Interview

A conversation in which one person (the interviewer) elicits information from another person
(the subject or interviewee).A transcript or account of such a conversation is also called an
interview. The interview is both a research method and a popular form of nonfiction.
An interview is a conversation between two or more people where questions are asked by
the interviewer to elicit facts or statements from the interviewee.
INTERVIEW (noun) the noun INTERVIEW has 2 senses:
1. The questioning of a person (or a conversation in which information is elicited); often
conducted by journalists.
2. A conference (usually with someone important).
INTERVIEW (verb) the verb INTERVIEW has 3 senses:
1. Conduct an interview in television, newspaper, and radio reporting.
2. Discuss formally with (somebody) for the purpose of an evaluation.
3. Go for an interview in the hope of being hired.

Types of Interview
There are many types of interviews serving diverse purposes. Knowing what to expect can help
you achieve your goals. These are given following:
1. Informational Interview
The objective of this interview is to ask for advice and learn more about a particular career
field, employer or particular job. Interviewing experts in their field is one more way to become
more occupationally literate. The knowledge that you gain here will make you a sharper and
more informed. You will also make a contact and further develop your network.
2. Screening or Telephone Interview
A phone interview is a very cost effective way to screen candidates. These can last anywhere
from 10 to 30 minutes. You should prepare for it like an open book exam. It is recommended
that you have in front of you your resume, the job description, a list of references, some
prepared answers to challenging questions and perhaps something about the company. The
vast majority of communication is non-verbal. Because they cant see your body language, it is
critically important to have positive and polished answers with energetic tone and inflection.
Be sure to ask what the next step is.
3. Individual Interview
This is the most common type and often called a personal interview. It is typically a one-on-
one exchange at the organizations offices. In order to best prepare you will want to know the
length of the interview which can usually range from 30 to 90 minutes. If the interview is 30
minutes you have to be concise and have a high impact with your answers. If it is 60 or 90
minutes you will want to go into much more depth and use specific examples to support your
generalizations.
4. Small Group or Committee Interview
This is where you will be meeting with several decision-makers at once. This can be an
intimidating experience if you are not prepared. Its an efficient way to interview candidates
and allows for different interpretations or perceptions of the same answer. Be sure to make
eye contact with everyone, no matter who asked the question. Its important to establish
rapport with each member of the interview team. Try to find out the names and job titles of
the participants.
5. The Second or On-Site Interview
After your first interview, you may be asked back again for a second date. They like you
enough that you made the first round of cuts, but they would like to know more about you
before making their final decision. Second Interviews can last either a half or full-day so it is
best to check again and get an agenda. You may be meeting with three to five individuals. This
may include a representative from Human Resources, the department head, the office staff and
the department heads supervisor. Be alert and enthusiastic at all times! The more you know
about the structure of the process, the less anxious you are going to feel and the better you will
perform. This is the last step before an offer is made.
6. Behavioral-Based Interview
The theory behind Critical Behavioral Interviewing (CBI) is that past performance in a similar
situation is the best predictor of future performance. CBI probes much deeper than traditional
interviewing techniques. You should prepare by thinking of specific examples that demonstrate
your competence in core behaviors such as teamwork, problem-solving, communication,
creativity, flexibility and organizational skills. You will want to tell your story and structure it by
stating your answers in terms of the situation, the task, what action you took, and what was the
result or outcome.
7. Task Oriented or Testing Interview
This is a problem-solving interview where you will be given some exercises to demonstrate your
creative and analytical abilities. A company may ask you to take a short test to evaluate your
technical knowledge and skills. Sometimes a presentation to a group is necessary to determine
your communication skills. Try to relax as much as possible.
8. Stress Interview
During this rare type, the interviewer tries to bait you, to see how you will respond. The
objective is to find your weaknesses and test how you hold up to pressure. Such tactics as
weird silences, constant interruptions and challenging interrogation with antagonistic questions
are designed to push your boundaries. The question you have to ask yourself is: Do I want to
work for a company that treats me this way even before the offer is made? Rethink the
corporate culture.

