A key step in the interviewing process is to know the questions you want answered and when the best time is to ask these questions. Although the salary and benefits offered with the position may be your main area of interest, these are not appropriate questions to ask until you have been offered the job. What employers look for are employees that are interested in the work itself, not the perks that come with it. Keep in mind that you are selling your services to the employer, and that the first thing you mention about yourself should not be your price tag!

During the interview, it is appropriate to ask questions about the nature of the work you will be doing and about the organization itself. Here are some examples of good job-related questions:

What are the major responsibilities of this job?

Where does this job fit in the overall organizational structure?

What specific projects do you see me starting first?

What is the typical career path from this job in your company?

Why did the person previously in this position leave?

What is the nature of the population that your organization serves?

What type of person do you feel will best fit this position?

Key DO-NOTS

• Do not use jargon or abbreviations. While these may make perfect sense to you, usually they are unique to the organization and may confuse your interviewer
• Do not use jokes to answer questions. A bad joke can ruin an interview
• Do not be negative about your previous job or present job or company. Negativity may indicate that you do not take responsibility for what you do, It also makes your interviewer side with your previous company and worry about your ability to adapt to your workplace
• Do not memorize answers. You are expected to be spontaneous, not a robot. Memorized answers will make you appear to lack individuality.
• Do not know it all. Conceit is very unattractive. When you imply that you can do things better than others, you may present yourself as judgmental and difficult to deal with

Every evening, you must take time to sit down and write a brief thank-you note to each and every person you met that day. The thank-you serves a few general purposes in that it:

• Helps your interviewer(s) to remember you -- Even if the interview did not go very well, the organization may still be able to provide you with other contacts.
• A thank-you may also reinforce a strong performance in an interview. If you anticipate that you may be asked to return for further interviews, a thank-you note may identify future topics of discussion.
• A prompt thank-you note may correct a bad first impression. There is a good chance that most of your competitors will not show the consideration to do such a kind gesture.

A thank-you note is critical at setting you ahead from your competitors----Don't forget!!!!!