The most important step in getting that job is meeting the potential employer for an interview. The first step that an applicant has successfully completed was sending your application and passing the screening process of the company.

The employer got the resume through a variety of sources that can be from an ad that was posted, a referral from a friend or a headhunter, or by a person who simply submitted an application by logging on the company’s website.

Here are a few tips that will help in having a successful interview;

• Do your research. Before going to an interview, it is best to do research about the company one is applying to. One place to find credible information on the company and its management is Hoover's Online. Find out about competitors, too!

• Practice with a friend or family member expected questions and difficult responses so that you won't choke when the interviewer hits you with the BIG one. Practice is seriously underrated.

• Go early. When you go for an interview, it is best to always arrive 10 to 15 minutes ahead of time. This shows employers that you are punctual. Believe us, it counts! Employers secretly count this as one the top attributes of a good potential employee no matter the other job qualifications are.

• Bring an extra copy of your resume. When meeting an employer, you should bring an extra copy of your resume and any other documents that you'll think you'll need. Do you really want to fumble a single copy of something back and forth while you are try to stay cool?

• Carry a good portfolio or laptop case. Architects, actors, writers, photographers, and anyone whose work requires a portfolio or one of a kind samples or work should have these materials in a solid, impressive portfolio or laptop case or  sleeve to make handling easy and to impress the potential new boss! 

• Dress appropriately. Better yet, dress better than appropriately. This shows the interviewer that you care enough to make serious effort, and you put the interviewer's mind at ease about nightmare wardrobes. Everybody knows that offices are business casual these days, but reassure the interviewer that you won't be showing up to client meetings in flipflops or tennies. Don't laugh, it happens.

• Get a Haircut or Visit the Hairdresser. Well groomed hair (and nails) are two of the cheapest investments in your future that you can make. for the interview.

• Take it down a notch. Whatever "it" is, tone it down. It could be a lot of shiny jewelry, bright colors, crazy ties, short dresses. Keeping office dress professional is always a good idea, but everyone has that little quirk that once they get to know you, it won't be a big deal, but wearing an orange dayglo minidress to an interview is going to cost you points, no matter how charming, efficient, or qualified you are.

• Smile and greet the interviewer with a firm (but not bone crushing) handshake. Job interviewees tend to underestimate simple things such as a nice smile or a friendly, but firm handshake. Remember, interviewers are people too, and who doesn't like a good smile?

• Listen. Taking notes is great, but listening is better. Use listening as an opportunity to find out more about what the interviewer wants. Every single job is unique, and HR doesn't always get it right when it posts jobs.

• Answer truthfully. This is the one that gives everyone the sweats, but remember, everyone hates being lied to, and if your interviewer gives you the job and finds out you lied, he or she will never forgive, and it may even get you fired. Answering truthfully does not mean giving the interviewer every gory detail of your intimate private life. Be succinct, be professional, be truthful.

• Sell yourself. If you are one of those people who proudly swear that you will never sell yourself, maybe you should reconsider. Anyone trying to convince others is selling. Selling yourself, without unnecessary bragging and without lies, gives the interviewer a chance to see how wonderful you are and how confident.

• Ask for the job. No, it is not obvious that you want the job. The only thing obvious about an interview is that you showed up. Maybe your mother or your wife or husband threatened to divorce you if you didn't start looking for a job. Maybe your mom threatened to kick you out. Letting the interviewer know, in firm and clear terms, that YOU, unlike all of the above actually want the job and will do a good job, for the interviewer and the company.

• Thank the interviewer. Details, details. The jobs are in the details.