Five ways to improve your interview technique
Becoming an exceptional candidate is something you can do; it's just that most people don't
take the trouble. In my experience, most interviews don't go that well; most people are bad at
them. The truth is that many recruiters are actually not particularly good at interviewing either
nor particularly effective. So, if you prepare properly and are a good interviewee, the odds can
be stacked in your favour.
To put in a good performance think about planning, practice and positive psychology. An
interview is an audition. You need to project yourself as the sort of the person the interviewer
wants to hire; as someone they want on the team.
Just checking out a company website is not enough
It's not just a question of researching the organization. You need to understand your
interviewer and why they are hiring. One way or another they are seeking a resource as a
solution to an identified problem. Just checking out their website, report and accounts is not
enough.
Work on understanding the organizational need and how you can add value. Look at the
challenges and opportunities they face and work out how to show that your experience and
expertise are relevant. Explore their market, competitors and the changes taking place in the
industry.
Use your network to find information about the interviewer and his preferences, the company
and its culture. Use LinkedIn and ZoomInfo to gather all the intelligence you can.
Focus more on delivery rather than giving off-the-cuff replies
Rehearse your presentation. I don't necessarily mean being word perfect. I'm talking about
what you say when anyone asks you what you do, why you left, what you have achieved and so
on. Can you talk about yourself comfortably, with confidence, concisely with clarity? Practice so
that you have the right words, don't get flustered, talk at the right pace and, crucially, know
when to stop. Remember the need for consistency between words and body language.
In an interview you have to know your CV by heart. None of it pops into your head at the last
minute; you know what you are going to say and what spin you are going to put on it. A good
interviewee has learned his or her lines in advance and is focusing much more on delivery than
on off-the-cuff replies.
It's not a solo performance: aim for a 50/50 dialogue
What you really need to do, though, is to make the interview interactive. People trained in
interview techniques are told to use the 70/30 rule. That is to say the interviewer aims to talk
for about 30% of the time allotted and the candidate talks 70% of the time, in response.
The smart candidate actually wants a 50/50 dialogue. You should aim for a conversation,
directed along the lines you prefer whereby you can play to your strengths. The interviewer
can only go with what you give them. This is best illustrated by using the "what was your
biggest business mistake?" question. Do you really want to tell them your biggest mistake?
Really? You decide.
You are aiming for positive interaction. Make it easy for the interviewer by saying "have I told
you all you need to know on that subject? Can I give you more detail?" Build rapport, find some
common ground. But remember it's not a monologue, you are both actors in the interview and
it is a dialogue, a conversation, not a solo performance.
A positive outlook is crucial
Henry Ford famously said "If you think you can do a thing or think you can't do a thing, you're
right". You're motivated, you've done the prep and have the drive to succeed so visualize
success.
Whether you call it confidence, self-esteem or self-belief, to shine at interview you need to
show that you will make a good employee. Show that you are good at interacting and reading
your situation, good at selling yourself and your ideas. Practicing your interview technique will
make it so much easier to shine. There's no need to be nervous if you believe you are a good
candidate for the role. If you believe you can do it, then you can do it. You know it because you
have prepared, practiced and are ready to show what you can do.
Review and follow up
After the interview send a letter. Thank them for seeing you. Reiterate how interested you are
in them and the role. Review the key points of the interview when you discussed challenges and
opportunities and outline how you can help them meet those.
No guarantees but if you work at it you'll become a better interviewee and give yourself an
advantage in a tough economic climate.

5 tips for interview success
To succeed in interviews you need to understand the rules of the game know what the
employers looking for and work hard to deliver. The following five steps will lead you on your
path to success:

Know your Worth
In interview, you need to know what value youve brought to previous employers and have
strong proof to back it up. Steer clear of generalities. For example, its not enough to say that
you have good project management skills, prove it! Give an example of a project youve
recently managed showing how you completed it to deadline, within budget and how you
successfully overcame any obstacles.
Get Physical
One of the most common issues I address in interview coaching sessions is posture. They way
you sit have a huge impact on how youre perceived. You need to show energy and the easiest
way to do this is through your body language. If you can show energy in an interview, the
assumption is that youll bring equal drive and dynamism when appointed to the company.
Keep Smiling
Most people are afraid to smile in interview as they feel they will be taken less seriously. Once
an employer knows you can do the job, they will next focus on your fit. Smiling will help show
that youre a good team player, are able to build relationships with clients/customers and will
help present you as a positive, can-do person.
Training Plan
Preparation is the key to success. When preparing for an interview, you should practice your
answers out loud. Most of us rehearse answers in our head but when we open our mouths, the
answer that comes out rarely sounds as good. Practicing out loud will make your answers more
crisp and concise.
That last Hurdle
When working with clients, Im always surprised how much emphasis is placed on questions
asked by candidates at the end of an interview. If theres very little to distinguish between
candidates in a final shortlist, the decision can come to the quality of questions asked. The right
questions can present you as a commercially aware, strategically focused, ambitious individual.


