1. Give the interviewer a firm handshake. Give the interviewer a firm handshake, even if the interviewer is a woman and you are man. While shaking, introduce yourself keeping eye contact at all times.

2. Smile. Nothing is worse than an interviewee who looks depressed or indifferent.

3. Maintain eye contact at all times. You are confident about yourself and your capabilities. Relay that. Do not stare out of the window or fiddle with your pencil. The interviewer is talking to you or you to him. Stay attentive.

4. Expect to answer the question, "Tell me about yourself." This is a pet question of prepared and even unprepared interviewers. Everything you include should answer the question, "Why should we hire you?" Carefully prepare your answer to include examples of achievements from your work life that closely match the elements of the job before you. Obviously, you'll want to know as much about the job description as you can before you respond to the question.

5. Speak Clearly. Act spontaneous, but be well prepared. Be your authentic self, professional yet real. Engage in true conversation with your interviewer, resting on the preparation you did prior to coming to the meeting. Conduct several trial runs with another person simulating the interview before it actually occurs. It's the same as anticipating the questions you'll be asked on a final exam.

6. Listen before you answer questions. Know the question behind the question. Ultimately, every question boils down to, "Why should we hire you?" Be sure you answer that completely. If there is a question about your meeting deadlines, consider whether the interviewer is probing delicately about your personal life, careful not to ask you whether your family responsibilities will interfere with your work. Find away to address fears if you sense they are present. Make sure you have understood the question. If you do not, ask him to clarify it. Take a second, then answer.

7. Give brief answers. Answer promptly and intelligently. Always elaborate when being asked yes or no answers. If you sense there are misconceptions, clear them up before leaving. If the interviewer doesn't get around to asking you important questions, pose them yourself (diplomatically) and answer them. Don't leave the meeting without getting your own questions answered so that you have a clear idea of what you would be getting yourself into. If possible, try to get further interviews, especially with other key players.

8. Complete the application thoroughly. For salary requirements put negotiable, unless specified not to do so. Then put the salary range for your profession with your experience.

9. Ask the interviewer questions. Even if he does not ask you "Do you have any questions," ask him anyway.

10. Thank the interviewer. Be sure to thank the interviewer for his time.

What you should do after the interview:

1. Thank the interviewer in writing. Send the interviewer a thank you card. Handwritten is acceptable. Speak with your JRG recruiter for feedback.

SAMPLE INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
Most Frequently Asked Questions

• What are your strengths and weaknesses?

• Tell me about yourself.

• What are your team-player qualities? Give examples.

• What is your GPA? How do you feel about it? Does it reflect your abilities?

• How have your educational and work experiences prepared you for this position?

• What work experiences have been most valuable to you and why?

• What have the experiences on your resume taught you about managing and working with people?

• Of the hobbies and interests listed on your resume what is your favorite and tell me why?

• Where do you see yourself in five years?

• What goals have you set for yourself? How are you planning to achieve them?

• To what do you owe your present success?

• Why should I hire you?

• What makes you think you can handle this position?

• What is your most significant accomplishment to date?

• Why do you want to work here?

• Describe a leadership role of yours and tell why you committed your time to it.

• In a particular leadership role you had, what was your greatest challenge?

• Give me an example of an idea that has come to you and what you did with it?

• Give me an example of a problem you solved and the process you used?

• Describe the project or situation that best demonstrates your analytical abilities?

• Since attending college, what is the toughest decision that you have had to make?

• Tell me about your most difficult decision and how did you go about making it?

• What types of situations put you under pressure, and how do you deal with pressure?

• Give me a situation in which you failed, and how you handled it?

• Why are you interested in our organization?

• What type of position are you seeking?

• Where do you think your interest in this career comes from?

• What industry besides this one are you looking into?

• Why have you chosen this particular profession?

• What interests you about this job?

• What challenges are you looking for in a position?

• What can you contribute to this company?

• What motivates you?

• If I asked the people who know you well to describe you, what three words would they use?

• If I asked the people who know you for one reason why I shouldn't hire you what would they say?

• When you take on a project do you like to attack the project in a group or individually?

• Describe the type of manager you prefer.

• Tell me about a team project of which you are particularly proud and your contribution?

• Describe a situation where you had to work with someone who was difficult, how did you handle it?

• What type of work environment appeals to you most?

• With which other companies are you interviewing?

• What characteristics do you think are important for this position?

• Why do you feel that this company will be a career for you rather than a job?

• Name two management skills that you think you have?

• What characteristics are most important in a good manager? How have you displayed one of them?

• What has been your greatest challenge?