It comes up all the time, people are at the interview and things are going along smoothly. You think you have done a good job of expressing yourself, your achievements, and how you can add value; and then – the question from the interviewer: “So, do you have any questions for me?” Silence. You didn’t think about this; you don’t really know what to ask.First let me start by saying that the interview is a two way street. The interviewer just sat there for roughly 40 minutes (maybe) asking you all sorts of questions about your background and professional history. Now it’s your turn – you have nothing? How is that even possible?

It is important to ask questions. This is your chance to learn something that you don’t know about the company. The questions you ask can play a big part in helping you determine if the company is right for you. You need to interview the interviewer.

Here are some recommended questions to get you back on your feet.

• How long have you worked at the company?
• What are some of the things you enjoy about your role?
• What are some things that you find frustrating about the working environment?
• Do you have any information regarding the company’s social responsibility?
• What kinds of issues do you deal with on a daily basis?
• What are the traits that you are looking for in a new employee?
• Is there anything about my background that you feel is missing to obtain employment here?
• What is the company’s position on internal movement?
• What is the work culture like? Do people come early and leave on time, or do they generally arrive a bit later and stay later?
• What are some of the challenges the organization is facing today?
• Do you recommend any professional organizations that I should consider joining as I explore opportunities within the field?
• What do you see as some of the immediate deliverables for the person entering this role?
• How large is the department? (If you are a senior level employee: Is there support staff for this role?)
• Does the company offer any formal training programs?
• Is there anyone else to whom I should speak to learn more about the organization?

Of course you are not going to ask all of these questions; this is a good starting point though. You might even have come up with a few questions of your own specific to the company / role. You can fill in your own list with a few of these.

I recommend asking a few solid questions. You don’t want to keep the interview going for an extra 30 minutes with question after question. Ask the most relevant questions that will help facilitate your decision. You will likely have time throughout the remainder of the interview process to speak with others and address any other issues you have.

Find this helpful? Have a question for me? Send it to me: debra@careersdonewrite.com

Happy searching!

Preparation – Before the interview you should make sure that you do the proper due diligence to learn about the company. This includes any recent changes or ‘current events’ that have made a substantial impact. A quick search online will likely give you relevant newsworthy information. You should also review the company’s website to learn about their mission and corporate values. If you have any contacts internally, make sure you reach out early so you can get the ‘inside track’. The more you know the better prepared you will be to respond accordingly. Here are some things to do in preparation for the day of the interview:

• Select your clothing the night before so you don’t scramble for what to wear;
• Have the address readily available so you know where you are going;
• Make sure you leave early so you arrive with some time to spare;
• Prepare some questions in advance so you have something to ask the interviewer.

Interviewer Interaction – Your first impression should be positive and proactive. No ‘limp’ handshake. Shake hands like you mean it – but don’t give the death grip. Make strong eye contact and make sure your body language says that you are engaged and ready to go. Stand up tall with your shoulders back and be sure to give a genuine smile. When you begin speaking with the interviewer, make sure you answer the questions without delivering a sermon. Balance your responses so that the interviewer has time to speak. Most importantly, don’t interrupt; let the interviewer finish his thought or question before you speak. Here are a few important bits of information:

• It is ok to pause before you answer a question to collect your thoughts;
• If you are unsure of what you are being asked, ask for clarification;
• Make sure you answer honestly.
• Be prepared for “unusual” questions

Due Diligence – Remember the interview is not all about them – it’s about you, too. This is your opportunity to learn more about the company. You will get a sense about the company and role – TO SEE IF IT IS RIGHT FOR YOU. This is critical to ensure that you make a good decision for yourself. Ask questions and take some notes so you don’t forget key elements to help with a potential decision making process. If you are interested, find out how far along they are in the process. If you are interested in the job TELL THE INTERVIEWER.

Post Interview Follow-Up – Make sure that you send a follow-up thank you note to each person you see. Get business cards so you can quickly send out a note. A handwritten note is ideal as it demonstrates that you are willing to go the extra mile.

These simple yet effective guidelines will help you prepare for the interview, and will certainly contribute to your success. In a follow-up post, I will publish a list of commonly asked interview questions and how to answer them.

Here’s to your career success!

Preparation: A successful interview can only be achieved with preparation; knowing your background and ability to articulate your achievements, goals and interests is critical to a positive interview experience. Your resume can get you the interview – what you say, how you behave, and the impression you leave is what will get you the offer.

Experience makes the best Teacher: Of course you are not a serial interviewer. You don’t run around interviewing just for the heck of it. It is a targeted effort; you interview for a short period of time to secure a position – it could then be years before you do it again. It is not possible to remain schooled in all of the ‘interview ins and outs’. My recommendation is to plan for the ‘real deal’ by interviewing for things you are not interested in. This will give you the practice you need for the opportunities that really matter.

Q&A: You will no doubt run into what I commonly refer to as ‘the stupid questions’. You know – the “Where do you see yourself in ten years?”   or “What is your greatest weakness?”  or “What do you do if you are being chased by a pack of hungry wolves?” Ok. Maybe that last one is a stretch – or not (http://escapethewolf.com/) But, you know what I mean. You need to be prepared with an answer; and I don’t mean a trite, thoughtless, or clichéd answer. The power is hanging in the balance! You need to prepare to answer these and other similar questions. Your responses matter – no matter how useless you think the question is.

