How to Handle Sticky Interview Situations

Think back to the 2007 Miss Teen USA pageant when Caitlin Upton, representing South Carolina, was asked why so many Americans were unable to locate the United States on a map. Her response was muddled, to put it kindly. Her incoherent response not only left the judges scratching their heads but also proved that answering a question on the spot can cause anyone to stumble.

Although that video clip went viral and millions of viewers have had fun laughing at Upton's botched answer, you can probably assume everyone identified with her to a degree. Who hasn't been called on in class or been asked a question in a meeting and just blathered on like a toddler?

Imagine feeling this helpless during a job interview. You're already tense enough without worrying that you won't even be able to piece together a proper sentence. Yet, many job seekers have found themselves caught in a situation where the right answer just isn't coming to them. Even if they're not  tongue-tied, they don't know how to answer an interviewer's peculiar or possibly illegal question.

Caught off-guard, anyone can freeze during a job interview. How should you avoid being the next Miss South Carolina in your job hunt?

Be creative and still professional

Sometimes hiring managers ask questions they know will catch you  off-guard. The purpose of the question isn't so much about what you answer as it is how you handle the pressure. For example, if you're asked how many gallons of paint are necessary for you to paint the moon, don't worry about getting the math right. The hiring manager probably doesn't know the answer either. Fun or quirky questions are supposed to knock you out of your comfort zone so that the employer can observe you.

Career expert and author J.P. Hansen stresses individuality balanced with professionalism.

"When asked a fun question, such as, 'What color would you be?' your answer should be fun, creative, entertaining and showcase your personality," Hansen says. "With that in mind, never forget to remain professional and polished. Just because you are in a fun moment in an interview does not mean this is your time to become best friends with the interviewer or slack in professionalism. Remember, you are still in an interview."

Don't panic

When you're in an interview, dozens of thoughts run through your mind. You say to yourself: "Maintain good posture and make eye contact"; "Don't say 'um' too much"; "Don't yawn"; "Speak slowly"; "How did the handshake go -- too forceful or too weak?" You're so busy analyzing the situation and trying to appear calm that you don't pay enough attention to the question at hand. Suddenly the hiring manager is waiting for you to talk and you're not sure what to say to a question you know you could answer any other day of the week.

"It's common to blank out during an interview but fatal to answer, 'I don't know,'" Hansen explains. "If you draw a blank or don't understand the question, simply ask a qualifier. For example, 'I'm not sure I understand the question.' It buys you time and puts the ball back in the interviewer's court."

Even if the interviewer doesn't clarify the question as much as you'd like, you still get a few extra moments to piece together a coherent response. And remember, coherence means a lot in an interview.

"[The] interviewer's pet peeve?" Hansen asks. "A rambling response that doesn't answer the question."

Decide how personal you're willing to go

Sometimes hiring managers cross a line with their questions and you're not sure how to respond. Although on occasion you'll run into an unpleasant employer for whom you'd never want to work, most interviewers are good people trying to find good workers. And like any human they make mistakes, such as asking questions that are illegal or at the very least make you uncomfortable. Granted, if this person is being paid to interview people, he should know better, but everyone make mistakes. Also, his mistake doesn't mean you should feel forced to answer any question he asks if you're not comfortable. Hansen recommends that job seekers find their own limits if, for example, the interviewer asks about their health.

"If you want the job, answer in an upbeat, confident manner. Try, 'I exercise, eat right and, according to the results of my last check-up, my health is excellent,'" he suggests. "You always have a choice not to answer a question, but know that you'll likely disqualify your candidacy. The best advice: Answer all questions, get the offer and then decide."

When confronted with one of these questions, step back and think about what it means to you. Is the interviewer prying into your life or trying to get at a deeper issue, or did the question come out wrong even though it's obvious no ill intent was meant? Trust your instincts and keep the answers in your comfort zone. As with any sticky interview situation, you want to remain calm and in control at all times.

