1. Prepare like a champion: Too many candidates are unprepared to talk about themselves. You need to be ready to convince the interviewer, face-to-face, that you are the right person for the job. The only way to distinguish yourself from the competition is to present yourself more effectively and persuasively than others do. Formulate messages that you want to convey in your interview ahead of time and be prepared to address gaps in your resume.

2. Practice, practice, practice: Practice, practice, practice: Selling yourself to a prospective employer in 45 minutes is a tough task. You need practice to gain control of your nerves and ensure you are fully prepared. Ask someone you trust - - your recruiter, a spouse or a friend to role play a realistic interview situation and have him or her provide constructive criticism. If you have an opportunity to videotape your practice interviews, do it! Seeing yourself on camera may be painful, but it is certainly worth it to see how you present yourself and self-assess what you want to correct.

3. Do your homework: Find out as much as you can about the company, its history, its competitive environment and its future. Good resources to use are the Internet, the library, government offices, professional associations and your recruiter. Brochures, annual reports and other marketing materials can be enormously beneficial. Use these materials to prepare informed questions about the company and its direction.

4. Dress for success: Be sensible about how you dress and make sure to look neat and clean. Perfume or cologne should be kept to a minimum and in good taste. Don't wear jewelry that is going to dangle or distract. Don't chew gum or smoke even if it is offered. Make sure your shoes are polished.

5. Answer questions directly: Answer the question that is asked. If you are unsure of a question, ask your interviewer to repeat it. Honest and direct answers are disarming and effective because interviewers want to deal with candidates they can trust. Candidates who waffle responses hurt their chances. You also want to be organized in your answers, which will give your responses structure, but remember to be brief. An interview is supposed to be a dialogue!

6. Handle obstacles gracefully and honestly: If you were fired, laid off, are under qualified, over qualified or have any other potential obstacles, you must overcome them and turn them into positives. Provide emotionally neutral answers if you were either fired or laid off from your last job. One way you can do this is to vent with loved ones, friends and associates until you feel a sense of closure before you hit the interview circuit. If you don't have enough experience for a position, you must be able to identify and clearly communicate related experience or transferable skills that will convince the interviewer of your ability to do the job. If you are deemed overqualified, reiterate your best qualifications for the position and use it as an opportunity to try and get the interviewer to rethink their position.

7. Close the interview efficiently: Say thank you. Give a firm handshake. If the interviewer has failed to elicit some important information about you, make that information known before you close. Ask any final questions about the company, then find out what the next step will be and when it is likely to occur.

8. Be sure to follow-up: Write a follow-up letter that expresses your gratitude for the interview, but also your interest and enthusiasm for the position. Be sure to send the letter within 48 hours of the interview.

9. Think smart when talking money: Try to avoid answering any questions about compensation until the employer is enthusiastic about your candidacy. Rather than box yourself in or screen yourself out in the early going, say that you're flexible and need to know more about the position. If they really persist, provide them with a range, rather than risk irritating them. Express realistic expectations and needs by using salary surveys as a basis for your requirements. This will also convey to the employer that you know your value in the marketplace and are seeking compensation for it.

10. Accept the job, but have it in writing first: If you're satisfied with the offer, express your satisfaction and ask for a letter in writing to reduce the risk of confusion. Now you are on your way!

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