• Do your homework. Research the company, environment, and position thoroughly.
• Define your value proposition in advance. Assess your skills and abilities, so you are comfortable discussing how your skills, achievements, and experience will translate to and benefit the employer.
• Be prepared to sell. Dress appropriately, arrive early, and have your resume and work samples organized. Think of the interview as a business meeting where you are a salesperson selling an important product - YOU!
• Ask investigative questions. Always have questions prepared, to demonstrate your interest in the position and to find out: what the employer wants and what problems you can solve. Then use this knowledge to convey why your skills and experience make you the ideal candidate, and why the organization is the right place for you.
• Be an active listener. Distinguish the organization's goals from the hiring manager's own business objectives. Understand how the role fits into the organization and why it is important.
• Always have a second-best job alternative in mind. Having a back-up plan will give you more confidence and comfort in the interview for the job you really want. Even if it looks like your #1 job is going to come through, keep interviewing in order to keep your options open.

Visit ASME JobCoach (www.asme.org/jobs) for more career advice and tools.