JOB INTERVIEW READINESS
Part 2 - do's and don'ts of the interview

Winning an interview is harder than getting a job offer. In last week's Interest Zone, we outlined (in Part 1) what a job seeker should do before the interview to maximize his / her chances. This week, Part 2 discusses the do's and don'ts of the interview and what you could ask..

The interview, as we repeatedly stress, is YOUR chance to show a potential employer that you are capable, competent and qualified. You want to demonstrate how you can add value to the potential employer while simultaneously distinguishing yourself from other candidates. The interview is also an opportunity for you to learn more about the company and the position/vacancy, and decide if you are interested in starting a career with that particular company in the vacancy in question.

Starting Right
Give the right impression from the start by greeting the interviewer, and any others present, with a friendly smile and a firm handshake. Return your interviewer's greeting with your own 'Good morning/afternoon', and use his or her name.

Most interviewers will next try to set you at ease with some small talk but there might be a plus for you if you take the initiative and offer some remark about the premises, the office or even the traffic.

Throughout the interview you should acknowledge any other people in the room, even if they remain silent, by the occasional smile or answer in their direction.

Avoid carrying a large briefcase , you may use a document case and/or handbag unless you need to take a portfolio of your work. If you have a mobile phone, ensure it is switched off and out of site before you enter the firm's premises.

Every interview is different-different people, jobs and situations-and there is no one key to success, but there are some dos and don'ts presented to you hereafter.

Interviews dos and don'ts
Don't use your interviewer's name without a title (Mr. / Ms. /Dr.) even if they use yours. If you are invited to do so, use it sparingly.

Do have some material in your document case even if it is just your research into the company and your list of questions-it will show that you have done your homework.

Don't put anything on the interviewer's desk-it is his or her personal space.

Do answer in positive terms-even about the weather. Positive answers are easier to understand and you will come across as optimistic rather than pessimistic.

Do speak at a normal, controlled pace. Talking too quickly or mumbling because of nerves should be avoided.

Do slightly understate your desire for the job. Make the potential employer want you, but beware of playing hard-to-get too well. When the interviewer starts selling you the job, things are looking good!

Don't forget the job requirements as set out in the advertisement, or any other information you have obtained, and tailor your replies to this end.

Do try to put your sincerity, achievement and enthusiasm, and avoid becoming over-serious- the occasional light aside or smile as you answer a question is useful.

Don't be caught out by the occasional, deliberate silence. If a gap does arise, ask one of your prepared questions-but choose carefully and relate it to the earlier conversation.

Do ask a question to show that you have done your homework. In addition to showing interest and knowledge, you win a moment's respite from the interviewer's questions.

Do make the occasional complementary and knowledgeable remark about the firm or its goods or services-but don't overdo the flattery.

Do listen to what you are being told-it is inexcusable to ask something that your interviewer told you only two minutes earlier.

Don't answer an ambiguous question without asking for clarification. It will show commendable caution and avoid misunderstanding.

Don't attempt to answer your own question rather than the one just put to you. If you cannot give a straight answer, say so and explain your point.

Don't assume you are more knowledgeable or skilled than the person interviewing you. Interviewers are unlikely to hire someone who talks down to them, or who they perceive as an immediate threat to themselves.

Don't play with your watch, fiddle with your fingers or buttons, or engage in other distracting movements.

Do avoid controversial topics. If you are asked about a difficult subject, the middle ground is safest until the conversation moves on.

Don't argue with your interviewer. It may be that he or she is playing devil's advocate to see how you react. If things get tricky, just listen carefully, and pick up on a point on which you agree, then develop it.

Do answer a straight 'yes' or 'no' to questions where appropriate, but remember that detailed replies will usually be wanted.

Don't try to answer questions before the interviewer has finished speaking. It is bad manners and suggests you leap into action before you have all the facts.

Don't let you answers ramble on for too long. If more detail is wanted, let the interviewer ask further questions in his or her own time.

Don't lie at interview. However, no one is obliged to tell the whole truth.

Don't give away information about your present employer or it might be thought you would do the same again and that could cost you the job.

Do make clear to the interviewer that you can adapt your skills to the company's needs.

Questions to ask and anticipate
Just when you think it's going well, the interviewer asks you an unexpected question right out of left-field, or even: 'Do you have any questions you'd like to ask us?

Questions to ask

Candidates are always invited to put questions to their interviewers and failure to take up the offer will probably mean that you are branded as lacking imagination or initiative.

Good questions do not arise out of thin air and a successful job seeker will have prepared several points to raise. It is a good idea to take a written list with you, so that the interviewer can see that you have done your homework.

Questions to anticipate

Every interviewer will ask you about your duties and responsibilities in your current or previous post or, if you are a student, about any activity in which you have been involved, and all job seekers must be ready for such obvious questions.

If you have weaknesses in your background, you need to consider beforehand how you would answer questions like the following:

· What are your short- and long-term career ambitions?
· What is your management style?
· What are you looking for in a job?
· Why do you want to move?
· How long do you expect to stay with us?
· What is special about you that makes you our ideal choice?
· What salary are you expecting?
· How do you rate your present company?
· Can you stand pressure? Give an example.
· What is your greatest failing?
· What is your strongest attribute?
· What are your five greatest achievements so far?
· What does your boss think of you?
· What interests you most/least about our job vacancy?
· What do you like/dislike most about your present job?
· Describe yourself in three minutes.
· Are you creative? Give an example.
· Are you analytical? Give an example.
· What other jobs do you have in the pipeline?
· How much do you know about us?
· Where will you be in five and ten years' time?
· What books/magazines/newspapers do you read?
· What are your leisure activities?
· Are you a good team player?
· What questions would you ask if you were in my place?

The serious job seeker will consider his / her answers to the above questions and many others which these will prompt. You can expect questions that are aimed at finding out about personal and professional attitudes, aptitudes, as well as weaknesses. Note carefully what kind of person or company you are dealing with and, in the same was as you would tailor an application or CV, tailor your replies