You've already impressed the potential employer with your stellar resume and now they'd like to discuss your possible position amongst their field of players. Sitting through an interview can be an anxiety laden experience or it can be an exciting chance to meet new people and expand your business network. Your perception of the interview and the interviewing process can be the difference between being a nervous mess or being a knowledgeable, friendly name that the company wants to have printed on their business cards. Here are a few simple, straightforward suggestions for a successful interview:

1. Research, research, research. Find out as much as you can about the company, its history, its direction and vision for the future, and the key players. You will be prepared to ask questions of your own, which will show your keen interest in the company. Use what you learn to show how well and why you will be the perfect addition to their team.

2. Many companies today accept resumes and applications online. When printed, it's not normally the most flattering layout. Print a hard copy of your resume, along with any other information you think the employer may want to see, such as writing samples or reference letters. Be sure to spell check everything, and even have another person proof read for you to make sure what you hand over is perfect. Present them to the interviewer in a professional portfolio. This will show the interviewer that you care about how you present yourself, even on paper.

3. Dress appropriately. Wear clothes that fit well and flatter you. Avoid clothing that is too baggy or too tight. Belt and shoes should match. Go easy on the makeup and perfume, ladies. Men, don't overdo it with aftershave or cologne. Some people would say to avoid perfume and cologne altogether, since there's no way of knowing to what your interviewer may be allergic. Also, if you are a smoker, do not smoke on your way to the interview. Non-smokers can smell cigarettes from a mile away. Just look and smell clean. It's respectful not to smell like you took a dip in a perfume vat or spent an hour sitting in a smoky bar prior to your interview.

4. Arrive for your interview at least 15 minutes early. Give yourself plenty of time for travel, accounting for time of day, rush hour, and any road construction that may be going on. If you're traveling a good distance, plan your route ahead of time to avoid getting lost and losing valuable time. Getting lost and being late for an interview could be detrimental to landing the job. Employers may see this as a sign that you lack preparation skills or that their time isn't important to you, and that is not the message you want to send.

Learn more about this author, Pam Mistyhn.
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