Interview Tips

Please make sure that you are ready to make a change and that you have an honest interest in working for the company that you are interviewing with. Don't waste everyone's time brushing up on your interviewing skills.
Research the company. Search the company's web site as well as their competitors. (www.hoovers.com is a good source for basic info.) Try talking with an account of theirs for public perception, etc. Develop a list of questions for you to ask in the interview. Don't ask questions that are easily answered if you would have looked on the web site.
Greet the interviewer with a firm handshake. No death grips, no wet noodles.
Stay calm! Relax just enough to do your best. No matter how relaxed the surroundings or interviewer becomes, you remain a professional!
Never talk negatively about past or present employers or co-workers. Remain professional, personable, and positive throughout the interview. No swearing or use of slang.
Arrive on time or early. Dress for success! Although many employers have become more relaxed with appearance, if you are looking for a professional sales position; conservative is the key. Professional business attire. No piercing or similar decorations. Facial hair on men is not well received. Go easy on perfumes, colognes, makeup, etc.
Bring with you: several copies of your resume, a sheet of references, pen, notepad, and if you have it; "Brag Book" (a portfolio of your work and accomplishments). It is important that what you give the hiring authority as well as what you bring to take notes on is well organized. If you are fumbling through papers or give a folder that your dog ate the corner off of, don't expect to move forward to a second interview.
DO NOT bring with you: YOUR CELL PHONE!, friends, or family members.
DO NOT discuss salary, benefits, or perks in your first interview.
Tell me about yourself? Please develop an answer to this prior to interviewing. They are asking about your professional self; not your home life and free time activities. In fact, keep conversation about your personal life to a minimum.
Listen!!! Listen to the interviewer. Take your time to answer and if you need to, clarify the question so that you answer what was asked. If your answer can benefit from specific work related examples, share them.
Remember that the interviewer doesn't necessarily like this process any more than you do. Ultimately, they are just a person in the world like yourself. Be yourself! Don't force any personality traits that are not your own. Sell yourself. Convince the interviewer (customer) that they need to buy you (product/service).
Close the deal! Ask for the position. Even if you have concerns that need addressing; this is not the time to be apprehensive. Commit the interviewer to the next step. Get the interviewer's business card. Follow up immediately with a Thank You Card. Include a brief summary of why you are the person for the job. The 2nd interview may require additional work. Give us a call.
There are plenty of great books with practical answers to common interview questions. Try: "Knock 'em Dead" by Martin Yate or "The Idiot's Guide to The Perfect Interview" by Alpha Books.