While on the phone with her best friend, mom hears Cindy say, "I have a great resume, that's why I always get a call back.The problem is that I never get called back after the IN-TER-VIEW! I need this interview to be perfection or close to it. I just don't know how to make it that. Help!" We just hope that Cindy's friend gave her the right advice. One more job not had, we'll all scream.

How do you feel when you've been called for an interview? Are you nervous when you think about what it is that you should say? Do you wonder sometimes if you actually sound as intelligent to others as you do to yourself? Do you wonder whether you should say this or that? Or do you sit and wonder what clothes would be appropriate? All of these questions have plagued many of minds before yours. Today it is time to ask yourself those questions no longer. Here are some tips to guarantee you are at your best on your next interview...

Know What You Are Capable Of Doing - No one can sell you better than you. But you have to know yourself well enough to sell your strong points at an interview. The best way to do this is to evaluate what you can bring to the table at this particular company. You know yourself. Is it your education that will sell you or is it the skills you poses that would be best to speak on? Either way let them know what you can offer their company. In doing this you'll have to know exactly what you want.

Know How Much You Are Worth -- Know how much your talents and skills will benefit the company. After you know this make them sound even better since they may bid you down any way. Either way, don't get too over confident with this or you may miss out on being offered a job. Also, keep in mind the salary scale for the position you applied for. This way you will be prepared to negotiate your salary when it comes to that.

Know The Answers To The Most Commonly Asked Questions -- Always be aware of the type of question they will ask you. This way you can have someone practice your interviewing skills with you by asking you the questions. Rehearse what your answer is to these most commonly asked questions. If you know the answers prior to your interview the less you'll have to be worried about. Frequently asked questions are:

• Tell me about yourself
• Why aren't you working now or looking for another job?
• Why do you want to work here?
• What is your greatest strength and weakness?
• Why do you think you can do this job based on your

  experience?

• How long do you think you would stay in this present

  job without a promotion?

• How long do you plan to stay with this company?
• Why did you leave your last job?
• Why should we hire you?
• What did you like/dislike about your last job?
• How much did you earn?
• How much do you want to earn?

Be On Time - Plan to arrive at your interview ten minutes before your appointment. Never come too early, but make sure that you

have enough time to spend with the person giving the interview. If you happen to have two interviews back to back don't arrange it too close. First off you don't want to be late to the other interview. Not to mention the fact that you do not want to feel rushed in the interview you are in. Keep in mind that you should never interrupt time with an interviewer. Oh, and must I mention...

NEVER BE LATE!

Knowing What To Wear - Wear the appropriate attire. Never be

too casual or too formal with the clothes you wear to the interview. It is always best to dress as conservatively as possible. A suit is always best. And remember to go without flashy

colors. Remember your hair and make up for the interview. Men should make sure they shave for their interview. Always look neat with hair out of your face. Any makeup should be restrained. Less is always more ladies. Remember that first impressions say it all. Your interviewer will remember you by the way you appear. Not only that, but this is an example of what they should expect out of you if they were to give you the position. Find out a day or two in advance what they expect their employees to wear.

Know How To Conduct Yourself Properly -- Let your hand shake with the employer be a firm and solid grip. Even if you are a female, you are expected to give a firm hand shake. Always be about the business at hand. It is okay to be pleasant and friendly, but make sure that you do not go on about personal matters. It is important for you to smile throughout the interview. Don't let your smile look false in nature.

Have good eye contact with the interviewer. If you can't look into his eyes at least look at the bridge of his nose. This will seem as if you are looking into his eyes. Sit up straight and toward the interviewer. This will make you appear confident and very interested in what the interviewer has to say. If you are a smoker, retain from doing so during the interview. Even if the interviewer gives you permission to smoke, don't. Meditate a few minutes prior to your interview to help you stay calm.

Know What To Reply Back During The Interview - First, remember that you are not talking with friends. This needs to be the time when you let the interviewer take charge. Listen to the questions asked of you and answer them completely but briefly. Make sure you get to the point. Avoid rambling at all times. You want to give the employer what he wants to hear, but don't waste his time. When he states what qualifications he is looking for in an employee use that time to tell them the type of person you are. Since the qualities he is looking for have already been stated then use his words to describe yourself. Be sure not to embellish what you can do therefore turning your statements into lies. If you do not understand exactly what is being asked of you then make sure you get the interviewer to simplify the question. It is better to be honest and ask for clarification than to ramble on about a subject you are not too clear on in the first place.

Know What NOT To Say During The Interview - It is always important to know what to reply back to during the interview. It is as important to know not to say certain things during the interview. Mention previous jobs if they place you in a positive light. While you are placing yourself in flattering light make sure you do the same for previous employers. Don't talk negative about your prior employers. As a matter of fact, don't talk negative about yourself. Leave those comments about your financial situation and your home life for friends. If the employer asks a personal question then answer it quickly, coolly, and stay in control. Although you do want the job don't appear desperate. Don't rush the employer by trying to answer his questions before he finishes asking them. Finally, make sure you come to the interview alone. In doing so you are sure to appear as sincere as you are.

Know What To Do At The End Of The Interview - If you are not offered the job by the end of the interview then make sure to ask when you will hear from him. Let him know you are interested in his decision. You can even offer to call to find out his final decision. If there is another part to the interview make sure that you write down the time and location you need to be at. Make sure that as you leave the interview you thank the employer for the opportunity to meet with him. Once you get home it is good practice to also send the employer a thank-you letter. This may be the very thing that will give you an edge over other applicants. This will also give you a chance to mention anything you feel you forgot to mention during the interview.

If you don't hear from the company in two weeks then go ahead and call the employer. If they have hired another applicant for the position you were applying for then ask about other positions that may be available at that time.

If you follow the steps above you are sure to find the job that you are looking for. Remember that it does not pay to work and not enjoy what you are doing. Either you value the job you are at or it will devour you. Don't let it eat at your health to the point that you stop doing the very thing that got you the job in the first place...being yourself.