11 Warning Signs Your Interview Is in Trouble

During driver's education courses, you learn what each road sign signifies. The two arrows converging means you need to merge. A squiggly arrow means the road winds. "Left Lane Ends" means, well, the left lane ends.

Sometimes you don't even need the signs to know what to expect. If you see a flurry of red brake lights, you know traffic is not moving. In an ice storm, if the car in front of you is skidding from side to side, you can bet that the road is slippery.

Job hunts come with their own warning signs, but they're not typically as blunt as the bright yellow and orange signs posted on the side of the road. Instead, you're more likely to get context clues, like the brake lights. The interview process is full of uncertainty for a job seeker, and much of the power is in the interviewer's hands. Sometimes you don't know if the interview is going well. Other times you're so nervous you don't recognize the signs that this company isn't right for you.

Therefore it behooves you to recognize the warning signs that your job interview is in trouble. Here are 11 warning signs to watch for when interviewing for a job:

1. You're pretty sure you know how to get to the interview site, but you're not positive.Before you can even look for warning signs of a bad interview, you need to get there first. Lisa Fedrizzi-Hutchins is  a human resources/compliance administrator who was heading to a job interview earlier this year. She trusted her GPS unit, but realized the directions were incorrect once she was en route. Fortunately she called the company and asked some clarifying questions so that she could arrive at the interview on time.

2. You're talking more than the interviewer is.Job seekers shouldn't dominate more than 40 percent of the conversation, says John M. McKee, founder and CEO of Business Success.

"Because many job seekers are anxious to show that they are the best candidate for a job, they often dominate the conversation with things like never-ending answers or run-on sentences," he explains. "The interview time may end before they've had adequate time to deal with all the questions the interviewer had prepared."

3. The interviewer's eyes are on the clock, not you.As a managing partner at Winter, Wyman and Co., Mark Gleckman knows the importance of an interviewer's body language.

"During an interview, be an active observer," Gleckman advises. "Watch your interviewer's body language -- is she glancing at her watch or noticing who is walking by? These could be signs that the interview may not progress to the next phase." He suggests asking the interviewer if you've provided all of the information she was hoping for or if you can offer anything else to get the most out of the interview.

4. The interviewer decides to take a phone call mid-interview.An interviewer should treat you with the same respect he or she expects. Jennifer Mounce, executive coach and interview adviser for Coach Effect, has heard her share of bad interview stories. One manager stopped an interview to take a 20-minute phone call without warning the interviewee, who was told to stay in the room until it was over. When the call was over, the interviewer resumed with the questions, but his mind was obviously elsewhere.

"Candidates must ask themselves if they want to work for a person who can't give them their full attention for a short period of time or who doesn't have the communication and/or social skills necessary to put the candidate at ease, apologize or explain the necessity of the disruption," Mounce says.

5. The interview feels like a test of endurance.Mounce also warns of employers who hold marathon interviews that last seven hours. Applicants are not asked if they'd like a restroom break, snack or glass of water. Mounce advises you to think about what the job would be like if the interview is this bad.

6. No one wants to work here.An insightful question that many job seekers fail to ask is why the position is available. Or, to frame it so that you sound focused on your future with the company, ask where the employee formerly in the position is today. JR Rodrigues, co-founder of JRBM Software, cautions job seekers to watch for companies with a revolving door.

"[If] the hiring manager complains to the interviewee about having had his last three hires quit after only a short term of employment, you should wonder about what is causing such turnover and whether this job is for you," he says.

7. You're participating in a questionnaire, not an interview.Kris Alban, director of strategic partnerships for iGrad, keeps a list of questions in front of him when conducting an interview.

"During a good interview, I will go off-page as certain responses provoke additional questions or I may ask the interviewee to expand on something they said," Alban says. "If you notice your interviewer just running down their list of questions, then you know that you need to engage them more. I definitely become more engaged when the interviewee accompanies their answer with a story that anchors it."

