a subway or train system, consider using it if traffic makes you tense.
  
  
• Get plenty of rest the night before the interview. You will be at your best if you are focused and alert. If you feel tense, use whatever relaxation technique works best for you.

Day of your interview

• Review your research, questions and answers on the morning of the interview.
  
  
• Dress appropriately for the company you are interviewing with.
  
  
• Avoid wearing perfume/cologne and always follow the no smoking rule before an interview.
  
  
• Always be sure to arrive on time - allow yourself more time than necessary because of the incredible stress of a late arrival. Plan your timing so that you expect to arrive at the location 15-30 minutes early - use this time to walk around the block to compose yourself or have a quick cup of coffee. Don’t go to the actual office more than 5-10 minutes in advance of your scheduled time because you don't want to make the interviewer feel pressured by your waiting time.
  
  
• Greet the receptionist or the person who will introduce you to the interviewer. Be pleasant and polite. Say your name clearly and tell the person the name of the interviewer.
  
  
• Turn off your cell phone. An interview is not the place to show off your new ring tones.
  
  
• Ask for permission if you plan to make some notes during the interview.
  
  
• Maintain eye contact with the interviewer during your time together. This is considered to be a sign of honesty and self-confidence. Don't let your eyes roam while he or she is speaking. Appear enthusiastic and nod at appropriate intervals.
  
  
• Watch out for bad habits. Tapping, fiddling with your hands, forcing tight smiles, squirming in your seat and other nervous gestures will make the interviewer uncomfortable or distracted.
  
  
• Be prepared to confidently answer questions regarding your departure from previous positions. Reasons for leaving prior positions are important to a recruiter as they help determine your viability for their open position.
  
  
• Never blame your previous or present supervisors. Employers don’t want to hire people who they perceive have an "attitude problem" or difficulty dealing with authority.
  
  
• Do not ask about money or benefits unless the interviewer brings up the subject. Focusing on your compensation too early might make the interviewer wonder how interested you really are in the job itself. Instead, show you are committed to your career and interested in learning by asking questions related to how you can improve your skills and knowledge.

Just take a deep breath and relax. We’re right behind you.