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Last week, Susan Persons shared her strategy of using an agency's strategic plan during an interview. Susan also followed some interview tips written by Paul Belford of JDG Associates, an executive search firm in Rockville, Md.

Here are some of Paul's interview tips. This week, we'll start with the little stuff. I have adapted some of Paul's insights to include federal government job interview insights, because the federal hiring process is slightly different than that of the private sector.

Remember your objectives.

While the ultimate purpose of an interview is to get an offer for the position, the more immediate objective is for the company or agency to get to know you better and for you to get to know it better. Everything you do with regard to an interview should have this as its dual objective.

Bring a resume.

Depending on the type of position you are applying for, you also may want to bring some writing samples, perhaps a portfolio of your work. Do not offer it during the interview unless asked, and afterward only if it seems appropriate. Do not provide anything that you need back.

In government, the hiring person or committee will have your application package (hopefully you will have written your resume in the new federal resume format). The new federal vacancy announcements give instructions to not include additional documentation, such as letters of recommendation, training certificates or other documentation. You should bring along copies of important letters of recommendation. I believe that an excellent letter from a supervisor, other superior, vendor or employee group could be of great interest to the interviewing person.

Be on time.

Fifteen minutes early is a good rule, and with security, parking and other problems with federal buildings, half an hour is even better. The key is to be certain to be able to walk or take the elevator to the office without risk of being late because of public transportation or not being able to find a parking place. This will allow you to present yourself to the receptionist five minutes or so prior to the interview in a relaxed and composed manner.

Dress conservatively.

Present yourself professionally. Remember, your prospective employer is out to find someone who is comfortable with his or her culture, not someone who is interested in making a fashion statement.

Avoid perfume or cologne.

It may not help and may hurt.

Be pleasant and engaging.

Good eye contact, a strong handshake and a confident smile will get everything off on the right foot. Remember, the interviewer is looking for someone to hire, and they like your resume or you wouldn't be there. In short, the interviewer starts the interview looking to like you. Reinforce this from the beginning.

During the interview, relax, learn, listen, look, pay attention and sit up straight. Carry only a briefcase or portfolio to the interview (for women, a purse is also acceptable). Do not take extra bags.

Next week, we'll move on to Paul's interview tips on bigger subjects. You won't want to miss them.

Tips adapted with permission from Paul Belford of JDG Associates, an executive recruitment firm specializing in information technology, association and not-for-profit executive placements.

Kathryn Kraemer has been the president of The Resume Place, Inc. for 27 years. Kathryn helps people get promoted and change jobs. She is the pioneer designer of the new "federal resume." She wrote and published the first book on federal resume writing and is a popular resume writing workshop leader in government.

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