Be prepared to talk about your perceived strengths and accomplishments. Some examples:

Tell me about yourself • Why are you interested in this company? • Why are you leaving your current position? • Why should we hire you? • What are your long-range goals? • What are your greatest strengths? • What are your greatest weaknesses? • Tell me about your previous boss and company • What's important to you in a job? • What do you do in your spare time? • How would others describe you? • Tell me about your educational background • What was least enjoyable about your last job? • What do you dislike most about the person you report to? • What is outstanding about you? • Why should you be hired? • What can you contribute to the organization?

Prepare a list of questions to ask the interviewer. Write them down and bring them to the interview. The interviewer will be impressed that you came so well prepared: Some possible questions are:

What will you expect of me? • Which of my special talents could be useful? • What are the goals and time frames to complete the job? • What is the structure of the organization? • What strategy does the company have for growth? • Where do you see this position leading?

Plan to arrive ten minutes early so you will have time to go over your notes. Go into the interview with confidence and carry a portfolio so you can jot down brief notes and refer to the questions you have prepared.

Be prepared to fill out an application. Carry a resume with you so you can put the correct dates on the application. Conflicting dates always raise concerns.

As a rule, interviewers extend their hand and introduce themselves first. However if the interviewer doesn‚t extend his/her hand right away, you should do it. Be sure the handshake is firm, but not a death grip. This is expected of women as well as men. Limp handshakes are a turn-off. You should not decide where to sit. You should wait until the interviewer indicates where you should sit before making a move. Body language is extremely important: Be yourself, however, most interviewers want candidates to show some enthusiasm about the position. Therefore, sit forward in your chair while expressing sincere interest. As you listen to the position described, jot down anything you have previously done that compliments the position. Then mention these points before the interview is concluded. You should ask for the position at the end of the interview. Even if you‚re not sure you want the job, you should ask for it, just in case. The only time you should not ask for it is if you are sure you don‚t want it. If there is some uncertainty, you can make a better decision after a second interview. Practice ending the interview with a positive statement, choosing words that assume that an offer is forthcoming.

For example:

"I'm really interested in the position we‚re been discussing. I like your company, and I feel I can bring a lot to your organization. I‚d like to come back and speak with you further. When can we get together?"

We recommend that you do not discuss the compensation issue. This should be the recruiters responsibility on your behalf. Obviously, you want just as much as possible, but you don‚t want to eliminate yourself from contention by asking for too much. If the situation should arise, you should answer along the following line: "The recruiter indicated that this position was within the salary range I'm looking for, besides, I'm more interested in an opportunity. I'm sure if this position is right for me, you'll make an offer I'll be pleased to accept."