2. Develop good questions to show interest, and to demonstrate analytical skills and/or insight.

3. Prepare for tough questions that may be asked.

4. Be able to show potential value by specifically applying your knowledge, experiences, and accomplishments to the company's needs, and demonstrating the potential benefits of those applications.

5. Compile a list of things needed to know about the company, it's direction, the hiring manager, etc., that will enable you to accept the job when offered.

2. Understand job functions, objectives, and challenges.

3. Ensure that interviewer understands that you can do the job and accomplish the stated objectives.

4. Ensure that interviewer knows that you want the job.

5. Determine/agree on next step.

Establish a healthy chemistry and potential for a long term cultural fit.

Portray a logical, successful, and proactive career history, with a clear vision of his/her career objectives.

Demonstrate strong analytical and interpersonal skills - conducts the meeting(s) in a professional and proactive manner.

Possess a high energy level.

Are able to gain an accurate understanding of the position functions, challenges, and objectives, as well as those of the company.

Build the employers confidence in his/her ability to accomplish stated objectives.

Demonstrate a sincere enthusiasm for the opportunity and willingness to create a win/win financial arrangement.

1. You're not considered a team player, and can be passed up for the best future opportunities, laid off as a non-team member, etc. Grudges are real, especially when people feel they were blackmailed.

2. Counters frequently do not include an increase in pay, just "promises", and sometimes just for sport.

3. Future raises may be less to compensate for "counter" increase.

4. Companies don't change for one person, although they may flatter and make promises to do so.

5. Suitor company is damaged significantly, you burn a bridge, they must start the search over.

6. You miss a career opportunity to grow, diversify, or start off in a positive situation without baggage.

2. Short term use - of your skills and knowledge

3. Grudges can be held for:

Lack of blind loyalty
Blackmail for a counter offer

4. You may be cheaper (even with a raise) than they could recruit from a competitor.

2. Consider current employer's options in advance of offer/acceptance of the new employer's position.

3. Once the new company's offer is accepted - no re-negs, keep the commitment.

4. The party that truly stands to be injured is the "spurned suitor". They:
a. have turned down other candidates,
b. have lost a great deal of time,
c. have made plans around you,
d. will have to restart the search.

If a company made and then rescinded an offer, after the candidate had accepted and resigned from his/her previous position, the candidate would be left out in the cold. The reverse is also true and can be damaging to all parties concerned.

In these days of decreasing company loyalty to employees and less "Lifetime Employment" emphasis - professionals must be proactive about management of their own careers, and not trust career management to employers. If an opportunity presents itself, the decision to accept is well thought out, and a commitment is made, keep a steady course and don't look back.