If you are among those who do not have a job while applying for a new position you will be faced with questions regarding your job search, such as 'why aren't you working till now' or 'why are you looking for this particular job?' Answer comfortably (this takes practice as such questions may touch a raw nerve) and relaxed that you are looking for the right fit and are quite choosy when it comes to the 'right job'. Be ready to be asked what your 'right job' entails, where you can answer many aspects that are in the position you are applying for, while at the same matching your strengths with it. This requires good practice before hand.

There are touchy questions such as, 'How would you react if you and/or your work were criticized?' Say that you have learned to differentiate between useful and malicious criticism and that you use the former to grow and correct yourself, while you ignore the latter. Criticism is an important aspect in all the jobs, and accepting it shows great personal maturity and professional confidence.

Other questions about your job search would involve, 'what do you think/ know about the present company?' or 'Why you choose this company to work for?'. Here you need to answer with clarity on your match to the company's goals. In order to do this, you should have done your research on the past performance of the company, and know its future plans. Showing that you have an in-depth knowledge about the company show that you are deeply interested in the company; while proving your fit, shows that it was a calculated decision, and not one based only on the benefits offered.

When faced with questions such as 'why do you want to join this company' make sure you do not mention anything from your point of view (benefits, name, and satisfaction) rather put it in the company's perspective where you explain that you would be able to make a difference and hence grow professionally while contributing to the goals of the company. All your answers should always be company centered in order to make the greatest impact.

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Whenever a candidate appears an interview he/she has to face some really tough interview questions and if these find you unprepared then the whole effort is lost. All the questions that interviewer will put to you are specifically formulated to draw out some insights on your personality and traits. If you keep this in mind you will know where your answers should always lead, i.e. to your best qualities, particularly those which will be a match to the job you are being interviewed for.

There is a lot many questions that you will face as 'tough interview questions' and these are called tough because most of the time you will be confused as what would be the best answer; would take you by surprise and/ or would bring about sudden not so favorable reactions from you.

There are a number of such questions, such as 'why were you fired', 'what do you think about yourself', 'what was your opinion about your ex-boss', 'how would you handle an unreasonable person', 'what would you do if your boss is unreasonable' and so on. The best answer is not always the right answer, as paradoxical as this sounds. The best answer is something that comes out as objective and as possible, and answering which focuses on solution and positive outcome rather than blaming and dead analysis.

The interviewer seeks to gauge the depth of your maturity in handling a rough situation in order to evaluate your stability as value addition for the company. Each of the 'tough interview questions' are tests by themselves - testing your attitude - whether you are aggressive, reactive, passive or objective; testing your thinking-on-the-feet capacity - whether you can come up with a workable solution when you are under pressure of situation and time; and your reaction - whether you are resentful, defensive, offensive or take things in your stride.

The 'trick questions' as these 'tough interview questions' are also known are put in order to make it easier for the interviewer to project the way you would react in situations that can come up in the company for which the interview is taking place. Keep in mind always:

• to remain calm when faced with tough interview questions
• to remain objective and focus on the solution not problem
• not to badmouth or blame any of your past colleagues or bosses
• to check and beware of body language during uncomfortable questions
• to practice on every possible uncomfortable question regarding your past job before the interview (so you would be in control of your emotions if that touches a raw nerve - 'why were you fired' type of questions)
• to identify and beware of what triggers uncomfortable reactions regarding your past job (analyze before hand what exactly you hated about the job and whether you could have avoided it)
• to have sufficient questions for the interviewer to ensure that the past job experience (if it was unpleasant) does not repeat here; the question should be subtle but which can give you sufficient information to help decide whether you should or not take the job if offered
• never to tell lies - even if you are sorely tempted during a tough question
• not to show frustration, anger or disappointment on circumstances of the leaving the past job
• to show that you have outgrown the past and gained out of the experience, even if was not a pleasant one

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Though it is ideal to be able to get an instant interview feedback on the way an interview was given, it seldom happens. Every candidate at the end has the same question in mind at the time of exit - 'did I make it'? Though in reality, the gut feeling will tell you whether you scored high or low, you still hope that you did it.

How to really find out whether you did well or not before the results are out? You have the follow-up option which is best done two-three days later when you can call up and ask the interviewer for feedback. Sometimes you come up with a blank interview feedback such as, 'we will inform you over mail' or 'results will be announced shortly/ on so-and-so date'. Do not be deterred if this happens. You can answer that you hoped you were the chosen one, and reiterate that you would be very interested to have his/her feedback so you could do better next time.

The truth which is revealed through the interview feedback can be very frustrating sometimes and you should be prepared for it. In case someone else was chosen, your candidature will be refused summarily on things like 'not the right kind of experience or attitude', 'found someone more suitable', 'some criteria do not match requirements' and so on. It is painful enough to hear about rejection; it is even more painful to be summarily rejected.

There are a number of such questions, such as 'why were you fired', 'what do you think about yourself', 'what was your opinion about your ex-boss', 'how would you handle an unreasonable person', 'what would you do if your boss is unreasonable' and so on. The best answer is not always the right answer, as paradoxical as this sounds. The best answer is something that comes out as objective and as possible, and answering which focuses on solution and positive outcome rather than blaming and dead analysis.

In such cases a polite request for the interview feedback most of the times is deemed with an answer. Be careful not to ignore this feedback however unfair you think it is at that time. The fact that someone else was chosen over you shows that somebody else did a better job at convincing that they were the best match. You cannot identify this point accurately, but you at least could be aware about what they were looking at when they rejected your application.

Hence, accept the feedback with the seriousness it is due. Write it down if possible, and go through it a couple of days later when you are able to be more objective about the whole affair. Learn from it. Move on. Do not mop on the near-misses even if it is your dream job. Once it is gone, it is gone. You can still prepare for a next opportunity in the same place later when the next opportunity arises.

When asking the interview feedback, whatever be the answer, be sure you inform the interviewer that you would be happy to audition again if another opening came up, and that you have a high preference for the company. A good polite request for feedback in the face of rejection and a well verbalized disappointment would actually provide you with a truthful feedback and a lot of good advice for future opportunities. Whatever be the feedback, while receiving it abstain from defending yourself in anyway. The feedback is not in any a re-consideration of the interview and hence you will end up only annoying the interviewer, asking for an argument.

Remember to thank the interviewer for his/her time and comments. Once you have the interview feedback, be sure you work on whatever is the problem whether real or assumed by the interviewer so that the same effects are not repeated in your next interview. This is the best outcome of a feedback - your possibility to improve.

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Among the questions you will face during an interview will definitely be your career objective. This is something you should be so well imbibed in your psyche that when you talk about it, it should come out as your second nature. In order to answer well on this aspect, you need to tally internalize your career objectives which will anyway stay unchanged whatever job you will take up.

There will be questions such as, 'would you like to change anything in the way you took of your career decisions' or 'what if you would be offered another choice of career'. Through questions such as these the interviewer is trying to judge whether you really love the work you have applied for and whether there would be any possibility of you being wooed by some other opening before you contribute to the company. Be honest in your answer; however do not move too far from the objectives of the present job.

Other questions may search your areas of interest and focus such as 'other than the present job, what else you would be comfortable with'. Here be as brief as you can while highlighting two or three areas of interest in the same line of the job that you are being interviewed. You need to be prepared for this question because you need to match your strengths to the possible ramification of the job you're being interviewed for. So prepare well.

Some interviewers ask seemingly friendly and philosophical questions, such as 'how would you define success; how about the level of success in your life'. They are not being vague; actually they are looking how settled you are with the present career goals. Hence, you answer should be centered around your major career accomplishments and related directly to some if not most of the objectives of the present job. This needs preparation as well.

'Describe what you understand by position' (the position you applied for) would be another trick question though it looks pretty harmless. The interviewer here seeks to learn whether you understood and are aware your responsibilities in the given position. Keep the answer focused on action and results that the position entails. Keep it as brief as a definition should be.

A good question, often encountered during your career objectives interview is, 'what would be the best period of time in a job/ company/ position' or 'how long do you usually stay in a job'. Such questions look into your long-term perspective and whether you are a dynamic professional or a passive one. A dynamic person would answer that they would stay in a job as along as they felt they contributed to the goals of the company and their own professionalism; while a passive person would say they would not like to change jobs once they found their dream job.

Your career goal questions like any other during an interview seek to probe how well you would fit with the company and in the job you are applying for. Keep all the question centered on your strengths and achievements that are most in line with the position you aspire for.

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'What salary do you expect' is a question that you want to hear but never want to answer. Most of the times because you will be scared you may undersell yourself; and your fears are well founded. Many employers who ask about the last salary taken, offer about 10-30% above your last salary even if their company generally pays more for the job. There are many ways to beat this problem:

• Be prepared for the question: Best way to handle any problem in life is to be prepared. Interviews too are difficulties that one has to prepare for. In order to be prepared with a good answer you need to know what type of salary the position you are applying for entails. First find out about the salary in the market. You can also find out about the salary offered in the same company either thought the net, or by asking some of the employees - directly or indirectly. Whatever may be your sources, be sure you have a good idea of what the job pays before you face the interview.
• Be prepared to negotiate: The interviewer more often than not will follow the 'what salary do you expect' question with 'what was your last salary'. When asked this be truthful as much as possible. In case you feel the salary you were earning was too low and might make a wrong impression or fix the negotiating platform too low, emphasize why the past salary was not the right remuneration for the job you were doing while at the same time comparing positively to the added value you would give the present job. You should come across as deserving the higher bracket, and not only hankering for a higher pay.
• Be prepared to redirect: The question can very diplomatically passed back with, 'that depends on what is the going remuneration for the job here' or 'what have you earmarked for the job' or 'what is the salary you offer for the job'. Then wait for the answer - if you find it adequate accept it saying it is the same thing you had in mind. If not negotiate for a higher salary based upon your experience, qualifications and extra capabilities.
• Be open: You may say that you were expecting x amount. Be careful though, the interviewer will definitely want to find out why you named that amount - and you should be ready to say why - such as, it is the market rate for the job; it is a reasonable increase on the past job remuneration; the job responsibilities and time would entail it, etc. You need to back up your answer not only with apt reasoning, but also with confidence.
• Be prepared for a lower offer: Whatever you say, unless you are dealing with a highly established company/organization where positions and pays are fixed, you will be offered a slightly lower offer that you name. At that time, if you think it is worthy to jump on the wagon even if it is at a lightly lower salary than expected, then say so. If not, state clearly the minimum salary you would require and why. However, sometimes it is worthy to gain entry into a good company even if the beginning pay is lower than expected, provided the growth prospects are good and the brand of the company looks good on your resume.

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There are many open ended questions during an interview, and 'where do you see yourself in 5 years?' is one of the most common among them. This is one question which cannot have a standard right answer, because the answer of this question will actually reflect your nature, your goals, and your objective of life.

What you need to keep in mind while answering this question is that the interviewer wants to hear something that reassures him/her that you are the right candidate for the company. Hence, answers such as 'I plan to finish my higher studies' or 'I would like to be own my own company one day' do not really fit in their future plans of a perfect candidate.

Your answer should as much as possible assure him that you are a person who puts the company first; at the same time, it should not show that you are not looking at your own professional growth as well. It is best to show that you have a given a good thought to it and that your future goals are parallel with that of the company.

This is definitely an answer which should be prepared well before hand. You should use your best traits and past experience to project achievable short and long-term goals. These goals, while using your best talents, should be in conformity with the company's growth and goals. In order to be able to do this, you need to do some heavy research on what the company envisages in its future plans - as well as what exactly your job entails.

Each time you appear for an interview this question would have a different answer - exactly as the case with a cover letter to the resume given for a job interview. 'What do you see yourself in 5 years' is a question that can propel you in the winning candidates list provided you stay focused and employer and/or company-centered.

Your future plans and goals should be achievable through small goals broken over smaller periods of time. Be prepared to discuss on your plans; hence do not just give a statement. In case you want to be a manager, you should also be prepared to answer, 'why would you want it to that way' and then you should be able to answer logically and confidently why a manager's position would enable you to deliver better and more value to the company's objective and future goals. This will definitely show that you have done your homework and project you as a focused individual who has vision and good planning skills.

