Control your interviews - Most people go into a job interview in a passive, controlled state. They answer some questions, take a few tests perhaps and fill in a few forms. Virtually everything is under control of job seeker.

I've found a more assertive approach can be more fruitful, and certainly it feels more fulfilling. Go into interview with a pad of paper and writing materials. Be sure pad has a list of questions for your potential employer, as well as some notes about their company. When you meet employer, introduce yourself assertively. Listen well, but also ask lots of questions and, most importantly, show off your knowledge of company, position and if possible, your interviewer. Show person you have done your homework.

Search for problems - Find out what kind of problems your potential employer is attempting to solve. Ideally, you should try and do some of this before interview (with good research) if you can. However, it's perfectly acceptable to ask interviewer about position and about situation. Once you find out what they are attempting to solve by hiring you, then you can inform them how you can help them solve those problems.

Build a rapport - Be friendly and listen. Listen well. Keep your ears peeled for anything which you and your interviewer have in common. For example, if you determine that he likes opera and you just saw "Cats", then you might get into a discussion about it. Back off fast if you find it's not a good subject - otherwise, be animated and happy about it. Why are you doing this? Because a huge part of interview process is interviewer is determining if you are someone he or she wants to work with. By having common likes (or dislikes) you make yourself more friendly to them.

An example - Let's say you are being interviewed for an accounting position. You got reference from an interview a few days ago, and person who referred you explained last person left without notice, and they needed someone who could figure out mess fast. The night before interview, you check out company on internet and find out some basic facts (what it does, how many employees and so on). While waiting in lobby, you talk to receptionist and find out person doing your interview likes movies, especially science fiction movies.

When you get to interview, you can use information about movies and science fiction to relax your interviewer and get into some conversation. Now as interviewer explains what job is about and asks usual questions, you can mention that you are very good at stepping into chaotic situations and organizing them. If you have past experience at this, you should mention it. Drop some facts about company into conversation as well to show you are informed and care. You might give some examples of how you got handed a project from someone who dropped ball (but do not criticize anyone) and brought it to successful conclusion.

Conclusions - Finding a new job can be a demanding, difficult task. You must treat it with priority it deserves and get out there and hussle. Reading want ads is worst way to look for jobs - and personal contacts are best way. Go on, put on your walking shoes and pound pavement. There is no better way to find a job.

3. Is your listener results- or relationship-oriented? Spending any time at all with small talk may drive a results-oriented listener to distraction. Conversely, offering no small talk can push away a relationship-oriented person. Lead with their interest and then you can present your point, or your point-of-view.

4. How is your timing for conversation you wish to have? If it could be in any way confrontative, be careful. Taking just five minutes to assess a situation prior to bringing up an issue can be very informative. Listen. Pick up 'climate' around your proposed listener. As with philosophy of 'pick your battles', so, it is wise to pick your times to increase probability of being heard.

5. Are you clear about what you wish to say? Wading into a conversation without clarity can find you drowning in misunderstanding quickly. Think about outcome you wish to create before you open your mouth. This will help you temper and tailor your approach to reach your desired goal.

A quick way to measure appropriateness of your communication is to ask yourself, "Am I willing to be spoken to in way I am about to speak?" If answer is 'Yes', proceed with assurance. If answer is 'No', be very thankful you took that minute to think.

Communication can be tricky, but most tricks can be mastered.