Do you need to get ready for a job interview? Admittedly, preparing to meet with a potential employer can be very stressful, but there are some things you can do to be more comfortable and make yourself stand out from the other candidates. Check out these helpful hints for success!

• Do your research. Before your interview, do a little research into the company or organization. The knowledge gained from it can give you a better idea of the hiring company’s current goals, values and projects, giving you an inside edge over your competition.

• Use your connections. Prior to your interview check with your friends, family and colleagues to see if they know anyone at the company you’ll be interviewing with. You might be surprised at the connections you have with the business without even knowing it. Like researching a company, taking the time to do this can give you an inside track with the company or organization.Bonus tip — using LinkedIn or your school’s career center are both great places to start. Check out the company’s LinkedIn page for any potential connections. Your school’s career center might be able to tell you if there are any alumni working there.
• Practice your interview. Running through a few interview questions beforehand can help calm your nerves. A job resource center, your school’s career center or even a friend are terrific resources to use for a practice interview. Check online for example questions and get yourself prepared!

• Dress the part. Your appearance will be your first impression on a new employer, so taking the time to dress appropriately is important. Whether you’re applying for an internship or an executive position, wearing your best business attire will make you more memorable.Keep in mind — wearing a suit to an interview can also give you more confidence, which will show through, so don’t be afraid to dress up even if your conducting a phone interview.

• Send a thank you. After your interview, take some time to send a thank you to your interviewer. Not only will this help you stand out from the rest of the candidate pool, it can also serve as a way to remind the interviewer of your attributes and skills one last time. Looking for a place to start? There are plenty of example letters on the internet and here are some links to help you get started: