Interview Skills- IV

Ask Intelligent Questions

After answering their questions, asking good (i.e. relevant) questions of your own will also create a good impression.

You might ask the employer to describe the job in more detail. You should also have several questions written down to refer to, based on the background research you have already done to prepare for the interview.

Ask the employer what he or she is looking for in an employee, or the three most important things they are looking for in the person they hire. Then, listen attentively to the answers. Find out why the position is open (has there been a large turnover? A new position created because of growth? A problem that needed solving? ) This is your chance to find out what the job entails, and to discover what you are getting into when you work there.

Your questions should focus on the job, the company, and what the employer wants or needs, not salary or benefits at this point. Do NOT ask the interviewer "Why should I work for you?" or "How much will you pay me?" since this puts them on the defensive, and creates the impression that you are only self-serving or mercenary.

Your questions could cover topics such as obstacles that the company has faced (and how they perceive you can help to overcome them), future changes or the direction that the company is moving towards, or what goals they have for the employee they hire. If you are filling a position that was formerly filled by someone else, you may want to ask how you can improve on what the former employee in the position did.

Practice Makes Perfect

It is a good idea to practice an interview before actually going to one. This will give you a chance to work on answering questions, listening, and getting feedback on your body language. See if a friend or co-worker can help you by asking you both standard and "surprise" interview questions that make you think and answer spontaneously. Include some hard ones as well.