The recent financial crisis has lead to double-digit unemployment rates in some sections of the country. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there are currently at least six out-of-work applicants for every available job opening. Fierce competition makesgetting your message across to potential employers in the least amount of time essential. Chris O’Leary, author of Elevator Pitch Essentials, says to treat your interview as though you’re in an elevator with your interviewer and have only two minutes to make your value known.

No interview can go well without some preparation. Study the company, the location, and the position. Identify your relevant skills. Decide what you’ll need to emphasize in the interview based on the requirements for the job. Prepare as thoroughly as possible, including rehearsing the interview with a friend. Talk through as many of your responses as you can anticipate. Practice will help you relax and think clearly during the actual interview and should help you keep your answers on track.

Make sure you’re on time for the interview. Arrive about 10 to 15 minutes early so that you have time to calm yourself mentally and organize your thoughts. Bring an extra copy of your resume and your references.

In the actual interview, start with a quick summary of your talents. Talk about your strengths, your accomplishments at your previous jobs, the skills you possess that make you valuable, and the qualities that would make you an asset to the company. If you’ve done your homework ahead of time, you can do this efficiently and tailor the discussion to the job you’re trying to get. Try to work in some quantifiable measures of your success in previous positions, such as increases in sales or improved departmental efficiency. Avoid the negative:don’t complain about past jobs, coworkers, or bosses.

Give an example of a prior positive work experience. A concrete example of a past achievement will give you credibility and may spark a more in-depth conversation about the job with your interviewer.

Make sure that the interviewer knows that you’re serious and that you want the job. If you appear wishy-washy, the inteviewer could get the feeling that you’re not interested. Ask questions about the company, the position, and the interviewer. The company is interviewing you, but you’re also interviewing the company.