Interviewers want to know how you will fit into their company. Be ready to explain how your skills can enhance their team.

After the Interview
In the thank you letter, include any information your forgot to relay at the interview. Let the interviewer know you are open to more questions and look forward to hearing from him or her. Include your phone number and to sign the letter.

Interview Pitfalls (Avoid Doing Anything Stupid)
Don’t wait until the end of the interview to make your strongest points. The first 30 seconds of the interview are the most crucial; when the interviewer decides he’s going to listen to you. Use that research you’ve done to establish that you fit in by demonstrating your knowledge of the company or person. If you know about a project your interviewer has worked on, or that the company has done, bring it up.

Don’t assume your résumé will get you the job. You have to sell your skills throughout the entire interview. Assume the interviewer hasn’t read your résumé. Throughout the interview demonstrate your skills and abilities, with examples of work you’ve done in the past.

Don’t assume the person with the best education, skills, talent or experience will get the job. A person who has a cooperative attitude, someone you want to work with day after day is the person who will be hired.

Don’t assume the interviewer is an expert. It’s up to you to guide the interview to effectively make your points. Clearly tell the employer the skills you will bring to the job. Be specific, detailed and concise in your answers.

Don’t appear desperate. The employer will think that you want any job, not their particular job.

Don’t provide a reference who says negative things about you. Choose references carefully and ask a friend to call a reference and find out if what they say is positive.

Don’t denigrate former or current employers or co-workers. Don’t complain about former or current work conditions.

With these tips on demo reels, portfolios, interviewing and Internet research you’ll soon find a job that’s a good match for your skills and abilities.

Pamela Kleibrink Thompson is a recruiter/hiring strategist and career coach. Her most recent recruiting clients include Paramount’s feature film Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow and Toybox, a Canadian visual effects company. She speaks regularly on career issues at colleges and universities.