In addition to the information below, you may want to read through "FAQ" to help you prepare for an interview. Create rapport. This means using eye contact, self assured and showing enthusiasm. The biggest criticism we hear from hiring managers is that applicants don't show enough interest for the position. Asking questions about the company, department, people and the position is a great way to show interest and to work through any nervousness. Before each interview, research the company and gather as much information on the interviewer and what their role is. Listen to their questions and make your answers concise. Remember, you have to keep them interested! Dress professionally. First impressions do make a difference in the hiring process. In addition to being clean and neat, suitable attire is essential. For the most professional appearance, the best option for both men and women is always a suit. Men must wear a tie. Hair should be out of the face and conservatively styled, makeup light and professional, and no perfume or cologne. Do your market research. Review the company WEB SITE. Review the position specifics and job description. The more you know about the company and the position the better you can customize your answers and attributes. Use the verbiage they use while describing your experience. Bring three copies of your resume to the interview. Fill out applications completely, do not write see resume. Never be late!! Arrive ten minutes before your scheduled interview time. This will make a good impression and give you a few minutes to collect your thoughts. Try to relax. Be certain to get the name (and proper pronunciation) of the person you will be meeting with, when possible. Greet the interviewer with a firm HANDSHAKE, and direct EYE CONTACT. Preparation is key to a successful interview. Tailor your responses to questions by speaking in terms of the specific position. Emphasize how your qualities will benefit the company. Listen to the questions and give examples to back up your answers. Be specific and try not to ramble. If you feel you have answered the question - stop, smile at the interviewer and await the next question. Be positive, enthusiastic, and energetic about the new opportunity. Be prepared for the following questions: Every question should be answered with the position you are interviewing for in mind. Tell me about yourself. Keep your answer brief while focusing on your background - only mention answers relevant to the position for which you are interviewing. Let the interviewer know that you are extremely interested in the position for which you are interviewing. Thank the interviewer for their time and express your interest in the position. Be sure to send a Thank You letter to each interviewer immediately following your interview! Ask for a business card to check the spelling of your interviewer(s) name(s) and title(s). Take cues from the people you interview with... If they are detail oriented presenting an interview question, be extremely thorough answering the question. Make sure the interviewer is satisfied with the completeness of your descriptions. If they are technologically savvy and communicated extensively by e-mail, then follow suit with your follow up Thank You letter. If they are quiet and reserved, mirror their personality to make the interviewer feels comfortable with your personality. If they are jovial during the interview, appreciate the humor, but remember to stay focused on the interview. If they describe the job description and duties to you, make a mental note regarding the verbiage and tasks and incorporate it into how you describe your past experience. Follow up letters via email or mail... The medium you choose must be a good fit for the intended reader. In general, use e-mail when: Speed is of the essence. Unquestionably, e-mail is your best choice when you need to communicate immediately. Even a few days can be too long in many fast-moving hiring environments. You need to demonstrate technology skills. If you're an older candidate, your e-mail might show that you're up to speed on technology. If you're in a high-tech profession, communicating via "snail mail" or fax could put you at a disadvantage. If everyone at the company communicates by e-mail, it makes sense to go with the flow, even if you're not a technical professional. You'll show you'll fit the company culture. When should you take the time to send correspondence through the regular mail? When sending thank-you letters. A well-formatted letter on high-quality bond paper makes a better impression than an e-mail note. You can write a longer letter, too, re-emphasizing relevant points from your interview and restating your qualifications as they relate to the needs discussed during your meeting. If you're a senior executive. Traditional mailed correspondence is still the recommended approach for senior-level executives. You can be more detailed and present a more professional image in paper correspondence.