1.  Learn as much as you can about the company beforehand—know its products and services, its profit margin, its management, its culture, its dress code, and anything else you can think of. Good sources are your career services center, a college or public library, and the Internet.

2.  Do practice interviews with a career counselor, friends, and family members—or with yourself, in front of a mirror. Many career services centers offer workshops, mock interviews, or one-on-one coaching. Some even make videotapes of mock interviews.

3.  Think about how your experience in work, classes, and activities can relate to the job you’re seeking.

4.  Display confidence through your posture, dress, walk, energy, and eye contact.

5.  Shake hands firmly but only if a hand is offered to you first.

6.  Let the interviewer start the dialogue.

7.  Listen carefully.

8.  Welcome all questions, even the difficult ones, with a smile.

9.  Develop answers in your head before you respond. If you don't understand a question, ask for it to be repeated or clarified. You don't have to rush, but you don't want to appear indecisive.

10.  Give honest, direct answers.

11.  Allow plenty of time to get to the interview and, if possible, visit the site in advance and time how long it takes to get there.

12.  Plan your interview attire in advance and make sure your clothing is pressed, your shoes are shined, and your hair and nails are well groomed.

13.  Bring extra copies of your resume and a list of references.

14.  Speak slowly and clearly and don’t be afraid to pause for a moment to collect your thoughts.

15.  Be honest. Don’t try to cover up mistakes. Instead, focus on how you learned from them.

16.  Be assertive. Remember that the interview is a way for you to learn if the job is right for you.

17.  Ask the interviewer for a business card and send a thank-you note or e-mail as soon as possible.