The key to a successful interview is planning and arriving prepared. The more planning you do in advance of the interview, the more likely it is that you’ll walk away leaving a good impression and accomplishing your goals. So what are the steps you can take to plan for an ultimate interview?

1. Do your homework. Spend as much time as you can learning and studying about the company, the people, the products and, if possible, the position you are hoping to get. A wealth of public data is available on the Internet. But you can also visit the library and search newspapers and trade publications. Double check all your resources and make sure that the facts you gather are current and correct.
2. Be positive. Your attitude can mean the difference between success and failure. Stay focused on good things, and find ways to avoid saying anything negative about former employers or previous jobs.
3. Be flexible. Gear your mindset to adapting to the changing pace and direction of your interview. In many cases, all of the advance preparation you do will fly right out the window the moment your interview begins, so make sure you are able and prepared to be agile and adept. This can show your comfort with change and ability to respond to quickly shifting conditions.
4. Notice the details. Be sensitive to your surroundings and the style of your interviewer. Things you notice like office décor and general atmosphere can be clues to how you should best present yourself in tailoring your presentation.
5. Do advance role-playing. Rehearse as much as you can in advance. Write down all the questions you think you might be asked and have answers prepared. Keep your responses focused on the target and be clear and concise. Stay within the bounds of your discussion topic and avoid providing a great deal of information that isn’t relevant.
6. Listen and ask. Show interest to your interviewer. Encourage him or her to share as many details as possible with you about the company and the job. Maintain eye contact and use body language that shows that you are relaxed and in-tune with your surroundings. Be engaging.
7. Be relevant. Focus on your work history and personal experience that directly applies to the opportunity at hand. Make sure that you present a complete picture of your qualifications for the job. Avoid sharing personal details like religious affiliation or marital status that do not directly relate to your ability to perform in the position you are applying for.

Following these interview tips and tricks will help you prepare and ultimately set you up for a successful interview.