1. Learn about the position, company, and industry.

Before an interview, it is imperative to be knowledgeable about the position, company, and the industry for which you are interviewing. It is important to show the interviewers that you know what you are interviewing for and that you are interested enough in the position that you have looked into it yourself. Spend time on the firm’s website, understand what they do, how they are structured, what qualities they are looking for, and how this relates to you. Use the website and other news sources to find out what the firm has been up to recently. It also helps to talk to peers and alumni who work or have worked for the firm.

2. Know your resume.

Be prepared to talk about your resume. The only thing that recruiters know about you is on your resume. Anything on your resume is fair game. You must be able to intelligently describe any line on your resume. It is helpful to think over how points on your resume correlate to the skills and qualities that the firm is looking for. Using your resume to display how you are a good fit for the company will help to highlight your strengths.

3. Know your strengths, weaknesses, and reasons for being at the interview.

You have to be able to talk about yourself in a way that clearly shows your positive qualities, why you want the job, and why you are qualified. Know the key personal qualities that will resonate with the interviewer and the industry. Be able to describe why you want to work in the industry and for that firm in particular. Convey that the firm matches with your skills and interests.

4. Remember to be confident and friendly

No matter how nervous or unsure you feel inside, you have to walk into the interview with confidence and show the interviewer what a great fit you would be for the job. During the interview show poise, assertiveness (not to the point where you appear arrogant), look the interviewer in the eyes, and remain calm and confident in yourself. Be friendly and relaxed. Although you should be professional and polite, you can still show your personality.

5. Practice

Practice by yourself in front of a mirror or with a friend. While you may feel confident with the information, it takes practice to be able to clearly and concisely articulate it.