Congratulations! You have a job interview — the first big step to getting a job offer. This article will guide you to help you avoid mistakes job applicants make.

Image is everything during an interview. The way you dress and present yourself will make a strong first impression on a prospective employer.

The employer has seen your résumé and samples of your work. Why does he/she want to interview you? Interviews give employers an opportunity to become more acquainted with applicants. “Hiring managers are looking for candor, professionalism and a glimpse into the candidate’s personality,” states Max Messmer, author of Managing Your Career for Dummies.

Image is everything. The employer will reach conclusions based on how you present yourself.

• Don’t be late for your interview.
  
• Don’t show up in casual clothes even if it’s a casual work environment.
  
• Don’t wear perfume or cologne.

Here are some guidelines to make a great impression:

• Be prepared. Do background research on the company.
  
• Double check your résumé to be sure it looks professional and contains your current contact information.
  
• Make sure your clothes are pressed and shoes are polished.
  
• Be friendly and courteous to security personnel, the receptionist, and secretaries.
  
• Make eye contact with the interviewer and stay relaxed — but not so relaxed you doze off!
  
• Take a moment to compose your thoughts before you speak.
  
• Focus your comments on the specific knowledge and experience you can bring to the position.
  
• Use appropriate language during your interview. One applicant disqualified himself by cursing during the interview.
  
• Be eager to learn. Don’t be arrogant and state that there is nothing the interviewer could tell you that you don’t already know. Saying you know everything about the employer’s business is off-putting.
  
• Show how your experience, skills and accomplishments are a good match for the job requirements.
  
• Be attentive and listen to what the interviewer says.
  
• Be friendly and open but don’t invite the employer out for a drink after the interview.
  
• The world is small. Even if given the opportunity, speaking ill of former employers or co-workers is unwise.

You’re in the employer’s office. Your résumé is sitting in front of him on his desk. The employer asks you, “Tell me about yourself.” Don’t answer as my friend Andrew did, gesturing to the résumé: “Well, it’s all right there.” Use this question as an opportunity to briefly summarize how your background, skills and abilities would be utilized at the company. Your homework pays off here because you know what the company needs. You know the job requirements and can point out how you fit the job. Use every opportunity to showcase your strengths.

First impressions are crucial. If the initial first perception of you is unprofessional you won’t have a chance to demonstrate your capability and competitiveness. But last impressions are just as important.

• Thank the interviewer for his or her time and ask for a business card from your interviewer.
• Tell the interviewer that you are extremely interested in the position (if you are).
• Ask if there is anything you might do, such as submit more work samples or letters of recommendation, that might give the interviewer a better sense of what you can contribute.
• Restate that you believe you can handle the job and make a contribution.
• Follow up any interview with a brief, written thank you note in which you: