You sent out the resumes, waited for days by the phone (or inbox), and you finally got the interview. The time is set, the big day is approaching. All you've got to do is dazzle them with an interview so incredible your boss-to-be will applaud, the administrative assistants will weep, and the interns will throw roses when you make your triumphant departure after hearing the words, "You're hired!"

Well, maybe your interviewing skills aren't as impressive as your inbox-checking. Maybe, when you leave a would-be employer, you're the one who's sobbing. Never fear, intrepid job-seeker, the following ten tips (prepared by a seasoned interviewee) will have you crying for joy and raking in the offers faster than you can say "Unemployment line!"

Really. A current job is the best thing you've got when you walk into an interview. It doesn't matter if you work at Bagel Barn or Wax World, but you'd better be working. Things "don't look good" if you tell the employer you've been living with the folks after your graduation/last job and are merely spending your days interviewing.

It's like that adage: no one wants to eat in a restaurant with no cars in the parking lot. Translation: no one wants to hire someone who sits home all day without some sort of gainful employment. Also, if you're desperate for a job, it shows; shows in the inane nodding of your head as you agree to anything and everything in an attempt to convince THEM you are the one for the job.

Almost every company, has some sort of web site for you to scope out prior to your big interview. If you're applying to do actual work on the site, take time to explore the whole site. Jot down questions or intelligent suggestions; find out what you can about the folks who'll do the interviewing; see where the company fits into the rest of the world. There are also plenty of sites that will give you an idea of how the company is doing in the market place, and how it's made news recently.

Also, know the product your company sells. Is it physical, like software, or is it service oriented, like PR or consulting. How does the company try to sell itself to consumers? What buzzwords will you need to know?

Practice the interview ahead of time. No joke. Either play both the roles yourself, or have someone help you out by playing the interviewer. Practice answering the questions that are the toughest for you so that you'll be more relaxed in the real situation.

Bring plenty of paper resumes for anyone who wants them. Have samples of your work on paper, on disk, or available online--you don't know how you'll be presenting your portfolio/samples/material. Always bring with you a notebook and pen, business cards, and tissues (in case your nose starts to run like mine always does).

Get there 10 minutes before you're due: no more, no less. Give yourself LOTS of time to locate the office, park the car, and stop in the restroom for that last once over in the mirror. NEVER CHEW GUM GOING INTO THE BUILDING OR YOU WILL PROBABLY END UP SWALLOWING IT TO GET RID OF IT.

Break open the piggy bank and buy yourself one sharp suit. Don't worry about their dress code because "casual business" means tennis whites in one office and pinstripes in another. It never hurts to look better than your future-employer, at least not this once. Men: DO NOT WEAR SUSPENDERS (I just don't like them.) Women: DO NOT WEAR MINI-SKIRTS (it's an office, not a bar.)

I saw this in a "How-to Interview" video that suggested you be nice to everyone because if you tick anyone off, they will let someone know about it. In many places the interviewer will ask the other people in the office their opinion of you in order to get an idea of how you would fit in. So smile a lot and shake hands firmly and be the picture of poise from the moment you enter the building.

Even if you are mowing lawns for pocket change, this interview is not too terribly important. If you don't do well, it will still be "good experience," as THEY say, and you'll have learned a thing or two that will help you on the next one.

Pretend you've already got the job, or that you're just interviewing for the fun of it. Observe the atmosphere of the office--the way the people interact, the pace of things. MAKE EYE CONTACT! Smile and try to present good body language--no picking at your fingernails or tapping your foot. If you emulate your interviewer's sitting position, they will feel more comfortable with you and vice versa.

An interview isn't a game of Jeopardy where you've got to jump on that buzzer or you're out of the running. Take the time to understand the question completely before giving your reply. There's nothing worse then giving a fast answer and then trying to work your way around what you said (stupidly) later on. And remember that you don't have to answer every question, although asking "to pass" might not be the best way to skip one.

When they ask what your salary demands are, tell them. Say, "I cannot go under $85,000," or, "I am making $125K now, and will not drop below that." When they ask you any other question, tell them the truth. It helps no one if you worm your way through an interview with lies only to end up with a "bad fit" and more interviews looming on the horizon when you realize you hate the job. If they don't like your answers, there is always the hope that the next interviewer will.

No interviewer needs to be told that you're dissatisfied with your current job; you wouldn't be there if you didn't. Present your reasons for leaving in positive terms. Instead of saying, "I hate my job and my boss," try saying, "I positively hate my job and my boss." Wait, I meant that you should say "I would like a job with more responsibilities and challenges," instead of, "I can't stand doing text edits another god awful day."

It's only fair. Ask them anything you want to know about their company, business practices, daily routine, and working atmosphere. Ask them how long they've been with the company and why they like working there. Ask them where THEY see themselves in three to five years and then watch them sweat for a change.

If this company isn't interested, or if you decide it's not a good fit, then ask if they know of other positions available elsewhere or other people who might be able to help you with your job search. This is called NETWORKING and this is the way the world works. Learn it; master it; get employed.

When it's all over, treat yourself to something fun and hang that suit back up in the closet. Don't agonize for hours over every little word you said or every look they gave you, and then have nightmares about it. Replay the interview in your mind to figure out your weak and strong points. Send a thank-you letter to the individual you interviewed with only if you feel comfortable doing it (I have never done this). Don't call them if they said they'd call you. Do send more resumes and line up more interviews, if only for practice until that call comes.