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HERE ARE THE KEYS TO SUCCESSFUL JOB INTERVIEWING.

Follow these simple rules and you should achieve success in this important phase of job-hunting.

• Do take a practice run to the location where you are having the interview -- or be sure you know exactly where it is and how long it takes to get there.
• Do your research and know the type of job interview you will be encountering.
• Do prepare and practice for the interview, but don't memorize or over-rehearse your answers.
• Do dress the part for the job, the company, the industry. And do err on the side of conservatism.
• Do plan to arrive about 10 minutes early. Late arrival for a job interview is never excusable. If you are running late, do phone the company.
• Do greet the receptionist or assistant with courtesy and respect. This is where you make your first impression.
• Don't chew gum during the interview.
• If presented with a job application do fill it out neatly, completely, and accurately.
• Do bring extra resumes to the interview. (Even better, if you have a job skills portfolio, do bring that with you to the interview.)
• Don't rely on your application or resume to do the selling for you. No matter how qualified you are for the position, you will need to sell yourself to the interviewer.
• Do greet the interviewer(s) by title (Ms., Mr., Dr.) and last name if you are sure of the pronunciation. (If you're not sure, do ask the receptionist about the pronunciation before going into the interview.
• Do shake hands firmly. Don't have a limp or clammy handshake!
• Do wait until you are offered a chair before sitting. And do remember body language and posture: sit upright and look alert and interested at all times. Don't fidget or slouch.
• Don't tell jokes during the interview.
• Do make good eye contact with your interviewer(s).
• Do show enthusiasm in the position and the company.
• Don't smoke, even if the interviewer does and offers you a cigarette. And don't smoke beforehand so that you smell like smoke. And do brush your teeth, use mouthwash, or have a breath mint before the interview.
• Do avoid using poor language, slang, and pause words (such as "like," "uh," and "um").
• Don't be soft-spoken. A forceful voice projects confidence.
• Do have a high confidence and energy level, but don't be overly aggressive.
• Don't act as though you would take any job or are desperate for employment.
• Do avoid controversial topics.
• Don't say anything negative about former colleagues, supervisors, or employers.
• Do make sure that your good points come across to the interviewer in a factual, sincere manner.
• Don't ever lie. Answer questions truthfully, frankly and succinctly. And don't over-answer questions.
• Do stress your achievements. And don't offer any negative information about yourself.
• Don't answer questions with a simple "yes" or "no." Explain whenever possible. Describe those things about yourself that showcase your talents, skills, and determination. Give examples.
• Do show off the research you have done on the company and industry when responding to questions.
• Don't bring up or discuss personal issues or family problems.
• Do remember that the interview is also an important time for you to evaluate the interviewer and the company she represents.
• Don't respond to an unexpected question with an extended pause or by saying something like, "boy, that's a good question." And do repeat the question out loud or ask for the question to be repeated to give you a little more time to think about an answer. Also, a short pause before responding is okay.
• Do always conduct yourself as if you are determined to get the job you are discussing. Never close the door on an opportunity until you are sure about it.
• Don't answer cell phone calls during the interview, and do turn off (or set to silent ring) your cell phone and/or pager.
• Do show what you can do for the company rather than what the company can do for you.
• Don't inquire about salary, vacations, bonuses, retirement, or other benefits until after you've received an offer. Be prepared for a question about your salary requirements, but do try and delay salary talk until you have an offer.
• Do ask intelligent questions about the job, company, or industry. Don't ever not ask any questions -- it shows a lack of interest.
• Do close the interview by telling the interviewer(s) that you want the job and asking about the next step in the process. (Some experts even say you should close the interview by asking for the job.)
• Do try and get business cards from each person you interviewed with -- or at least the correct spelling of their first and last names. And don't make assumptions about simple names -- was it Jon or John -- get the spelling.
• Do immediately take down notes after the interview concludes so you don't forget crucial details.
• Do write thank you letters within 24 hours to each person who interviewed you.

Traditional Job Interview Questions

• How would you describe yourself?
• Why did you leave your last job?
• What are your long range and short range goals and objectives?
• What specific goals other than those related to your occupation, have you established for yourself for the next ten years?
• What do you see yourself doing five years from now? Ten years from now?
• What do you really want to do in life?
• What are your long range career objectives?
• How do you plan to achieve your career goals?
• What are the most important rewards you expect in your career?
• What do you expect to be earning in five years?
• Why did you choose this career?
• Can you explain this gap in your employment history?
• How well do you work with people? Do you prefer working alone or in teams?
• How would you evaluate your ability to deal with conflict?
• Have you ever had difficulty with a supervisor? How did you resolve the conflict?
• What's more important to you -- the work itself or how much you're paid for doing it.
• What do you consider to be your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
• How would a good friend describe you?
• Describe the best job you've ever had.
• Describe the best supervisor you've ever had.
• What would your last boss say about your work performance?
• What motivates you to go the extra mile on a project or job?
• Why should I hire you?
• What makes you qualified for this position?
• What qualifications do you have that make you successful in this career?
• How do you determine or evaluate success?
• What do you think it takes to be successful in a company like ours?
• In what ways do you think you can make a contribution to our company?
• Do you have any hobbies? What do you do in your spare time?
• Have you ever been fired or forced to resign?
• What qualities should a successful manager possess?
• Do you consider yourself a leader?
• What are the attributes of a good leader?
• Describe the workload in your current (or most recent) job.
• Which is more important: creativity or efficiency? Why?
• What's the most recent book you've read?
• Describe the relationship that should exist between the supervisor and those reporting to him or her?
• What two or three accomplishments have given you the most satisfaction? Why?
• Describe the most rewarding experience of your career thus far.
• If you were hiring a job-seeker for this position, what qualities would you look for?
• Do you have plans for continued study? An advanced degree?
• In what kind of work environment are you most comfortable?
• How do you work under pressure?
• Are you good at delegating tasks?
• What's one of the hardest decisions you've ever had to make?
• How well do you adapt to new situations?
• Why did you decide to seek a position in this company?
• What can you tell us about our company?
• What interests you about our products?
• What do you know about our competitors?
• What two or three things are most important to you in your job?
• Are you seeking employment in a company of a certain size? Why?
• What are your expectations regarding promotions and salary increases?
• What criteria are you using to evaluate the company for which you hope to work?
• Do you have a geographic preference? Why?
• Are you willing to relocate?
• Are you willing to travel for the job?
• Why do you think you might like to live in the community in which our company is located?
• What major problem have you encountered and how did you deal with it?
• What have you learned from your mistakes?
• What have you accomplished that shows your initiative and willingness to work?