10 Interviewing Rules
In the current job market, you'd better have your act together, or you won't stand a chance
against the competition. Check yourself on these 10 basic points before you go on that all-
important interview.
1. Do Your Research
Researching the company before the interview and learning as much as possible about its
services, products, customers and competition will give you an edge in understanding and
addressing the company's needs. The more you know about the company and what it stands
for, the better chance you have of selling yourself in the interview. You also should find out
about the company's culture to gain insight into your potential happiness on the job.
2. Look Sharp
Select what to wear to the interview. Depending on the industry and position, get out your best
interview clothes and check them over for spots and wrinkles. Even if the company has a casual
environment, you don't want to look like you slept in your outfit. Above all, dress for
confidence. If you feel good, others will respond to you accordingly.

3. Be Prepared
Bring along a folder containing extra copies of your resume, a copy of your references and
paper to take notes. You should also have questions prepared to ask at the end of the
interview. For extra assurance, print a copy of Monster's handy interview take-along checklist.
4. Be on Time
Never arrive late to an interview. Allow extra time to arrive early in the vicinity, allowing for
factors like getting lost. Enter the building 10 to 15 minutes before the interview.

5. Show Enthusiasm
A firm handshake and plenty of eye contact demonstrate confidence. Speak distinctly in a
confident voice, even though you may feel shaky.
6. Listen
One of the most neglected interview skills is listening. Make sure you are not only listening, but
also reading between the lines. Sometimes what is not said is just as important as what is said.
7. Answer the Question Asked
Candidates often don't think about whether they are actually answering the questions their
interviewers ask. Make sure you understand what is being asked, and get further clarification if
you are unsure.
8. Give Specific Examples
One specific example of your background is worth 50 vague stories. Prepare your stories before
the interview. Give examples that highlight your successes and uniqueness. Your past behavior
can indicate your future performance.
9. Ask Questions
Many interviewees don't ask questions and miss the opportunity to find out valuable
information. The questions you ask indicate your interest in the company or job.



10. Follow Up
Whether it's through email or regular mail, the interview follow-up is one more chance to
remind the interviewer of all the valuable traits you bring to the job and company. Don't miss
this last chance to market yourself.
It is important to appear confident and cool for the interview. One way to do that is to be
prepared to the best of your ability. There is no way to predict what an interview holds, but by
following these important rules you will feel less anxious and will be ready to positively present
yourself.

Types of Interview Questions:
Direct Questions
These types of questions predetermine the focus of your answer. e.g. "What skills do you have
that relate to this position". Your information should be clear and specific. These types of
questions, whether they relate to technical or soft skills, should be easy to answer if you have
completed the research on yourself.
Non-Direct Questions
Non-direct questions are general and do not ask for specific information. e.g. "Tell us a bit
about yourself". You determine the focus of your answer. In response to this particular
question, you should briefly summarize approximately four areas: education, experience, skills,
and personal attributes. If possible, make your response relevant to the job you are seeking.
Hypothetical or Situational Questions
These questions use a problem solving approach to determine your analytical skills and critical
thinking abilities. These "What if" questions are presented in the form of case examples or
problem situations. You will be asked to imagine yourself experiencing a situation and will then
be evaluated on how you would handle that situation. e.g. "It's 3 p.m. and you have a report
due to your manager at 5:00 p.m. suddenly a major customer calls and says she has a crisis and
need your help immediately. What would you do?"
Provide your answer in a logical sequence relating to the situation. There are many different
problem solving models. The following is merely one model you could use to shape your
answer:
Gather information
Evaluate
Prioritize
Seek advice (if necessary)
Weigh alternatives
Make and communicate your decision
Monitor results
Modify if necessary
Take a bit of time to think before responding. Don't rush.
Behavioral Descriptive Questions
Behavioral questions offer the opportunity to provide examples of past performance that may
help determine future performance. Interviewers are asking what you did in a particular
situation rather than what you would do. e.g. "Tell us about a time when you displayed good
leadership skills." Your answer could be delivered using the STAR model.
Situation
Task or Problem
Action
Result
For example:
(S) "While I was working at McDonalds as a shift supervisor, (T) I noticed that the over-all
performance of the employees seemed to be deteriorating. (A) I decided in order to try and
improve staff performance; I would start leading by example rather than speaking to individual
staff members about their performance. (R) As a result of this initiative, the staff on my shift
raised their customer service performance and I was rewarded with the Employee of the Month
Award."





