We all know the obvious - research the company, be prepared with three or more good questions, dress conservatively and bring an extra copy of your resume and references. The steps below may also be obvious, but it is surprising how often job seekers forget them. Give yourself the edge by:

So often job seekers are so eager to answer questions that begin speaking as soon as the interviewer takes a breath. This puts an interviewee at risk of interrupting the interviewer, missing the last few words of the interviewers question and responding before a formulating a concise response. Embracing the silence after a question is posed will demonstrate strong listening skills and you will be able to respond more concisely.

Since you are already pausing after hearing the question, try to take a little more time to anticipate why the interviewer is asking the question. For example, an interviewer may ask if you are available to work extra overtime and you may want to be home with your kids at least three nights a week. It would be natural to blurt out your expectations, but it would be more effective to define why he is asking the question. The interviewer may consider 5 extra hours a week extra overtime or she may be concerned because a previous employee started ending her day at 4:30 P.M. and made a dash for the door right at 5:00 P.M. Ask the interviewer to elaborate on the requirement to see if the overtime periods can be managed in advance or if it is confined to specific busy seasons. If you can't work overtime but you are extremely effective, explain that you have been in positions in the past that traditionally took excessive overtime, but because of your efficiency you were able to complete projects much faster and that the need for overtime was severely reduced.

Being able to back up interview questions with relevant life experiences is the most effective way to quickly make an interviewer comfortable with your qualifications. Whenever possible, back up your response with specific work experience. When preparing for an interview, review specific accomplishments that will demonstrate relevant job skills, leadership, knowledge of technology, conflict resolution, loyalty, teamwork, problem solving and any other trait you anticipate will be addressed in an interview. If you can convince an employer that you have been in successful situations similar to ones that will be required in your new position, the employer will see a candidate who can make an impact quickly.

Ask at least one unique question. While silence in an interview is critical in demonstrating you are listening to the interviewer's questions and responding thoughtfully, a well timed question can buy you a little more time to respond to tougher questions and sharpen your response. Open ended questions such as 'Could you be more specific about ____' or 'Over what period' will give you a little more time to respond and a better idea about how to respond. Also, try to have one question prepared that is unlikely that anyone else will ask. It is likely the interviewer will have to pause for a moment before she responds, and she will remember you as someone who asked a tough question.

This is something that comes naturally in all situations but interviews. If the interviewer leans back, lean back. If the interviewer leans forward, lean forward. Try to use the interviewer's word tracks in your responses to show you are listening and share her language.

If a client asks if you have experience in a certain area and you do not, answer honestly by saying, 'No, I do not have experience in that specific thing, but I have worked extensively with ________.' Matching specific experiences as close to those inquired about will demonstrate to the interviewer that you are capable willing to learn the nuances of a new position.

If the job sounds like something you are interested in, close your questions by saying 'Thanks for answering the questions. Based on our conversation this sounds like a great opportunity. Is there anything you would like me to clarify in more detail?' This sets you up to ask for the position and gives you one more chance to address any concerns.

At the end of the interview, express appreciation for the interview and ask for the job. Say something like 'based on our discussion it sounds like you are looking for (summarize position) and I have (summarize experience) and I want to (describe opportunity). It sounds like a great fit and I really want this job. I hope you feel the same way.' Most employers are proud of their organization and want a candidate who is excited about the opportunity, so don't miss the opportunity to demonstrate your interest in the position.

Thanks for the interview, should I wait to hear from you or would you rather I follow up?

Take the time to familiarize yourself with these interviewing practices and you will walk into interviews confident that you are right for the job. If you are preparing for a major interview and have any questions, please call the team of professionals at Vaco Financial and we will be glad to help.