★ Know basically what you want to talk about before the interview. If you're stumbling and fumbling for an answer on a very basic question, you're not putting your best foot forward. Have your very basic answers down pat, and anticipate some of the tougher questions before you step into the interview.

★ Get feedback from a friend. Even if you think their feedback isn't on the mark, it's something to consider: We don't always know how we come off to other people, and the actual interviewer could share some of the same concerns.