Know Thyself: Know your background like the back of your hand; practice your interview skills with friends; respond questions in front of a mirror to examine your body language and facial expression. Get comfortable with the answers and your delivery.

Enthusiasm: Your positive approach during the process will go a long way in setting the appropriate tone. People want to work with people that give off ‘positive vibes’. And the flipside is true as well – nobody will hire you if you can’t find your tail. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eeyore) Your presentation and natural passion should shine through.

I am not saying anything revolutionary here. Companies and hiring managers want well rounded candidates – people that can communicate effectively, work well with others, and can demonstrate throughout the process that they have the ability (through past performance) to drive results in a new position.

So, you see an opportunity that is at or below your level, or something about the job description doesn’t seem a good fit, or maybe you just aren’t all that interested.  No matter what the case – DO NOT blow it off.  Send in your resume and if they call you for an interview – GO!  You may think taking the time to go for an interview for a job you don’t really need or want is a waste of your time.  And, if it requires you to take a vacation/sick day you don’t have, or if it’s a 60-mile drive to the office, you may be right.  But otherwise, practicing is always a good idea.

After all, Mariano Rivera doesn’t head to the mound without throwing a few dozen pitches in the bullpen; Morten Andersen never came out on the field without kicking a bunch of balls into that silly little net before being asked to kick the game winner in OT – so why should you go into the interview for the job you really want, cold as ice?

The hiring process has changed.  We see more phone screening; we see more serial interviews; we see more full days of 360 degree interviews.  As the old adage goes – “how do you get to Carnegie Hall?  Practice, practice, practice.  So get your game face on, get ready, get set, GO!

Question: If you were stranded on a deserted island, and could only bring one thing with you, what would it be?

Bad Answer: I don’t know about you – but I would bring a plane! What kind of ridiculous question is that anyway?

Requesting a Lear Jet probably won’t curry you any favor; but do you care? Do you want to work for someone that thinks this question has any relation to whether you can do a good job? Really, you need to consider what the interviewer is trying to understand about you as a person from this question. You could:

Good answer Option 1: Provide a tongue in check response. Depending on your audience, you might get a chuckle. “Well, I really can’t live without my pillow, so that would be my selection.” At least you would have something soft to put your head on at night during your slumber under the stars.

Good answer Option 2: Provide a realistic response – perhaps something related to tools or a communication device to facilitate your ability to contact someone as part of a rescue plan. Since the question is so far from any realistic situation, you can be a bit more imaginative in your response.

This question enables the interviewer to understand how you think. Really, there is no right or wrong answer here – except of course if you turn it more into a joke, which could backfire if you are not careful (See A.)

Question: How would your boss or peers describe you – or what would they say about you?

Bad Answer: “Naturally they would say that I am a hopelessly lazy oaf – completely devoid of common sense. In fact, they would say that my idea of business communication is a grunt and a wave.” Again, I ask you, what kind of stupid question is this? What does the interviewer really think you are going to say? This is how you could answer:

Good Answer: I am routinely asked to take on challenging projects due to my ability to quickly identify and assemble resources and meet project deliverables in a timely fashion. I enjoy working as part of a team, which fosters commitment by the group.

Question: Do you consider yourself to be a team player and an effective manager?

Bad Answer: “No, in fact, I cannot manage my way out of a paper bag. I can only lead you down the road of bad intentions. I cannot work as part of a team; I will not eat green eggs and ham, Sam I Am.” I don’t blame you for wanting to answer such a lame question in this way. In all my years in a human resource and recruitment capacity, I never would have even thought to ask anyone this question.

Good Answer: Yes, I am committed to working as part of a team. To that end, I pursue opportunities to help my co-workers; together we consistently meet or exceed project expectations.

Obviously I do not think questions like these are valuable as part of the interview process; yet, they are asked all of the time! It is better to be prepared to answer in a positive manner – despite the vitriolic response you would really like to share. Ultimately, each interview is a learning experience for you. Try to take something positive and interesting from the interview to ultimately identify the right fit.

People love to talk about themselves; the interview is a perfect forum for this and can give you wonderful insight on the company – the downlow as it were. Here are some questions that you should definitely ask:

What are some things I could do immediately upon joining to make an impact? This is a great question because it will allow you to uncover the pain points of the department. This is an opportunity for you to share relevant details of your own experience to add value. It will also give you tremendous insight into how things are structured, including the level of sophistication of the group.

What do you like best about the company? This goes back to my statement above; people like to talk about themselves. This is a perfect way to get the interviewer to discuss his background and feelings about the organization. You can then glean details about the overall culture.

Is there a path for advancement? Naturally you don’t want to stay in the same role forever. Who would want that? You would become insanely bored. It is good to find out if the company has a program to facilitate advancement of its staff. Commitment on behalf of the organization to its employees is something that should be on your radar.

Is there anything about my background that would preclude me from being considered for the role? This is a fairly aggressive question, but one that will possibly allow you to uncover things that might prevent a call back. If you can have the interviewer share with you something that was not previously addressed during the interview, this will be your opportunity to shed light on a skill or experience that would have otherwise not been raised.

