Once you've gotten a job interview, it is your job to prepare for it. So, before you head out the door to meet with the interviewer, make sure that you have thoroughly researched the company, prepared an interview checklist, gathered all pertinent paperwork and are prepared to answer common and industry-specific interview questions.

Checklist
Prepare a job interview checklist by writing all pertinent information that you will need to know and have for your interview. Write the directions to the interview, the name of the company and name and contact information for the person who will be interviewing you. If you are not familiar with the area the company is located in, then call the company and ask it to email you directions. Although many Internet directions websites are accurate, it is always wise to obtain directions directly from the source. Also, ask the company contact person for parking details. Pack your checklist in your briefcase.

Paperwork
Gather all of your relevant interview paperwork. This includes copies of your resume, the job listing you responded to, if available, and all of your letters of recommendation. Bring a reference list, work samples and a list of questions you want to ask the interviewer. If you are unsure what questions to ask the interviewer, consult websites such as Virginia Tech's Career Services, College Grad and Job Dig.

Thoroughly research the company that you are applying to and write down several key facts about the company that you can use to impress the interviewer. Consult newspapers, journals and online resources. If the company is new, research similar local and national companies and use what you have learned about them throughout the interview. Organize all of your paperwork and place it into your briefcase.

Attire
Purchase or dry clean your interview clothes several days before the interview. Make sure that your shoes are clean and that you choose tasteful accessories. If the company that you are applying to has a website, study the clothing of the workers shown to make sure that you are dressing the part.

Rehearse
Rehearse your answers to common and industry-specific interview questions for several days before your interview, if possible. If you are not sure what some questions may be, consult the websites of Career Builder and Job Interview Questions, then do some research in the particular industry to formulate your own sample questions. Ask someone close to you to play the part of the interviewer. Write the questions on one side of an index card and the answers on the other side of the index card. Study the cards until the questions and their answers become second nature to you.