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Nervous butterflies. Sweaty palms. Questions about your past. Anxiety about what to wear.

It may not be a first date, but it can be just as nerve-racking--the job interview. Whether you look at interviewing as a dreaded interrogation or an opportunity to shine, there are preparations anyone can take to help better the odds that an interview turns into a job offer.

PRIOR TO THE INTERVIEW

Be On Time.

• Arrive for your interview at least 10 minutes early so you have a chance to collect your thoughts and catch your breath, so to speak. If need be, “test drive” the ride to the interview ahead of time.

Be Aware.

• In reality, your interview starts in the parking lot or the moment you enter the building. Any onlooker or person you interact with could influence you getting hired, so act accordingly. Be courteous and professional to everyone you meet. 
• Don’t forget to turn off your cell phone!

Come Well Prepared.

• Bring a nice portfolio with at least two copies of your resume, pen and notepad.
• Come prepared with knowledge about the company, the industry and the competition. Some research suggests that having little or no knowledge of the firm is the top reason applicants lose out. Avoid this mistake by researching the organization. Read industry trade magazines. Visit the company’s website. Do a company search on Yahoo! Finance to find current news about your prospective employer.
• Have a few personal success stories ready in response to likely interview questions such as, "Tell me about a time when..." or "Give me an example of a time...” If you can work your experiences into the context of the company you’re interviewing with, all the better!

Practice Your Lines.

• Though you can never be sure what questions you’ll be faced with, you can avoid potential “stage fright” by considering answers to tough or strange interview questions ahead of time. For instance, you might be asked, “What’s your greatest weakness?” In response, be honest, but brief, and reference what you’re doing to overcome it. If, say, making presentations is your big weakness, you could explain that you’re enrolled in a public-speaking course.

AT THE INTERVIEW

Look Your Best.

• Make sure your interview attire is neat, sharp and appropriate for the work environment. When in doubt, opt for a suit.
• From tips to toes, you should look your best. Make sure your nails are clean and filed and that your shoes look new and polished. As shallow as it may seem, you’re basically on display. The better you look, the more confident you’ll feel, and the less you’ll have to wonder, “Do I look OK?”

Make a Good First Impression.

• Stand and greet your interviewer with a smile and a firm (not painful) handshake. Never underestimate the value of a smile, or the importance of a great handshake. Your hand should be dry and warm, so if you’re really nervous, run cold water on your hands when you first arrive. Run warm water if your hands tend to be cold.

Stay Calm and Cool.

• Though you might be as nervous as ever, try to relax. Show the interviewer that you’re calm, composed and in command during an interview. Maintain eye contact. Sit up nice and straight. Don’t fidget. Speak calmly, concisely and clearly. Breathe. And don’t forget to smile.

End on a Positive Note.

• At the conclusion of the interview, thank the interviewer and determine the next steps.
• Ask for the interviewer's business card so you can send a follow-up letter.
• Reiterate your interest in the position and your confidence in your ability to meet the job requirements.
• See it there’s anything else they might need from you to evaluate your skills, such work samples or additional references. AFTER THE INTERVIEW
• And if you’re really feeling confident at this point, you could even ask, “When can I start?”

AFTER THE INTERVIEW

Jot Down your Thoughts.

• As soon as possible, write down how you feel the interview went.
• Send a follow-up thank-you letter within 24 hours (via e-mail is fine), reminding the interviewer of your qualifications and sincere interest in the position.

Don’t Sit, Wait and Wonder.

• After you send individualized thank-note notes to every interviewer, follow up a few days later with either a question or additional information (related to your skills, recent company news or industry currents).
• Try to reach the hiring manager involved for an update.

Be persistent (but not pushy), because taking that extra step can put you ahead of the competition and work to your advantage!

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