I don’t need to preface this post with gloomy stats about the wilted job market or anecdotes about the angst-ridden process of  finding employment. Suffice to say, it ain’t as easy as it used to be. Instead, I’m going to fast forward to the best case scenario: landing a job interview. Getting your foot in the door means that you’ve done something right, and the interview is your chance to showcase your skills and smarts to seal the deal.

So, how are you supposed to prep for the momentous occasion? The Internet is bursting with interview tips and tricks, and I’ve pulled together ones that I’ve used in my own career and bits of wisdom that come up consistently.

First, a few words about phone interviews. Many times, you’ll be the most nervous during the first 90 seconds of the interview; to combat the quaver, concentrate on calming your voice, breathing and listening carefully. Since the phone interview is all about vocal tone, the Wall Street Journal advises moving around during the interview to keep your energy high. From there, remember to not interrupt the interviewer and to complete your thoughts without trailing off.

Once you’ve been asked for a face-to-face sit-down, it’s time to prepare in earnest. In addition to scouring the company Web site, a career column in Businessweek recommends searching for relevant news articles, press releases and blog posts about the company and its managers. Don’t be afraid to do a little cyberstalking, either; LinkedIn profiles and company profiles on sites such as GlassDoor.com can provide insight into what type of candidates businesses are looking for and what to expect in the interview.

Think up mock interview questions from the information you glean. Practicing for potential questions (my personal fave: “What’s your biggest weakness?”) is a great way to ease your nerves and let you know what you should brush up on. When answering, try to apply examples from your experience and background. Also, jot down any questions that pop up that you can later ask the interviewer.

But with all of this studying, it’s important to remind yourself that an interview isn’t a test. Think of it as an honest, engaging conversation. Getting plenty of sleep beforehand, dressing like a professional and arriving a few minutes early will boost your confidence.

After all is said and done, stay classy with a thank-you note to your interviewer(s). It should be brief, but gracious, and hand-written is often preferred to email.

Do you have any other interview do’s and don’ts to dispense? If so,  please share below.

More on the job hunt:

How to Write a Resume
How do I get a job in the White House?
What are green collar jobs?
How Hiring Works