Congratulations! You’ve passed the first test and received your call for a job interview.

Now that the hard part’s over, you’re wondering what to do next and more importantly, how to get the job. The following tips are given under the assumption that you’ve done your research on the company and you’re going in fully prepared.

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First, be prompt and remember your manners. If you’re running late, you won’t be penalized for calling ahead and informing your prospective employer’s receptionist about your delayed status. It’s also a great idea also to turn off your cell phone before entering an interview. For that moment in time, you are the star and no interruption could be more important than impressing your future boss.

Second, remember to apply a little polish. A well-groomed candidate sends out a positive message. Your appearance on an interview implies that you will apply the same polish when meeting with clients and representing the company before the outside world.

Be confident. ALWAYS remember to make eye contact with the recruiter and keep up that great posture. A candidate that sits up straight and gives the recruiter their full attention will go very far in the process when applying this first (and most essential) rule of interpersonal communication (<=== buzz phrase).

Be straightforward with your answers. While sitting in the interview chair, you may feel like a half-day old burger under a heating lamp, but part of the test is to see how well you react under pressure. Keep in mind that recruiters are amazing actors. They have this superhuman ability to keep up a great poker face; even when they’re ready to hire you on the spot.

*A common mistake made during these meetings is to forget to interview the interviewer. This doesn’t mean that you should grill the interviewer like Barbara Walters would one of her subjects. Jot down a few insightful questions about the company and what they have to offer you, the candidate. Taking notes also leaves an excellent impression and demonstrates your interest to the recruiter.

It’s been mentioned before, but I’ll repeat it. Agreeing to work for a company is essentially entering into a relationship. It’s common to turn down a job offer based on a vibe that you felt during the interview that perhaps a particular company or department wouldn’t be right for you.

*On a personal note, after three months of eating ramen noodles, I had the audacity to turn down my first job offer because I didn’t feel any chemistry with my interviewers. What resulted was a subsequent interview, offered by the HR recruiter, with a group that had more exciting projects and a more cohesive feel within the group. I was much happier because of my decision, and still am today.

The most important tip: Remember to be yourself. You were selected for that interview because your talent on paper lit a spark in the recruiter. That same spark is what compelled them to call you. Go in there and prove to them that you are the right candidate and the deal will be sealed.

Finally, remember your manners again. Those same notes that you took during the interview will serve as the basis for your thank-you note. Brownie points will fall from the heavens if you (PROMPTLY) send a thank-you note, and touch upon some of the points discussed.

Best of luck to you and feel free to contact me if you have any questions.