You should have a pretty good idea of what your particular market will bear.If you don't know the particular salary ranges in your area (city and state) and industry,do some research. Make sure you know whether these figures represent just dollars or a compensation package, which may include insurance, retirement pograms, and other value-added benefits.

If you're a woman, make sure you know what men are making doing the same job. You're bound to find a discrepancy. But you should request and expect to earn an equivalent salary, regardless of what female predecessors may have earned.

You're just as choosy about finding the right job as the interviewer is about hiring the right candidate. Don't whine or show that the search is upsetting you. If you've already fielded an offer or two,you might say

        " I have had an offer.But the situatioin was not right for me. I'm especially glad that I didn't accept, because I now have a shot at landing this position."

It's important to tell the truth, however, because the interviewer's next logical questions may be the following:

who made you an offer? For what type of position? At what salary?

If you've already lied, you're in hot water now! some interviewers will consider any admission of lying in these circumstances your "voluntary" offer to end the interview!

Many interviewers know a great deal about their competitors and which positions they're trying to fill. If you did the smart thing and told the truth, feel free to name the company.

It's important to stress that the position you turned down was very similar to the one you're applying for now. After all, if the job you are currently interviewing for is perfect for you-as you've undoubtedly already told the interviewer three or four times - why would be at all interested in something very different at the other company? 

If you have hired one or more people during your career, your answer might go something like this:

     " Yes, I have hired people.I have also decided whether some internal applicants were right for jobs in my department. The first time I hired someone ,I concentrated on checking off all the right qualificatios.I just went down a checklist.

        Since then,though, I've learned that some candidates who became excellent workers didn't necessarily have every qualification on that checklist.They more than make up for what they lacked in the beginning with enthusiasm and a willingness to work with others".

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

If you've never hired anyone? Show the interviewer you appreciate that he or she is trying to evaluate both your management potential and people skills,and try something like this:

     "Not realy,but on several occasions I was asked to speak to prospective applicants and offer my opinion. Ofcourse , in those cases, I was trying to determine whether that person would be a team player and if he or she would get along with the other people in the department." 

Be sure to emphasize those activities that may complement your on-the-job duties. For Example, if you're applying for a  position as a book-store manager, mentioning that you read three books per a week is highly appropriate. 

The best way to respond to the interview question "What are your goals for the future?"

Don't discuss your goals for returning to school or having a family, they are not relevant and could knock you out of contention for the job. Rather, you want to connect your answer to the job you are applying for. Examples of good responses include:

=> My long-term goals involve growing with a company where I can continue to learn, take on additional responsibilities, and contribute as much of value as I can.

=> I see myself as a top performing employee in a well-established organization, like this one. I plan on enhancing my skills and continuing my involvement in (related) professional associations.

=> Once I gain additional experience, I would like to move on from a technical position to management.

=> In the XYZ Corporation, what is a typical career path for someone with my skills and experiences?

Tips for answering this question:

No matter what kind of job you’re after, you will be asked to talk about yourself in the interview. This allows the company to evaluate whether your professional and personal qualifications are suited to the job.

This is your opportunity to make a positive impression. It’s important that you spend the time talking about your qualifications and present yourself in a positive light.

Aviod repetition and practise

This should only take a few minutes, so you must be prepared to talk about yourself and your background without trying to say too much. It’s a very good idea to write down a few keywords and follow the points you’ve thought about in advance. This will help you to avoid repetition and include all of the important details.

Always remember to practise what you want to say. You may want to ask someone you know – your spouse, partner or a friend – if they’ll listen to what you intend to say. This will let you practise your presentation and assess how it sounds.

Use the template below for your preparation:

- A little bit about your personal life

     Where you live, About your family etc.

- Work experience

     Your education and training

     Which companies have you worked for?

- Your qualifications for this job

     Professional qualifications for the job

     Personal qualities in relation to job

Leave out stories about your former boss treating you badly ,Or that because of the heavy workload and poor working environment you were off sick for a prolonged period.

All of this may well be true and be a part of your background, but keep your eyes on the goal.Talk about the positives in terms of work experience, professional skills and human qualities.

After your presentation, the company will usually ask you some questions.

Questions to expect from a head of department :

What do you know about our company?

Why do you want to work for us?

Why should we take you on?

What aspects of a job are most important to you?

Where do you see yourself in five years?

What are your pay expectations?

How flexible are you?

Questions to expect from a HR officer :

Who are you?

What are your strengths/ weaknesses?

Would you mind taking a test?

What do you understand by a good working relationship?

What do you think of your current boss?

What would your former colleagues say about you?

How is your financial situation?

How many sick days have you had in the last year?

Are you willing to take further training?

What do you do in your spare time?

Be frank. Some established designers use no or little computer software in their work. Others rely heavily on technology (CAD). Simply explain how you work. If you are an efficient designer, your use of computer software will not be relevant.

The areas are generally divided into three groups:

* street fashion (mass-manufactured high fashion);

*ready-to-wear (small collections);

* haute couture, where unique cat-walk garments are created mostly without practical considerations.

Don’t try to impress employees with what you are not. If you are an expert in high street fashion – you will be appreciated and find plenty of work.