An article that may be helpful in not making a fatal mistake at the interview stage:

http://msn.careerbuilder.com/A...-334513291-RN-4

All that matters is the handshake......

So what does this company do?

I don't love articles like these.  A lot of those questions are probably out of bounds any time, but I think a big part of the interview process is gauging what is in and what is out of bounds.

Personally, I never ask about payment or benefits at all in the first interview (or at least not directly).  I have tried to ask hiring managers broader questions like, "What do you like best about working here?"  I learned a lot about the fringe benefits at my current job by asking that question.

" So how big are those things.. D's?"

"Could you please explain, in detail, your sexual harassment policy?"

"You look familiar.  Have you ever worked at Christie's?"

"Can I wear Maize and Blue on Fall Friday's?"

http://finance.yahoo.com/caree...orklife_balance

Get Hired Despite Red Flags in Your Story

by Susan Adams
Monday, October 18, 2010

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When a job-seeker's challenges are highly visible, like some physical disabilities or a serious weight problem, MacDougall recommends a direct approach. Although the Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits job discrimination based on disability, it's nevertheless wise to be upfront about a potential employer's possible concerns.

A client of hers who had lost an arm in a motorcycle accident would routinely answer the ubiquitous first job interview question — tell me about yourself — by saying, "You may have noticed that I have only one arm." Then he'd proceed to explain how he coped, using a specialized computer keyboard on which he could type 85 words a minute. "He had a positive, can-do attitude that inspired other workers," MacDougall says. He landed a job as an administrative assistant at a large company in Los Angeles.

Older job-seekers should also consider potential employers' concerns, MacDougall says. Hiring managers might worry about an older person's health, his capacity to learn new systems quickly, his ability to adapt to technology and his energy level. MacDougall had a 59-year-old client who mentioned in interviews that she enjoyed running several times a week and participated in discussion groups on LinkedIn. MacDougall also advised her to get an updated haircut, if she didn't want to dye her hair, and a fashionable suit. She was hired as a sales manager in Denver.

You'll notice the common thread in those questions is "what can the company do for me".  It's a big mistake to discuss benefits, etc. until you have the job offer.  Then questions about benefits, salary, etc. are appropriate.  

However, until you have the offer, you are a salesman/woman selling the product of you.  Make sure you focus on your employer and what you can do for them at all times.  There is plenty of time for getting into the details over what the company will do for you.

True story: I was looking to hire a project manager.  I got a flood of resumes and arranged for some interviews.  One of the individuals I contacted started bombarding me with requirements via e-mail prior to our interview: they wouldn't travel, they wouldn't work more than x miles from their home, etc. etc.  Needless to say this person did not receive a job offer.

Remember, your job in any interview is to get an offer.  Nobody says you have to take it if after some negotiation and investigation you determine the job is not appropriate for you.  But remember to keep the order right...sell yourself until you get an offer and then discuss what's in the job for you.