The most important thing you can do during your job search is prepare, which includes preparing for the interview.  Remember, the more you prepare up front, the more relaxed you will feel during the interview.  And the more relaxed you feel, the better you will perform.  The better you perform, the more likely you will get the job!

What important details do you need to know?  First of all, you need to understand what the interview is all about.  The interviewer will already have reviewed your resume, which basically provides the hard facts of your employment history and skills.  The interview is a subtler, more subjective aspect of the job-hunting process.  The interviewer will form an opinion of you based on your interactions.  Youre trying to make a good impression here.  You need to portray sincerely, politely and enthusiastically that you are knowledgeable about the organization and have something to offer it.  Your resume may well have shown examples of your skills as a team player, but now you have to convince them that you fit their team.  In order to make the best impression you can, you need to be prepared, know what you can expect, and know how to handle it if things dont go quite as you had planned.

Preparation

• Know how to keep yourself calm.  The best way to do this is to be prepared.
• Research the company.
• Research the interviewer, if possible.
• Know why you want the job.
• Identify your wants and needs - and know the difference.
• Be able to express, specifically, the marketable skills you offer the organization.
• Be prepared for the standard interview questions and know your answers to them.
• Know how to deal with illegal questions tactfully during the interview.
• Prepare questions that you wish to ask - only ask questions you cant find answers to yourself.

Presentation

• Find out the standard dress for the organization.
• Dress on the conservative side.
• Arrive early.
• Bring extra resumes, notepad, pen.
• Know how to pronounce the interviewers name correctly.
• Be polite to everyone you meet there.  They all count.
• Do not chew gum, smoke, swear or use slang.
• Be aware of body languate, vibes, reactionc - use your instincts to keep things on course.
• Assume all questions are asked for a good reason and answer accordingly.
• Feel free to ask for clarification before answering a question.
• Take some time to formulate your answers before you speak.
• Answer all questions honestly, but in the best, most positive light.
• Do not bad mouth old employers.

After the Interview

• Make some notes about the interview right after you leave.
• Send a thank you letter to each interviewer ASAP.
• Be sure to know how to spell all names and know correct titles.