Step Five Interview: During

Your answers are important so take your time:

Collect your thoughts before speaking.
Keep your answers short.
Be honest — never lie or exaggerate.
Say "I don't know" when you don't — it makes you more believable.
Don't discuss your personal life in any way.
Don't flirt even if the interviewer flirts.
Tell stories when possible — don't make vague, general statements.
When you're stumped, take a second or rephrase the question.
Allow there to be silence sometimes.
Avoid slang and pause words (e.g., "um," "este").
Offer the interviewer choices. If asked what skills you offer, for example, you might reply "I'm dedicated, I write well and I really get along well with customers. Which of those would you like me to talk about?" And then you tell a story about the skill the interviewer picks.
Always put the question back in the interviewer's court — say "What else would you like to know?"
Listen more than you speak!

Here's why listening is crucial during the interview.

It helps you answer naturally and effectively.
It tells you when to speak. Some interviewers invite questions at the end but others may want you to ask questions throughout.
It helps you catch trick questions designed to see if you're really paying attention or are a "yes person."

"Rehearse until you can easily answer questions with clarity, spontaneity and crispness."

Don Monaco
monster.com

Listening requires you to focus all your energy on the other person, not on what you'll say next.

Pay attention to what the interviewers say and don't say, as well as what their faces, voice and body language reveal.
Maintain eye contact.
Nod, smile and let your face show interest.
Take occasional notes.

When the interview ends, leave gracefully by taking some actions before you go:

Ask for a business card.
If you want the job, look the interviewers in the eye and say you want to work with them.
Ask them to describe the next steps in the process.
Thank them for their time and interest.
Shake hands.
Smile at and thank the receptionist when you go.

Last Revision: October 13, 2003