Nervous about the Interview? Think "Strategic Conversation"

You're pulling at your tie (or tugging at the hem of your skirt) as you wait to be called in for your interview. Nervousness takes over as you do your best to appear calm, cool and collected.
If the thought of an interview makes you want to put off the "real world" as long as possible, try thinking of it instead as a strategic conversation with a purpose.
Your goals should be two-fold.
#1: To convince the employer that you have the skills, background, and ability to do the job AND that you are a good fit with the organization.
#2: To determine if this is the job for you! You are also gathering information about the job, the culture, and future career opportunities to determine a mutually good fit.
Interviews are highly subjective. The most qualified candidate does not always get the job. Rather, the most qualified candidate who is also the best liked and gets high marks on personality, confidence, communication and attitude is the one who gets the offer.