You do not have to be nervous during an interview. Remember, not only are you being interviewed, but you are also interviewing the person who has the job opening. Be very positive when you meet the interviewer by extending a firm handshake and keeping an enthusiastic smile.

• Interview Preparation - Confirm the time and place for the interview and arrive on time. Be sure you know the name and title and the correct pronunciation of the name of the person you are to meet for the interview. Do a little homework and learn as much as you can about the hiring company. Learn the principal products that are produced, their various locations (as applicable), and the facts about their annual sales revenue. Plan your questions to ask during the interview. These questions will aid in the evaluation of your professional as well as personal needs. The more you know in advance about the company and the position, the better the interview process can be conducted.
• The Application - Prior to the interview, you will probably be asked to fill out a job application. This is required by most companies. Fill out the application neatly and as completely as possible. Do not make statements to refer to your resume.
• The Interview - Remember first, the interview is used to determine the right match for the open position. Relax and be yourself. Both you and the interviewer are out to achieve the same goal. Greet your interviewer using his or her last name (if you know the correct pronunciation); if you do not know, ask them to repeat their name. Show a positive and energetic appearance. Act like you are genuinely glad to meet with your interviewer and to learn more about the company. It is customary to wait to be offered a chair before sitting. Be a good listener, speak clearly, and look in the eyes of your interviewer when speaking. Your qualifications will be discussed to determine if a mutually rewarding professional working relationship can be formed. Also remember, you are interviewing to see if there will be opportunities for your personal growth and development. Follow the interviewers lead but try to get the duties and responsibilities of the position identified early in the interview as you apply your background, skills, and accomplishments to the position. Stay positive and talk in a determined manner to get the job. Discuss ideas and future opportunities giving positive feedback. Provide more than a simple yes or no answers to show that you have creativity and initiative. Avoid the discussion of political or controversial issues. If this situation should arise, do more listening than speaking to avoid a potential awkward situation. Wait until a second interview before discussing any monetary questions unless the interview is extremely positive and you know the employer is interested in hiring you. If the interviewer asks your required salary, indicate what you have earned in your previous position but that your interest is opportunity more than a specific salary.
• Closing the Interview - Thank the interviewer for the time spent for the opportunity to discuss your qualifications for the position and that you look forward to hearing from them soon, if you are interested in the position. Inform the interviewer that you are confident that you could do an excellent job for them in this position and that you hope that they will give you consideration for this position.