Take a proactive approach during the interview process. Asking questions demonstrates a level of interest in the position and company.  The questions you ask can help you help yourself generate a call back, and quite possibly the offer.

1.    Construct, develop, or purchase your job search binder. This 8.5×11 leather binder with rings and a pocket will be the locus of your entire search process.

2.    Make sure your resume is in good condition. I mean make sure that you have it printed on good paper in an off-white color. Have extra copies just in case you are asked to see more than one person. The copies should be tucked in your job search binder so the paper remains pristine.

3.    Conduct additional research about the position and the company. Do you have a job description? Review it – thoroughly. Make sure you understand what will be required of you. Write down some questions you might want to ask in your leather binder so you don’t forget them the day of your interview.

4.    Do competitive research. This will involve evaluating similar positions in similar companies to see how closely related the roles are. You should also be doing some salary research so you understand what the market is doing with regard to this position from a pay perspective. Your understanding of these things will give you the upper hand and allow you to negotiate effectively and eloquently handle ‘the salary question’ during the interview process.

5.    Practice your interviewing skills. Have a friend, business colleague, or engage professional coach if need be to ensure your interviewing skills are up to snuff. Using filler words like “umm,” “like,” and “uhhh” will not win you any Brownie points with your audience. Your preparation and calm, professional demeanor will send the positive signals you want. Interview preparation will also pay-off tenfold in your own self-esteem.

The Day / Night Before:

6.    Send a follow-up email or make a phone call to confirm that you will be there at the agreed upon time. I say this, because as strange as you may think it is, I have had clients tell me that they showed up to a scheduled interview and the interviewer either forgot or something happened and the candidate was rescheduled! How’s that for an aggravating and utter waste of time?

7.    Get a good night’s sleep. Don’t say up until 1am thinking about the interview. You want to feel refreshed and relaxed.

8.    Choose the outfit you are going to wear. Make sure that your suit is clean and pressed and the tie / dress / shoes / accessories are ready. You should not be frantically searching around for things in the morning.

The Day Of:

9.    Leave your house / apartment 30 minutes early. You cannot account for traffic, subway issues, or naturally occurring disasters. Better that you are early than harried, sweaty, and looking like a crazed maniac walking in the door.

Follow the steps – your interview will be smooth sailing. You will shine; ask appropriate questions, engage the interviewer with your intelligence and capabilities. Go get the offer!

Under normal circumstances you are sitting in front of someone; you have an opportunity to engage them – really let your personality shine through. Of course your body language, smile, and ability to connect with someone on a personal level gives you the upper hand when sitting in the same room. What do you do on the phone? The interviewer can’t see you – there is not opportunity to gauge body language or make the same kind of connection.

Despite the limitations associated with a phone screen you can still make a powerful impression – powerful enough to get the real deal – an invite to the office.

Contact Details: Don’t make it difficult for someone to reach you. Referenced on your resume and your cover letter should be the best number(s) to reach you. This is probably going to be your home and cell phone. Make sure if you answer your cell phone you are prepared to take the call – otherwise let it go to voicemail. Answering your cell to simply tell someone you are not available does not make a good impression. If you were unavailable, why did you pick up in the first place? If you are presently employed, I do not suggest referencing your work number. You wouldn’t want a potential employer to think you are pursuing opportunities at the expense of your present employer. If you are doing that they will make the assumption that you would do the same thing should you choose to move on from their employ. During your search, check your messages frequently so you can call back at an appropriate time.

What’s on your answering machine: Some people have their young children leave the message on home answering machines. I have heard other messages with music, the automated “Please leave a message at the tone,” and no message with a beep. How is the caller to know that he has reached the correct number? The music can be a bit annoying (depending how long you have to listen to Metallica for), and the kids are cute; but it doesn’t send a very professional message to the caller. Either reference “You have reached the Smith residence,” or “Thank you for calling 555.555.5555 there is nobody available to take your call at this time.”

The Call: When you do your phone interview make sure that you are in a quiet place with good phone reception. The minute you do your phone interview from your cell is the minute that technology fails you. I strongly recommend that you accept phone interviews via a land line. You should be ready to talk; this means that your resume should be in front of you. Have a glass of water available, and make sure there are no distractions. Your full attention is needed to ensure that you can establish a rapport with the caller and give all of your energy to ensuring that you make your points clearly. You are selling your skills and accomplishments during the call. Keep a professional yet friendly tone. You want to maintain a relaxed, yet confident manner so the interviewer gets the sense that you are pleased to have the opportunity to discuss your qualifications and background during the phone interview process.

The follow-up: Here is your opportunity to make a lasting impression. You have not yet made it to the in-person interview. Your follow-up needs to be the same. Draft a nice hand-written note and MAIL it to the interviewer. Thank the person for her time and reiterate some of the key points you discussed that would make you a unique and valuable addition to the team. Indicate that you will follow-up again in the coming week to discuss next steps. Make sure you put this on your calendar so that you don’t forget to follow-up. Your diligence is very important; you must make sure that you do what you say you are going to do.

