First let's get this straight, I'm not talking about getting a job at White Castle or your local 7-Eleven... I could be wrong, but I don't think they even interview for those positions... I think you fill out an application and get the job when a position is open.

So, I'm talking about the job you really want. The receptionist job that fits perfectly with your kids school schedule. I'm talking about the customer service job that is the first rung on a ladder in a company that has great benefits... I'm talking about the job where there is some competition for the position.

I'm also assuming that you have an excellent resume. It's doesn't have to be cramed with lots of stuff... by excellent, I mean that it is well written and professional looking. You know, it's not typed on a typewriter with typo's and white-out...

Here's the list of the 6 verbal blunders that could cost you the job:

1) Yeah - instead of yes

2) Axe - instead of ask

3) Youse - instead of you

4) Ain't - instead of isn't

5) Don't - instead of doesn't

6) Mines - instead of mine

Here's the thing. I have met some very smart young ladies that prefer to speak "cool" or "street" rather than properly. AND although I know that they are smart, as soon as they open their mouth they sound shockingly illiterate.

My mother used to tell me: You can talk like that when you are around your friends, not when you are around me.

While we are on the topic of Job Interviews... Here's some more advice:

During an interview you need to BE the person that you think the company wants to hire. The very least .... the absolute least you can do is, sound like a grown-up professional adult.

So during the interview, when the employer asks:

Do you own your own transportation?

Bad Answer:

"Well, ya see, my baby daddy has da car that's mines. He in the parking lot now waiting, see dat Lexus, ah huh. So, he drive me"

Good Answer:

"I don't own my own car, but I've made arrangements to get to work and I have several backup plans."

Why do you want to work for this company?

Bad Answer:

"I see here in the newspaper ad that you will pay up to $15/hr, I be needing that kind of money to go back to work, if you know what I mean"

Good Answer:

"I've looking for more than a job, I'm looking for a career. I've read some great things about this company and based on the job description believe that my skills and experience will be a good fit.

Why did you leave your last job?

Bad Answer:

"My last boss didn't like me"

Good Answer:

"There wasn't any potential for advancement in my last position"

What are your strengths and weaknesses?

Bad Answer:

"Well, I would say I have a tendency to drink too much.... HA HA HA HA HA OK, seriously

Strengths; I am very strong and my weaknesses? Well, most people always complain because I am late for everything"

Good Answer:

"Funny you should ask, I guess my weakness could also be considered my strength. I've been accused of being too organized. I like to have everything in it's place, I like to complete a task, you know, follow it through to make sure it's completed, then file all of the paperwork appropriately before I leave for the day"

FINALLY.... THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF THE INTERVIEW... and the part that most people don't take advantage of..... the part where they ask: Do you have any questions for me?

This is where you can shine and stand out above the rest. All you need to do is check out the company online, to get a little information and figure out some questions to ask. Here are some samples:

#1) Is this a new position or has someone recently left leaving this position available. (if they left, and the interviewer doesn't say why... then say: May I ask why they left?)

#2) How many employees work at this location?

#3) Who would I be working with?

#4) I noticed online that your company has several locations, is the position for this location?

IMPORTANT-- don't ask about salary or vacation or holidays. These questions can be asked when you are offered the job. AND if they ask you what you are expecting to earn... give them a range. something like, between 15 - 18/hr or 33 - 38K. There is no reason to bid against yourself. Unless you already know exactly how high they are willing to go... give them a range... and when you are offered the job, you can discuss the specifics.

SO... remember... speak proper english.

Sit up straight

BE A GROWN UP... Confident, Educated... and perfect for the job.

Good Luck