In case you are not sure, do not give a vague answer. Nothing can kill your chances faster. You can state instead, that your basic goal was to be a useful employee of the company initially, and long-term goals depended upon the company's new directions; whereby you could achieve a position of high responsibility and capacity of high value addition.

Your focus while answering the 'where do you see yourself in 5 years' questions should be the employer's point of view - not your personal point of stand. You should be able to show the interviewer that your professional growth is totally linked with the growth and goals of the company and hence you are the right candidate for the job.

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While getting interviews you will get to answer a lot of questions about yourself as well. These questions usually seek out to learn about your personal traits that would in normal circumstances complement or repulse the present job's needs and requirements. Hence, every answer you give should be based on the following principles:

• It should show your human side: Many times you tend to go out too much in showing how much you are professionally matched that you totally leave out the human side. It is good to show that you like good music (whatever is your preference is good music), a good movie or sports events. Exposing the fact that you have interests outside the job's purviews indicate that you are a balanced person - a person that can be counted upon
• Be candid at times: When faced with questions such as 'Did you fail at your job' or 'Did you face any difficult to achieve tasks in the past' it is good sometimes to say 'YES'. Fallibility and acceptance that you are fallible, sometimes makes you a mature and dependable person to have around. However, if the job entails life-and-death matters such as computer coordination of trains, or medical apparatus life support - then an acceptance of failure and you being matter-of-fact about will totally throw off your chances.
• Showcase your other talents: Talents such as painting, poetry writing, music composing, etc show that an individual is highly creative. If you have these traits and have an opportunity to talk about it, by all means share this information with your interviewer. Creativity is never out of place, whatever the job you are applying for is.
• Answer to the point: Questions such as 'tell me about yourself' should be wrapped up in about 2-3 minutes and should represent a highlight or summary of the resume, unless otherwise indicated by the interviewer. Do not volunteer personal information unless specifically asked, as this might not interest the interviewer and dilute your professional traits and fit.
• Be positive: You will definitely be asked about your strengths and weaknesses. Do not go overboard about either. While stating your strengths state maximum five that are best matching to the requirements of the present job; while answering about weaknesses make sure you only name one and that should be put as a trait that you have identified and already working on.
• Be focused: Many times you will be asked about your goals and ambitions. This question is actually a trick question. The interviewer is definitely not interested to know your real personal goals; he/she seeks to find out your fit in the long run in the company - so stay focused and look at it from their point of view rather than yours in your answer.

Though talking about self directly can be embarrassing for many, questions about yourself should be answered confidently and with pride. The picture that comes across should be of a person who not only knows himself/herself but also is comfortable with whom he/she is. A confident and balanced person is almost always good news to any company.

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An interview is actually an oral test that measures your compatibility with the company. It also measures your attitude, your personality and you style of thinking. Each question is specifically designed to check your fit in the proposed job and company. There are a myriad of questions that may come up during an interview and you will need to tackle each with maturity, calm and poise, because the interviewer will be sizing you up through your answer. Let us check some trick questions and see what could be the best way to wriggle out of them:

Tell me about yourself: Many interviews will start with this question. When you are faced with it, answer by highlighting your finest traits (educational, attitudinal and personal) which best match with the proposed job. Never go into personal details unless specifically asked. Center the interviewer's attention on your academic and professional achievements, experience and specific traits that would benefit the company.

• Tell me about weakness: Tell me about weakness: When asked about weakness, you need to project it as a positive trait. This is not a When asked about weakness, you need to project it as a positive trait. This is not a confessional time, so do not be candid. Do not say you do not have any weaknesses wither as you will be taken as conceited and unrealistic. Let's say you are short tempered. Do not say, 'I loose my temper often', you can say, 'I totally get upset with sub-standard work or undue delays, and I used to be vocal about it. Now, I am focusing onto correcting the worker or process instead of getting upset with it.'
• Tell me about your last boss: Never badmouth your ex-boss. You will come out the worse from it. Your answer should reflect deference to authority, and ability to complement team work.
• Why were you fired: This question is one that is dreaded most. However, remember millions are fired every day and they move on. Hence, the 'why you were fired' question should not elicit a panic reaction from you. Be prepared for this question. Be calm when you answer and tell the truth in such a way that it whatever be the reason, it show you accept responsibility for it, have learnt from the experience and have put it behind you.
• What do you feel about this interview: This is the trickiest question of all, when the interviewer will actually evaluate your assessment prowess, your reactions and your attitude. Answer truthfully ' if you found the interview difficult or comfortable. However, be ready to back it up with reasons if asked, 'why'. Also, you can use this question to sum up your expectations and hopes that you could be part of the company organization. You may even ask how you fared in the interview.

