An interview need not be a stressful experience. Consider it a recognition of your assets and an opportunity to gain something valuable without risking anything but your time. Preparing yourself will make a big difference. Knowing you are among the few selected should increase your confidence and enthusiasm. Normally, only a small percentage of applicants for any job get interviews. Out of one hundred applicants for a job, an employer may interview only five. Now that you have a job interview, your objective is to convey your confidence and enthusiasm during the interview.

Here are some guidelines on how to prepare for the interview:

• Review what you know about the employer and the job before the interview. Research the company online. Make notes of important facts about the company or organization. Review the job description thoroughly and create a short list of questions you would like to ask during the interview.

• Find out in advance the name and title of the person who will interview you. For some positions, you may be interviewed by more than one person. If you know the names in advance, you won't forget them after being introduced. Call the employer's personnel office a day or so before the interview to find out who will conduct it.

• Prepare yourself psychologically. Convince yourself you are the best possible candidate for the job. Prepare yourself to talk about your job-related accomplishments. You will want to project competence, a positive attitude, honesty, self-confidence, motivation, and enthusiasm.

• Look your best. Clean, conservative clothes are the rule. Interview clothing varies depending on the job you want, the company image, and your own comfort with your personal appearance. Leave jeans, tee shirts, and fancy dresses in the closet along with the sneakers. A clean, well-groomed appearance will increase your self-confidence and make a favorable impression. Your hair needs to be clean and neat, fingernails clean and trimmed, wear minimal jewelry and polished shoes. Go light on any scents.

• Prepare the items you will need to bring. You will need copies of your resume, completed Job Application Worksheet, a list of your references, a pen in case there are any forms or tests to be completed, and a pad of paper for notes.

• Plan your transportation. If necessary, visit the site of the interview in advance so you will not have trouble finding the right location and finding parking. You should plan to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early.

• Practice your greeting. When you arrive at the personnel office, introduce yourself and tell the receptionist you have an appointment for an interview. Give the time of the appointment and the name of the person who will interview you, if you know it. Greet your interviewer by name, shake hands firmly and introduce yourself. Don't use your interviewer's first name unless you are asked to.

• Prepare your interview responses in advance. Many interviewers ask general questions you can prepare responses to in advance. Be prepared to discuss your accomplishments and how they relate to the job.

• Practice. The more practice you get, the better prepared you will be. So, you should rehearse in front of a mirror or a friend. Some employment agencies provide interview counseling. Some career exploration classes at schools and colleges offer help in practicing your interviewing skills. Take advantage of any opportunity to practice and perfect your interviewing skills.

Never turn down an interview even if the job is not exactly what you want. You will be able to:

• Practice your interviewing techniques.

• Establish useful networking contacts. The ideal position may become available with the employer or someone else they know.