Congratulations on landing yourself a job interview—you have made it to what may be the last step in getting a new job. Although you obviously made an impression with your cover letter and resume, the interview is your opportunity to build on this impression and further impress your prospective employer. This guide on how to have a good job interview will provide you with strategies to remain calm and ensure you are well prepared to make that vital impression.

Congratulations on landing yourself a job interview—you have made it to what may be the last step in getting a new job. Although you obviously made an impression with your cover letter and resume, the interview is your opportunity to build on this impression and further impress your prospective employer. This guide on how to have a good job interview will provide you with strategies to remain calm and ensure you are well prepared to make that vital impression.

• The job interview is arguably the most important aspect in getting hired at a new job. During the interview, you have the chance to impress your prospective employer with your skills, knowledge, personality and professionalism. Although job interviews can be nerve-racking, ensuring that you are well-prepared should improve your chances for success.

• Before you attend your interview, find out as much about the company as you can. Browse their website, read any articles you can find and be familiar with the company structure. By doing so, you might be able to impress the interviewer by demonstrating your knowledge of the company and its industry.

• During your research, you should also formulate at least one intelligent and informed question to ask the interviewer, as many interviewers will ask if you have questions at some point during the interview.

• Although each interview is different, there are several questions that many interviewers will ask, including:

1. Why do you want to work here?
2. Why did you leave your last job?
3. What unique skills will you bring to the company?
4. Why should I hire you?

• Practice how you will answer these and any other questions you think may come up. Whenever possible, be prepared to present the interviewer with specific examples from your past.

• If possible, enlist the help of a friend, family member or trusted colleague. Ask him or her to act as the interviewer and ask you the questions you have prepared for, as well as any other questions he or she thinks the interviewer may ask. Following the practice interview, ask him or her for their honest feedback and use this to improve your performance during the real deal.

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  (Creative Commons photo by Christian)

• Most professionals recommend dressing slightly more formally for the interview than you would if you were employed by the company. If you get the chance, visit the workplace in advance to see what others are wearing.

• If you are unsure of how to dress, there is no harm in asking the person with whom you are making the interview appointment what sort of attire would be appropriate. If you are still unsure what to wear, always err on the side of formality.

• For some people, job interviews can be stressful and harrowing. However, if you let your anxiety get to you, you are more likely to stumble over your words or forget your plan.

• If you are nervous, try not to let it show. Avoid fidgeting, and be sure to maintain eye contact with the interviewer. Even if you do feel as though you have slipped up, don't allow this to throw you off—the interviewer may not have even noticed your mistake.

• Answer the interviewer's questions completely but succinctly. Try not to ramble on, but also avoid being robotic in your answers—you don't want to sound as though you're reading from a script. If you feel it's appropriate, interject some humor into the conversation and ask the interviewer intelligent, applicable questions while remaining polite and professional.

• At the close of the interview, ask the interviewer when you can expect to hear back about his or her decision. If he or she does not provide you with a specific time, ask if it would be appropriate for you to follow up in a week or two.

• Before you attend your job interview, be sure that you are well-prepared. Know what you are getting into by researching the company beforehand and having a good idea of how you will respond to certain questions; this should help boost your confidence level. Remain calm and professional during the interview, but also allow some of your individual personality to shine through.

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• Introduction
• Step 1: Do Your Homework
• Step 2: Prepare and Practice
• Step 3: Dress for Success
• Step 4: Remain Calm
• Step 5: Be Yourself
• Step 6: Plan to Reconnect
• Conclusion