Whatever be the trick question such as 'why were you fired' or 'what is your weakness' or 'what you think about me' are aimed to judge your (i) reactions, (ii) attitude, (iii) maturity level, (iv) weakness and (v) ability to think on your feet. You can never be prepared for all, but if you remember to keep calm, be truthful (and diplomatic) an stay objective, you always fare well.

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Your working attitude will be one of the important yard sticks to measure your compatibility during an interview. You will meet with questions such as, 'what are your strengths and weaknesses as perceived by your colleagues or boss'. Here the interviewer clearly aims to understand your perspective on office relationship and self-appraisal abilities. Now if you think you are perceived as friendly, efficient and hard working it not only shows that you are a good worker but also a well-settled individual at work. Emphasize on your qualities that best match the present job; while mentioning the weakness, point it out as an area that needs improvement rather than a deficiency.

There are other questions, such as 'Why do you feel you match the position ?' or 'How long would it take you to contribute to the present position ?'. Here the best answer is straight forward, saying that your abilities, qualifications and experience make you feel that you were right for the job. A confident (not over-confident which will come across as haughty) answer will have a great impact. A professional takes a very brief period of adjustment time before they start pulling their weight, so say so.

Another question in this line that would need attention is, 'How good you are at conflict solving ?' or 'Tell us a time where you had to make a difficult decision '. These types of questions search to measure your capacity to work under pressure from work or colleagues. Your answer should highlight your ability to keep cool under pressure. Hence, you may like to describe real or imaginary situations where you handles tough situations with a good amount of calculation towards good results. If you choose imaginary situations, keep it as brief as possible and to the point.

Yet another problem question on your working attitude would be, 'What the company can gain from you ?'. The answer to this question would show your clarity on the job applied and the goals of the company. Hence, this is a question which needs to be backed up by good research and preparation. Your contribution should match your strengths and experience to the overall goals of the company.

'Identify three plus points and three negative points about the position offered' could be another trick question often posed to the candidates. Here, the interviewer seeks flattery - so give it to him. Appreciate at least four aspects about the company and show how happy and interested you are to be part of the overall plans of the company. When it comes to the negative points, point some mismatch between the job and your strengths which is almost negligible, such as, 'it is a bit too far from residence'.

Whichever question that is posed on your work attitude aims to find out whether you can work as a team member, with a demanding boss and with demanding deadlines. A perfect match (though non-existent) need to be compatible not only with the work but also with the pressures it entails, the peers and the superiors.

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The question, 'what are your strengths and weaknesses' will come up in all interviews. And many times the answer to this question will give the interviewer the first real impression of your fit to the job. It is imperative to make a good impression during the interview and there is no better chance than when you have a direct invitation to state your strengths. However, when you do so, you should keep in mind what is the interviewer looking for and what qualities would the job require of you. In your answer you need to identify those exact strengths that best compliment the job for which you are appearing.

In order to do so effortlessly, you need to prepare well before the interview and be aware of what are the company goals overall and what the proposed job entails specifically. Strengths are classified in three main categories:

• Technical skills: This include your education, and any knowledge-based skills that you have acquired, such computer skills, other languages known, additional and special training undertaken, technical qualifications, etc)
• Soft skills: These include those traits you acquire from your past experience in different jobs, such as people management skills, conflict managing skills, analytical skills, planning and organizational skills, etc)
• Personal skills: These are your inbuilt talent and skills, such as friendliness, dependability, good team worker, deadline oriented, etc)

Each job would need a good mix of the above strengths and based on your research on the company and job, and your actual strengths, you should give the closet package possible. To add to the impact, you should be ready to back your answer with specific examples.

