Handling the interview

In an interview, you have the chance to show a prospective employer just how smart, personable, qualified, professional and outstanding you really are. Enjoy the opportunity. Make the most of it. Even if you don’t walk away with the job in question, you never know what doors might open with the good impression you make.

1. The lead-up
   People are forming opinions of you even before the formal interview gets underway. Take advantage of these chances to shape their attitudes in subtle ways:
   • Arrive 10 minutes early—no earlier, as it can appear desperate; and definitely not late, which makes you appear disorganized and possibly frazzled.
   • Be extremely polite to the receptionist. People at the front desk always report on how they’re treated by visitors.
   • Sit down; don’t loom or pace in the waiting room.
   • Shut off your cell phone while you’re there. It’s considered rude to make or take a call while waiting, and your phone absolutely should not ring during the interview.
   • If you forgot to shut it off and your cell phone rings, apologize calmly and switch it off. Do not answer, and by all means do not engage in conversation. Do not offer extensive excuses such as: “my mother needs me to pick up milk on my way home,” or “my boss is wondering where I am,” or “my children call everyday at three.” Simply say, “I forgot to turn off my cell phone, I apologize.”
   • Smile when your interviewer arrives to greet you.
   • Follow one step behind or walk in parallel as you go to the interview room; never get ahead of the interviewer.
   • If asked how you are, don’t say, “I’m tired.” It might seem bizarre, but a third of people answer that way. Say something positive even if you are nervous, have a cold—or really are tired.
   • Always return the question. “I’m great, thank you. How are you?”
   • Never sit until invited to by your interviewer.
   
   
2. In the interview
   Most interviews follow a standard question and answer format.

   THE STRUCTURE OF THE INTERVIEW

   Typically the interview will have three parts: an introduction during which you talk a little about who you are; the body, in which you talk about your experience; and the close, when you may have the chance to ask questions of your own.

   HOW TO CONDUCT YOURSELF

   The reality is, you’ve probably taken a good amount of time to prepare for your interview. The point of that preparation is to make your answers more available to you in the pressure of the moment.

   • Despite your preparation, try not to seem rehearsed. Be yourself. (Of course, if the interviewer suggests you seem rehearsed, don’t deny it! Just say, “I really want this job so, yes, I took a lot of time to prepare.”)
   • Never give dead-end “yes” or “no” answers; always offer explanations and insight.
   • At the same time, don’t be long-winded. Try to keep your answers to one minute or so. Read your interviewer’s body language: if she or he seems restless, wrap it up.
   • Stay focused on the position you’ve applied for; don’t stray off into unrelated work topics.
   • Be aware of how you’re communicating; try not to ramble. Come to the point as quickly as you can. For example:
     If you’re asked, “Have you ever had to write your own correspondence?”
     • Don't just say, "Yes I have."
     • Don't list off every piece of written work you've ever done.
     • Say, "Yes, I have eight years of experience," and give two short examples.

   DEALING WITH OBJECTIONS AND DIFFICULT QUESTIONS

   Occasionally an interview can venture into tricky territory. How you manage the situation is as important as what you say.

   • Never get defensive. Interviewers—especially if they’re interviewing for high-pressure jobs—may sometimes try to push your buttons just to see how you keep your cool. Breathe in a calming way, think about your answers, and don’t take questions personally.
   • If an interviewer asks, “Are you sure you’re up to this kind of work?” don't simply insist that you are; explain calmly why you’re confident you’re right for the work.

   TALKING ABOUT GAPS IN YOUR RESUME

   If there’s a period in your history when you weren’t working, a prospective employer is likely to ask why. Anticipate this question and prepare an answer with a positive spin.

   • Address the gap succinctly and with confidence.
   • Don’t make excuses. If you were dealing with a family matter, say so. You don't have to elaborate; just be sure to let the interviewer it’s been resolved (i.e. is no longer an issue). If you were traveling, be up front about it and mention something relevant that you learned or gained through the experience.

   ASKING QUESTIONS OF YOUR OWN

   Interviewers often ask if you have questions for them. Remember:

   • Be judicious! Don’t ask a whole long list of questions. Pick two or three that really matter to you and that show your interest in the position.
   • Ask “tell me about…” questions. “Can you tell me about the team I would be working with?” “Can you tell me what a typical day would be like in this role?” Avoid broad questions that the Interviewer may not be able to answer, or that may be confidential in this context. For example, asking about the strategic direction and future growth plans of the company may not be suitable.
   • If it’s the first interview, don’t try to start negotiating benefits, vacation, wages, starting date and the like; leave those for the second interview. You may ask questions about aspects of compensation—general questions—that show you’re prepared without putting the interviewer on the spot.
   
   
3. The M-word: Money
   Sometimes you’ll be asked directly what you expect to earn in the position you’re applying for.
   • Give a clear answer. Don't say 'I'm not sure,” or “It depends on how hard the job is.”
   • Avoid talking about your personal expenses. The employment offer can’t have anything to do with your way of life, such as travel costs, daycare expenses, home expenses, etc.; your decision to accept or decline it may.
   • Ask for clarification before answering. You’re entitled to ask if the employer can suggest an appropriate range. “What is the usual range for this position in your firm?”
   • If the money offered is not what you expected, weigh other employment possibilities against this one and consider your financial expectations. How reasonable are they? If you feel your experience deserves more, and that another offer will be available at that earning level, politely ask the employer to reconsider. “Thank you for the offer. I’m very interested in the position and in your organization. The offer is appealing overall except for the element of compensation. I was hoping for/expecting $50,000. Would it be possible to reconsider?” Expect that the employer may decline your request, and you will have to make a decision on the initial offer.
   • If the interviewer is determined for you to give an answer without any clues, you can give a considered range while not undervaluing your skills:

     EXAMPLE

     "Based on my skills and experience, I would ideally like to earn $50,000. For the right opportunity, I would be interested in a job offer from $45,000 and up. My absolute minimum is $42,000. Is that in the range the position is offering?"

   • Be alert to the interviewer’s responses and reactions. Stay attuned. If your range is too high, you could ask about other benefits associated with the position.

   Again, don’t delve too deeply into money questions in the first interview. Save that topic for the second, when you are closer to a point of negotiation and the issues are more relevant.

4. Wrapping it up
   At the end of the interview:
   • Thank the interviewer for the opportunity to meet.
   • If you’re interested in the position, say so: “I’m very interested in this position.” Show your enthusiasm.
   • If you’re not interested in the position, don’t say so. Be gracious about the opportunity to come in and meet.
   • If the interviewer asks “When can you start?” the best possible answer is, “When do you need me?” Be upfront and realistic about when you can be available; if you have a position to leave, make sure you’re giving adequate notice. Your new employer may be uneasy if you’re quick to ‘jump ship’ from your current employer without consideration.