Steps
1. Know the basics. There are only three main questions an interviewer wants to ask:

Will you fit in?
Structuring your planning around these three areas, will help you to cover the most crucial
issues likely to be covered during the interview, and give you the chance to prepare your key
statements and responses to market yourself most effectively.
Can you do the job?
Questions in this area are intended to probe your background. It is unlikely you would have
been invited for interview if your qualifications and experience on paper did not match the
criteria for the job. Most interviewers therefore will spend about 15% of the interview on this
area.
Do you have the required qualifications?
If the job is very technical, you may be required to demonstrate greater in-depth technical
knowledge in the interview. Be prepared to verify and back up any claims you make regarding
qualifications and so on. Employers are increasingly using the services of data agencies to verify
details given on CVs and application forms. Avoid 'little white lies' such as upgrading your A
Level results. A small fib found out will undermine your credibility totally.
2. Always arrive 20 minutes early. This will ensure that you are not nervous and will give you
plenty of time to prepare.
3. Make up your mind to Smile! Smile! Smile through the interview because this is your final
examination, you are not going to get the opportunity for a rain check, and therefore, you are
going to get that job if your life depended on it.
4. Make sure you take a trip to the rest room before you go in. interviewees are always nervous
so sweaty hands result.
5. Make a trip to the rest room before the interview to check your hair, teeth, makeup, etc.
please also wash and dry your hands before. You will not get a goodbye handshake if you dont.
6. Make sure you have plenty of breath mints handy. Bad breath is a sure way to turn off the
interviewer; especially if the interview is behind closed doors.
7. Check your nose hair, trim your eyebrows.
8. Be sure you are well groomed.
Men: avoid coloring your hair to make a good impression. There is nothing worse than a man
trying to pass off as a younger man.
Women, can get away with itit is even recommended.
9. Always make sure your hair is neatly trimmed and cut to a professional length. Curls and fluff
will not get you through an interview.
Men: no long hair, handle bar mustaches or overgrown beards. Keep it short and professional.
You can always grow it back once you get the job! No earrings, thick gold chains, or nose rings
either.
10. Make sure you have a positive attitude. Use positive words, like yes, instead of no.
11. Talk about your achievements: how your involvement saved or made the company money,
reduced expenses, solved problems, saved time, trained users, show value to your employer.
12. Always tell the truth.
13. Always be positive.
14. Take notes, but only after asking permission to do so.
15. Ask lots of questions about what you will be doing, who you will interact with, about your
role in current and future projects.
16. Exude confidence. (You are the expert on what you have done. dont be shy about your
abilities).
17. Take a copy of your references, and 3-4 nicer copies of your resume to hand out to each
interviewer. Also take copies of written references.
18. If asked, give examples of when you failed and how you overcame it. Explain that you did
not view this as failure. It was a learning experience.


