Aim to be early, because it’s better to arrive too soon than to be late. You can always wait in a nearby cafe or in your car if you are too early.

Know who you’re interviewing with. Not just the person, but the company as well. Do a little research on the company, then ask something about what you learned during the interview.

Practice possible interview questions before the actual interview. Either write out what you might say, or have a friend practice with you. Typical questions can be why do you want this job, what can you do for this company, where do you see yourself in five years, what are your strengths and weaknesses.

Appearance counts. When you look good, you feel good. Make sure you look groomed and neat. If you were a book, would someone want to read more?

Your clothes and accessories should be conservative and neutral, rather than wild and loud. Your clothes are your packaging and should not take attention away from the product.

Nonverbal communication sometimes conveys a stronger message than verbal communication. When you slouch, whether sitting or standing, you’re saying volumes about you and your confidence level. Sit up straight -- like your mother always told you to.

Eye contact and smiles can indicate a confident and upbeat attitude. You will notice that many job postings ask for enthusiasm and energy. This is a good opportunity to demonstrate your social and interpersonal skills as well as your excitement about the opportunity for which you’re interviewing.

The handshake sends a strong tactile message. Whether your hands are hot and sweaty or cold and clammy, you can try some tricks to control the temperature. To cool your hands, try running cold water on the insides of your wrists. Use hot water if your hands are cool, or rub them together. If you have particularly sweaty hands, try using a deodorant gel (antiperspirant) as a lotion.

Your voice and the volume of your speech convey a strong impression. Whether the interview’s over the phone or face-to-face, you should speak with enthusiasm and energy. Use a firm voice to demonstrate your confidence.

Your vocabulary reveals your communication skills and ability to interact with people, especially ones you’ve not met before. The words you choose will say something about you, as well as your knowledge of the industry. It is important to use "their" words and talk "their" talk.

Don’t forget to turn off your cell phone before an in-person interview. Better still, leave it in your car.