Prepare for your job interview with these tips from Erich Martens, principal at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School:

DO

• Tell your references about your job search. They'll appreciate the heads-up and do a better job of representing your strengths.
• Have questions prepared for the interview.
• Learn as much about your potential employer as possible. Check the Web to see if your new employer has a site.
• If you use a portfolio, have it be reasonable in size and relevant to the interview.
• Connect your answers with relevant experiences you've had. This lets the potential employer know you've been successful in similar situations.
• Make sure the interview committee knows you're strongly interested in the job. Repeat the reasons you feel you're the best candidate for it.

DON'T

• Arrive late to an interview. Remember that your interview starts with the first phone call or contact you have with a potential employer.
• Forget to research the school or organization through phone calls, the Internet and any other resource.
• Dress less than your best.
• Be afraid to take a minute to frame your answer. Just be reasonable in the amount of time you take.
• Send out cover letters or resumes with errors. Have several different people proof them for accuracy and clarity.