What To Bring
Be prepared to bring along at least two clean copies of your resume to the interview. You may be interviewed by more than one person, and you will want to make sure these additional interviewers have clean copies of your presentation (rather than a photocopied version). You also may be required to complete an application. Having your résumé with you will help you to complete the form without trying (again) to remember specific dates and events.

Do not bring along your reference list to the interview appointment, unless the interviewer has requested that you do so and you have agreed. Remember, you first want the opportunity to learn about the position, to establish that this is a position you want to continue to pursue, and you want time to contact your references prior to a potential employer calling them.

Here's a list of items that you should consider bringing along:

• Directions and phone number for the company, in case something deters your arrival
• A folder (to prevent bending) containing at least two clean copies of your résumé
• A pad of paper with a list of prepared questions you want to ask (and for taking additional notes)
• Two pens (now is not the time to find out your only pen is out of ink)
• Comb or hairbrush and a pocket mirror
• Tissues, wet naps, or a small washcloth (trust me, these can be a lifesaver)
• Toothbrush and toothpaste (especially if it is an after work appointment) or breath spray
• Travel-size antiperspirant (Did I or didn't I? You can never be too sure)
• Umbrella (if there is any potential for rain)
• Women: an extra pair of pantyhose or clear nail polish for quick repair
• Men: an extra tie and correct change for parking, if necessary

Mentally Prepare For The Interview

• Re-read all the information you have gathered about the company and re-read your prepared questions
• Practice your interview responses to tough questions (best if done out loud)
• Eat well (do not skip meals!), and avoiding foods that commonly disagree with you. Even if your interview appointment is scheduled for your lunch hour, prepare to take something with you that can be eaten beforehand. Dry cereal and a bottle of water will work in a pinch to stop stomach noises and nervous stomach acid
• Get a good night's sleep, and get up earlier than normal for early morning appointments, so that you have plenty of time to get ready and relax
• Take a leisurely walk if you find yourself feeling overwhelmed with pre-interview jitters
• Confirm that baby sitters will arrive on time, and have a back up plan if this fails
• Make certain any other responsibilities are accounted for, in case the interview runs longer than you assumed (clear your schedule, etc.)
• For people who suffer from sweaty palms during stressful situations, apply antiperspirant followed by foot or body powder to the palms of your hands, and blot with a facial tissue or cloth (to remove any excess). Really, this works!
• Find (make) time to relax (even if it is just 10 minutes) and do positive affirmation exercises (envision yourself working for this company and envision a positive outcome to the interview.)
• Continue to give yourself positive messages throughout the day ('I'm a great candidate for this position. I can make a valuable contribution to this company. I have skills and abilities that are worthy of compensation and a job offer.')

The Day Of The Interview
You have arrived on time. In fact, you are early. You are dressed appropriately. You have memorized every piece of available information regarding this company that you could lay your hands on. You have honed your communication skills to perfection.

You know what you are looking for and what you have to offer. You have contacted your references and they are ready and prepared to come to your aid. You have your 'Thank you' cards ready with postage stamps affixed. You have all the necessary items with you (résumés, pad of paper, pens, prepared questions, etc.), and you have a winning attitude.

Like an actor preparing for a theater performance, after the makeup artist, the lighting manager, the stage director, and the choreographer have done their part, and after the actor (you) is comfortable that he or she has learned their lines and has gained confidence, opening night comes and the actor steps out on the stage confident that he or she is ready to put into action all that he or she has learned in preparation for this moment.

Break a leg and knock em' dead!