The recent economic slump has affected almost every industry in the United States. Banking and real estate are not the only job markets suffering. Many businesses are downsizing and laying off employees to make up for lost revenue. The number of potential jobs for graduates has dropped dramatically. Now, more than ever, excellent interview skills are a necessity to landing a secure job and future.

Even before you prepare for an interview, you must first submit a resume. Resumes are usually composed of a cover letter, the actual resume, and any references you may have.

A cover letter is a summary of why you want the position, and is usually about three brief paragraphs (all of it should fit on one page). Grammar is one of the biggest mistakes contained in cover letters. Be very careful and read over what you write before sending it. Also, don’t try to be cute in your cover letter. Humor and sarcasm do not always generate onto paper. Try to stay generic.

Your resume should contain your most recent contact information, your previous education (including degrees earned and graduation dates), relevant work experience (don’t include that summer job scooping ice cream), and relevant skills. References can be listed at the bottom.

Do not lie or exaggerate to fluff up your resume. Employers will expect everything on your resume to be the truth.

“Anything written in a resume or cover letter is fair game. Be prepared to answer questions or elaborate about any information you give. If there is anything you want to highlight, skills or past work experience, find a way to bring it into conversation,” said Kenneth Levine, a professor in Communication Studies at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

After reviewing your resume, the employer will schedule an interview if they are interested in you. On rare occasions, an interview may not be necessary, but, for the most part, employers will want to test you in person before hiring you for the job.

The beginning of a interview is the most crucial stage. The interviewer’s decision is usually made within the first five minutes, according to Stewart Tubbs and Sylvia Moss, authors of Human Communication: Principles and Contexts. Nonverbal cues can speak volumes about a person’s character.

To get off on the right foot, arrive early, come prepared by practicing some basic questions before hand (such as “why do you want this job,” “what experience do you have,” and “why should we hire you”), introduce yourself without hesitation, have direct eye contact, and pay attention to posture. Bad posture, such as slouched shoulders, fidgety habits, etc., can appear very unprofessional, and even distract the interviewer from what you are saying.

Clothing is one of the most critical nonverbal cues in an interview. It can be the deciding factor between candidates. Tubbs and Moss write that businesses tend to “pick people who look like them.” Levine advised interviewees dress “at least two levels above the position you are interviewing for.”

“A study revealed that of two women, age 50, competing for a vice presidential position with a corporation, one dressing in an older clothing style and one dressing in a more youthful style, the one in the youthful style was perceived as ‘on her way up,’” reported Tubbs and Moss.

Not to be cliche, but a handshake is also a deciding factor in an interview. You want to be firm, not bone crushing, cool, not sweaty. You need to know what is befitting for males and what is befitting for females in regards to a handshake.

“Practice shaking hands with people of the opposite sex because you don’t know what is appropriate. People are really good about telling you ‘ok, that one was appropriate, that one was not,’” said Levine.

When answering questions in an interview, it is important to appear competent, confident (not cocky), aggressive (not assertive), and attentive. Stick to relevant answers and information. Avoid getting sidetracked.

“There was this one interview where, 20 minutes in, I knew I didn’t want to work in that [law] firm. I started answering the questions wrong. I would give irrelevant answers on purpose. It was amusing, but definitely not what you want to do if you actually want to get hired,” said Levine, laughing.

“If you are asked a question you don’t know the answer to,” Levine continued, “ask the interviewer to repeat it, and use that time to construct an answer. That way the interviewer is talking, filling the silence that would otherwise be there when you are trying to form your answer. Silence is never good.”

Sometimes interviewers will turn the tables and ask if you have any questions for them. It’s a good idea to prepare for such situations ahead of time. Some questions you can ask include “what projects will I by working on this upcoming year”, and “what can I expect from my first week.” Try to avoid questions about salary and vacation times.

There are special circumstances where a potential employer may interview you over the phone or even in a chat room (though the latter is very rare). Both help relieve performance stress from the interviewee, but none the less have their own guidelines for behavior. Read tips about phone interviewing here. For chat room advice, visit this website.

Once you are hired, it is still important to show your commitment to the job. Your employer reserves the right to fire you at anytime, whether a week or several years into your job.

“Show interest in what you do. Be dedicated. Be at work on time, put in the extra effort, and stay on track. When they are looking for a person to eliminate, they will remember your hard work and say ‘oh, she puts in the effort.’ If you prove yourself, you are less likely to be the one without a job,” advised Suzi Richters, retired manager of the New Prospect Craft Center in Knoxville, TN.