Tricia Cooper, human resources coordinator at PlattForm Advertising in Lenexa, once received a box containing a mannequin foot with a pink sock on it and a note that said, “Just trying to get my foot in the door.”

The applicant didn’t get an interview, and Cooper now uses the mannequin foot as a doorstop.

Another applicant decided to impress Cooper with his origami skills. Cooper had a cube of paper on her desk, and twice during his interview the applicant asked for a piece of paper, from which he produced origami that he gave to her.

A week later the applicant delivered a box filled with origami. He didn’t get the job.

You probably won’t try to anything similar to the applicants Cooper has dealt with.

However, many of us will be headed into the workforce soon. Here’s a guide on the ins-and-outs of interviewing from University Career Center senior associate director Wendy Shoemaker and assistant director Melissa Johnson.

Dress code and what to bring

Look professional and dress on the conservative side. A well-tailored suit is a good investment, and don’t let skirts go above the knees.

Bring copies of your resume and a list of references. Bring a portfolio if it applies to the position you’ve applied for.

Preparation

An employer will ask you what you know about their company or organization, so you need to have done some research when you show up to the interview.

Dylan Briggs, Hays senior, says he prepared for his interview with the Kansas Chamber of Commerce by checking out its Web site to see what it does, what it wants to achieve and who works there. Briggs says this helped him tailor his responses to questions.

You should also know how your skills or qualifications can apply to the job or internship. Make it clear to the employer why you should be hired.

Come up with personal examples or stories so you’ll be prepared to show an employer you’re qualified for the position.

Study beforehand

Mock interviews are also a good way to practice for an interview. You can do a mock interview with a friend or in front of the mirror.

You can also sign up to do mock interviews with advisors at the University Career Center. An advisor will ask standard interview questions as well as job-specific questions.

The center will videotape the mock interview and review it with you afterwards for feedback.

Mentioning pay

Don’t do it. You want to show the employer what you can contribute, not your money concerns. The appropriate time to negotiate pay is after you’ve been offered the position.

Interview behavior

Arrive early and greet the employer with a handshake and smile. During the interview, make sure to maintain eye contact and show interest. The employer will be able to tell if you don’t care to be there.

Responding to questions

Cooper once asked an interviewee about her weaknesses. The woman started to respond well by saying she thought she was too hard on herself. Her response went downhill when she added, “And I have this horrible feeling that I’m really ugly. I think I look like Shrek.”

This response baffled Cooper and the only reply she could muster was, “I think you’re beautiful.”

Cooper says it’s important to really think about your response. It’s better to pause for a moment, she says, and think of a good response.

Follow-ups

It’s okay to ask a potential employer about his or her timeline so you know your status. If you don’t hear back, call and politely check on your status.

Also, send a thank-you note within 36 hours of the interview. And no, origami isn’t a substitute thank-you note. Include something you talked about with the employer. Avoid sending it in an e-mail.