Your job interview, after your resume, is the first impression perspective hirers will have of you. It is extremely important to present yourself well during this, the first stage of job-hunting.

The following are some do's and dont's for your job interviewing:

DO'S:

• Take a practice run to the location where you are having the interview -- or be sure you know exactly where it is and how long it takes to get there.
• Do your research and know the type of job interview you will be encountering.
• Prepare and practice for the interview, but don't memorize or over-rehearse your answers.
• Dress the part for the job, the company and the industry.
• Plan to arrive about 10 minutes early. Late arrival for a job interview is never excusable. If you are running late, phone the company.
• Greet the receptionist or assistant with courtesy and respect. This is where you make your first impression.
• If presented with a job application, fill it out neatly, completely, and accurately.
• Greet the interviewer(s) by title (Ms., Mr., Dr.) and last name if you are sure of the pronunciation. (If you're not sure, ask the receptionist about the pronunciation before going into the interview.
• Shake hands firmly.
• Wait until you are offered a chair before sitting. And remember body language and posture: sit upright and look alert and interested at all times.
• Make good eye contact with your interviewer(s).

The following are some things to avoid during your interview:

• Don't act as though you would take any job or are desperate for employment.
• Don't be soft-spoken. A forceful voice projects confidence.
• Don't smoke, even if the interviewer does and offers you a cigarette. And don't smoke beforehand so that you smell like smoke.
• Don't tell jokes during the interview.
• Don't have a limp or clammy handshake!
• Don't rely on your application or resume to do the selling for you. No matter how qualified you are for the position, you will need to sell yourself to the interviewer.

Well, these are some very good tips to live by, and if you follow these as well as coming up with some good and creative ideas of your own, you just may be one of the top interviews your employers encounter. Good luck and happy hunting!