In the question, 'what are your strengths and weaknesses' the second part is about weaknesses. This is one of the more difficult questions you will face as no one really wants to own up on their weak points. However, weaknesses too can be strengths if put correctly. The key to the best answer here is to stay fixed on the positive aspect, while minimizing the trait. For example, you could say 'I am sometimes too much concerned with details but I have learnt that delegation solves this aspect and I am using it often'. Your weakness should come out as a problem which is almost solved not a critical and hopeless trait that cannot be helped.

In order to answer well to the question, 'what are your strengths and weaknesses' you need to practice well before the interview so that you will come across as a person who is aware of his/her plus and minus points and their application in the proposed job. At the same time the answer should not come out as too rehearsed. This is why you should be ready to back up both your strengths and weaknesses statements with real-life specific examples.

When you finish, it should leave the impression that you are a person who is overall a good fit for the job, in spite of some small shortcomings.

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If you were fired from you last job, for any reason whatsoever, you will definitely dread the 'why were you fired' questioned during an interview. However, as with all the questions that are asked in an interview, this too is a good chance to score high with the interviewer. When you answer the 'why were you fired' question keep in mind that the interviewer is trying to identify your problem areas. Hence, while giving the reason of being fired keep it as objective as possible and make it sound like you have learnt from the experience.

• Do not badmouth the previous employer: However bad you previous boss was, if you say it, you are a whiner. Employees are supposed to toe in the line, and if you say anything wrong about your ex-boss it will be seen as your adjustment, authority and team working problems.
• Do not blame it on office politics: People who say that the they were fired because of dirty politics in the office, are prone to be misunderstood as escapists who are unable to handle conflict positively. A good worker is supposed to get around the office politics through high quality work.
• Do not hide the real reasons: While trying to give a pleasant-to-hear answer do not hide the real reasons, i.e. if the company was going through financial problems, or if they were downsizing and found your position expendable, do not feel ashamed to say so. Emphasize how much you learnt from the past experience in the job and how much you look forward to move on. This will establish you as a mature person.
• Do not blame incompatibility between you and your boss or your team members: A good worker will find ways to get along in the most difficult situations. Saying that you and your boss were incompatible may sound sophisticated, but in reality it reflects immaturity and an escapist attitude.
• Do not tell lies: It is very important that you do not tell lies or make up any stories regarding the reason for firing. Firstly, because many times the employer checks out with your last work place. Secondly, for covering one lie you will find yourself telling a number of other lies to cover it. Even so, the truth has an uncanny way of popping up at the worst possible moments, and more often than not you will be embarrassed or even fired for misleading/inaccurate information.

The question, 'why were you fired' is a very delicate question which if handled well will make you look like a mature and responsible person, and if handled wrong will drastically reduce your chances to disqualify for the job.

The best way to answer this question in the right way is to be prepared for it. For this you need to practice and rehearse saying the reason in front of your friends, or anyone responsible who can give you accurate feedback on how you sound.

If you do not have an appropriate audience, then speak into a tape and listen to your voice tone and choice of words. You should not come across as bitter, whining, challenging or quarrelsome. Watch out for the tone and language when you describe the circumstances. You need to emphasize that you accept some responsibility of what happened, you gained from the experience and you are ready to use that to your advantage on the future jobs.

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You are facing the interview and things are going great. Just when you think it is about to finish, the interviewer asks, 'what are the reasons you want to work here?' If you are not prepared for this question ' it could be devastating. This is why it is imperative that you be prepared for this. How? By researching in the company, in its past, in its present, in its plans for future.

Though the answer is seemingly simple, i.e. you want to work there because it is a good place to work in and you can do a good job there, it actually is not so simple to put it across in such a way that it should boost your chances to land the job.

When you answer this question you should keep in mind that the aim of this interview is to find the best fit candidate for the job. Remember that everything that you say should centre on that aspect. Hence, when you answer this question you need to describe how your past experience, skills and expertise made you think that you could be an effective and efficient member of the company's team.