8. You get snippy with the administrative assistant.The interview begins the moment you are on the premises, so don't save your best behavior for the meeting room. Monique A. Honaman, CEO of ISHR Group and a former HR manager, stresses the importance of good manners.

"I can't tell you how many times I have heard of job seekers being dismissive to certain individuals, and I know hiring managers often ask the receptionist to provide input on the candidates as well as those more heavily involved in the job interview process," Honaman says. "It's not just about having the skills and abilities to do the job; the personality and respect elements are  critical, too."

9. You spend 10 minutes complaining about your last boss.Honaman also cautions against going negative during an interview. "Job seekers must never talk negatively about a former co-worker or former boss, even if it seems like this negativity is being encouraged," she warns. "Take the high road. It's an incredibly small world out there and it's amazing who knows who."

10. The company is in financial trouble."[If] there is a loud argument in the office of the company you are interviewing at stemming from a creditor who has not received payment for his product or services that were purchased by the company, you need to consider whether this company will be able to pay you," Rodrigues says.

11. The employer doesn't keep his or her word.Rodrigues also warns against employers who tell you one thing but do otherwise. Blatant lies are obvious warning signs, but other subtle ones also hint at trouble. If you were given a timetable during the interview but you haven't heard anything since, Rodrigues says you might have fallen off of the interviewer's radar and need to work your way back into his or her view.

5 Ways to Shine in Your Next Interview

In a tough job market, landing an interview is a major accomplishment. When such opportunity knocks, be ready to show why you're the candidate to hire. Here are five tips that can help job seekers make a great impression.

Do your homework

Erika Milonas, director of campus recruitment for The McTigue Financial Group (part of Northwestern Mutual) inChicago, reviews more than 1,000 résumés a year and interviews about 400 candidates to choose 40 for the company's internship program. With such competition, it would seem that interviewees would be incredibly prepared, but that isn't always the case.

Milonas finds some candidates unable to answer the simple question, "What do you know about The McTigue Financial Group and Northwestern Mutual?" She calls failure to be able to discuss the company at this basic level a "deal breaker," regardless of how the rest of the interview went.

Since most businesses have websites, learning about a potential employer is relatively easy. Find out what the company does and its main  products and services, and be familiar with recent developments in the industry.

Know yourself

Once you know something about the employer, it's time to think about why you would be a good match. Since it is often difficult to formulate answers on the spot, practice responses at home.

"Before your interview, write out answers to potential questions you are likely to be asked," says Robin Ryan, author of "60 Seconds & You're Hired!" "Keep your answers concise, no more than 60 seconds."

While question will differ by employer, Ryan recommends thinking out responses to these standards:

• Why did you leave your last job (or why do you want to leave)?
•  What is your greatest weakness?
• What is the salary you are looking for?
• Describe the worst boss you've ever worked for.

Engage in, but don't take over, the interview

Employers want workers who bring positive energy to the workplace. Two common pitfalls Milonas sees among candidates are that they lack interest in the opportunity and answer questions with a simple "yes" or "no" rather than engaging in meaningful conversation.

On the flip side, Linda Matias, president of CareerStrides and author of "201 Knockout Answers to Tough Interview Questions: The Ultimate Guide to Handling the New Competency-Based Interview Style," cautions against overwhelming the interviewer.

"Though it is true that job seekers should be active participants in the interview process, they should not take over the interview," Matias says. "Usually, job seekers take over when nerves get the best of them or when they feel they have to fill in the silence. It's a delicate balance, but job seekers need to learn when to ask questions and when to allow the interviewer to take charge."

Once again, practicing beforehand can make the difference.

Look the part

"In the first 10 seconds of meeting a candidate, the interviewer makes a mental decision on whether you look right for the job," Ryan says. "If your personal presentation is inappropriate, you've lost that position without saying a word."

Some fields accept greater creativity in apparel, but experts generally agree to err on the conservative side.

