Once you're fortunate enough to land an in–person interview, it's important to prepare for the meeting. Here are some tips:

• Organize the night before. Your interview clothing, briefcase and portfolio should all be prepared. Make time for a good night's rest.
• Know the exact place and time of the meeting, the interviewer's full name (including correct pronunciation) and his or her title.
• Research the company through the Internet or library to learn pertinent facts such as annual sales revenue, principal lines of business and locations.
• Be prepared to ask questions of the hiring manager during the interview. Base these questions on your research to show that you've done your homework.
• Look your professional best. Wear business attire in neutral colors and be conservative in your use of fragrance, cosmetics and jewelry.
• Bring several copies of your resume and a list of references.

It's also essential to understand the main hiring considerations from your interviewer's perspective. These include:

Can you do the job? Interviewers want to know if you have the ability to handle the basic responsibilities of the role. They're interested in the skills you have and your relevant work experience.

Do you really want the job? Companies want to hire someone who is genuinely enthusiastic about the opportunity. Your attitude and the questions you ask will indicate the sincerity of your interest and how motivated you are to land the position.

Will you fit in? An employer wants to gain a sense of how well you'd fit in with the corporate culture. Be yourself and let your personality shine through. Our Workplace Culture Calculator also can help you assess your match with an organization.