Talk with your friends and colleagues to see if they are familiar with the company. Do they know anyone who has interviewed with the company?

Find out as much as possible about the job duties and requirements of the position.

Do an internet search and see if the employer has a website. Read their company history and mission statement. Do they specialize in a particular field? Who is the owner or company president? This will help you ask intelligent questions and show knowledge about their organization.

Step 2: Do a Pre-Interview Self Assessment.
Are you able to convey to your prospective employer positive information about yourself? Do you convey confidence and professionalism?

Make a list of your skills and personality traits that would be of benefit to the employer. Make a list of possible interview questions and practice answering them out loud with family, friends or the career counselor. Be able to give specific examples to anticipated interview questions and not just general statements. Why they should hire you? Tell me a little about yourself? Tell me about your training at PCI? What do you enjoy doing the most/least? Why do you want to work here? What were your duties at your last job? Ask for critiques of your delivery style and communication skills.

Step 3: The Actual Interview.

DRESS FOR THE INTERVIEW NOT THE JOB

Dress appropriately in professional business attire. This is defiantly not the time to be making any trendy fashion statements.

Carry an extra copy of your resume, academic records and personal references.

Arrive 15 minutes early. Don't arrive way too early (makes you look desperate for a job) and never ever arrive late. Lateness is an employment killer and sign that you are unreliable. Plan enough slack time so you won't be rushed before the big interview. Use this time to relax and observe how the staff and others in the office interact.
Always present yourself in a confident manor - walk briskly, with purpose, and stand up straight.

Complete the job application completely and don't leave any blank spaces. Never lie on an application!

When you meet the interviewer look him or her in the eye and give a firm handshake. Be yourself. Be confident but not arrogant. Try to relax and make the interviewer feel relaxed. Remain positive and enthusiastic. Speak clearly. Don't talk too much or too little. Listen carefully to the interviewers questions.

Ask questions as though you already have the job - What would a typical day be like? When will the job start? Who will be my supervisor? etc. Do not make your first question what's the salary.

Remember to focus upon your accomplishments and achievements. If you are really interested in the job, let the interviewer know about it.

Step 4: The Post Interview

The interview process doesn't end when you walk out the door!

Be sure to write a thank you letter. Thank the interviewer for their time and the opportunity to interview with their company. If you really want the job, say so in the letter.

If you have not heard anything within a week to 10 days, you may want to call. Assure them that you are not trying to be pushy, but that you are just interested in working for their company.

Even If you are not hired, send a thank you letter to the company and ask them to keep you in mind for any other similar job openings in the future. You may want to ask the interviewer if there was any specific reason as to why you weren't hired. Ensure them that you only want to know this information to assist you in your future job searches.