Everyone loves to get this phone call: "This is Jane Doe. I'm calling to see if you would like to come in for a job interview."

Your pulse races: A job interview!

It isn't until the night before the interview that your stomach drops, a feeling of slight dread sets in and you ask yourself: "What am I gonna wear?"; "What am I gonna say?"

You've got a case of the pre-interview jitters: A good sign that you haven't spent enough time preparing.

Getting ready for an interview should begin at least three days before the interview is scheduled to take place. This week, we'll run down the top things you should do before the big day arrives.

Make sure your interview clothes are clean and pressed a few days beforehand.

The last thing you want to worry about the night before an interview is pleading with your drycleaner or getting burned by a hot iron.

Also, make sure you have a neutral coloured umbrella on-hand in case of rain.

Make good-quality copies of your curriculum vitae on a nice grade of paper. Take more copies than you will possibly need - just in case. Store the copies in a folder where they will stay clean and unwrinkled.

Organise your portfolio, tear sheets, professional reference lists or any other papers you think your prospective employer would like to see.

Make sure your purse or briefcase is stocked with everything else you'll need: A working pen (no pencils!), a notebook, breath mints, a comb, the umbrella I mentioned and some tissues.

Like most things, people get better at interviewing with a little practice.

Dedicate one night prior to the interview to a mock Q andA. You can set this up with a friend or conduct the interview yourself with a list of frequently-asked interview questions and a mirror.

Don't panic if, during the actual interview, you are not asked any of the questions you practised. The point of practising is to 'warm up'" to the process of answering questions on the fly.

Spend at least two days before the interview researching the company. Take notes. Memorise important facts.

A little preparation goes a long way. A couple of hours researching the company and practising answers to interview questions can give you that extra bit of confidence you need to ace the interview.

Talking about money during the hiring process should feel nothing like being a contestant on a nerve-wracking game show. Job candidates who prepare before the interview and adhere to some specific principles during the negotiation will eliminate much of the guesswork in the equation.

Before The Interview

Know what you want and prioritise what's most important to you in your next role - money, more responsibility, work/life balance, a shorter commute, corporate culture - before you begin interviewing.

Use the salary calculator on Yahoo! HotJobs or locate an industry association contact that can provide you with relevant compensation information. This will also help you know that jobs you apply for pay well enough for you. Remember, however, that variables such as company size, economic conditions, and availability of qualified candidates in the market need to be factored into your information-gathering process.

Keep in mind that companies typically have salary ranges budgeted for specific roles within the organisation. Exceptions aren't all that common. The only flexible items in a job offer may come down to things other than salary - a signing bonus, moving up your review date, additional vacation time - and could be an alternative to a higher salary.

Be prepared: You should be ready to convince the recruiter that you are worth the amount at the higher end of the salary range. The easiest way to do this is to provide very specific examples of how you can add value to this organisation - just like you've done throughout your entire career.

Be upfront: When asked about your compensation requirements during the initial telephone interview, let the recruiter know where you stand. "I'm looking at opportunities in the N100,000 to N200,000 range, but can be flexible for the right opportunity." It's acceptable to ask if you're in the correct range for the position, and important to know, so that both parties can make an informed decision about moving forward without wasting time. Remember, the role of the recruiter differs at each organisation, so don't underestimate the influence this person has on the decision-making process.

Be respectful: If an offer is presented that is lower than what you hoped, thank the presenter. Ask if there is any flexibility in one or two of the areas that you've identified as being a priority for you. Regardless of the answer, always say you need time to consider the offer. Don't start negotiating new terms immediately.

Be firm: If there is no flexibility in the offer, you can accept it as is, or politely refuse and walk away. If the company is flexible on your terms, agree on all the new details in one conversation so that you can move forward with the next step in the process -- signing and returning the written offer letter.

Above all, be professional: Your actions during the negotiation process will be remembered by everyone involved long after you're hired, and may be helpful when it comes time to ask for a raise. As before, early preparation is the key to success in getting the salary you want and in taking away the feeling that you could be playing "Deal or No Deal."