When asked why he wouldn’t be moving forward with a candidate who had applied for an Account Executive position within his organization, President of company replied, “His shirt was so wrinkled that it looked like he’d worn it day before, balled it up in a corner of his room, put it back on next morning and wore it to interview. He didn’t even bother to try and cover it up by putting a jacket over it. My thought was that if he couldn’t even take time to impress me at our first meeting, what was he going to be like with our customers?” “Dress for Success” was title of a popular business book in 70’s, and while rules have relaxed somewhat, employees at high tech or west coast companies may dress more casually than employees in traditional industries or companies on east coast, there is simply no excuse for wrinkled shirts, thigh-high skirts or coffee-stained ties at an interview.

Arrogance, overconfidence, bad manners, and sloppy attire are mistakes that no interviewee can afford to make. Professionals know that sure way to get offer is to back up their skill set and experience with a first impression that leaves no doubt in anyone’s mind that they’re right candidate for job.

So, if you’ve been wondering why you didn’t get offer for a job that you’re otherwise qualified for, you may want to take a second look at impression you left with people at company you interviewed with. Actions speak louder than words.

Remember an interview is a two-way street: this is your chance to get to know people you will work with as well as a chance for them to get to know you, so come prepared with questions.

Below are some sample questions to get you started. Feel free to include these or add some of your own.

From prospective boss you want to know:

•What their managerial style is like •How long they have been with company •What are expectations for role •Are there a staff, budget and timeline in place to meet those expectations

From people on your team you want to know:

•What they like about their job and their manager •How long they have worked with company •What other industries, if any, they’ve worked in and how this company’s culture compares to their previous employer

You will want to send a thank-you note to members of interview team, so make sure to get a business card or email address of everyone you met with so that you can send notes later that same day or very next day at latest.

While it is helpful to discuss interview with close friends and family members, only you can decide whether or not this is right job for you. Has your current company grown so large that entrepreneurial spirit you originally went there for disappeared? Is there better opportunity for advancement at this new company? Are you making move because of a change of lifestyle (recently married, new baby on way) and if so, how will one more big change affect already delicate balance of work and home life you’ve set up for yourself? Armed with answers to these questions, you will be better prepared to decide whether or not this is really dream job you want in a company you can call home.