Here are some basic dos and don'ts of interviewing. Following these simple rules should help in successful job-hunting.

• Do take a practice run to the location where you are having the interview -- or be sure you know exactly where it is and how long it takes to get there. You do not want to be late - plan on arriving 10 minutes prior to the scheduled time of the interview. If you are running late, do call.
   
• Do prepare and practice for the interview, but don't memorize or over-rehearse your answers.
   
• Dress professionally. Do dress the part for the job, the company, the industry. And do err on the side of conservatism.
   
• Do greet the receptionist or assistant with courtesy and respect. This is where you make your first impression.
   
• Don't chew gum during the interview.
   
• If presented with a job application, do fill it out neatly, completely, and accurately - even if you have already provided a resume.  Bring an extra resume to the interview.
   
• Unless asked to do otherwise, do greet the interviewer(s) by title (Ms., Mr., Dr.) and last name if you are sure of the pronunciation. (If you're not sure, do ask the receptionist about the pronunciation before going into the interview).
   
• Do shake hands firmly. Don't have a limp or clammy handshake - always wash your hands and dry thoroughly prior to the interview.
   
• Remember body language and posture: sit upright and look alert and interested at all times. Don't fidget or slouch.
   
• Do make good eye contact with your interviewer(s).
   
• Do show enthusiasm in the position and the company.
   
• Don't smoke, even if the interviewer does and offers you a cigarette. And don't smoke beforehand so that you smell like smoke. And do brush your teeth, use mouthwash, or have a breath mint before the interview.
   
• Do avoid using poor language, slang, and pause words (such as "like," "uh," and "um").
   
• Don't be soft-spoken. A forceful voice projects confidence.
   
• Do have a high confidence and energy level, but don't be overly aggressive.
   
• Don't act as though you would take any job or are desperate for employment.
   
• Do avoid controversial topics, politics, jokes, etc.
   
• Don't complain about former colleagues, supervisors, or employers.
   
• Do stress your achievements. 
   
• Don't answer questions with a simple "yes" or "no." Elaborate whenever possible. Describe those things about yourself that showcase your talents, skills, and determination. Give examples.
   
• Don't bring up or discuss personal issues or family problems.
   
• Do turn off (or set to silent ring) your cell phone and/or pager.  Never answer a cell phone or check text messages during an interview.
   
• Do ask intelligent questions about the job, company, or industry. Don't ever not ask any questions -- it shows a lack of interest.
   
• Do close the interview by telling the interviewer(s) that you want the job and asking about the next step in the process. (Some experts even say you should close the interview by asking for the job.)
   
• Do try and get business cards from each person you interviewed with -- or at least the correct spelling of their first and last names. And don't make assumptions about simple names -- was it Marci or Marcy -- get the spelling.  The same hold true for the company name.
   
• Do write thank you letters within 24 hours to each person who interviewed you.