If you are puzzled about the qualities and characteristics an employer seeks, put yourself in his or her shoes for a moment and imagine what kind of person they would like to hire. When reviewing your resume and thinking about your past, focus on experiences that demonstrate flexibility, adaptability, progress, achievement, creativity, initiative, leadership, and responsibility. These are general traits that most employers seek in the people they hire. Your examples can come from many different experiences--academic, athletic, artistic, travel, community service, and work.
Follow-Up
Before leaving an interview you should be clear as to the next step. Your interviewer will usually give you that information. If he or she says nothing, you may ask, "How should we proceed from here?" or "When might I expect to hear from you?"
As soon as possible, take notes about what happened. If you are going to another interview in the same day, this is particularly important, because you don't want to confuse any details. This information will become crucial if you are invited back for a second interview. Be sure to note what you learned about the company or the field, impressions of the people with whom you met, the correct spellings of their names and titles, your responsibilities as far as any follow-up call, and when you can expect to hear from them. If you did not receive business cards from the people you met (or see their names on a diploma on the wall), you may call the company directly when you get home and ask the receptionist for their names and titles.
As always, writing a prompt thank-you note is a must. The note can be brief and should not exceed one page. In addition to expressing your appreciation, your correspondence will serve to accomplish the following: you can reconfirm your interest in the job, underline how you think your background and skills would fulfill the responsibilities of the position, and demonstrate that you listened carefully.
One final word: It is natural to feel nervous before an interview. Your goal is to eliminate unnecessary nervousness by being well prepared. A good night's sleep and plenty of travel time can also have a soothing effect on your nerves. Remember, the ideal is to be comfortable with the unfolding of the process. If you can truly enjoy the interview, you will communicate self-assurance and positive energy. If you can demonstrate a good match between you and the position at that company in an enthusiastic and positive tone, you will be well on your way to receiving an offer.