You finally have an interview! Your moment of truth has arrived. Whether your interview is in person or over the phone it is important to make the most of it.

Your objective in every interview should be to take yourself one step further toward generating the job offer. You can do that by doing your very best in each and every interview. Treat every interview as if it were the only one you will ever get with that company and your only opportunity to convince them that you are the right candidate for the position.

Successful interviewing begins with preparation. Read this Section and to be fully prepared before your first interview.

• Successful Interviewing: The key element to successful interviewing can be summed up in one word: attitude. If you want to rise above others with better experience or better anything, you will need to work on developing a highly positive work attitude.
  
  If you have the attitude of wanting to do your very best for the company, of being focused on the company's needs, of putting yourself forth as the person who will be committed and dedicated to fulfilling their needs, you will likely be the one chosen.
  
  
• Practice Makes Perfect: Before you go through an actual interview, you should first go through a mock interview. The mock interview is more than just a chance to work out your interview jitters. It is an opportunity to practice your interviewing technique and answers live. It is also a chance to hear constructive feedback from someone who (hopefully) can guide you toward improving your interviewing style and presentation.

• Insider Prep Technique: The very best thing you can do to prepare for an interview with a specific company is to interview someone who is already on the inside. There are two basic methods of finding this person. The first is to use your network. If the interview was the result of a network contact, call them to thank them for helping you set up the interview, then proceed to ask for further information about the company. If you don't have anyone on your first level that works at the company, ask those first level contacts if they know anyone who is working there.

• Dress for Success: Even though many companies have relaxed the internal company dress code, interviews still follow the conservative standard. Don't buck the trend. Go for quality over quantity.
  
  One or two well-chosen business suits will serve you all the way to the first day on the job and beyond. Then, when you are making some money (and have a chance to see what the standard "uniform" is for the company), you can begin to round out your wardrobe. For now, no one will fault you for wearing the same sharp outfit each time you interview. If you desire some variety within a limited budget, you might consider varying your shirt/blouse/tie/accessories as a simple way to change your look without breaking your wallet. For those of you, who need a quick review of the basics, please refer to Interview Attire.

• Proper Communication: Many interviews fail because of lack of proper communication. But communication is more than just what you say. Often it is the nonverbal communication that we are least aware of, yet speaks the loudest. Here are a few to be aware of:
  
  o Eye Contact - If you look away while listening, it shows lack of interest and a short attention span. If you fail to maintain eye contact while speaking, at a minimum it shows lack of confidence in what you are saying and at worst may send the subtle message that you are lying. Do not just assume you have good eye contact. Ask. Watch. Then practice.
  
  o Facial Expressions - Take a good, long, hard look at your self in the mirror. Look at yourself as others would. Then modify your facial expressions--first eliminate any negative overall characteristics that might exist, and then add a simple feature that nearly every interviewee forgets to include--a smile!
  
  o Posture - Posture sends out a signal of your confidence and power potential. When standing, stand up straight. When you are seated, make sure you sit at the front edge of the chair, leaning slightly forward, moving within an overall range of no more than 10 back or 20 forward, intent on the subject at hand.
  
  o Gestures - Contrary to popular belief, gestures should be very limited during the interview. When you do use gestures, make sure they are natural and meaningful.

Remember, successful interviewing requires a basic knowledge of the company you're engaging in interviews with, practical business attire and proper communication. So, dress for success, do your research and be prepared to communicate what you've learned about the company and how you feel you can make a positive contribution. Good Luck!