What not to do: Under no circumstances should you be wandering around your home or office during the phone interview. Distractions can prevent you from focusing your efforts on providing compelling answers to the interviewers questions. Do not flush the toilet, have the TV on, or running the water. I know you are probably thinking – Who would do such things? Well, a lot of people, which is why I am referencing it here! I know people who have lost an in-person interview because of this type of behavior.

Your every effort – professional attention, and focus should be employed during the phone screen. Just because you are at home with your fuzzy slippers and coffee mug is not a reason to slack off. In fact, I would recommend getting dressed in a business casual outfit. Ultimately you need to treat this just as you would an in-person interview. Let your professional skills and personality shine through to get you the face-to-face meeting.

Develop a list of what you bring: Part of preparing for the interview should include generating a list of the traits and skills you possess that meet the needs of the position for which you are applying. For example, if you are interviewing for a customer service role in a bank you should have examples of customer service roles you previously held and how you consistently surpassed expectations. This might include awards received or letters from satisfied clients. This doesn’t mean that you should pull out a binder full of press clippings, reviews and the flotsam and jetsam accumulated during you long and storied career. Be able to talk about how many customers wrote about you, the types of awards, and situations where you were able to demonstrate your strong attention to meeting the needs of the clients.

Selling yourself: You will have an opportunity during the interview to provide examples of how you will drive value – your sales pitch should provide a strong example of how you achieved results in a previous role. Of course this should be relevant to the business of the company where you are interviewing. For example consider the following:

“During my tenure with XYZ Company I developed a process whereby each employee in my department was trained to handle the responsibilities of other members to alleviate production downtime. This program saved $45,000 over the course of the year and afforded the team the opportunity to develop new skills. My interpersonal skills are exemplary; I am collaborative and focused; and I know I would make a great addition to your team.” – TOUCHDOWN/GOAL/BASKET/HOMERUN, etc.

Now that you have demonstrated why they should hire you, you should be well on your way to negotiating a solid compensation package worthy of your talents!

Again – getting the interview is only part of the battle – I have a laundry list of stories where my resumes have gotten the candidate in front of the decision maker(s) only to have them hit an iceberg and go down like the HMS Titanic. For more information please see my blogs on nailing the interview.

I am reminded here by the old Boy Scout motto – “always be prepared!” I can tell you from experience, once you start going down, it is only a matter of time before you are so far behind the eight ball even Minnesota Fats can’t help you.

I recognize we are feeding into stereotypes here, but appearance, sophistication, dress, and overall presentation play a very big role during the career search process. Isn’t that discrimination? Probably so – but whether it is or isn’t discrimination is not the point. The fact is, hiring managers and people in general make decisions based on these things. Appearance matters more than we admit or would like to think. It has a lot to do with how people treat you. Obviously, you cannot make yourself better looking without going under the knife; BUT you can make yourself look better.

Tips for the Men:

Shine your shoes, shave, and wear a suit and tie that match; trim your fingernails; make sure your hair is neat; trim your beard or moustache if you have one. If you are fashion challenged, solicit the help of someone that isn’t! Get advice from your wife or girlfriend, or a friend that has some style.

For the Women:

Make sure your hair and makeup is done. Dress appropriately in a nice pant or skirt suit. Keep nails trimmed and polished in a neutral color. Don’t overdo it with the perfume. You want to smell nice without needing all of the office windows open to tone down the waft of perfume you leave in your wake.

In hiring situations one study found that good grooming of applicants in a simulated interview accounted for more favorable hiring decisions that did job qualifications – this even though the interviewers claimed that appearance played a small role in their choices (Mack & Rainey, 1990).

During the job search process you want to give yourself every opportunity to succeed. This means that in addition to being qualified, an attractive and presentable appearance will certainly work in your favor.

Know your background: One of the things that has always amazed me when I interviewed candidates is how unprepared they were to discuss the information contained on their resume. If it is referenced on your resume you should be prepared to discuss it – no matter how long ago the work was performed. Review your achievements and study your resume before the interview; make sure you are prepared to discuss what you contributed in your professional roles. Knowing yourself will enable you to adeptly handle any questions regarding your contributions. Additionally, from your review, you will likely remember other things you did. Add these achievements to your arsenal as you prepare to provide the interviewer with really compelling details of your experiences.

Know the company: I don’t just mean that you should do a preliminary search on the website – although that is a good first step. Read some investor relations materials and also gain an understanding of the company’s mission and goals. If they have done something interesting that recently gained press exposure, make sure you are prepared to discuss current events. The more information you have, the better able you will be able to sustain a lively and interesting conversation with your interviewer. In addition, make sure you are aware of the market place competition and the company’s history.

Understand the role: Before going to any interview you should be fully acquainted with the parameters of the position and knowledgeable regarding current compensation levels for similar position titles within the industry. Be prepared to discuss things in your history that are directly connected to the position, including how your experience makes you qualified.

Prepare some questions: You should never leave an interview without asking some questions. Questions demonstrate your level of interest. More importantly though, good questions will help you evaluate the opportunity and gain a clearer understanding regarding a potential fit with your personal and professional goals.

