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QUINCY, ILL. -- Looking to get hired? You may be in luck.

A new report says Missouri's unemployment rate has fallen to its lowest point in about two years. The state Department of Economic Development says April's jobless rate was 8.9 percent, down two-tenths of a point from March. That's the state's lowest unemployment rate since March 2009. Employment agencies say the jobless rate in Illinois is following the same path.

As more jobs become available, are you prepared to nail that initial interview? We talked to some of the larger employers in the Tri-States to find out the do's and don'ts to landing a job.

"We see a lot of people saying, I'll do anything. I'll take any opportunity that will get my foot in the door, and will take other opportunities as time comes about," said Ron Tallcott, Blessing's Human Resource manager.

It may not be your dream job, but it pays. So how can you stick out from the rest when it comes to conquering a job interview?

"You're there trying to sell yourself, and they're basically going to determine whether you're a right fit for their position," said Mike Dailing with Knapheide Manufacturing Company.

The resume comes first.

"Making sure everything is neat, concise and to the point. Believe it or not, we do actually look at those things. If I can't read the phone number, I'm not going to call it," said Dailing.

"Once you land the interview, be on time," said Tallcott.

"Making great eye contact, making sure they're asking questions, that they're open to conversation. So many times, a client will say the person didn't open up well or weren't speaking a lot," said Cheryl Liggitt, a branch manager for Adecco in Quincy.

This is the time to brag about yourself. Push your hard work ethic and good attendance.

"Be positive about the position and the company, because that will make you stand out among others that are up for the same position," said Liggitt.

"Interviewers will ask questions. The ones that make an impression on me are the one's who clearly have done their homework.They'll ask specific questions about the job or the company," said Dailing.

And when it comes to your last job, be courteous. Talking negatively about your previous employer will look unfavorable to the interviewer.

What about the dress code?

"A tie and suit isn't necessary for a welding job, but I've seen it and it does make an impression on me and I appreciate that," said Dailing.

"The Don'ts? There's a long list. Don't bring friends. If you don't have your own transportation, make them wait outside," said Dailing.

Also, bringing in food and drinks probably won't sit well with the employer either. And while it seems like an obvious, don't come in under the influence.

Lastly, making a second impression is just as important as the first.

Followup after the interview, make those connections with the company. Don't be afraid to follow up with your interviewer or with HR. If the interviewer said you would hear something in a week and you don't, there is nothing wrong with initiating the contact yourself. Just remember to be polite when you call - no guilt trips.

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Need help ironing out your resume? Or even more tips on nailing an interview?

Before going into the interview

- Make sure there is no confusion about where you are supposed to go for the interview. Get a map or make a practice run to the place so you know how long it will take to get there.

- Research the company. You should know exactly what they do before you go in.

- Be prepared to answer questions about yourself. Look up common interview questions and come up with answers for each.

- Make a list of questions to ask the company. You can ask about the company itself, the company's customers, the position and the people you will be working with.

- Determine your availability. The interviewer may ask you when you can start the job.

- Determine your bottom line. Will you accept the job if the pay is low? What about benefits? Interviewers often ask how much you expect to make.

- Be prepared to be tested during or after the job interview. Some employers require job applicants to take a written test, or to submit to drug screening.

- Use the restroom before you go. There's no telling how long the interview may last.

- Don't douse yourself in perfume or cologne. Some people have sensitive noses. A shower and deodorant is sufficient.

- Don't smoke in the car on the way or on the interview premises. Again, some people have sensitive noses.

- Spit your gum out before you go into the building. It is harder to talk and smile with gum in your mouth.

- Show up at least 10 minutes early - 15 minutes is even better.

During the Interview

- Greet every single person in the room with eye contact and a handshake. Be sure to treat everyone from the receptionist to the CEO equally.

- Don't use slang when you greet people. 'Hey, how ya doin'?' is not a proper greeting in a formal setting.

- Be conscious of your posture when sitting or standing. Try not to slouch or look too stiff.

- Don't sit down anywhere until you are asked to. When you do sit, don't fidget. It makes you look nervous.

- Keep hand talking to a minimum. It is okay to make gestures while speaking, but it is not okay to look like a mime while doing it - unless you are interviewing for a job as a mime. Then it's acceptable.

- If you are given water or something else to drink, sip it; don't gulp or chug. Remember that you are at the interview to answer questions about yourself, not to enjoy a beverage, so try to minimize the time you spend with liquid in your mouth. Never attempt to speak before you've swallowed.

- Try to look interested when people speak - no matter how boring they are.

- Keep answers short and to the point. Nobody wants to listen to you babble.

- When you do answer a question, don't start out with words like 'uh' or 'um.'

- If you are being interviewed by multiple people, try to look at them all while talking. Nobody should feel left out of the conversation.

- Ask questions! You're at an interview, not an interrogation. Asking questions helps to demonstrate your interest in and knowledge about the position. Employers will expect you to have at least one question about the job, the company or the people you will be working with.

- Don't look at the clock or your watch at any point during the interview. It makes you look like you'd rather be somewhere else.

- This should go without saying, but we'll say it anyway: Don't flirt with anyone you meet on the day of your job interview. You have no idea who you are hitting on or how it might impact your chances of getting the job.

Do you have frustrations about an on going job search?  Did you recently become employed again?  Please share your stories below in the comments thread, or visit our Facebook page.