Before going for an interview, you need to have a good preparation in order to get your dream job. There are a number of steps you can take before (and after) the interview to ensure that you make a terrific impression on your potential employer.

Analyze the Job
Review and analyze the job posting to understand and list down the skills, knowledge, and professional and personal qualities that the company is seeking in candidate.

Make a Match
When you have list of qualifications for the job, you start matching your skills to the list that you just created. These skills can be computer skills, experiences, certifications, abilities….. Use some experience that you used to have in your previous jobs or your study as an example to explain the skill that you mention to the recruiter. Also, tell the recruiter some of your achievements when you explain why you are an excellent fit for the job.
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Review the job requirements, your list of strengths, and your examples prior to the interview so that you’re prepared to share them during the interview.

This preparation will help you be ready to answer job-specific interview questions and behavioral interview questions designed to determine if you have the knowledge, skills, and qualities needed to perform the job.

Research the Company
Before you attend a job interview, it’s important to find out as much as you can about not only the job, but also the company. Company research is a critical part of interview preparation. It will help you prepare to answer interview questions about the company and to ask the interviewer questions about the company. You will also be able to find out whether the company and its culture are a good fit for you.
You can find these information in “About us” or reviews from clients, or from current or former employees.

Practice Interviewing
Take the time to practice answering interview questions you will probably be asked. This will also help calm your nerves because you won’t be scrambling for an answer while in the interview hot seat.

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Practice interviewing with a friend or family member ahead of time, and it will be much easier when you’re actually in a job interview.

Try to conduct the practice interview in the same format as the real interview. For example, if it is a phone interview, ask a friend to call you to practice answering questions over the phone. If it is a panel interview, ask a couple of friends to pretend to be a panel.

If you’re interviewing virtually, be sure that you’re comfortable with the technology, review common job interview questions and answers, and think about how you will respond, so you are prepared to answer.

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If you’re asked to give a presentation during your interview, review these tips for how to ace a job interview presentation.

Get Your Interview Clothes Ready
Don’t wait until the last minute to make sure your interview clothes are ready. Have an interview outfit ready to wear at all times, so you don’t have to think about what you’re going to wear while you’re scrambling to get ready for a job interview.

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Regardless of the type of job you’re interviewing for, that first impression should be a great one. When dressing for an interview for a professional position, dress accordingly in business attire.

If you’re applying for a job in a more casual environment, such as a store or restaurant, it’s still important to be neat, tidy, and well-groomed, and to present a positive image to the employer.
It is also important to think about your makeup and accessories when dressing for an interview.

Decide What to Do With Your Hair
How you style your hair for a job interview is almost as important as the interview clothes you wear. After all, the interviewer is going to notice everything about you, including your interview attire, hairstyle, and makeup, and you only have seconds to make a great impression.

Research hairstyles for short, medium, and long hair for inspiration on what to do with your hair when you’re interviewing.

What to Bring to a Job Interview
It’s important to know what to bring (and what not to bring) to a job interview. Items to bring include a portfolio with extra copies of your resume, a list of references, a list of questions to ask the interviewer, and something to write on and with.
It’s also important to know what not to bring, including your cellphone (or at least turn your phone off), a cup of coffee, gum, or anything else beyond yourself and your credentials.

Practice Interview Etiquette
Proper interview etiquette is important. Remember to greet the receptionist, your interviewer, and everyone else you meet politely, pleasantly, and enthusiastically.

During the interview:
Watch your body language
Shake hands firmly
Make eye contact as you articulate your points
Pay attention
Be attentive
Look interested
This is something you can work on in your practice interviews.

There are also specific etiquette tips depending on the type of interview you have, for example, a lunch or dinner interview, a panel interview, a phone interview, or a video interview.

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The more positive an impression you make, the better you’ll do during the job interview.

Get Directions
If you’re interviewing in-person, it’s important to know ahead of time where you need to go for your job interview. That way, you’ll avoid running late to the interview. Use Google Maps or a similar app to get directions if you’re not sure where you are going.

Program your GPS, if you have one, so you can find the best route to the company. Check on parking, if it’s likely to be an issue.

If you have the time, it’s a good idea to do a practice run a day or two before the interview. That way, you’ll be sure about where you are going and how long it will take to get there. Give yourself a few extra minutes and arrive a little early for the interview.

You may also want to confirm the interview time and place, just to be sure you’re heading in the right direction.

Listen and Ask Questions
During a job interview, listening is just as important as answering questions. If you’re not paying attention, you’re not going to be able to give a good response.

It’s important to listen to the interviewer, pay attention, and take time, if you need it, to compose an appropriate answer. It’s also important to discuss your qualifications in a way that will impress the interviewer.

Also, be ready to engage the interviewer. You want there to be a give and take in the conversation, so you’re building a relationship with the interviewer rather than just providing rote responses to questions. Have questions of your own ready to ask the interviewer.

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Toward the end of the interview, let the recruiter know that you believe the job is an excellent fit and that you are highly interested.

You’ll know if the interview went well if it runs longer than 30 minutes, you discuss salary, or you get an invitation to a second interview.

Follow Up With a Thank You Note
Follow up a job interview with a thank-you note or email reiterating your interest in the job.
Consider your thank-you letter as a follow-up “sales” letter. Restate why you want the job, what your qualifications are, how you might make significant contributions, and so on.

This thank-you letter is also the perfect opportunity to discuss anything of importance that your interviewer neglected to ask or that you neglected to answer as thoroughly, or as well, as you would have liked.