Okay, so you got your fabulous resume out there, received a call and "poof" you have an interview. Going to an interview can be a nerve wracking task for many people even highly seasoned professionals. The best way to combat any nerves is to be well-prepared.

Let’s put a mantra out there, "The key to a great interview is preparation."

So the next question you are asking is How do I prepare?

Start at home. Research the company you will interviewing at. Look at their web page, find out what the company goals and mottoes are. If they have profiles of people that work there, read them to see what they are looking for in a team member. If they have a careers section, look up the job description that is for the job you applied for. They key is to know what they want. If you know your interviewer’s name, then do an internet search on them as well, find out what makes them tick, find out some of their interests.

Once you have done all the researching you can do, make sure you have the correct address, phone number and time of your interview. Prepare to be there at least 15 minutes early. NEVER be late, this will show them that you likely will not be on time if you work there and may give them an easy choice between another candidate and you. Always bring a copy of your resume and cover letter in case the interviewer could not print yours out, or if HR did not give it to them.

On interview day: Dress appropriately, sometimes HR will tell you how to dress, but if no instructions, dress in a business suit or find out what is appropriate for the industry. For instance if your interview is in the fashion industry-you can be a little more trendy. Sometimes wearing a distinctive broach or piece of jewelry can make you stand out and can spark some added conversation. Make sure you wear deodorant and smell nice. (I know this seems obvious, but I have interviewed people that did not smell so great).

When you arrive, if there is a reception desk, go to reception and politely say your name and who you are there to see. Always be courteous and friendly to the receptionist-they give feedback to the higher ups on how you arrived. If you are rude, they will definitely let the interviewer know and you will be out of the running. Also, please turn off your cell phone before you arrive at the company. Nothing is more off-putting then a cell phone ringing in the middle of interviewing someone (especially if they answer it).

If they give you an application to fill out before seeing the interviewer, please do not complain about it or tell them that they already have your resume. This is their procedure to have you on file correctly. If there are tests, again don’t complain about them, do not cheat off anyone, make sure your writing is legible. If in doubt about anything, just ask.

When you finally meet the interviewer, give them a firm-but not the squeeze your hand till it falls off handshake, just a nice firm, quick handshake and look them in the eye as introductions are being made. When you get to their office, do not sit until you are asked to sit. This is common courtesy.

They may give you the question, "So tell me about yourself". Now in your preparation you should have gone through your work accomplishments and you can discuss these. If the interviewer wants some personal interests information, discuss interests that you may have in common with the interviewer. Hopefully in researching this person, you found some common ones, but don’t tell them that you Google-d them, just mention your interest and hopefully they will say, "oh I love to do that to". That is rapport building. If you could not dig up anything on them, you could look at their office and they may have a golf themed business card holder, or pictures of children, etc.

They may ask some behavioural questions about what would you do in this situation, etc. To answer these just prepare ahead of time and go over what you have done in each past position.

When they are asking specifics about previous jobs, go over your accomplishments stating numbers and statistics. Make sure to mention awards. Never interrupt the interviewer when they are talking, be a good listener too.

The important thing in an interview is to be yourself, don’t lie, be confident maintain eye contact. Another good tip is to lean forward when the interviewer is talking, this shows interest in what they are saying.

At the end of the interview, if they ask you if you have any questions, you can ask about the company itself. You could say for example, I understand that your company goal is to be the best in the business, how are you working to achieve that goal currently. You could also add in how you could assist with that.

You can also ask them how they think you did and what your chances might be. This shows interest. Interviewers want someone who is serious and interested in the job. At the end, thank the interviewer for their time and shake their hand again. Also thank the receptionist on your way out as well. When you get home. Write a thank you note and mail it to the interviewer, send an email as well in case the card gets lost in the mail.

For more information on job hunting you can go to www.wannagoodjob.com

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