Do Not:
Dont talk about salary. If pressured, tell them what you made, not what you expect. Tell
the interviewer that your agency has requested the opportunity to negotiate.
Dont say you want management: if there are no management positions available, then you
will not get the job. Instead, say "I wish to find a good home, and grow with a company."
Do not talk about religion, politics, or express your views on sensitive issues.
Do not ask about benefits. The company is not hiring you for what it can do for you. They
are hiring you, because of what you can do for them. Leave this question for your agent.
Do not say that you "Im" a good learner. The company is not paying you so you can learn.
Instead, say that "Im the kind of person, that if I do not know something, I will do whatever
it takes, work nights, and weekends to bring myself up to speed."
Dont ever badmouth your current employer or anyone else. If asked why you are leaving
your current job, say something like, "Our management styles are different, or I am ready
for new challenges".
Do not wear cologne or perfume. If your interviewer is allergic, he will cut the interview
short, and may not hire you.
Dont touch your mouth, fidget, or play with your hands frequently (It shows nervousness).
Do not order wine, even if your interviewer does. Only ask for water.
Do not order dessert. Set you glass to the right side at the head of your plate, and not on
the side of your plate to avoid knocking it over.








How to Succeed at a Job Interview
When confronted with the scrutiny of selection interviews, many of us feel threatened,
embarrassed, uptight, overwhelmed by emotion and totally uncomfortable. Its not easy to
accept a perfect stranger dig intrusively in the world of your experience, aspirations and
dreams, even if its meant to be just a neuter discussion about career issues.
However, its good to know that butterflies in the stomach are not a pre-requisite to a hiring
interview. Here are some tips & tricks to avoid recruitment traps and turn a ghastly encounter
in a friendly chat.
Show Positivity and Drive
Enthusiasm, optimism and motivation to join the team are the catalyst for the interviewer to
shape a strongly positive opinion upfront. A jovial sense of humor is also welcome, because
laughter is an effective ice-breaker that brings people closer and creates a sense of complicity
and shared togetherness. Nonetheless, dont overdo it and stick to benign humor: Dont crack
jokes at the expense of others, avoid irony, sarcasm or long satirical anecdotes that divert from
the objective of the meeting.
Do Your Homework before the Interview
A selection interview FAQ is What do you know about us? The successful candidate must
prove that he/she is reasonably informed about the organization and the targeted position. Be
sure to gather relevant info beforehand,
Google down the company facts & figures, find out about the number of employees, main
locations and headquarters, branches of activity, stock exchange value, profitability, turnover
and forecast. Its always useful to visit a forum about employees rating of the company. Refrain
from gossip, rumors, controversies, criticizing former employers and other delicate subjects
that tend to generate resentment and defensiveness
Add a Name to the Face
Inquire beforehand about the name and position of your recruiter. When you schedule the
appointment, usually during the phone conversation, make sure to ask for contact details for
the assessor you are going to meet: their department, and whether they are a manager or a
specialist. Of course, you wont either need or gain access to the abridged biography; still some
background data can help you anticipate the direction of the discussion and the standing point
at stake for your partner. For instance, when interviewed for an HR specialist position by a
training manager, you will focus more on, say, soft skills, while when you meet a payroll
manager, probably the dialogue will evolve in a stricter manner, on topics such as fiscal or legal
issues.
Answer in Full Sentences
Pay attention to phrasing and coherence of speech when you express your opinions. Avoid
monosyllabic answers, especially starting phrases with no. Be aware of the fact that, however
shallow it may seem, what you say is sometimes less important than how you say it, in terms of
message impact. When accurately modulated, not too loud nor too whispery, your voice is your
brand, so use it wisely.
Be Proud of Your Accomplishments, Aware of Your Shortcomings
Be ready to give an example of achievement, as well as one when you failed to rise up to your
own or the others expectations. Be sincere and promote your talent and interests without fake
modesty. This is often discarded as either manipulation attempt, or under-rated self-esteem.
When you acknowledge your vulnerabilities, you are one step closer to overcoming and
converting them in strengths.
Ask for Feedback
You may ask for a debriefing feedback at the end of the interview, by restating the value of the
interview as a learning experience. No matter how poorly or brilliantly you think you did, the
interviewer must be available to state his / her perception and arguments on the spot. This off-
the-record feedback will clear the air and prepare you for the official conclusion you will receive
later on.
Remain Time and Space Oriented
If you are late or lost, this can be interpreted as absent-mindedness, unreliability or sheer
disinterest. So make sure you have the necessary directions and the exact address (with
landmarks) noted down. Be prepared for the worst-case scenario where you get lost, and have
a back-up. Moreover, do your best to arrive on time. Leave 10-15 minutes as precaution buffer
for unpredictable cases (weather conditions, traffic, and other incidents) and call the company
to announce if you anticipate even a slight delay.
Greet the Person behind the Suit
Start the interview with a cordial smile and a firm handshake. Think about the interview as a
genuine discussion between two or more people (in the case of panel evaluations). This will be
the perfect beginning for a dialogue between two strangers who turn into partners in a non-
aggression treaty.
Ward Off Stereotype Expressions
Be on the lookout for these speech-parasites that may jeopardize the assessment for even the
most promising applicant. The interviewer will have a hard time dealing with ready-made
answers learnt by heart or with inadequately repeated words or phrases. Compulsive gestures
and noises like scratching, panting, and crunching will most likely cause your evaluation to
plummet. In some cases, a little censorship pays off.
All this practical advice might seem a lot to handle, in terms of framework for a real-life
dialogue, but it helps when you select what fits best to your own situation and personality.
Above all, when faced with the career opportunity of a lifetime, keep in mind your most
valuable assets: spontaneity and authenticity.