Practice: Since practice does make perfect take the time to prepare for the interview. You might practice with a friend or conduct a mock interview with a coach. The practice will enable you to discuss your background and reveal highlights of your achievements in a succinct manner. Make sure you rehearse your answers to difficult or tricky questions so you are not caught off guard. It is ok to pause before answering questions presented by the interviewer to ensure that your answer is thoughtful.

Logistics: Make sure you bring several copies of your résumé on bond paper, know the name of the person with whom you will be interviewing, and the address and floor number of the company. Avoid lateness by leaving early to prevent unexpected delays. Have your interview attire (suit) ready to go the night before.

A few simple steps will ensure that you are calm and relaxed for your interview, and of course, ready to shine. Good luck!

It’s interesting; you would think that companies would train their management – at least those that are conducting interviews to know the appropriate way to conduct the interview. The questions asked of you must be totally related to the job – whether you can perform the essential functions of the role. When asked an illegal question you can decline to answer (this will probably result in not being called back); answer (and risk of giving the ‘wrong’ answer); or simply respond that you can meet the job requirements as stipulated.

Here are some questions that you should be wary of:

Are you a citizen of the United States? Employers are not allowed to ask this question. This has nothing to do with ability. They can ask if you are authorized to work in the U.S. since being a legal resident or citizen is required to be employed here.

How old are you? This is a definite no-no. How old you are has nothing whatsoever to do with whether you can perform the job. If you are qualified and can fulfill the job requirements – then that is all they need to know.

Are you married? How many children do you have? Who will care for your children when you are working? These questions and other similar questions are asked to determine whether you will be able to commit to the job and spend the required time at the office or traveling. This information is private; again, having nothing to do with the job. If the job requires overtime or travel, the potential employer can ask about your ability to meet a travel schedule or work overtime.

Do you have an illnesses / disabilities? A disability or illness that does not hamper your ability to perform in a role does not need to be mentioned to a potential employer.

Have you been arrested? What they can ask is: have you ever been convicted of a crime? Depending on the level of severity, this can adversely affect your application.

There are many other questions that a potential employer is not allowed to ask – this is merely a sample. The best way to be prepared to perform well during the interview is to make sure you are fully acquainted with your background and have an understanding of what you should and should not be asked. Do some research to uncover those questions that are – well, questionable. You need to serve as your own advocate during the search. Information and knowledge will enable you to uncover opportunities and ensure that you are aware of your rights during the process.

While the questions above are off limits, it is possible that you might encounter someone who will ask one or more of these questions. So, what do you do in this case? As I mentioned above, it is inadvisable to point out the error of the interviewer’s ways. Simply state that you don’t have any issues performing the role as described; you can meet the job requirements, and possess the confidence, skills, and dedication necessary to contribute as a valued member of the organization.

What made you decide to come work here? People like to talk about themselves, and this question will prompt the interviewer to reveal things about herself that you might not otherwise come to understand. This is particularly important to allow you to connect on a personal level. You can use this as an opportunity to reference a common interest when you follow up after the interview. In the best case, you will find that you have something in common, which will make your interview more memorable – not to mention the fact that you will be more likable as well.

What do you like about the company? This is a good question because it will allow the interviewer to provide clear information about the positive aspects of the company. You can learn about the company’s mission and vision from the perspective of someone that works there. It is different than reading about it on the web in a corporate bio. This will also give you the opportunity to learn some specifics regarding the goals of the department where you might be working.

What type of person are you looking for? Of course you both want to ensure that you are a good fit for the role and that the company is a good fit for you. This question will allow you to understand something about the personality type that will be a strong fit in a new environment. You can reflect on your own personality characteristics to ensure that there is a strong match.

Can you describe a typical day here? Want to get some quick information regarding the daily grind? This question will allow you to understand what you can expect. Of course you are not going to get a full course meal out of this question; but it will certainly give you enough ammunition to understand if the environment will be a good fit for you from both a personal and professional perspective.

Is there any reason why you wouldn’t hire me to fill this role? This is a critical question. If there is something that the interviewer is looking for that has not been covered, you will now have the opportunity to discuss it and highlight key examples that make you a strong fit. This can make or break the interview – you don’t want to leave the interviewer with any questions about your ability to perform in the environment. This question will enable you to cover important points that you might have otherwise failed to present about your qualifications.

Here are a few more questions that you also might consider:

• What are some of the things you would like to have done differently around here?
• Would I be able to meet some of the people that I would potentially be working with?
• What are the standard operating hours?

Finally, and most importantly – if you want the job SAY SO! Don’t leave the interview without expressing the fact that you want the role (if that’s the case). Something like: I have enjoyed meeting you, and learning about the position. I think it is a good fit for us both, and I would absolutely join your team if given the opportunity.

Asking questions during the interview process is important for both you and the hiring manager. You might be surprised at what you learn! The information will allow you to make an informed decision when the time comes, and certainly can prevent you from accepting a position that might not meet your needs.

Most of the time, you have no idea that you are giving off these signals. They are quite automatic. Oftentimes you have no idea that you are conveying what you are thinking in your body language. You can exhibit some control over negative body language with improved self-awareness and practice.

Here are some negative gestures to think about and avoid:

Crossing your arms in front of you: This signals that you are resistant to ideas and not open to others’ opinions. When speaking with people – especially during an interview keep your hands in your lap. When standing, keep hands at your sides.

