You've been invited to an interview! Nervous? It's only natural. But you'll feel more at ease if you go to the interview prepared. Learn all you can about the company you are interviewing with and consider these tips.

• Dress appropriately. Professional attire that makes no bold statements is best. You want to look well-groomed, responsible and neat without letting your clothing or your appearance do your talking for you.
• Arrive on time. Map out your route, and an alternate route, ahead of time, to be sure you know where you're going. Allow yourself plenty of time to get there, find parking and collect your thoughts before you go in. This is your chance to make a good first impression as a responsible, conscientious person.
• Listen to questions carefully and answer them directly. Don't ramble, but don't answer with just a "yes" or "no." A good interviewer will ask questions that require some thought. See the list of commonly asked interview questions later in this section to help you prepare.
• Ask questions. It's your chance to find out whether the job fits your expectations and to prove your interest in the company.
• Avoid talking about salary and benefits. That's a subject best left for a second interview, or, better yet, a job offer.
• Offer a firm handshake at the beginning and end of the interview, and maintain eye contact during your discussions. You want the employer to know you are confident.
• Send a thank-you note. This simple idea is often overlooked by job seekers, so it can give you an edge over the competition. It also gives you a chance to say something you may have forgotten during the interview, and it shows the employer that you are courteous and interested.

A List of Commonly Asked Interview Questions

1. Tell me about yourself. Keep your answer brief. The interviewer doesn't want to know about your grandmother's birthplace or how many pets you own. He or she is interested in your goals, experience, interests and communication skills.
2. What are your strengths/weaknesses? Emphasize your good traits and those that relate to the job for which you're interviewing. You can mention an area that you're working to improve or one in which you have recently made great strides.
3. Why do you want to work here? This is a good chance to mention how you can apply your skills, interests and goals to the job.
4. Why should we hire you? Take this opportunity to highlight the unique qualities you can bring to the job.
5. What would you do in (a particular situation)? Don't be afraid to say that you would ask questions of your supervisor and approach each challenge as a learning opportunity.