For example, if you are a good marketing strategist, you could mention how your past marketing techniques and negotiating skills have brought you success in your field, and how you think that such skills would be sharpened by the advanced know-how of the future organization where you could get better results.

Always use your answer to show that you know about the company, its products and requirements and you are ready to do what it takes to promote that goal. For this purpose you need to research well the company, goals, mission, vision its past five years financial performance and future plans. A person who is well informed about the company is very much interested in the company. This is the message that goes to the interviewer and this is the message that he/she should get.

Employers of big company's not only love to hear the company's praises, they expect it. Be sure that you include a bit of subtle flattery in your answer; however the flattery should be subtle as otherwise it will look cheap and backfire.

You can always say that the company has always been your dream company but did not apply till you thought that you have achieved a certain amount of skill set and experience so you could contribute to the growth and future of the company. You could say that till that time, though you searched for opportunity, you never got a job that would exactly fit to your skills set as well as the present job and so on.

Keep in mind that whatever you say should focus on your fit with the company and not vice-versa. The interviewer should be left with the impression that you have done your homework and are convinced that you can be a useful part of the team. Project yourself as a willing and deserving candidate who can promote the aim and goals of the company. And that should be your answer, i.e. a person who want to be part of the company because they believe they can be part of its growth.

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During an interview most of the questions will point at talking about your experience and accomplishments. These will be centered at assessing your value addition capacity to the job and the company. Questions framed will point at how much did you save the company or how much did you directly benefit the company monetarily. It is not always possible to have an accurate monetary benefit estimate on your job - more so if you are in HR or administrative jobs. However, you may highlight the importance of your strategies which indirectly save the company revenue or add value to the existing services, such as multi-tasking and saving the requirement for another appointment, or introducing flexi-hours where you bring optimal usage of human resources while it is perceived as a perk, and so on.

Other questions will aim to judge your expertise and work preferences (people or office back end work; documentation or numbers) and capacity to work as a leader or at supervisory levels. When faced by these questions be honest about your preferences and indicate your strengths in the areas you choose to justify your preferences.

You will definitely be asked to enumerate some of your most laudable accomplishments in your previous job. Be sure you have a story ready with examples - the best answer would include situations that could be possible in the present job - whereby you not only highlight your accomplishments, but also prove your fit to the present job.

'What was the most unpleasant task you had to do in your last job ?' - is a question that stumps the best of people. You need to be prepared for this questions so you could say something you did not like in an objective way which does not sound like badmouthing anyone, does not sound like whining and definitely does not sound like a setback in your professional makeup. As it is with the strengths and weaknesses question, it is very much needed here to emphasize the negative aspect through a positive outlook, such as, 'I was happy with my job, but many times got stumped by the paper work till I got a colleague in my team to help me'.

When you are talking about your experience and accomplishments, you need to draw the attention of the interviewer not only to your strengths, but also how those strengths match the requirements of the job. Also remember, that this is the time you can use some good references.

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A crucial and one of the most common question in the interview is, 'What can you tell me about you?'. I don't think there is any interview that does not have this question thrown at the candidate, and I doubt there is one candidate who really is happy with this question. You are totally unbalanced when asked this question in the beginning of the interview. This is because you would wonder what would make the greatest impact on the interviewer when I talk about myself? And here is the most common mistake. You think the focus is on you and you will talk with the focus on you. However, in an interview the focus is never on you. It is on your fit with the company. If you keep this in mind the answer to this question will actually pave your way to the company employment rolls.

When asked to say something about yourself, you need to highlight in about 10-15 sentences your greatest skills that would benefit this company. However, you do not enumerate them, but showcase them to the interviewer by summarizing your best achievements in the recent past. Do allude to the company's products, needs, future plans amply indicating that you have researched the company before the interview, you are interested in its future and growth and you are convinced that you can contribute to its growth using your skills and experience.

Practice at this. Every time you go for an interview practice on projecting your skills in a way that it complements the company that you are applying for. Highlight those achievements that count the most in the context of the company you are getting interviewed. Your answer is very crucial because this is what will create an impression in the minds of the interviewer as to whether you can contribute or not to the company.

