You have circulated your resume to more companies and organizations than you have kept an account of. You constantly scan the want ads sections of newspapers and check web sites for job postings. Family and friends offer suggestions and tips on where to look for a job and provide referrals. Finally your wait and search seems to pay off when you receive a telephone call to schedule an interview with one of the companies you sent your resume to.

Your heart start pounding and you are overjoyed at the prospect of a job. Your jubilation soon turns to reality when you suddenly realize that you know very little, if anything, about the company you are about to interview with. Question pops in your head and you become very concerned that you may not be ready for the interview. You ask yourself, "what should I do and where should I start". The first thing you should do is not panic. Remember the five Ps (proper, preparation, prevents, poor, performance) and you will do fine.

The interview is an important part of the job search process. The employer is indicating an interest in you working for them and it provides both you and the employer an opportunity to see if you will fit in the organization. The interview is a conversation designed to show the employer that you have the skills, background, experience, ability and knowledge to do the job. It also provides you with an opportunity to learn more about the company, the position, the work environment and future career opportunities. You will have a limited amount of time to discuss ways you can meet the organization's needs. If they are serious about you, you will probably be interviewed twice before being offered a position.

In these times when employers have many more applications than job openings, you must remember that good interviewing techniques and skills can mean the difference between a job offer and a rejection. Following are ten steps that will help you start preparing for your interview.

Research The Potential Employer
Interest and initiative are qualities every employer desire and look for in an applicant and employee. Your ability to discuss the company, organization or agency-its products and services or its position in the industry-will show the interviewer that you have done your homework. Researching the organization will also help you determine whether your goals, skills and educational background will fit the organization. Look at the organization's website, news articles, press releases, and do an Internet or database search on the company, organization or agency to get as much background information as possible. If you know who you are interviewing with try to find out as much information about their professional background and experiences as possible.

For example if preparing to interview with a company you would review a company's annual report and brochures since they are good sources of information. If you can't get a copy of the annual report, go to the library and check such reference books as Dun & Bradstreet or Moody. Review various business publications such as, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Fortune, Barron's, Business Week, for articles about the company and its competitors. Also check the company's web site for helpful information about the company. In addition, be well read on the industry you want to work in and on current business events.

Prepare Yourself for Routine Questions
One of the easiest aspects of interviewing is stock questions. "Tell me about you" is a frequently asked query. Instead of responding, "I was born...., begin with a positive statement about yourself, such as, During my years in college or on my current or last job I discovered that I have good leadership and supervisory skills". Be prepared to elaborate if questioned further regarding your skills and provide examples of what you have accomplished. You want to discuss your achievements, your ability to produce results and your success stories. Don't try to memorize answers to questions before hand. It is best to think about your answers to questions and formulate replies that will fit the situation.

Be Confident
Before you can convince anyone to hire you; you have to believe that you are capable of doing the job. Carry yourself with an air of confidence. Sit erect and look the interviewer squarely in the eye. Do not slouch. Walk crisply and look alive. Be sure to read your own resume and portfolio before the interview. Describe your activities, experiences, knowledge and skills in a creative, action-oriented way. Get a good night's sleep the night before so you will be relaxed. Take a few minutes before the interview to give yourself a final pep talk in private.

Dress The Part
Be neat and well groomed and dressed appropriately. An interview is neither the place nor time to do your own thing or be your own person. Dress to fit the occasion. Try on your clothes the night before so there will not be any surprises. If you are not sure of the company's dress code, your outfit should be fairly conservative. Make sure your hairstyle and jewelry are not distracting. You want the interviewer to concentrate on you, not on what you are wearing.

Be Personable
The interview starts before you even get into the inner sanctum. The recruiter begins to evaluate you the minute you are identified. Greeting the interviewer with a smile and a handshake will probably be expected of you, so act accordingly. Don't be afraid to extend your hand first. This shows assertiveness. Many recruiters begin the interview with small talk. Even though the small talks seem informal and relaxed, you are being evaluated. First impressions often are the most important so this is a time to establish a rapport with the interview.

Be Honest
When you get into the interview, keep your responses direct and honest. Know your resume details and state them concisely. Describe your experience, skills, abilities, and educational background honestly and resist the temptation to inflate your experience, grade point average or exaggerate your academic achievements. If something in your medical record might cause concern about your ability to do the job, be honest about the information.

Ask Questions
Remember that the interview is a two-way exchange. Write down the questions you want to ask. Use the opportunity to find out as much about the company as you can so you can determine if this is the organization you want to work for. Prepare a list of crucial questions before the interview. Ask questions that will allow you to sell yourself. Ask questions about the position you are interviewing for. You need to know what is required of the person in the position to see if there is fit for your interests and qualifications. Ask questions concerning advancement and promotions and where the promotion path is to see if it fit your career goals.

Don't Ask About Salary
Do not ask specific questions about salary or benefits unless the interviewer brings it up first. Find out as much as you can about the salary range before the interview. If the interviewer brings up salary during the interview, stress job satisfaction and state that the salary is negotiable or that your expectation seems to be within or close to their range.

Be Enthusiastic
If you are genuinely impressed with a company's management, the career growth possibilities and the potential salary the prospective employer might provide, do not make the mistake of playing down your enthusiasm. By trying not to appear overeager or desperate for employment, you may leave doubts as to whether you would accept the position if offered. Show your interest and enthusiasm in a cool and professional manner.

The Close
The interview is not over until you walk out the door. The conclusion of the interview usually last a few minutes and is very important. During this time the interviewer may be assessing your overall performance as well as how you handled yourself during the last few minutes. Remain enthusiastic and courteous. Shake the recruiter's hand and thank her or him for considering you. Send a follow up letter within 48 hours of the interview expressing your gratitude that the executive took the time to talk with you. This letter also provides you another opportunity to express your interest in the job.

Some additional strategies and helpful hints to use during your interview process include the following:

Whether this is your first job search or interview or you are a veteran who's looking for a better job, interviews provide you an opportunity to practice selling yourself and to get a sense of what employers are looking for. If you choose not to take the job or the interviewer decides to hire someone else, brush yourself off and keeping looking. There is a job out there for you, and with a positive attitude, talent, skills, knowledge and good interviewing skills you are bound to land it.