"This is not the time to be a fashionista," Milonas says. For men, this translates to a business suit or blazer, shirt and tie. Women should consider a suit (either a jacket and skirt or a matching pantsuit).

"Neatness counts, too," Ryan says. "Shine your shoes. Clothes should be cleaned, pressed and fit well."

Remember your manners

Finally, make sure your conduct fits the part. Punctuality shows respect for other people's time. Use of polite terminology should be standard during an interview, but it also reflects well to be equally courteous when addressing receptionists and other office workers.

A big etiquette faux pas is not sending a thank-you letter immediately after an interview. "Too many job seekers have an 'if the manager is interested, she or he will call' mentality and wait by the phone," Matias says. "After a few weeks of the phone not ringing, that's when they decide to follow up. By then it may be too late. Or, if it's not too late, chances are that the job seeker is desperate. That anxiety may come through and turn off the interviewer. To avoid tripping up, job seekers should follow up quickly, not only because they want the job but because it's the polite action to take after they've been invited for an interview."

While e-mail makes sending a rapid thank-you note easy to do, consider going the extra mile by composing a handwritten message sent via snail mail. After all, you're not out simply to be another candidate, you want to shine.

15 Toughest Interview Questions (and Answers!)

For many people, job interviews are the most stressful part of the job-search process. And it's true that an interview is often a make-or-break moment: If you flub the interview in a big way, you probably won't make the cut--no matter how good your resume is, or how excellent your qualifications are.

You can combat nerves and increase your chances of success by practicing your answers to difficult interview questions. Here are some of the toughest, with suggested answers:

1. Why do you want to work in this industry?

Bad answer:
"I love to shop. Even as a kid, I spent hours flipping through catalogs."

Tip:
Don't just say you like it. Anyone can do that. Focus instead on your history with that particular industry, and if you can, tell a success story.

Good answer:
"I've always loved shopping, but my interest in retail marketing really started when I worked at a neighborhood boutique. I knew that our clothes were amazing, but that we weren't marketing them properly. So I worked with management to come up with a marketing strategy that increased our sales by 25 percent in a year. It was great to be able to contribute positively to an industry I feel so passionate about, and to help promote a product I really believed in."

2. Tell us about yourself.

Bad answer:
"I graduated four years ago from the University of Michigan, with a bachelor's in biology--but I decided that wasn't the right path for me. So I switched gears and got my first job, working in sales for a startup. Then I went on to work in marketing for a law firm. After that, I took a few months off to travel. Finally, I came back and worked in marketing again. And now, here I am, looking for a more challenging marketing role."

Tip:Instead of giving a chronological work history, focus on your strengths and how they pertain to the role. If possible, illustrate with examples.

Good answer:
"I'm really energetic, and I'm a great communicator. Working in sales for two years helped me build confidence and taught me the importance of customer loyalty. I've also got a track record of success. In my last role, I launched a company newsletter, which helped us build on our existing relationships and create new ones. Because of this, we ended up seeing a revenue increase of 10 percent over two years. I'm also very interested in how companies can use web tools to better market themselves, and would be committed to building on your existing platform."

3. What do you think of your previous boss?

Bad answer:
"He was completely incompetent, and a nightmare to work with, which is why I've moved on."

Tip:
Remember that if you get the job, many of the people interviewing you will someday be your previous bosses. The last thing they want is to hire someone they know will badmouth them. Instead of trashing your former employer, stay positive, and focus on what you learned from him (no matter how awful he really was).

Good answer:
"My last boss taught me the importance of time management, didn't pull any punches, and was extremely deadline-driven. His no-nonsense attitude pushed me to work harder, and to meet deadlines I never even thought were possible."

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4. Why are you leaving your current role?

Bad answer:
"I can't stand my boss, or the work I'm doing."

Tip:
Again, stay away from badmouthing your job or employer. Focus on the positive.

Good answer:
"I've learned a lot from my current role, but now I'm looking for a new challenge, to broaden my horizons, and to gain a new skill set--all of which I see the potential for in this job."

