When I landed one of my first jobs at a local TV station in 2004, I was positive it was because I had done everything right. I had written a killer cover letter. I arrived at the interview beyond prepared, having studied the news channel and its programming for weeks. I knew the strengths and weaknesses of the business news unit (where I was applying to be a producer). I also wore a sensible suit. And to top it off, I brought along a bulleted presentation of my ideas and how I would potentially help the news team. Yes, it was slightly nerdy, but if anyone doubted that I was serious about the job, I hoped my PowerPoint deck would prove them wrong.

Years later I discovered that it wasn’t just my presentation and preparedness that impressed the hiring team. Rather, it was that so many fellow interviewees before me had failed the basics of a job interview. Many didn’t make eye contact; one candidate answered her cell phone during the interview (no lie); and another kept reminding the interviewer “who my father is.” OK, he was a powerful person … but really?

I thought the job market was rough back then. Today it’s even thornier, especially for first-time job seekers. For guidance, I recently spoke with Fred Ball, a career coach and author of Killer Interviews: Success Strategies for Young Professionals. He explains how young adults can score highest during an interview and leave employers wanting more.

The full story is available at Moneywatch.com.

Here I’ve got some answers to your biggest interview-related questions posted on my Facebook wall:

What is a good answer when you’re asked about salary expectations?

Ball says, “Don’t’ mention your salary expectations until you absolutely HAVE to.” It gives you more leverage to wait it out. Usually someone in HR is going to want to know what you made before and they can find out pretty easily if you lie so don’t fib! But if you were up for a raise, do mention that. And when you give them your salary expectations throw everything into it including your expected raise from the previous job, your old salary and bonus. Offer a salary range starting with the minimum you’d happily accept and your best wish. They’ll likely meet you halfway. And when they’re making you a job offer — get everything on the table at one time. Like if you need to buy a car for the job or move to be closer mention you may need more money for these things up front.

How do you curb the issue of being overqualified for a job in the interview?

Avoid the term or phrase “overqualified” (even if it ‘s true), says Ball. Instead, emphasize that you are looking for the “right company with either a product or service that you can feel good about.” Say: “I’m looking for the right people, right values and a place where I can feel comfortable and find a home.” And if they ask about your pay, say “Pay is important to me — but it’s just one factor.”

What do you suggest to do when you can’t put down your direct boss as a reference…and what your explanation should be as to why?

Say, “I’m sorry but I’m not comfortable because my boss doesn’t know about this.” Instead off up former professors and people you’ve worked with in other companies. If you are applying for the job after quitting the current one you have make sure you have at least one person from your previous company you can use as a reference.  In general, Ball says, when employers ask for references they want to talk to people above you, at your level and below you. But it’s not weird to say “don’t call my current boss” especially if you are still in that job.