Having "sat on the other side of the desk" as a hirer, I have been repeatedly astonished over the years by the ineptitude of many (dare I say most?) of the applicants I have interviewed.

Here are some tips towards a more successful interview. After all, if you aren't prepared to put everything into securing the position, why bother even showing up for the interview in the first place?

Whatever the position is that you have applied for, research the company to the best of your ability. Get access to the internet, visit the firm's web site, and read every page. Consider information about the company as the ammunition you will need to repeatedly hit the target of a successful interview.

Be on time. Period.

Come prepared. Have a pen and a pad or portfolio. You may not need to take notes, but if you do, be ready.

Bring a few extra copies of your resume in case all of the interviewers don't have one. If you notice that some don't courteously ask if they wish one.

Consider the company's function, it's reputation, and the position you are applying for within it, to determine how to dress for the interview. If you were acting in a play, and had to perform the part of a person in that position in that company, what would the correct costume be? Regardless of your norms as it pertains to your hair, clothing, body jewelery and artwork, presenting yourself as you want rather than what the position demands will reduce the chance for your interview success. In almost every case, conservatism wins over flamboyance.

Do you really want the position? I have interviewed dozens of applicants over the years, and I tell you that less than a handful ever expressed a sincere, clear statement about how much they wanted the position during their interview. As your interview unfolds, tell the interviewer in no uncertain terms that you are excited about their opportunity and really want the position. Excitement is contagious, and if you are truly excited about the position, your excitement will, in turn, excite the interviewer, with very positive results.

Within 24 hours of your interview, send the interviewer a note of thanks sincerely expressing your appreciation for their time, and how excited you are about, and how interested you are in, the position. Indicate that you look forward to the pleasure of a second (or third)interview. If others were involved in the interview, thank them in the note addressed to the main interviewer.

Some of these are big issues, some of them are "tipping point".

For example, if you were the interviewer and had two or three applicants similar in attributes, wouldn't you be "tipped" towards the candidate who expressed the most desire, and who performed the most professional follow up?

Good luck in your hunt. These tips will help.

Learn more about this author, Bill Wade.
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