5. Where do you see yourself in five years?

Bad answer:
"Relaxing on a beach in Maui," or "Doing your job."

Tip:
There's really no right answer to this question, but the interviewer wants to know that you're ambitious, career-oriented, and committed to a future with the company. So instead of sharing your dream for early retirement, or trying to be funny, give an answer that illustrates your drive and commitment.

Good answer:
"In five years I'd like to have an even better understanding of this industry. Also, I really love working with people. Ultimately, I'd like to be in some type of managerial role at this company, where I can use my people skills and industry knowledge to benefit the people working for me, and the company as a whole."

6. What's your greatest weakness?

Bad answer:
"I work too hard," or for the comedian, "Blonds."

Tip:
This question is a great opportunity to put a positive spin on something negative, but you don't want your answer to be a cliche--joking or not. Instead, try to use a real example of a weakness you have learned to overcome.

Good answer:
"I've never been very comfortable with public speaking--which, as you know, can be a hindrance in the workplace. Realizing this was a problem, I asked my previous employer if I could enroll in a speech workshop. I took the class, and was able to overcome my lifelong fear. Since then, I've given several presentations to audiences of over 100 high-level executives--I still don't love it, but no one else can tell!"

7. What salary are you looking for?

Bad answer:
"In my last job I earned $35,000--so now I'm looking for $40,000."

Tip:
"If you can avoid it, don't give an exact number. The first person to name a price in a salary negotiation loses. Instead, reiterate your commitment to the job itself. If you have to, give a broad range based on research you've conducted on that particular role, in your particular city."

Good answer:
"I'm more interested in the role itself than the pay. That said, I'd expect to be paid the appropriate range for this role, based on my five years of experience. I also think a fair salary would bear in mind the high cost of living here in New York City."

8. Why should I hire you?

Bad answer:
"I'm the best candidate for the role."

Tip:
A good answer will reiterate your qualifications, and will highlight what makes you unique.

Good answer:
"I've been an executive assistant for the past ten years--my boss has said time and time again that without me, the organization would fall apart. I've also taken the time to educate myself on some of the software I regularly use (but didn't really understand the ins and outs of). I'm an Excel whiz now, which means I can work faster, and take over some of what my boss would traditionally have had to do herself. What's good enough for most people is never really good enough for me."

9. What is your greatest failure, and what did you learn from it?

Bad answer:
"I never finished law school--and everything that's happened since has taught me that giving up, just because the going gets tough, is a huge mistake."

Tip:
You don't want to highlight a true major regret--especially one that exposes an overall dissatisfaction with your life. Instead, focus on a smaller (but still significant) mishap, and how it has made you a better professional.

Good answer:
"When I was in college, I took an art class to supplement my curriculum. I didn't take it very seriously, and assumed that, compared to my engineering classes, it would be a walk in the park. My failing grades at midterm showed me otherwise. I'd even jeopardized my scholarship status. I knew I had to get my act together. I spent the rest of the semester making up for it, ended up getting a decent grade in the class. I learned that no matter what I'm doing, I should strive to do it to the best of my ability. Otherwise, it's not worth doing at all."

10. How do you explain your gap in employment?

Bad answer:
"I was so tired of working, and I needed a break," or "I just can't find a job."

Tip:
Employment gaps are always tough to explain. You don't want to come across as lazy or unhireable. Find a way to make your extended unemployment seem like a choice you made, based on the right reasons.

Good answer:
"My work is important to me, so I won't be satisfied with any old job. Instead of rushing to accept the first thing that comes my way, I'm taking my time and being selective to make sure my next role is the right one."

11 through 15. Read the final five "Toughest Interview Questions."

Job seekers most common (and unusual) interview mistakes

About this time last year, I was on the way to my first interview for a job I really wanted. I left my house, walked 10 minutes to the nearest subway station, reached into my purse to get my subway pass … and realized I’d forgotten my wallet.