Looking down when speaking: Looking down is a sign that you are disinterested or feel inferior. Make sure you maintain eye contact without staring. This will let the other person subliminally know that you are interested in what they have to say. If the eyes are the window to the soul, looking at someone when you are talking to them is a strong indicator that you are engaged. Eye contact is good; staring is creepy!

Checking your watch: There is nothing that screams boredom more than the continuous checking of the time. Do not look at your watch when speaking with someone. You want to convey continued interest in what they are saying. The exchange of information should be an engaging one – not a situation where you appear to be focused on something else.

False Smiling: A smile is one of the very best ways to communicate sincerity and a friendly, approachable demeanor. Don’t force a smile or smile the entire time. That will look odd and raise questions in the mind of the person you are interacting with. A natural smile will resonate during the interview. A genuine smile involves the entire face – a fake forced smile uses only the mouth – and studies indicate that people are very good at seeing the differences.

Poor Posture: Standing up straight with your shoulders back displays confidence and self-assuredness. Slouching immediately makes you look smaller and is indicative of lack of self-confidence. Your posture serves to deliver a clear and positive message about how you should be treated. Leave a lasting positive impression with good posture.

Avoid inappropriate body language and learn how to identify it in others. Make sure you prepare and feel good about yourself to feel good about your interactions with people you know as well as people you are meeting for the first time.

1. Tell me about yourself.

This is an interesting question. It is very open ended and will allow you to present something about your background; it doesn’t necessarily have to be a regurgitation of your early career history. You can use this as an opportunity to engage with the interviewer on a more personal level. Perhaps you recently built a house for Habitat for Humanity or spent some time abroad – you can discuss those things to answer this question. Be careful that you don’t talk too long. Keep your answer short – but it might represent an opportunity for you to help the reader understand a dimension of your personality that might not otherwise be uncovered during the interview.

2. What do you know about the company?

Before entering any interview you should always do research on the company. It is so easy to get information either online or at the local library. Take the time to conduct some research about the company, including its history, recent press, business ventures (where applicable), corporate philosophy, and leadership. You should be able to articulate something interesting you learned about them. Again, don’t talk too long. You don’t want to come off as a know it all. You should express interest in learning more about the company’s focus and the position (of course).

3. From what you have learned about the company and position, why do you want to work for us?

This is an opportunity for you to present your qualifications and things you have done previously that would be applicable to their business. Make sure you stress how you would contribute to the company’s needs. Express why you find the position interesting, making sure to make connections between the role you are pursuing and the work you have done previously. For example, if you are applying for a position that has a strong financial component, your answer should include relevant analysis and findings. It is important that you tie your experiences to the value you bring to a new role.

4. If hired, what is one of the first things you would do to make an impact?

If you have done your homework on the company and position, you will have an idea of some of the things they are looking to accomplish. Come prepared to reference specific things you have done in the past and the timeframes it took you to complete them. Part of the interview process involves marketing yourself. Don’t be afraid to talk about your achievements and indicate how you would quickly meet a need for the new company. Reference your problem solving, motivation, and ability to work well as part of a group to achieve a common goal. No matter what, everything you discuss should be in a positive manner.

5. Where do you see yourself in five years?

I loathe this question! As ridiculous as I think the question is – people ask it ALL THE TIME during the interview process; so, I felt an obligation to include it here and give you an appropriate answer. You want to demonstrate commitment; and that is an important component to answering this question effectively. Consider mentioning that you enjoy challenging situations and work well in an environment that is participatory. You are committed and focused on those situations that will continue to allow you to grow while making a meaningful contribution.

Well, there you have it! My top five tough questions. Preparation is key. No matter what position you are interviewing for knowing your own background, competencies, strengths and areas for improvement, complemented by knowledge of the company will help ensure you shine when confronted with the tough questions.

Of course I have a few of my own ideas regarding the matter; I will share them with you here and hope that you can appreciate the humor. We have all experienced these things to varying degrees so here goes:

The Lunch-Hour Interview. How stressful is this? To interview during lunch you have to be able to go to your regular job, which might be casual dress. So, you bring a change of clothing in a shopping bag (how inconspicuous), which you will need to leave the office with so you can change in the bathroom at the company where the interview is being held. Naturally, you need to leave your office early so that you can get to the interview with enough time to change and wipe your brow of the perspiration that has formed there from the running around that you have done. You want to appear calm, cool, and collected during your meeting, so you will take a few minutes in the reception area to ‘get it together’. The quick change in the phone booth resumes once the interview is over because you have to get back into your ‘regular’ clothing or else the gig will be up when you arrive back at your office – seriously late from your ‘lunch’. Needless to say, lunchtime interviewing is not ideal unless the position you are pursuing is on another floor in the same building where you work. This presents other problems, of course that I won’t even get into here.

