So often now, initial interviews are handled by phone, as a screening or introduction. This is helpful and time saving to all parties, and also assures that you have a good understanding of the position you have inquired about, its location, travel requirements, etc. This is also an opportunity for you to ask some initial questions that you may have. If asked to come in for a personal interview, inquire about the the following:

• How much time should you allow (in case there are multiple interviewers)
• Will a list of references be needed at this point
• Is there any designated parking area, directions I need, etc. When you are unfamiliar with the location of the employer, and if time permits, it's a good idea to take a dry-run to that address a few days prior if time permits. You can get a feel for traffic, parking, entrance doors, etc. No need to add more stress than usual, to your first interview appointment with a prospective employer.

Never, ever be rude, abrupt or offensive to the receptionist or anyone who greets you upon your arrival. You never know when the hiring manager will ask these employees about their impression; how the interview candidate was upon arrival, were they on time, or agitated by a delay in their appointment, etc. Many times a candidate's chances of being hired are diminished by unprofessional or impolite behavior exhibited towards office staff. After all, if you treat these people in that manner, how would you treat their customers or potential co-workers?

While promptness is critical for the interview, try not to be too early. If there is any reason you are unable to make the appointment, by all means - contact the employer right away. Graciously ask to reschedule due to your emergency, or - if no longer interested, thank them for the opportunity to interview.

Don't ever be too casual. Just because the employer has a "casual Friday" or business casual culture, does not mean that you are permitted to assume the same. After all, you are not yet an employee. Dress in a manner that you feel is professional. There is an old rule of thumb - "Dress for the position you want, not the position you have." Obviously, if you're interviewing for a trade or skilled labor type position, you won't be expected to arrive in a 3-piece suit. However, your personal grooming and choice of attire for that day will reflect your professional manner, your attitude toward this employer and about getting the job, and many other attributes about your personality, that go beyond your resume or credentials.

You may be scheduled to meet with only one person. However, that interviewer may indicate that there is someone else they would like you to meet with, who just now happens to be available. Be prepared for an extended appointment, and welcome this impromtu opportunity to meet as many people as possible. This is often a good sign.  Be sure to have a few extra copies of your resume available should thi opportunity arise. It will certainly be a nice effort on your part to have these copies on hand to share, rather than your interviewer having to scramble to make additional copies to get this next phase off to a good start.

Don't expect to be 'fed or watered' while you are on an interview. If you are meeting with many people consecutively, they may not be aware that you are dying of thirst and may neglect offering you something. They may have nothing to offer. When possible, be sure you have eaten a small meal before your interview, and had something to drink - as long as it will not cause interruptions during the interview. If you need a glass of water, or a break, try and delay your request for between interview appointments if possible. Most employers will be considerate however, of your time. If scheduled for a full day of interviews, it is likely that someone will be taking you to lunch, or that a break will be scheduled for you.

Don't go into great detail about family or personal issues. Unless asked, there really is no reason to discuss your home life. Some personal questions may in fact be illegal. Your ability to recognize that is important. These include inquiries about your marital status, children or childcare provisions, health, religion and other areas. Think before you speak, being mindful of your responses. This works both ways - don't ask personal questions of the interviewer!

Here are a few examples of questions that may put you on-the-spot:

If asked about your willingness to relocate for this position and you are not, a safe response might be: "At this point in time, relocation is not an option I can consider. OR, "relocation for the right opportunity is something I would consider a few years from now."

If asked about your ability to work overtime on a moment's notice, but you know that could be difficult with carpooling, childcare, evening classes, etc., your response might be: "I welcome the opportunity to work overtime whenever possible, however due to other committments, I would appreciate some advance notice." Try your best to keep your responses to questions focused on the position you are interviewing for, and not for the reasons you might not be able to comply.

If asked about your ability to work weekends, and you know you cannot, you should make that clear. Hopefully, you would have learned about the scheduling requirements prior to any personal interview so it won't be an issue. For example - If your inability to work on weekends is because of a religious commitment, simply state that: "due to a prior and long term commitment, I am unable to work on Saturdays." On the other hand - if you have an upcoming scheduled vacation, honeymoon, or the like, it is best to inform the employer prior to them making an offer. If you are the right fit for the job, your previous personal plans will not change their mind. However, if you wait to inform them of these plans until an offer is extended, this could have an adverse affect.

BEWARE -- TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF! It is often difficult to keep focused - especially when an interviewer poses this statement as their first question. This could open up your own can of worms so be prepared. Be very careful with your response, and ask for some clarification, such as: "Would you care to know more about why I am looking for a new job, or more about what work I have done so far?" Or, "what specifically would you like to know?" When an interviewer approaches you in this manner, it could simply mean they are not not skilled in this practice, they're unprepared for the interview, or a myriad of other reasons. Don't presume this is the case, and assume that they do know what they're doing. Be careful with your response, ask for clarification of any confusing questions, and disclose only what you need to.

When your interview takes place over a meal (often for management positions and for those within the hospitality industry) be very conscientious of your behavior. You are being interviewed, but not by standard questioning alone. Observations about your ability to make a decision, your friendliness to servers, your table manners and more, are being observed and will be considered. No matter how hungry you may be, order something light and easy to eat, so as not to interfere with the real purpose of you being there.

There have been occasions where interviews have begun over breakfast, and although consecutive interviews were scheduled, a decision was made to cancel by the time breakfast was over. Simply because unfavorable personality or behavior was exhibited during the meal.

When the end of an interview session is approaching, be prepared with some final questions about the job at hand. This part of the interview alone, can be very telling about you. Use this time to ask about the process (see below), although it is probably not a good time to ask about pre-employment drug tests and physicals. Your inquiry about those processes could indicate a concern about passing them.

Here are a few examples of questions considered appropriate for you to ask:

Is this opening due to an increase in headcount or is it a replacement? / When do you hope to have the position filled by? / What is the timeline for any training or orientation into the position and department? / If the position is a replacement, what will be expected to be handled differently than in the past? How many other candidates may be interviewed before a decision is made? / Do you have any concerns or questions about how you might fit into this role? / When might a list of references be needed? / How long has the position been open and how critical is it to fill the job soon?

Don't ask about salary being offered, yet. You may be asked about your own salary expectations. Best practice - be honest. Inflating your past pay history could be found out. Dishonesty will not land you a job! If you do state your most recent salary, you should also mention any type of bonus plan your past position included. Use discretion if you want to make it clear that you are unhappy with your current pay, and need to make a better salary. Try a statement like this: "In seeking a new position, there are many factors that would make a job offer attractive to me. This would include an opportunity for training and growth, the ability to increase my earnings potential, and the ability to work in a stable company." Stating it in this manner, informs the employer that while salary potential is important, it is not the most important factor in your criteria for accepting an offer.

A few more pointers:

• Never let any of your answers take more than two minutes.
• Never give out too much information during that 1st call, get that onsite appointment.
• Never be negative about anything. If you walk in with a chip on your shoulder - that may be far more noticable than your actual credentials.
• Show loyalty to your former employers.
• If you wish, take notes, but ask first. Do your homework.
• Never, but never, bring your spouse or a friend along.
• When in doubt, ask a question.
• Never interrupt your interviewer before he's finished asking his question.