As I literally ran back to my house in my freshly dry-cleaned interview outfit, I remember thinking that now, not only was I running late, I was also going to show up anxious, out of breath and sweating  like I’d come from a last chance workout with Bob Harper. 

When I finally checked in at the reception desk five minutes late, I was told that someone would be with me shortly. After about 20 minutes someone came down — to tell me that the hiring manager had just fallen ill and had to go home for the day. The interview would have to be rescheduled.

Normally I might have been disappointed, but in this case, I was thrilled. Long story short, in my second chance at a first interview I was prompt and sweat free, and the hiring manager was healthy (and is now my boss here at CareerBuilder. Hi Kate! )

True story, the point of which is that, whether you’re being interviewed for a job or you’re the one doing the interviewing, we’re all human and sometimes things just go wrong. Wallets are forgotten, people get sick and everyone just needs a second chance. 

Except for some people. While it’s true that many mistakes fall under the “we’re all human” clause, others are so avoidable it seems as if people are going out of their way to sabotage themselves. Mistakes like the ones below, which hiring managers gave as real examples in CareerBuilder’s annual “Interview Mistakes” survey:

• Candidate threw his beer can in the outside trashcan before coming into the reception office.
• Candidate hugged hiring manager at the end of the interview.
• Candidate ate all the candy from the candy bowl while trying to answer questions.
• Candidate constantly bad mouthed spouse.
• Candidate blew her nose and lined up the used tissues on the table in front of her.
• Candidate brought a copy of their college diploma that had obviously been white-outed and their name added. 
• Candidate wore a hat that said “take this job and shove it.”
• Candidate talked about how an affair cost him a previous job.
• Candidate provided a detailed listing of how previous employer made them mad.
• Candidate had a friend come in and ask “HOW MUCH LONGER?”

While common sense should steer most job seekers far from any of the above, there are plenty of less-extreme mistakes that many hiring managers say candidates make on a regular basis. Here are the most frequent:

• Answering a cell phone or texting during the interview — 71 percent
• Dressing inappropriately — 69 percent
• Appearing disinterested — 69 percent
• Appearing arrogant — 66 percent
• Speaking negatively about a current or previous employer — 63 percent
• Chewing gum — 59 percent
• Not providing specific answers — 35 percent
• Not asking good questions — 32 percent

Yet even in the absence of any of the above mistakes, interviews can still be tough. To ensure yours is a success, Rosemary Heafner, CareerBuilder’s vice president of human resources offers the following tips:  

• Keep it upbeat: No matter how long you’ve been searching for a job, or how bad your morning was, leave any negativity or frustration at the door. The hiring manager may be your boss one day, and he or she will be much more likely to want to work with you if you have a positive, engaging attitude. In other words, leave your “Take this job and shove it” hat at home.
• Prepare, prepare, prepare: Researching the company beforehand, memorizing the names and titles of the people you will be interviewing with and figuring out the best way to get to the office will all prevent you from embarrassing situations later. (i.e. when the receptionist asks you who you’re there to see and you can’t remember the person’s name).
• Keep it professional, not personal: Most interviews start out with something to the effect of “Tell me about yourself.” That’s not an open invitation to spew about your discontent with your spouse, as one hiring manager mentioned above. Refrain from discussing over-the-top personal issues and focus on the position and selling yourself.
• Practice does make perfect: Nerves are normal during an interview, so help calm them ahead of time by practicing. Go over common interview questions with a friend or family member, write your answers down, or practice in front of a mirror so you can see your body language.
• Honesty is the best policy: If you’re stumped by an interview question, don’t try to make something up. Admit that you may not know the answer, but then explain how you would go about finding a solution, proving your resourcefulness.

How to Impress at a Job Interview

So, your resume was impressive enough to get you that job interview. You're sure that you're the right person for the job, but then you hear, "Don't call us, we'll call you." What went wrong? Job interviews can be intimidating and frustrating, especially after you've been through a few and still find yourself jobless. Just follow these simple tips to learn how to impress at a job interview.

