The interview is an important event in the job-hunting process, because the 20 or 30 minutes you spend with the interviewer may decide whether or not you get the particular job you want . Therefore, it is important to remember that your purpose during the interview may differ from that of the potential employer . You want to -make yourself stand out as a whole person who has personal strengths and should be considered the right person for the job . It is encouraging to know that the interviewer's task is not to embarrass you, but to hire the right person for the job . Remember, job-hunting is very competitive . Anything you can do to improve your interview techniques will be to your advantage . The following suggestions may help you land the most important job . Your goal in this interview is to make sure your good points get across . The interviewer won't know them unless you point them out, so try to do this in a factual and sincere manner . Don't say anything bad about your former employers . If you have been fired from a job and the interview asks about it, be honest . Show the interviewer that you are interested in the company by asking questions . Ask about responsibilities, working conditions, promotion opportunities and benefits of the job you are interviewing for . If at some point you decide the interview is not going well, do not let your discouragement show . You have nothing to lose by continuing a show of confidence, and you many have much to gain . It may be real, or it may be a test to see how you react to adverse conditions . Some interviewers may bring up salary early in the interview . At this time, you may indicate that you are more interested in a job where you can prove yourself than a specific salary . This politely passes the question back to the interviewer . If possible, you should negotiate for salary after you have been offered a job and have completed the paperwork .