Send in the proper materials:
Know what each job requires before you blindly apply for it. Other than the obvious resume and cover letter, do they require previous work, writing examples, or a link to an online portfolio? Find out what you need to provide before even applying and make sure everything you give them was created within the past year (though the sooner the better). Also re-vamp your resume and cover letter to match the company you are applying for - use words from the job or candidate description, show your passion to work for this company through your words, make everything more visually interesting, etc. The better you look on paper, the more likely you are to be asked in for an interview. Just remember to always be truthful in this process and do not over-exaggerate.
Learn about the company:
You do not want to go into a job interview without knowing adequate information about the company. Check out their website and social media sites to get a feel for what the company does, what they stand for, and what their corporate culture is. Knowing this information will help you to seem invested in getting a job with this company and staying there for a long time. You do not want to seem like you have memorized information, but definitely know your stuff before your first interview.
Practice interviewing:
Though you might think that you have interviewed enough and do not need to practice, it actually could improve your chances. Have a friend or family member ask you typical interview questions as well as some that will throw you for a loop. This will help you to know what you want to say as well as know how to handle difficult questions. Plus, your might hear some new input on your answers and presentation that you have not heard before.
Bring the proper materials:
You want to make sure that you have everything you might possibly need in your interview, both tangible and intangible. Be sure to bring along copies of your resume, references, portfolio, and business cards. It is always best to bring multiple copies in case you are interviewed by more than one person or in case any get crumpled on the way there. Also make sure to bring a pen and paper in case you need to take notes during your interview, but make sure that your interviewer is ok with you doing this. To some it shows you are listening while to others it could be a sign of disrespect. Make sure you are in a happy, confident mood and have a smile on your face as you enter the company doors for your interview, it shows a lot about your personality.
Dress for success:
It is common knowledge that people will make an initial judgment based on what you are wearing and how you present yourself. Due to this, make sure you know how to dress at your interview (professional for some companies, more relaxed for others), but know that it never hurts to overdress. Not only is it important to look professional, but also make sure that your outfit says something about you. You do not know how many people could be interviewing for this position, and an accessory or outfit that show off your personality makes you memorable and gives you a boost of confidence.
Prepare a question:
After being asked a million questions about yourself, it is always good to ask your interviewer a question. It shows you have interest in the company and were listening to what they were saying. Though it is helpful to come up with a question before the interview starts, it might be more impressive to pull out something your interviewer mentioned and tailor your question to that. Either way, find something to ask before you leave and make sure it is appropriate (nothing related to salary or promotion).
Send a Thank You:
No matter how well you think you did during an interview, it is important to send a thank you card to your interviewer as soon as possible. Not only is it good etiquette, but it shows your interest in the company. You can also use this as an opportunity to point out something memorable from your interview or ask any questions you still might have. A handwritten card is best, though any form of thank you is better than no thank you at all.
Though these are only a handful of tips, there are numerous resources online to helping you figure out how to master the interview. Remember that interviews can be scary, but only if you make them that way. So make sure to be prepared for all of your interviews and don't sweat it! The interviewer was once sitting where you are now, and one day you could be sitting in their spot.
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