Perhaps the most nerve-wracking part about interviews is knowing that you can never predict exactly what an interviewer is going to ask. While this may be true, you can keep your nerves in check and ace the interview with flying colors if you take the time to prepare and be aware of the do' s and don' ts of interviewing. The following list of tips can help you put your best foot forward during the interview and give you that winning edge.

Research the opportunity.
One of the most impressive things you can do during an interview is show the provider that you did your homework beyond reading their opportunity listing. This shows that you are sincerely interested in their particular opportunity and you are someone who takes initiative. Use the Internet, if possible, to research the practice or company you are interviewing with. Visit their Web site, the community or city' s Web site, or do whatever you can to learn more.

Rehearse.
Try the following once, and you will be amazed at how much more confident, prepared, and relaxed you will feel during the actual interview. Prepare a list of 10-20 questions the interviewer is likely to ask. A simple Internet search can provide you with dozens of lists of typical interviewer questions. Enlist a friend or family member to ask you the questions and give their feedback as to your body language, eye contact, facial expressions, even your responses.

Prepare your key points in advance.
Prepare a "cheat sheet" of the most important facts about yourself and your qualifications for the particular position before an interview. Draw a two-column graph, and list the qualifications the provider specified they are looking for on the left, and list examples of how you meet those qualifications on the right. Also, list past examples of how you have exemplified their desired characteristics or qualifications in past work experiences.

Arm yourself with examples.
Inevitably, the interviewer is going to ask at least one, "Give me an example of how you [fill in the blank]" question. Make a list of such possible questions and try to think of specific examples from your past work and life experiences to show how you overcame a difficult situation, showed willingness to take initiative, worked as part of a team, etc. Even if these specific questions aren' t asked, you may still find opportunities throughout the interview to bring up the examples yourself.

Dress professionally.
The opportunity provider has to be able to picture you in your desired position, and they can' t do that unless you dress the part. This doesn' t mean you should wear an exam coat to the interview, but you should dress conservatively and professionally. A suit is usually appropriate. It is almost always better to overdress than to underdress.

Bring extra copies of your resume.
Come prepared with extra copies of your resume. You may be asked to interview with more than one person and it shows professionalism to be ready with extra copies.

Arrive early and never late.
If you' re unfamiliar with the location, print Internet directions in addition to the directions you received from the provider. Allow extra time for traffic, getting lost, etc. If something unavoidable happens and you know you' re going to be late, you should call the provider, explain the circumstances, and alert them that you will be late or ask if they wish to reschedule.

Be polite to everyone you meet.
Whether it' s the building attendant or the receptionist at the front desk, be sure to be professional and polite to everyone you encounter while waiting for the interview to begin. The opinion of everyone can be important to the interview process.

Make a strong first impression.
You must appear confident during an interview, even if you really feel nervous. Stand up straight, make eye contact and connect with a good, firm handshake.

Start off on a positive note.
Don' t try to make conversation by exclaiming how difficult it was to find the building or complaining about the traffic you encountered on the way there. A simple "It' s a pleasure to meet you" is sufficient.

Listen and avoid talking too much.
From the start of the interview, the interviewer is giving you information. Listen and make eye contact with the interviewer to indicate that you are listening to what they have to say. Also, don' t talk too much.

Be prepared with some responses ahead of time and avoid rambling.
Interviewers are impressed by concise, brief and eloquent responses to their questions. This shows you are able to think on your feet and organize your thoughts well.

Just answer the question.
The interviewer has a reason for asking specific questions and is likely to become annoyed if you skirt the issue or change subjects. If they ask for an example of a time when you did something and you fail to provide an example, you didn' t answer the question. This is another reason why it is important to practice responses in advance.

Understand the provider' s needs.
Don' t focus your language solely on what you want from the position. The interviewer will have one question on his or her mind the entire time they are interviewing you - "What can this candidate do for me (or for my practice or organization)?" Even though the question may not be asked verbally, be sure to answer it in every response you make.

It' s okay to admit mistakes or weaknesses.
You may be asked to give examples of mistakes you have made in the past or to divulge your weaknesses. Be judicious in the mistakes or weaknesses you divulge, but turn every negative comment into a positive by explaining how you learned from the mistake or actions that you are currently taking to improve or overcome your weaknesses. Nobody' s perfect, and the interviewer knows this. They will not trust you if you answer, "I can' t think of anything."

Identify your strengths and what you enjoy doing.
Prior to the interview, think about what it is that you enjoy doing most and what benefits you bring to the practice or company. Also, interviewers often ask about your professional goals both short and long term. Obviously, if you are interviewing for an optometric position, don' t answer that your lifelong dream is to write novels (even if it is).

Answer in a professional manner.
Don' t appear desperate. Even if you really, really want the position, don' t beg. Maintain a professional and confident demeanor at all times.

Be sure to ask questions.
The interviewer is almost guaranteed to close the interview by asking if you have any questions. Don' t respond, "Not that I can think of." Prepare several questions relevant to the position, practice or organization. Having questions for the interviewer also demonstrates your interest and enthusiasm for the position.