Question 3: Talking the talk
At this point, the interviewer will likely dig deeper to understand how you've applied your skill set to your previous positions. Expect some form of the question, "What makes you the best candidate for the job?" Now is not the time to be shy. Explain the size and scope of your past projects, especially if they've been for large numbers of end-users. Let them know if your applications are Web-enabled. Describe any e-commerce projects you've tackled. Talk about projects being delivered on time and on budget, if applicable. Talk about your willingness to travel or learn new technologies, advance your certifications, mentor junior developers, or lead a team. If you've worked on projects for or been employed by a well-known company or consulting firm, mention it. Discuss recent training. This is your chance to really sell yourself, so be thorough yet to the point.

So what happens if you don't have a whole lot of Domino or Notes experience? You're caught in the classic Catch-22 where you need experience to get the job, but you can't get the experience without the job. what do you do? DominoPower's editor-in-chief David Gewirtz, who has hired more than his fair share of programmers, says that experience doesn't always have to be a paid job. Project work, that is something you've built and you can showcase, is often excellent proof of basic ability. So go off and build something cool and include it in your portfolio. Also, writing for publication can build your portfolio, as well. If you're interested in writing for DominoPower Magazine, contact Steve Niles at steve_niles@dominopower.com. A number of our contributing editors have told us that they've reaped substantial career rewards because of their writing credits.

Question 4: Why my company?
The fourth major question an interviewer may throw your way is a version of, "Why do you want this job?" or "Why do you want to work here?" Employers may ask you what you like most about your current position or what interests you most about the new position. Fall back on the company research you conducted before your interview. Mention some of the accolades and accomplishments you found on the company's Web site and how you'd like to be a part of such a team. Explain why you find the scope of this position interesting and how you can grow professionally by assuming the position.

Know your value
Time to talk compensation. The most easily hired candidates are those who know their market value. Explain to the interviewer that according to your research, a Lotus Developer with your background in your geographical area makes between X and Y dollars a year and that you'd like to fall within that bracket.

To learn what you're worth, check out http://www.lotus.com/home.nsf/welcome/clpsurvey or http://www.homefair.com/calc/salcalc.html. Don't over or under shoot the market by more than 10-15% if you want the job. Also, remember that excellent benefits or perks have value too. Better to take a job at $80,000 with great benefits than one at $90,000 with no benefits. Just ask you accountant.