Some candidates look fantastic on paper, only to disappoint in the interview. On the other hand, some people have a natural talent in interviewing. But interviewing is ultimately a learned skill.

1. Research the industry and company beforehand; over-prepare
Use every resource to your advantage: fellow students, professors, informational interviews with alumni of your college, the company's recruitment literature and website.

2. Know what you're looking for, what's important to you, and why you are in the interview
What are your values, interests, and preferences? What kinds of roles and responsibilities are stimulating to you? What are your top criteria's for choosing a company or accepting an offer? What drew you to interview with this company, for this job? Thinking through these issues will keep you focused in your interviews-and keep you from wasting time (yours and the interviewers) in interviews for jobs you aren't truly interested in.

3. Understand what you have to offer: your skills, experience, education, talents, and strengths
What makes you unique? What are your points of difference? Understand how these make you a good fit for the opportunity the company is offering, so you can make the fact that you are a good fit clear to the interviewer.

4. Anticipate the questions you'll be asked
Think about key points you would emphasize for each question you can imagine the interviewer asking. Additionally, prepare how you would handle any illegal, unfair, or politically incorrect questions in a firm but graceful manner. And remember: If it's on your resume, it's fair game.

5. Practice, refine, practice
Participate in mock interviews; practice on your own or with other students. Solicit honest feedback and work to improve. At a minimum, one practice interview is a must. For case interviews, do two or more, since they can be quite complex

6. Be on time, enthusiastic, and professional in your interviews
When in doubt, dress more formally (most of the time, a suit and tie for men, a trouser & jacket or skirt & formal top for women). Don't overdo the accessories (scarves, jewelry, perfume, makeup). Bring extra copies of your resume, just in case. Make sure pagers and mobile phones are turned off. Present a firm handshake and eye contact when you introduce yourself. Wait to sit until after the interviewer does, or until he or she offers you your chair. Don't rush to fill in silence. Think before you speak; take time to form your thoughts. Tell the interviewer that you can be reached by phone or e-mail if there are any follow-up questions.. Show enthusiasm modulated to the interviewer's. Speak with clarity and confidence. Close the interview with a handshake and genuine thank you; make a positive last impression.

7. Develop questions (at least three) for each interview
Examples might include: What keeps you in the company or makes you most excited about working there? How do you think the new players x and y and recent merger activity between a and b will impact you? Can you give me some examples of what kinds of roles DHMCT's typically have at the company after two, five, or eight years?

8. If the interviewer does not discuss next steps and the timing of the recruiting process, ask about them
If you think you'll be invited for a second-round, this will allow you to block out the time on your calendar so you can participate.

9. Follow up-quickly-with a written thank-you note
In this age of e-mails, an old-fashioned handwritten note can be a breath of fresh air. You don't need fancy, personalized stationary; a simple note-card or nice paper will do. Try to personalize your thank-yous if you are sending them to more than one person in a given company; assume they will be passed around. Saying the same thing to everyone shows you did not take the time to differentiate between your interviewers, which could be interpreted as meaning that you don't care about the position, or bring into question your level of business sense.

10. After each interview, assess your performance. Understand what worked, and what didn't
Keep learning and improving as you go on interviews. Ask yourself questions like: What do I need to do to perform better for next time? Should I get additional practice-such as a videotaped mock interview, or mock-interview feedback? Your career centers, the people you've interviewed with, and fellow students with whom you've participated in mock interviews can all be a source of excellent feedback.