Read more: How to Impress at a Job Interview | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_2196366_impress-job-interview.html#ixzz1BstDJUUY

1 Exude confidence. Stand up straight. Make eye contact. Offer a firm handshake. These simple steps can show the interviewer that you feel confident in your ability to handle the job and yourself.

2

Make small talk. Ask the interviewer how they're doing or mention the weather. Small talk is a great way to break the ice and give the two of you a moment to relax before the real questions begin.

3

Do your homework. Almost every company has a website, so find out everything you can about the company. You can also do a search for their company on the Internet and find out what consumers and competitors have to say. Come prepared to use terms that are common for that industry.

4

Look your best. Even if you are completely broke, you need to look as though you already have money. Wear your nicest clothes that you have, cleaned and freshly ironed that day. Brush your hair, and make sure your hands and nails are clean. Make sure your breath is fresh and keep your perfume or cologne to a minimum.

5

Be honest. Most interviewers know when a person is lying to them and will make a mental check to not hire you. Even if you get away with the lie in the initial interview, you will eventually be caught in the lie in the future, which would be even more embarrassing.

6

Emphasize your strengths. One of the most common questions asked during an interview is to list your strengths and weaknesses. Obviously, you want to talk more about your strengths. However, you can really impress an interviewer if you show them how you can be strong despite your weaknesses. Show them how you've learned from your weaknesses.

Read more: How to Impress at a Job Interview | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_2196366_impress-job-interview.html#ixzz1Bst3GXNF

9 Ways to Ace a Job Interview

You got the interview, now what?

Congratulations — you've landed a job interview! In today's market, where every job listing generates unprecedented floods of applicants, being granted an interview is a coup in and of itself. And given the scarcity of interviews, it's crucial that you give each and every one your very best effort.

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With the help of five career experts, MainStreet compiled the necessary tools to help you give your best interview, plus some helpful hints on how to land an interview in the first place.

Schedule Immediately

Chad Mihalick, founder of action sports and outdoor job site, Malakye.com recommends that "when you do have an opportunity to schedule an appointment, do not hesitate to respond. You should always be on call - like a doctor! Also use the opportunity to ask any pre-game questions you may have - such as who will be present at the interview and what support materials the interviewers might be interested in. Develop these questions when you begin your job search."

Confirm Your Appointment

The experts at the Dale Carnegie Institute, which offers professional training services, advise that "recruiters like correspondence that is short and sweet. When the interview is one day away, send an email confirming the appointment. If it is on the phone, make sure you have the right number. If it is in an office, make sure you know the floor and if you need any type of security credentials like a photo ID."

How to Prepare

In addition to putting together an outfit in which you feel confident and successful, make sure you do your homework on the company you are interviewing with. Research it online, follow it on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook if those options are available. Being informed will help you prepare interesting questions beforehand.

[See the 25 Weirdest Interview Questions of 2010]

"One way to stand out in an interview is to ask questions. In addition to the most important basics — when they plan to hire for the position and if they contact all applicants or only those who are hired — my favorite questions to ask the interviewer are: What is a typical week like in this position? What are the opportunities for growth and advancement? Be sure to ask for their business card so you have correct contact information for the follow up thank you card," suggests career coach Stephanie Florman.

What to Bring

Frances Cole-Jones, media coach and author of The Wow Factor, suggests, "Bring two copies of your resume. That way when your interviewer doesn't have it in front of him/her, you can hand it to him. Yes, it's likely he or she will have misplaced it."

Other than your A-game, Dale Carnegie Training suggests bringing a notepad that is large enough to write on but small enough to be handled gracefully. Optional items include a list of references from past employment and/or a condensed portfolio of work if these pieces are easily portable.

