So much of the work is done before the interview that the interview itself can sometimes be anti-climatic but here are some important points to remember:

•  Never bad mouth a former job under any circumstances - You might be 100 percent correct but saying you didn't like a job is too close to saying the job didn't like you. They will note that you didn't fit in well with that company and move on.

•  The interviewer is a normal person just like you. They want it to go well also but don't be lulled into thinking they are your new best friend. They may say - “I like taking off early on Fridays to hit the beach.” Do not respond “Yeah I like ducking out early too.”

•  Take a second to pause before answering all questions. It makes you seem a little more relaxed, it gives you a second to compose your thoughts and if you really get stumped on a question if you have paused before all the easy ones then a longer pause doesn't look as pronounced. You can buy more time on a tough question by saying, “That is a really good question,” and then repeat what they just said.

•  Never lie or stretch the truth too much

•  It is best to stay away from jokes altogether - a controversial joke will end your chances at a job.

•  When they say do you have any questions? Try and have one or two good ones that show your knowledge and demonstrate that you have done your research. For example, “ I noticed on your website that you work in both Taiwan and China . Do you ever encounter problems from either government due to your work in the other country?” If you don't have a good question don't try and make one up on the spot because you may come up with one that is on the first page of their website. By asking it you are essentially saying, “Because I didn't even bother looking at your website...” Another good question is, “What are the chances for professional development within your organization?”

· Interview Questions

You can't have an answer for all questions but there are some standard toughies that you should be ready for:

Q: So tell me a little about yourself?

A: This is often an opening question and although it sounds simple enough can be very tough. You don't want to launch into a personal history telling them where you were born and how many brothers and sisters you have, rather you want to have an idea in your mind as to what they are looking for and speak to that. For example if it is a highly collective and deadline oriented work environment you could start by saying “Well, I am team player who works well with a wide variety of individuals. I have a good sense of humor but I also understand the importance of meeting deadlines. For example....”

Then give an example of how you organized a team to meet a deadline.

*** You make a much more effective presentation if you back up your claims with specific examples. Anyone can say they are a team player but a good candidate backs that up with an example.

Q: What are your long-term goals?

A: Be honest but also tailor it towards what they are looking for.

Q: What would you say is your biggest weakness?

A: I have read interviewing books that suggest answering by damning yourself with faint praise saying “I push myself too hard” or “ I demand a lot of others.” These are terrible answers. They may sound clever but you aren't answering the interviewers question. Instead find a weakness that

The above is an excerpt from The Last Job Search Guide You'll Ever Need: How to Find and Get the Job or Internship of Your Dreams, which is available for sale for $19.85 in our bookstore or $27.00 at Amazon.com but for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. This hot new book contains job search secrets of the most experienced, most knowledgeable and most respected career experts. Learn career planning, job hunting tools and tactics, interviewing, cover letter and resume writing (lots of samples!), networking, and how to find an internship. Written by 149 career experts. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.

Career Videos