The manner in which you present and conduct yourself during the interview process has as large an impact on your ability to gain the position you seek, as your resume, educational background and experience.

Keep in mind that you will be viewed by not only members of the interview team, but by the receptionist, administrative assistants and maintenance personal you may encounter, and even the desk clerk at your hotel. Their opinion is very often sought out and given serious consideration.

You are your own best sales person. Your accomplishments, leadership skills and desire to make a change must be presented by you in a positive manner. Focus on your successes but do not be afraid to discuss some of those situations where you grew when success was not easily gained.

Here are a number of things to keep in mind before, during and after the interview.

A Professional Appearance

Your professional appearance will set the tone for the interview. This is a critical step in the interview process and therefore essential that you pay close attention to your appearance.

Green nail polish or cowboy boots might be fun and accepted in some parts of the country, but elsewhere, might prevent you from obtaining the position you want. Your apparel need not be expensive; but neat, clean and simple clothing of good quality will be most effective. You want to be comfortable and not tugging at something that is too tight or "just not you."

While business casual is widely accepted in the everyday workplace environment, dressing more conservatively for the interview is a necessity. Even at the end of a multi-day interview, avoid "letting your hair down" and maintain professional appearance. Set a tone of professional success; avoid fashion fads or styles that may not be widely accepted.

Women’s Attire

While women generally have more options in the range of acceptable dress than men, traditional and conservative is the best way to go. Wear a suit that resists wrinkling. The suit should have a hem-line just below the knees, colors ranging from charcoal to gray, black or navy blue. Blouses should be white or pale blue long sleeved, solid colors are best. Shoe color should be dark, navy, black or burgundy in color and in good condition. Shoes should be shined. Flats are just fine and avoid too high of a heel. Stockings should be subdued, preferably skin toned. Bring an extra pair in your purse or briefcase.

Accessories like belts and jewelry should be subdued and complement your whole appearance. Try not to bring both a purse and a briefcase to the interview; it is better to place needed purse items in your briefcase. Makeup should be natural with a subtle shade of lipstick. Nails should be neat and not too long. Use a clear or a subtle color of polish.

Men's Attire

For men a two piece business suit that resists wrinkling is recommended. The suit should be navy blue or charcoal to light gray in color, avoid brown or tan. The shirt should be white or pale blue with long sleeves. Pinstripes in the suit or shirt are acceptable if they are narrow. The tie and socks should be chosen to complement the suit, not match it. Shoes should be in good condition, conservative brown or black leather and freshly shined. Shoes with leather soles have a more professional appearance.

Other Comments on Interviewing

Research the organization. A knowledgeable recruiter will be certain to provide you with a wealth of information about the organization and specifics of the opportunity. Use any resources at your disposal to learn about the organization, its history, people, the community and future plans.

Personal hygiene should be a first priority. Hair should be neat, and if you needed a trim last week, take care of it prior to the interview. Finger nails should be clean and neatly trimmed. Shirts and blouses should be freshly pressed; most hotels can provide an iron for touchup.

Packing

Assume that your checked luggage will be lost and that coffee will be spilled on your clothes while traveling, and plan accordingly. Bring an additional change of clothing in case the interview continues to an extra day or if dinner is added to the schedule.

Business Dining

The opportunity to dine with your host is a good sign, but remember, it is still an interview! Ordering the highest priced meals, consuming alcohol or smoking is not recommended. Do not order extra cost items like an appetizer or dessert unless your host has already done so and thereby indicating that you may. Combine your best listening skills with your best table manners and make the most of this part of the interview process. Do not fall into your soup!

Courtesy

Be nice to everyone on your interview. Everyone has input into the hiring decision when a team-oriented environment is considering a new member. Don’t forget this may happen even prior to the interview, so begin with the people preparing your travel. More than one person has lost an excellent opportunity by displaying an aloof or disrespectful attitude to a receptionist or administrative assistant.

Viewing Real Estate

When relocation is required, hospitals often have a real estate agent tour you about your new community. Take every advantage of this situation to learn everything you can about your new community - its schools, churches, social activities and neighborhoods. Think about what employment, educational and recreational resources will be available to your family. The agent is frequently a direct link to the hiring manager or human resources department. Assume that your conversations with the agent will become a part of the interview.

Scheduling

Be on time, whether you are driving across town or flying across country. In fact, getting to your destination twenty minutes early will keep your stress level down. If you plan to eat or have a cup of coffee before the interview, do that near the destination and not at your departure point.

Body Language

Watch your body language. Greet each of your hosts warmly and sincerely with a smile and firm handshake. Throughout your conversations maintain good eye contact. Use body language that shows you are open to opportunities and challenges. Be yourself during the conversations and remember that all of your statements may be taken into consideration. This includes any "off-the-cuff" remarks or observations you make during tours or while being escorted between interviewers.

Flexibility

Be flexible. Sometimes the best laid plans go awry. If schedules change without prior notice or apparent reason, accept that your hosts are doing their best. This might even be a test of your flexibility. Terrible airline connections and very little sleep the night before the interview should be anticipated. If you had difficult travel problems and feel a little distracted, say so in passing, but don't complain or dwell on the issue. Focus on the reason you are there - your next career opportunity. Be alert, positive and maintain a high energy level.

Problem Solving

During the interview you may be presented with a number of problem statements to which you are expected to respond. Use this as an opportunity to demonstrate your ability to analyze problems, and make rational and well founded decisions. Avoid jumping to conclusions or embarrassing any of the interviewers. Discuss how you have seen similar issues addressed in the past, but keep in mind that every situation is different.

A Few Don'ts

Here are a few things to avoid during your time with your prospective employer:

• Chewing gum
• Smoking or chewing tobacco
• Leaving your cell phone activated
• Wearing sun glasses indoors

Do not abuse your prospective employer's willingness to pay your interview expenses. The bills you submit for reimbursement will be scrutinized for unnecessary or inappropriate expenditures. Watching pay-per-view programs in your room is not a good idea; the program names will show up on the bill.

Discuss family issues to the extent that they affect your current employment decisions or future work performance. Personal issues or family problems not related to the job are inappropriate topics during the interview.

Be Yourself, Be Prepared

Be enthusiastic and confident. Relax and enjoy the process - this is exciting! Let your words and actions reflect that you want the job. The last thing you want to hear from the recruiter is, "They said they don't know if you want the job."

Thank You

Send a neatly handwritten (not typed) thank you letter to the number one or two decision-makers within 24 hours! Emphasize that you can identify problems and successfully guide the organization to the outcomes they desired. Do this by relating your skills and experience to specific examples of their challenges as discussed during the interview. Make the letter conversational, keep it a single page and close the letter by asking for the position. A letter is preferred over an e-mail message as a letter indicates a higher level of effort and consideration on your part.

Closing the Loop

Get back to your recruiter immediately to let them know how things went and whether you are interested in the position. Avoid putting the recruiter in the ackward positon of not knowing how to respond to the hospital if the recruiter has not heard from you. Take advantage of the recruiter's relationship with the hospital to clear up any misunderstandings and move the process forward.