Best advice for interviewing for a city computer job?

I have an interview for a computer job. I really want the gob because it is a city job, good benefits, salary, retirement, etc. Any ideas or suggestion I can use that will be better for this position then the regular non city job interviews. I mean I want this job and I need something that can give me an edge. Any help would be great.

Public Comments

1. If you know or have a relative somewhere higher up in the organization, name drop. Other than that, flattery goes a long way. The problem with government jobs (any government) is that once people are IN the job, they're pretty much set for life. So, the ambition and 'drive' to do well at the job falls off with every year of employment. That relates to YOU if you happen to interview with someone who's been there for a long time, doesn't really care about their job, and decides for what ever reason that they don't like you. Then you're just S.O.L. But really, be yourself. Be confident, be excited about the position. Know your strengths, be prepared to list them, but without sounding to much like your bragging. Know your weaknesses, and have ideas on how to minimize them. Remember your industry 'jargon' especially with technology, and throw one or two words into casual conversation so they know you know what your talking about. Don't sound like a total jerk, though! Do a little research on line. There are many many websites that can list typical interview questions, and run through them until you can answer each one casually and confidently. But don't sound rehearsed! Sometime the same day, or the next, send a thank you email or letter to the person who interviewed you. Tell them if they have any other questions they can contact you anytime. If you don't hear anything back, yes OR no, send another email the Friday of the week following your interview, reminding the interviewer how appreciative you are of the opportunity to sit down and talk to him or her, any questions, call me, yadda yadda yadda. Sometimes with City jobs, it takes a while to get through all the red tape. Keep sending emails every 3 to 4 weeks, and then once every other month, depending on how much you really want the job. I did that for a year for an advertising agency - just short little notes 'everything ok? anything going on?' and eventually they hired me on. Good luck! Oh - and good grooming is REALLY important! Shower, brush your teeth, clean clothes, a suit if you've got one.