Proper Body Posture
Studies have shown that body language (neuro-linguistics) is very important during any face-to-
face meeting. People like to be around those who are like themselves. Watch your interviewer
closely. If (s) he leans forward, (s) he wants to know more about you and is interested, so lean
forward too. If (s) he sits back in his chair, (s) he is listening and evaluating, so sit back too. If he
smiles, he is happy, so smile in return. If (s) he crosses legs, never cross yours, but mimic the
hand gestures. (S) He will be taking notes, so ask permission to do that too. For the rest, here
are some tips:
Firm handshake (not sweaty) should last 3-5 seconds. Do not initiate at first meeting, but
extend your hand first after the meeting, when you are ready to leave.
Do occasionally use your hands to express yourself and steeple your palms while thinking. It
shows confidence (all great speakers use it).
Concentrate on the posture of interviewer. Mimic posture.
Smile! Smile! Smile! (Genuinely) People like happy people around them.
Keep and maintain eye contact, but do not stare.
Glasses: If you wear them only for reading, take them off while talking, and put them back
on while reading. If you wear them all the time, then please do keep them on. Try not to
wear tinted lenses, because eye contact is essential for good communication.
Ask where to sit, and sit, only after your interviewer sits down. Do not take off or open up
the buttons of your jacket.
Lunches are a crucial make-or-break time when an employer really can judge about
personality.
Wait for him/her to order, and order something similar in the same price range.
Order a small easy-to-eat portion. Never order spaghetti, which may stain your clothes. Do
not take seconds. You will need to eat less, so you can keep speaking.
When talking, turn your fork and knife into an inverted v-shape on your plate. When
finished, turn fork and knife upside down in the center of your plate. And do not ask for a
doggie bag even if your interviewer does.
The Interview: Body Language Do's and Don'ts
Your heart feels ready to leap out of your chest. Beads of sweat build on your forehead. Your
mind is racing.
It's not a full-blown interrogation -- although it may feel like it -- it's just a job interview. While
it's no secret that job interviews can be nerve-racking, a lot of job candidates spend a significant
amount of time worrying about what they will say during their interview, only to blow it all with
their body language. The old adage, "It's not what you say, it's how you say it," still holds
meaning, even if you're not talking. You need to effectively communicate your professionalism
both verbally and nonverbally.
Because watching your nonverbal cues, delivering concise answers and expressing your
enthusiasm at once can be difficult when you're nervous, here's a guide to walk you through it:
Have them at "hello"
Before you walk into the interview, it's assumed that you will have done the following:
prepared yourself by reading up on the company and recent company news; practiced what
you'll say to some of the more common interview questions; and followed the "what to wear
on your interview" advice. So you're ready, right?

Some hiring managers claim they can spot a possible candidate for a job within 30 seconds or
less, and while a lot of that has to do with the way you look, it's also in your body language.
Don't walk in pulling up your pantyhose or readjusting your tie; pull yourself together before
you stand up to greet the hiring manager or enter their office. Avoid a "dead fish" handshake
and confidently -- but not too firmly -- grasp your interviewer's hand and make eye contact
while saying hello.

