Land your dream job

Advice for interview excellence
Goal: "The main purpose of the interview is for the recruiter to determine if the candidate has the skills and the experience to do the job and if they will be a good fit for the role and the company," says Pruegger.

1. Do your homework.
Get to know as much as possible about the company and position. The very least you should do is look at the company's website and read any marketing materials and reports that are available. If possible, talk to past and present employees and clients to get a better sense of the company's goals and values.

2. Anticipate what will be asked.
Sit down and compile a list of questions that the recruiter may ask you (click here for 15 questions to consider), and think over your responses in advance so you won't be stumbling for answers.

Draft a one-minute personal statement, so that you won't be caught off guard by the "tell me about yourself" question that recruiters commonly open interviews with.

Don't overrehearse your answers -- you don't want to sound robotic -- but make sure you are clear on the key points you want to convey.

3. Give concise answers and examples.
Recruiters want to get a clear sense of your past experience and how it relates to the challenges you will face in the new position, says Pruegger. So when a recruiter says the position involves working with numerous departments under tight deadlines, give them an example of how you have done this successfully in the past.

4. Ask questions.
"Think of the interview as a two-way street," says Pruegger. "Ask any questions that will help you determine if the position and the company are a good fit for you." For example, ask about the goals of the position, the challenges and what a "day in the life" of an employee in the role is like.

5. Don't underestimate the value of a thank-you note.
After the interview, mail or e-mail the interviewer a note thanking them for the opportunity to meet and briefly restating your interest in the position and qualifications. "It shows that you are committed and proactive and follow up," says Pruegger.

Bonus: Give your references a call in advance to let them know you want to use their name, and have their full contact information available at the interview so you are not left scrambling if an interviewer asks for references.