DEAR JOYCE: I get job interviews but not job offers. Help a young man who needs employment. Please? -- J.M.

The following key clues to passing job interviews at the top of the class -- that is, snaring the job offer -- will tip you off to what you may be doing wrong in this workplace-changing recession.

Because it now appears that millions of lost jobs in the manufacturing, services and retail sectors aren't coming back, I strongly encourage you to gain in-depth knowledge of the ultimate make-or-break component of job search -- the job interview -- by studying interview how-to books and videos, participating in job clubs or working with interview coaches. In the meantime, here's the 4-1-1 on what you should know:

1. Realize that, apart from commonsense courtesy, there's no single standard of rules. Cultural fit is in the eye of the beholder making the hiring decision. Dress, look and speak like the rest of the company's crew, silently proclaiming, "I'm one of you."

2. That's why a big dose of research on the company and industry is more vital than ever. Fortunately, the Internet makes the research easy. Supplement it with firsthand knowledge from anyone who knows the company or the decision-maker.

3. Before the interviews begin, study salary negotiation techniques, a very, very big deal today. If you don't, you'll wish you had when push comes to salary shove.

4. Understand behavioral interview questions ("Tell me about a time when you ..."). Develop a storytelling knack -- prepare short, true stories that support your claims of relevant skills and accomplishments. Be ready to describe how you met specific problems and solved them.

5. Concentrate on what you can do for the company, not on what the company can do for you. Emphasize how you can make or save money for the company. Continued...