The Day-Off Interview. This situation is much more ideal; but, it also presents its challenges. You decide you are going to arrange for more than one interview to maximize your time. You have successfully coordinated three (yes, three interviews) in one day. You have enough time to make it to all of them. As long as the transportation system is working, there is no foreseeable problem. You are getting ready; the phone rings. It is Sally from the first company you are seeing. They need to push your appointment back 45 minutes due to various business circumstances. This should not be a problem; you left enough time to get to the second interview so you agree and forge ahead. The phone rings again; this time, it’s Jane from the second company. They need to move your appointment to the very end of the day for reasons not explained to you. This is an issue because you already have an appointment for company #3 at the end of the day. Looking at your schedule, you agree; as long as the stars are aligned you will arrive for the third planned interview gasping for your last breath – but hey, at least you will make it. You will deal with the sweat rolling down your back afterwards. As it turns out, you don’t have to worry after all; the third phone call that comes in is from company #3 needing to move the interview to an entirely different day! The moral of the story? You cannot plan for the unexpected. Taking the day off is a great idea; but you need to be prepared to accept (gracefully) changes that might throw a wrench in your plans.

The After-Hours Interview. It’s perfect. You were able to secure an interview at 6:30pm. You figure that the hiring manager must value your work ethic to even suggest such a thing. You are more than prepared (you have your shopping bag ready for action!) 6:00pm is approaching and the office has thinned out a bit. In about 10 minutes you are going to head for the door. The phone booth on the corner will serve as a perfect place to take you from Clark Kent to Superman. But wait, you hear footsteps; your boss approaches. Your heart is beating wildly when she innocently asks you to stay a bit longer to help her with a project. At first blush you think you can quickly accomplish the task. Of course, after further examination, you realize that ‘a bit longer’ is more like an hour longer. What do you do? You either make an excuse about your dog and an early closing at Doggie Haven or you bite the bullet and try to reschedule. Thinking about how you worked like a dog yourself to even get the interview for the job that you have determined is ‘perfect’ for you, you explain the dog situation in a somewhat halted and awkward way. Your boss regards you coolly and walks off; no doubt you think to contemplate your untimely demise, or at least burning you in effigy in the meantime. Shopping bag clutched in hand, you slink for the door.

You know what they say about “The best laid plans of mice and men…” Do what you can; and hope for the best! As my husband always says, “Life isn’t fair.” Certainly the career search process falls squarely into that category! Take it one interview at a time. Humor is a wonderful antidote for even the most perturbing situations.

Since you are not yet an employee, the best thing to do is dress to impress. I understand that the company is a laid back atmosphere, and people can show up in jeans and flip flops. That’s fine – for those that are already employed there. You are TRYING to get employed; so, you need to dress differently than the people that already work at the company.

For the guys: Wear slacks in a dark color and a button down shirt with a collar and tie. You should wear a jacket too. The only caveat to this is that if the company is a start-up, extremely entrepreneurial, and the staff very young and hip, leave off the jacket. You don’t want to come off as stodgy or un-cool in some way. Part of what you are assessed on during the interview is fit, so dress is part of that. Otherwise, wear the jacket. You will look like you mean business. You will have plenty of time (and clothing, no doubt) from Hollister to get you going once you have your offer letter.

For the gals: Wear a pant suit or skirt suit with an appropriate blouse or top. Do not wear anything that is sleeveless. You can also wear a dress. No open toe shoes please. Keep it professional. Long hair? Tie it back to keep it neat. Last time I checked Barbarella http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbarella_(film) was piloting a space ship not an Excel spreadsheet. Again, I would suggest something on the conservative side. Heels are fine; in fact, I prefer them, as long as they are not 4” high. You want to be comfortable; but more importantly, you want to be able to walk. Finally, I am all about nicely done nails, as long as you don’t look like Vampira. Keep them neat with a conservative color. If they can be considered for the Guinness World Book, how will you do any work? Everything counts. Believe me, you are being evaluated from a number of different perspectives.

All joking aside, personal appearance is very important during the interview process. Your outward presentation gives off signals. Make the most of yours by dressing to impress!

Friday morning at 8:57 AM the phone rings; it’s Joanie. When do I think they will call? She asks. What should she do if they don’t? I am trying desperately to get my daughter in the car and off to school (she’s already 12 minutes late); to make matters worse she is insisting on wearing a frilly tutu, one purple shoe, and one white shoe to school that day. Houston, we have a problem!

Joanie is peppering me with questions, and I ask her to call back on the cell so I can deal with the situation while I drive. I am empathetic; we have all been in this situation at least once; and it can be very nerve wracking. A watched pot never boils – staring at your cell phone will not make it ring. Here was my advice to Joanie, and my advice to people who find themselves in this situation:

• You might need to wait a few extra days. Internal politics when it comes to hiring can get quite tangled. This just means that approvals have to be obtained, signatures, and other things to extend an offer. Just because you don’t get the call on the exact day the company indicated, does not mean you are not getting the job.
• If you want to follow up with the hiring manager, wait about a week to do so. You do not want to appear overly anxious. A short email expressing your continued interest, desire to join their team, and a request for some indication as to when you might expect to hear back is perfectly acceptable.
• Don’t leave your current job before you have a new one. Do not jump the gun. Make sure you are careful when choosing. Mistakes – big mistakes are made when you rush. If the position you really want does not come to fruition, take stock of the situation and move on. Something else is on the horizon – and likely something even better.
• Sometimes it takes a bit longer to find the right position. You don’t want to have buyer’s remorse. Not getting the position is not always the worst thing.
• Keep yourself occupied. You will make yourself crazy waiting for the phone to ring. Make constructive use of your time. Research new opportunities, continue to network, or do something for yourself. If you are unemployed – even for a short while use the time to do something fun. Before you know it you will be back to the grind and wondering why you did not use the time more wisely.

