Step 1. Do your homework.

Take the necessary steps to land an interview. Do thorough pre-interview research to learn whatever you can about the business and its products, services or publications. Give yourself enought time before the interview to get prepared. Here are some pre-interview suggestions:

• Develop a well designed, well written, error-free resume
• Visit a career center on campus to review your resume, find information on companies or schedule an on-campus interview.
• Network. Let people know you are looking for a job. Someone may open a door for you.
• Develop a portfolio.
• Organize your thoughts and rehearse what you plan to say in the interview about what you want to do.
• Think of your past activities in terms of managerial, executive and professional skills. Determine when you have used these skills in previous jobs. This will help you answer the interview questions effectively and confidently.
• Brainstorm questions you think the interviewer may ask.
• Prepare some questions to ask the interviewer about the job and the company.

Step 2. Show time.

Now is your chance to let the interviewer know why you'd be a great hire. It's show time, and you're on stage. Consider this a timed event. You have 20 to 30 minutes, maybe a bit less. Summarize your strengths in one or two sentences. Demonstrate what you know and what an asset you would be to the company.

• Take several copies of your resume. The interviewer may have misplaced the original copy, and you may meet someone else who should have a copy.
• Bring a pen and paper. You may want to write a few notes during or after the interview.
• Arrive 10 minutes early.
• Don't smoke cigarettes or chew gum.
• Listen carefully.
• Be honest when answering questions and giving information about yourself.
• Try to "read" the interviewer and respond accordingly.
• Ask the interviewer clear questions.
• Show your interest in the company. Ask specific questions. Show that you have done your research.

Step 3. Make the deal.

The interview isn't over when you step out of the room. You must follow up to stay in the minds of the people with whom you interview. Follow through and finish the deal.

• Keep a record of the interview for future reference. Written records make it easier to keep track of the companies and people.
• Write a brief thank-you letter. Begin by thanking the interviewer for meeting with you. Reaffirm your interest in the job and tell the interviewer why he or she should hire you. Briefly summarize things you have done that qualify you for the job. Close by saying you look forward to receiving the decision.
• Contact your references and tell them you have interviewed for a job. Tell them about the company, job descriptions and requirements.
• Review the interview and evaluate your performance.
• Prepare to be interviewed a second time.
• Prepare to respond to an offer.

The dress-for-success code.

When you interview, it's dress-up time. Wear traditional, conservative clothing. You may consider it a costume, but the business world expects it. Pay particular attention to personal grooming.

• Clothing: for men, a two-piece dark suit with a white or pale colored shirt and a toned-down tie; for women, a tailored dress or skirted suit in a conservative color with a simple blouse.
• Shoes: be sure your shoes are either new or polished well and in excellent repair. Match shoe color with your belt.
• Hosiery: for men, wear dark socks of the same color as the suit; for women, only sheer hose in a neutral shade.
• Perfume, cologne: avoid strong scents, and don't overdo it.
• Jewelry: remember, less is more. For men, no bracelets, earrings or large rings; for women, avoid anything that draws attention away from you.
• Grooming: wear makeup conservatively; make sure your nails are well manicured.