Key to a successful interview

There is a great deal you can do to prepare for the interview. Your agenda is to be able to describe your abilities as they relate to the position, and to determine if the job is something that you would like to do. Here are things that you should do before the interview to be prepared:
Know what you are marketing! The focus of the interview is on you, so be ready to articulate your interests, skills, and abilities. Be able to expand on any item on your resume. Prepare a one to two minute story describing each of the important aspects covered on your resume.
If it is available, review the job description and create your own list of skills that are important to the position. If you are unable to determine a list of skills, you may find it helpful to conduct an informational interview with someone who is currently working at or who has knowledge of the position. Most colleges have a network of alumni who have volunteered to provide information on their career paths, and this is a great resource for this type of information.
Once you have determined a list of appropriate skills, use your resume as a guide and check off things that you believe prepared you for the position. Employers like to see concrete examples that show transferable skills. You should be able to relay examples from your coursework, extracurricular activities, and/or work experiences (paid or volunteer).
If possible, prepare a portfolio of your better projects. This is valuable for those seeking a career in the visual arts or a writing career; examples of works are often requested. Computer Science students also may find it helpful to prepare a portfolio of programming projects which show a degree of proficiency with different languages. However, don't limit yourself to these career fields; if you have a visual aid documenting projects that you are proud of, bring some of the materials to the interview. A word of caution though, use visual aids only as a supplement to your explanations, and only when it seems appropriate.
Your preparation shouldn't focus only on you; thoroughly research the organization. Be familiar with the company's history, products, geographic locations and plans for growth. Learn if the company is a parent company of any subsidiaries. Much of this information can be gleaned by reviewing recruitment literature or corporate literature such as 10K or annual reports. Check your career resource library in your college's career center to see if information is on file. Also, check the employer homepages: Business, Government, or Not-for-Profit to see if information about the organization is out on the Net. Research, research, research...
If the information is not readily available, don't feel that you have to be a sleuth to obtain it. It is appropriate for you to ask for materials to be sent to you (e.g., brochures, job descriptions, recruitment literature). Don't hesitate to call the company and request information. A corporate communication office is a great source for information. However, don't limit yourself to company glitter; go to your library and check other sources, periodicals, etc. Alumni networks can again play an important role, particularly if an alum is working for the company.
Once your research is finished, draw up a list of four or five questions about the company or position that are not immediately addressed in the company's literature.
Practice! Listed in another section of this guide are questions that are frequently asked in a screening interview, review them and spend time thinking through your responses. Schedule a mock interview so you can get an objective opinion on how you would answer some of the questions. An interview is not like an exam; there are no right or wrong answers to questions. Relate your answers to the position and to your strengths.