When to Arrive

Media coach Cole-Jones notes that "you are interviewing from three blocks away: You don't know who is in the nearby Starbucks, the elevator, etc. You need to be on-site five minutes before. How you greet the receptionist will be noticed. Do not talk on the phone or send texts while you are waiting. Simply sit and observe."

Florman, the career coach, agrees and suggests "arriving to the interview location a half hour early. This gives you time to find parking, use the restroom, make sure your cell phone is turned on silent and to organize your thoughts. Once you are there, you can relax. Never be late."

Questions to Prepare For

Cole-Jones provided these common interview questions with suggestions on how to prepare for them:

Q: Why do you want to work for us?

Have a specific reason based on the company's history, products or reputation. Find ways that it intersects with your history and experience.

Q: What's your greatest strength/weakness?

Tell a story that demonstrates your strength or weakness. Don't fall back on useless modifiers like: "People say I'm an amazing leader." As your weakness, identify a strength you take to an extreme: "Sometimes I get so caught up in my subject that I give people too much information," for example.

[See the Worst (and Most Common) Job Interview Mistakes]

Q: What salary are you looking for?

Have a number in mind based on research you can do at the Bureau of Labor Statistics on salaries for similar positions in your area. Don't ask: "What are you offering?"

Dale Carnegie Training offers a number of other questions to expect during an interview.

Body Language

How should you sit, act or just be in your interview? Although you'll likely be nervous, try to be yourself, as much as possible. Your face-to-face interview is your one opportunity to show the real you to your prospective employer, and may be the key to set you apart from other applicants. Also, keep in mind that sometimes the person who is interviewing you might also be nervous. Do what you can to feel as comfortable as possible, so you, in turn, can make them feel more comfortable.

In addition, "your body language should exude confidence. A strong, confident handshake goes a very long way. So do smiling, nodding and maintaining eye contact. Keep your voice clear and strong," suggests career coach Florman.

Cole-Jones recommends that you sit up and forward in your chair, because no one wants to hire someone who is "too cool for school." Also, keep your hands where others can see them. It's hard to trust someone when you can't see their hands.

How to Leave the Interview

In How to Win Friends and Influence People, Dale Carnegie wrote that two great ways "to make people like you" are to "smile and remember that a person's name is to that person the sweetest and most important sounds in any language."

Once your interview is done, address the interviewer by name, smile and offer genuine appreciation for the investment of his or her time in your future with the company. You want to leave the interviewer with a compelling impression of yourself, so remember to exude a blend of confidence, composure and dedication.

Follow Up

Mihalick of Malakye.com thinks what you do after the interview counts a great deal in the employer's impression of you. "When your interview is over, FOLLOW UP! Send a follow up e-mail as soon as possible, a few hours later or the next day are good rules of thumb, regardless of if you think it went well. Say thanks, reiterate important points and tell them you're looking forward to finding out more about the next steps."

"E-mails are efficient," says Florman, the career coach, "but they are common and do not show great effort. I suggest a hand-written thank you note to follow up from an interview. Recap the interview by including the position you applied for, what you liked about the organization, why you would be a great fit for the position, and conclude by thanking them for their time and consideration."

If You Haven't Landed an Interview

Your resume needs a polish if you haven't landed an interview. As a career coach, Florman has worked with a huge variety of resumes and has found some best practices to follow.

"Include keywords that reflect the job posting and personalize the content for each position you are applying for. Print the resume on high quality laser paper and keep it to one page. Focus on the results you have achieved. Leaders achieve results."

Resume expert Amanda Collins goes further. "Statistics say a resume gets anywhere from five seconds to a minute or more for executives. You need to make your documents come to life to share your value in an instant."

She says that hiring is kind of like choosing a movie. You make your decision based on a) star power, b) word of mouth or c) the trailer. In evaluating you as an applicant, you may be well known in your industry (point a) or have a strong network of referrals (point b), but if you don't, you need a resume (point c) to really differentiate you from the competition.

Your resume should always answer the question, "Why should I hire you?"