Back to Joanie. I listened; I counseled; I commiserated with her. Friday turned into Monday, which turned into Tuesday, and still Joanie had not heard a peep from the hiring manager. She had all but given up hope of getting the position when on Wednesday the call came in. As I surmised, there were some issues internally – approvals needed to be obtained, a salary blessed. A gleeful Joanie was offered the position she wanted. I was truly happy for my friend. The job really was the perfect fit for her.

Know Thyself: Before the interview, spend time reviewing your own résumé. You need to be prepared to talk about your background and reference details about the positions you held – some of which may have been some time ago. You don’t want to be caught without an answer to a question regarding a position you held five or six years ago. It won’t take long to brush up on your background. I can assure you, you will be happy that you took the time to review your history so you are prepared to answer questions and reference achievements throughout your professional tenure.

Use Time Wisely: Arrive at the interview about 15 minutes early. There is nothing worse than arriving exactly on time with no time to get the house in order. You want to be relaxed for the interview, not harried and nervous. Arriving a bit early will allow you to hang your coat, visit the facilities if you need to, and coordinate any documents that you are going to give to the hiring manager.

Inhale, Exhale: There is no need to rush through your interview. During the exchange of information, it is ok to take a deep breath and think about your answers. Loose lips sink ships, as they say. Pausing for a second before responding to a question will allow you to formulate your answer. You don’t need to immediately blurt out an answer. Filler words like “ummm”, “like”, and “you know” can be avoided by simply taking a moment to collect your thoughts. You will come across more poised and relaxed, not to mention the improvement to your personal brand.

Interview the Interviewer: That’s right; the interview is a two way street. This is the opportunity for you to find out about them too. It is not solely a situation where they are determining if you are right for the company, but also the opportunity for you to determine if they are the right company for you. Ask thoughtful questions that will give you information about their market place position, and mission, values, and vision.

Make your Point: Don’t ramble during the interview. You need to strike a balance between answering the question in a clear and precise manner and also generate camaraderie between you and the interviewer. You want to answer the question, but also provide a sense of who you are as a person.

Promote you Personal Brand: Establish who you are in the interview. Maintain a positive and lively approach. There is a fine line here, of course; be yourself, but present yourself in a focused and proactive way. You want to connect your enthusiasm to the job and to your overall personality.

Shhhh: Be an active listener. Do not stop the interviewer while he is talking. Let the person finish a thought or sentence before you chime in. There is nothing more annoying than being cut off. This will not win you points, but rather irritate the hiring manager. Active listening will allow you to ensure you understand the questions you are being asked so you can provide highly valuable and targeted answers to ensure you hit the mark.

Key elements to ensuring a strong interview is to leave a positive and lasting impression. How you position yourself is up to you – be prepared and positive to ensure your interview goes well and results in that highly coveted follow-up call. In this case, preparation is definitely the key to success.

So what can be done about it? Is there a secret to getting the employer of your choice to call you back for a second interview – and perhaps hire you for the position? There are a few tips that you can utilize to get you on the right track. Let’s look at what they are …

Look at Your Interviewing Skills

If you’re having a difficult time getting past the first interview then the first place you’ll want to look for improvement is your actual interviewing skills. It may be that you aren’t presenting yourself in the most professional manner in the interview. Or you may be saying a few things that show you lack confidence. The point is, if you’re finding that you’ve been to multiple interviews and you can’t seem to get any further than that then you may want to take a closer look at what you can improve.

For one, take a look at what’s on your resume. It may be that your resume only focuses on the responsibilities you’ve been given over the years, versus the duties you’ve fulfilled and skills you bring to the table. Expressing what you’ve accomplished says a lot about what you can get done with the current employer. Also, if you’re suffering from interviewing jitters, it doesn’t hurt to do a “dress rehearsal” of sorts with a friend. This might help boost your confidence for the next interview.

Consider Getting More Training

Another problem that you may want to consider that might explain why you may not be able to get past the first interview is the number of qualifications you’re bringing to the table. Sometimes you may be trying to apply for highly competitive positions that require a little bit more training to help you match up with your competition.

If this is the case then it might not hurt to watch what trends are popular in your field then take time to learn whatever you need to learn in order to get on par with those trends. For some, this means taking a class or two to get on track. While for others, it may simply mean meeting up with a mentor who can give boatloads of great advice.

Find Something to Do With Your Time

A great way to keep yourself busy and boost confidence for your next interview is to get out there and volunteer. By taking on various projects while waiting for your next job to appear, you can learn new skills, enhance old ones, and get yourself used to being in a working environment. If nothing else, you’ll be able to improve your confidence before going into your next interview.

It can feel discouraging to only ever land a first interview without getting to a second one, or being hired for a job. But don’t give up on your goal. By taking on these tips, you should be able to land the job you want in no time.