Answer: The answer is D. You need to stay focused on the entire interview in order to move to the next step -- either more interviews or the job offer.

Of course, all these elements are important. The first minute of an interview is critical; interviewers often make first and lasting impressions on how you are dressed, on the firmness of your handshake, on your confidence, and on all elements in that initial minute.

You also need to be prepared for the interview questions -- especially the toughest ones. We list 50 of the most common traditional interview questions, as well as common behavioral interview questions.

Finally, don’t ignore the final minute. Always remember that the interview is like a sales call, where you are selling the employer on hiring you. In sales lingo, we call it closing the deal. Make sure you use that final minute to restate your interest in the job (possibly even asking for the job), as well as determine the next step in the process.

Back to the Quintessential Careers Job Interviewing Quiz.