Being prepared for the interview, whether you are the employer or the job seeker, is not as easy as it sounds. As a job seeker, you need to make sure you make the best first impression you possibly can. EmeraldCoastJobs.com does not want to see anyone mess up the critical screening process, so we have provided you with some helpful tips that could make the difference between landing your next job or staying unemployed.

Get directions before you go. Know the exact place and time of the interview, the interviewer's full name and the correct pronunciation and his or her title. If you mess up on any part of this, you could leave the wrong impression on the employer.

Prepare your portfolio. Gather anything that you think the employer might be interested in seeing such as letters of recommendations, past projects, awards, etc. Make good-quality copies of your resume on a nice grade of paper and bring more copies than you will possibly need - just in case.

Bring information. Employers sometimes ask for several forms of identification, so be sure to bring your Social Security card and driver’s license. Also, bring a copy of your resume and any past transcripts of degrees awarded or information from past jobs that may be of relevance.

Learn as much as you can about the company. Do your homework - check out the company’s Web site, talk to people that know the company, and find out whatever you can about the company and the people that will be interviewing you. Chances are the employer will ask you to tell him/her why you are right for the job. If you do not even know what the company does, this question could be hard.

Practice for the interview. Reading up on the company and the people that work there is not enough. You need to practice and become familiar with the types of questions that the employer could ask in the interview. Read some common interviewing questions and develop concise responses that will show that you did your homework. Have a practice interview with a friend or relative.

Do not show up late. Be well rested and get a good night’s sleep. Make plans to leave early even if it means waiting in your car for a few minutes. Being late to an interview may cause the employer to pass judgment on you too soon. If you think that you might be late, call and let the employer know ahead of time.

Dress to impress. This is tricky. You do not want to overdress, but you certainly do not want to show up in blue jeans and a T-shirt. A relaxed suit or nice clothes that you would wear to dinner will probably do just fine. No wrinkles please.

Show up for an interview alone. Never bring the kids to an interview. This is your chance to make a winning first impression. Having a screaming, crying four-year old has never impressed anyone.

Make eye contact. If you are awarded the pleasure of interviewing with the employer in person, take advantage of this opportunity by showing your interest. The best way to display interest is to make eye contact. Looking away from the employer suggests self-confidence issues.

Find common ground. Pictures, books, plants or items in the employer’s office are excellent conversation starters. You not only want to show the employer that you are excellent for the job, but you also want the employer to know that you are a good communicator and will get along with others.

Listen and adapt. Everyone has a different way of communicating. Perhaps, you tend to be loud and boisterous. This is fantastic if your employer is projecting in the same manner; however, your employer may be quiet and calm. Pay attention to body language and communication cues and try to adapt your patterns accordingly.

Show enthusiasm for the job. You want to demonstrate to the employer that you are ecstatic about the prospect of joining the company and are thankful for the job interview. Ask pointed questions about the position and the company. Always remember to smile.

Do not become a conversation hog. The employer wants to learn about you and find out if you are the perfect fit for the job on hand, but do not start volunteering information that the employer did not ask for. Make sure to breath between sentences and read the employer’s body language.

Use proper etiquette. During the interview always be on your best behavior and display proper manners and etiquette. Greet the interviewer with a smile and a handshake. Don’t chew gum or give flippant or sarcastic responses to questions asked or be disrespectful, or talk down to the job interviewer.

Show confidence. Don’t slouch in your chair or show signs that you’re uncomfortable. Sit up straight and speak clearly and concisely. In other words, be confident in yourself and your abilities.

Use proper and appropriate English. Do not speak in slang or curse during your job interview. You want to present the image of a consummate professional.

Always speak positively about former employers. No matter why you left your last job, you should never speak negatively about your former bosses. Even if your boss was Hitler, never say anything that could make the employer think you could have problems with authority. The best advice is to stay neutral and only state the facts when questions of this nature arise.

Know why you want the job. You would be surprised at the number of people that have trouble answering this question. This question is always asked and the answer should leave a lasting impression on the employer. Use this time to flatter the employer with the all that you know about the company and also highlight some of your skills that you think will be an excellent match for the company.

Take your time on tests. If you are given a test, take your time and read the instructions thoroughly. Write your responses as legibly and clearly as possible. Do not dwell on one question too long.

Know how to deal with illegal questions. Illegal interview questions are those that discriminate against you based on age, color, creed, disability, gender, national origin, race or religion. It is not illegal for an employer to ask these questions, but it is illegal for them to deny you a job based on your answers to the questions. It is best to avoid answering them all together.

Prepare a list of personal and professional references. Potential employers may want to see some references. Be sure to ask the people you plan to include as references before you provide them to the employer.

Bring copies of your resume. It is always a good idea to come to an interview with additional paper copies of your resume. You never know who may be asked to sit in on the interview with you.

Prepare you own list of questions to ask. When researching the company think of some key questions to ask about the company and your desired position and responsibilities. This shows you’re interested in the company and you have done your homework. Do not ask anything that is covered on the company Web site or in written material provided by the company. It makes you look unprepared or uninterested.

Some questions to ask, include:

* What are the company’s strengths/weaknesses compared to the competition?

* What is the job description for this position?

* What specific skills are needed for this job?

* What are the day-to-day responsibilities of this job?

* How much guidance, supervision is given and how much decision-making is given to employee?

* What training/seminars/conferences are available for this position?

* What computer programs/software is used here?

* When is job performance review done and by whom?

* What is the reason this job is available - new position, previous employee fired/quit/promoted?

* Why do you (interviewer) work here and what keeps you here?

* When can I expect to hear back about this job?

Show initiative. If the interview is wrapping up and you still have not been able to mention a particular piece of work experience you feel is important for the employer to know, don’t be afraid to say, “Before we go, I would like to just share this,” and give a brief and concise statement on your particular talent or work-related experience and how it relates to your desired position.

Ending the interview. Be sure to thank the interviewer for his or her time and shake their hand once more.

Send a thank you letter. After the interview, send a thank you letter to the employer. This letter serves as a refresher and shows a level of professionalism. For more information on sending a thank you letter, click here.

Let the employer start the negotiation. Avoid naming a specific salary. If you name a salary that is too high, the employer will think that he/she cannot afford you. If you name a salary lower than what the job pays, you will lose out on the chance to make more money. Say something like, “I am very much interested in working for your company, so I am willing to negotiate with you on the starting pay. Let me know what you think I am worth to your company, and we can start the negotiating from there.”