[DeltAlum]

Congratulations, and good luck.

Most of these will seem obvious, but just in case:

Be on time.

Dress well, and conservatively. Business attire.

Be respectful.

Take a copy of your resume just in case.

Learn something about your interviewer if possible.

Be conversational, but don't talk too much.

Think before you speak. Remember the old adage that it's better to be silent and let people think you're a fool than open your mouth and remove all doubt. Or, remember to engage your brain before putting your mouth in gear.

If you don't know the answer to something, say so. Don't try to B.S. your way through it. They will respect no answer more than a dumb one.

Be upbeat.

Sell yourself, but don't oversell.

Thank the interviewer for his/her time at the beginning and end of the appointment.

Think out answers to questions you might be asked like, "Why do you want this job -- or why do you want to work at Johns Hopkins.

Think about what work experiences you have had and what you can bring to the job and be able to communicate them effictively, but without bragging.

Be honest -- professional interviewers see right through "snow jobs." And for heaven's sake, tell the truth. If they catch you fibbing, you're toast.

Think about what you have to offer them.

Don't sit down until you have been invited to.

Look the questioner in the eye when talking to him/her.

Don't ramble. Answer questions directly.

Don't bring up salary as the first topic of discussion.

Listen carefully.

Try not to do distracting things like cracking your knuckles.

Have a couple of questions for the interviewer regarding the job in case he/she asks.

If you want the position, be sure to tell him/her so before leaving.

As I said, all of these seem obvious, but in the heat of that first interview they are easy to forget. These aren't out of any book, but rather come from many years of interviewing people for jobs -- and applying for positions myself.

Don't give trite answers. If he/she asks you for your future goals, or what you want to be doing in five years, don't say, "I want your job." Everybody used to say that. Think about your answer before you get to the interview. This is a favorite question of interviewers. (I used to tell everyone I wanted to be the manager of the Breezewood, PA Holiday Inn -- I don't recommend that as a good answer.)

What all of this is about is common sense.

Finally, try to be relaxed.

Again, best of luck. Let us know how you do.