Preparation is the key for a successful job interview. The better you are prepared, the greater confidence you will have and the better you will do. There are both big and small things to think of during your preparation.

Decide what you will wear in advance and look over the outfit. That way, if something is wrong - wrinkles, a stain you did not know was there - you will have enough time to take care of the problem or find an alternative.

Write down the date and time of your interview, the company’s address, and the interviewer’s name and phone number. Write it all down on a piece of paper or a card you will not misplace. Get all your paperwork ready: resume (it’s a good idea to bring several copies), references, ID’s, and everything else you might need.

Make sure you know enough about the company. If you don’t, look them up on the Internet and do some research. This is important, even if you are applying for a purely administrative position. Do not assume that filing and typing are the same anywhere, so who cares what exactly the company does. Interviewers care. They might start the interview with this very question: “What do you know about our company?” You do not have to be an expert on every product they make and every contract they’ve signed, but you need to be able to demonstrate some basic knowledge and understanding of their work. Check how long they have been on the market, how big they are, whether they work internationally and where.

Prepare emotionally. Calm down. Tell yourself that there is nothing to be nervous about. You know who you are, you have done your research about the company, and you know your qualifications. What is it that you fear? That you will not get the job? Yes, this is a possibility, even if you do your best during the interview - and it’s not the end of the world. You cannot guess what exactly the employer is looking for, and even if you could, your trying to please them and make a certain impression would look fake. So you will be yourself and represent yourself truthfully, and if that’s not what they want, you will move on without regrets.

With that settled, the next step is to prepare for the questions and answers. You will be asked about your education, qualifications, and work experience. Be ready to tell about your previous jobs, what exactly you did there, what you liked the most about your work and what you found challenging. Do not ramble or mumble; speak clearly and to the point. Keep the balance between confidently stating your merits but not bragging. Interviewers like asking to name your strongest and weakest points; do not tell them that you don’t have any weaknesses. Even if you are faultless, the interviewer will not believe it, so you’d better think of this in advance and be prepared to answer the question.

If you had quit your previous job or were laid off, you will be probably asked why it happened. Badmouthing the company or the boss is not a good idea, even if you were mistreated. Think of a civil and polite way to explain what took place. Interviewers are smart people and good psychologists; they know that all kinds of situations happen in life, and they want mature people who can deal with them rationally.

Usually, when the interviewer is done asking questions, they will give you a chance to ask yours. “Is there anything you would like to ask about the job or the company?” This is another thing you need to think of in advance. People who do not use the opportunity to ask questions are perceived as weak and uncertain. If your questions were answered during the course of the interview, say so and briefly go over them. While you do this, try to come up with something else to ask, but do not stress over it. The most important thing is not to say simply “No” when the interviewer asks whether you have any questions.

One question not to ask is something along the lines of, “So will get the job?” At this point, they do not know and cannot promise you anything, so your lack of patience shows lack of professionalism.

When you are done, follow up with a polite e-mail that thanks the interviewer for their time and expresses the hope to hear from them. Do not pester them with numerous e-mails or phone calls, it will not do any good. If they want you they’ll call. And if they don’t - see above: it’s not the end of the world. You have done your best, and you will move on without regrets.