Make a good impression at your interview by doing a little homework beforehand.

Research the Company and the Position. The more you know about the company and the job you are applying for, the better you will appear in the interview. Today’s employers are looking for employees who are a cut or two above the rest, so definitely take the time to perform some research.

Find out as much key information as you can about the company, its products and its customers. If possible, talk to people who work at the company. There may be other sources of information on the Web, especially if the company is publicly traded.

Search for the following:

• Office locations
• Products and services
• Customers
• Competitors
• Philosophy
• History
• Recent news
• Financial info, including salary and stock

Prepare for the Actual Interview

• Practice your answers to Common Questions. Likewise, prepare a list of questions to ask the employer. Most interviews follow this pattern: First, you answer questions about your experience and qualifications, and then you ask questions about the job.
  
• Prepare your interview materials before you leave. Bring several copies of your resume, a list of references, and, if appropriate, any work samples. Make sure they are all up-to-date.
• Dress professionally and comfortably. You will be judged in some respects by what you wear. When in doubt, dress conservatively. It’s better to be over dressed than under dressed.

For women:

• A straight-forward business suit is best.
• Wear sensible pumps.
• Be moderate with make-up and perfume.
• Wear simple jewelry.
• Hair and fingernails should be well-groomed.

For men:

• A clean, ironed shirt and conservative tie are a must.
• A simple jacket or business suit is a good idea as well.
• Shoes should be polished.
• Face should be clean-shaven; facial hair should be neatly trimmed.
• Hair and fingernails should be well-groomed.
• Use cologne or after-shave sparingly.

Bring pen and notepad to jot down any information you may need to remember (but don't take notes during the interview).

Here are some additional bits of information that will help you be successful on your interview

• Dress for success - show a professional image
• Be early for interviews (12-15 minutes). Don’t go in until your appointed time
• Express interest and enthusiasm
  
• De-emphasize money and fringe benefits (open on salary)
• Compliment past employers or minimize if unpleasant
• Maintain good eye contact
• Extend a firm, friendly handshake
• Express appreciation for interviewer’s time - everyone loves to be complimented!
• Give direct responses to questions
• Ask questions about position and the company
• Be receptive to the possibility of transfer to other locations
• Exhibit confidence and poise (at ease, calm)
• Exhibit assertive attitude without being overly aggressive
• Exhibit tact
• Express yourself clearly (voice, diction, grammar)
• Express a purpose and goal to a career move
• Express willingness to “earn your stripes” - show you’re a hard worker.
• Express mature attitude
  
• Exercise good, courteous, well mannered behavior
• Make short, direct responses to questions on unfavorable factors in records
• Indicate participation in company activities (team play)
• Maintain your health, exercise
• Be decisive (make decisions)
• Fill out company application neatly and completely
• Show interest in finding a good career opportunity
• Express interest in long term opportunities (goals)
• Show understanding, compassion
• Display high moral standards
• Show interest in the company or industry you are interviewing with
• Be energetic; well rested
• Avoid prejudicial comments
• Show broad interests (work and play)
• Take criticism as a professional statement
• Do not leave any negatives or weaknesses un-addressed or without restating one of your positives
• Answer tough questions with a question to buy time to think
• Get an offer - then make a decision about the company