Do Some Investigating!
One of the worst things the world of graphic design to happen to you is to be really excited about a job that offers the world and doesn't deliver. Just as a creative director might ask for reference, you need to ask around to find out the truth about the design firm. Is it a good place to work? Is the interviewer feeding you a line of bull? Ask more questions like, "Why did the previous designer leave?" If the interviewer replies "They just didn't out in the hours" or "They wanted to pursue another line of work", then these are red flags. Flat out call other firms and ask to talk to art directors about the firm you're considering. Obviously, your first job in the marketplace won't be perfect and it's up to you to accept some of that, but beware of getting snowed. This is a business to you as well. The size of home you will buy, the car you'll drive, the retirement investments you'll make — they are all dependent on how much income you can generate. Granted, there is something to be said for getting in on the ground floor and paying your dues. We've seen many instances where the owner takes a loyal, hard-working employee on as a partner. There is even the possibility that you could take over the business at some point or propose a buyout. Just be prepared to put in a minimum of 10 years — think in terms of decades.
While you're considering a career in graphic design, it's best to know what you're in for and the associated rewards and burdens that go along with it. Graphic designers generate the visual presentation and marketing of goods, including websites, candy, hang tags, beer labels, and the list can go on and on. Designers must be able to work under extreme time constraints and very defined financial and design limits to produce the required result. 
A recent study came to the conclusion that in-house design departments are on the rise. There are more practicing in-house designers than agency and design firm designers, and the segment is continuing to grow. The design community is just getting around to the fact that in-house "design firms" are having more issues in gaining respect. The key issue for in-house designers is to gain the respect of peers in their organization and the business community around them. 
One of the best ways to show that you're interested in a position, is to ask questions. It not only shows you're curious to learn more, but you're also weighing your options. It doesn't make you seem as desperate and you're more in control — or at least that's what you want the employer to think. We're not saying overplay your hand here, but in the end it will come down to money and you need to be worth in. Some obvious questions might be "What are the top three skills you are looking for in a designer?" Guess what? They are going to tip you off to everything YOU need to know. Then, you can address their needs by playing up your experiences. If you don't have much experience to date, try to link specific projects you've worked on; even if it's in school. Remember, the person interviewing is most likely the owner or a partner of the design firm so this is a business to them. If it's a corporate setting, think more in terms of them needing someone that shows up on time, etc. Also see