Your questions: The interviewer willusually leave about 10 minutes at the end for yourquestions. Have a few in mind before theinterview. Don't ask questions that are answeredin the recruiting material or in the fact sheet.But you may want to investigate some aspects ofthe position or training program in greater depth.If you have done extensive research on thecompany, you may have an issue to discuss. Yourquestions should reflect an understanding andconcern for the industry and company for which youhope to work.

Salary usually isn't discussed untilsubsequent interviews. But if the interviewer asksyou what you expect to earn, you can respond byasking what the salary range is for that job. Thecompany usually has a certain number of jobs to befilled in definite salary brackets. An OCScounselor can tell you an average starting salaryfor such a position. You may also wish to lookover the Salary Survey, published by the CollegePlacement Council, or look in the U.S. Governmentpublication entitled The Occupational Outlook forCollege Graduates. Both are in the OCS library.

At the conclusion of the interview, askabout the next step in the selection process. Theinterviewer should tell you when you can expect tohear from the company. Follow-up letters areusually mailed within two to four weeks after theinitial interview. It is unusual for someone to beinvited for a second interview at the time of thefirst interview. Do not ask how well you did inyou interview. You put the interviewer in anawkward position.

Thank you notes: Always send one if anemployer has taken time to see you at hisworkplace. Besides thanking him for the interview,reemphasize any point you feel may have beenespecially important. Also, if the employer showedany doubts about one aspect of your background,follow up with points that would help dispell anydoubts.

Relax. Of course you'll be apprehensive.But remember, the interview is a mutual evaluationprocess. Relax and be yourself. The interviewer isbasically trying to get a feeling for what kind ofperson you are and to find out what yourcommitment to her company may be. If you canportray your own likeable self and demonstrate anintelligence about your career planning, you willbe well on your way to getting asked back for asecond interview.

Finally, help yourself and other futureinterviewers by filling out a post-interviewquestionnaire. This will give our office thevaluable information that will help you preparefor future interviews