[blueangel]

Everyone has their own particular management style, so my advice may differ from others.. but... here's my opinion on the matter.

Regarding e-mail thank you notes.... No! No! No! No e-mail thank you notes! Please send it snail mailed... or... if you really think time is of utmost importance... at least send a snail mail thank you after the e-mail thank you.

I do a lot of hiring, and a hand-written letter means so much. An e-mail, to me, spells "lazy." A letter is so much more personal.. and shows that you took the time and effort to hand write something out, put a stamp on it, and bring it to the mailbox.

Out of everyone I have interviewed, I have only gotten two snail-mail thank yous. Guess who two of the people are that I hired??? They REALLY made an impression on me. They showed me they had professionalism and class.

I've done some informal job interviews on the phone-- actually, it was more of a pre-screening to see if it was worth inviting them in for an interview.

I generally open up with a bit of small talk with the candidate to get a sense of their personality. I look at their resume and try to find something on it that they feel comfortable with as an icebreaker. I like it when people are able to chat informally a bit.

The questions I ask are pretty basic: What kind of job are you looking for? What kind of experience do you have? Tell me about your last job. How flexible are you with hours? The others were pretty job specific (these were broadcast journalist positions) such as, "Are you familiar with Avstar or I-news?"

I like positive people that are "nice." Since we're all going to be around each other 40 hours a week, I'd rather find someone who is a team player with a good attitude, a sense of humor, and who is confident in their abilities without being cocky.

The key is to be interested and upbeat, without being TOO enthusiastic (it makes you seem a little desperate.)

Never, ever say anything bad about a former employer. Your old boss might have been a real creep, but never say that. Stay positive.

Have a few questions prepared, because I can almost guarantee that the person interviewing you will ask if you have any. DON'T ask about salary yet.. or benefits. That comes later. Research the job and the company a bit, and frame your questions around that.

Remember too, that the person hiring you wants to know what you can do for them.... not the other way around! For example... Don't tell them how much you need this job because you have car payments. Instead, let them know why it's such an advantage for them to hire you.

Good luck, and try not to be nervous! Remember that it's just another human being on the other end of the line!