Shake your hand, watch yourself
If you are rocking back in your chair, shaking your foot, drumming your fingers or scratching
your... anything, you're going to look like youre going to look the type of future employee who
wouldn't be able to stay focused, if even for a few minutes. It's a not a game of charades, it's a
job interview. Here's what to do (and not do):

Don't:

Rub the back of your head or neck. Even if you really do just have a cramp in your neck,
these gestures make you look disinterested.

Rub or touch your nose. This suggests that you're not being completely honest, and it's
gross.

Sit with your armed folded across your chest. You'll appear unfriendly and disengaged.

Cross your legs and idly shake one over the other. It's distracting and shows how
uncomfortable you are.

Lean your body towards the door. You'll appear ready to make a mad dash for the door.

Slouch back in your seat. This will make you appear disinterested and unprepared.

Stare back blankly. This is a look people naturally adapt when they are trying to distance
themselves.








Do:

Sit up straight, and lean slightly forward in your chair. In addition to projecting interest and
engagement in the interaction, aligning your body's position to that of the interviewer's
shows admiration and agreement.

Show your enthusiasm by keeping an interested expression. Nod and make positive
gestures in moderation to avoid looking like a bobble head.

Establish a comfortable amount of personal space between you and the interviewer.
Invading personal space (anything more than 20 inches) could make the interviewer feel
uncomfortable and take the focus away from your conversation.

Limit your application of colognes and perfumes. Invading aromas can arouse allergies.
Being the candidate that gave the interviewer a headache isn't going to do anything in your
favor.

If you have more than one person interviewing you at once, make sure you briefly address
both people with your gaze (without looking like a tennis spectator) and return your
attention to the person who has asked you a question.

Interruptions can happen. If they do, refrain from staring at your interviewer while they
address their immediate business and motion your willingness to leave if they need privacy.

Stand up and smile even if you are on a phone interview. Standing increases your level of
alertness and allows you to become more engaged in the conversation. Say Goodbye
Gracefully.




Questions to Ask at the Conclusion of an Interview
In the hiring process, employers reserve time at the end of an interview to allow candidates to
ask questions. This is your time to find out more about the company, clarify points from the
interview and demonstrate your ability to think critically. Think of questions ahead of time so
you have something to say. Ask questions about topics that come up during the interview that
you didn't think of ahead of time.
Where Is the Company Going?
Asking about the future of the company shows that you are concerned more than about
yourself. You are looking to the future and potential advancement for both you and the
company. Review the firm's website to look for a vision or mission statement before you head
to the interview. Keep this information in mind when you ask about the company's future. For
example, you might mention part of what you read on the website and ask for more details. If
the website includes a mission statement, ask how the specific parts of that statement might
change in the future. Another option is to ask about the company's projected growth and
expansion.
Is There Missing Experience on the Team?
You should have a basic understanding of the position you're applying for and what it involves.
You might not have many details about the current team members with whom you would work.
Ask the employer if there are any skills or specific experience currently missing on the team.
This helps you determine if you have the skill set to fill those holes. This will also give you a
better sense of the qualifications of your coworkers if you get the position.
What Is the Company's Structure?
After researching the company and listening to the manager in the interview, you may have
some questions about the company's structure, and want to know how the various
departments work together. Ask any specifics in this area so you have a better understanding of
the position's role within the company. This question also gives you some idea of how you
could potentially move up within the firm. Don't ask questions about company structure
already addressed in the interview. This shows that you weren't listening and didn't do your
research.
What Does a Typical Day Look Like?
If the interview or job advertisement offers few details on exactly what you would do, ask what
a typical day would entail in the position. This question gives you an idea of what to expect
beyond simply reading a list of responsibilities. You get a sense of how much time you would
spend in meetings, working with colleagues, traveling or sitting in front of a computer. This
question helps you determine if you would feel comfortable in the position.
How Will My Responsibilities Increase?
When you start a new job, you may have training and slowly ease into your responsibilities.
Asking about the progression of your training period helps you understand the expectations of
the job. Initially, you may help with another team member's projects and eventually lead your
own. You may learn the necessary job skills gradually over a period of several weeks or months.
Use the interviewer's answer to this question to determine if the expectations match your
abilities.