Another mistake very commonly committed during answering of this question, is to give personal details about marriage, kids, etc. Do not volunteer any information unless strictly asked during an interview, or unless it contributes to the goals or aims of the company. For example, if the company has a position for Melbourne and you have lived your childhood there ' then it might be a good idea to say that. Otherwise the details are not necessary and may actually go against you. So, do not reveal any personal details unless strictly asked. This is a golden rule which never backfired yet ' never volunteer information unless directly relevant.

Keep in mind that the company will seek out people who come out as interested to contribute to the company not themselves. Usually, the next question would be 'why you want to join our company..'. Never reply because they are a wonderfully big company which offers high pay and great benefits ' even if it is the sole truth ' you answer that working for such a company would be an achievement and a rare opportunity to use your skills and expertise in the growth of a world class organization. Always keep your focus on the organization.

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There are many ways to finish an interview - many are good and are directly dependent on the nature of the person. However, the best ways to finish an interview has a few basic ingredients, which I will try to discuss here.

• Summing up: The most important aspect of the exit line of the candidate is summing up. When you sum up, you highlight what you want the interviewer to remember about you after you have gone. List a few of your best traits and how these would really add value to the job at hand.
• Show interest: The best time to really show how interested you are to join the company is the time at the end on the interview; however remember not to go over board about it or it will backfire
• Ask follow-up questions: The questions should aim at finding out information about when best to follow-up for the results, whom to get in touch with, or where to check for the decision/ status of the interview. Be sure you know the next step in the interview.
• Offer references: Ask whether the interviewer(s) would like to have any additional information from you, such as references on the past jobs.
• Thank the interviewers: The best way to finish an interview is still the polite way of taking their leave by shaking hands (if appropriate as custom) and thanking them for the opportunity and time given to you.
  

There are also a few strong 'don'ts' for the end of the interview:

• Do not be aggressive: Unless the job really requires some really aggressive marketing people, do not end with 'when can I start' and 'I am looking for the appointment letter'. Confidence is good almost always, but in this case it can be a massive put off.
• Do not ask about money: Never end an interview asking what the pay will be. In case you need to ask, do so only when the interviewer offers you to ask him questions; in that case the salary maybe negotiable. Otherwise, best way to find out about the salary is from outside sources.
• Do not slink out of the room: At the end of the interview, the interview is still watching you. Do not leave the room as a worried person - as long as you are in the interviewer's sight, have a good and confident posture and body language (whatever you feel inside should be kept there).

The best way to finish an interview is by showing a positive attitude that is complemented by poise and confidence. Your exit is as important or may be more important that your entry, since the interviewer too is summing up about you in his/her mind, and the last picture of you in his mind will carry a lot of weight. He will be watching your body language more than what you say hence, be careful how you carry yourself out of the room. Like a good lawyer, the closing time is the best time to make your point and sell the audience on your point, in this case the point is you!

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Internal interviews are not like any other interviews. They are actually harder and more difficult because you have to prove yourself to those whom you think know you already. In fact, they do not know you as well as you would like to think. Just because you have worked in a company for a number of years, it does not mean that your seniors know everything about your strengths and weaknesses particularly regarding the fit to the proposed job. Hence, when you appear for that interview many times the interviewers will seek to be assured that you really match the position and not make a mistake based on their perceptions of you due to their pre-knowing you.

The fact that you are known here goes actually against you in a way. Hence, you should very carefully prepare for the internal interview and aim to wipe out any doubt whatsoever from the minds of your senior colleagues about your fit in the new position. In order to do that you should keep in mind the five most common mistakes committed by internal candidates, most of them based of the assumption that they already know all about it:

• Do not research sufficiently: Most of the times internal candidates assume they know all about the department or position offered. In effect they have superficial knowledge acquired from sharing with colleagues and through the grape vine. When internal interviews takes place, the interviews will want to establish that you understood what the change involved and hence will need to know how much you know about the work of the department and the position offered. When it is found that the candidate does not have in-depth knowledge, he/she are rejected.
• Do not prepare for the interview: The internal candidates usually think they are too well known to be really interviewed for the position and hence do not really prepare for the interview. This is a big mistake. The internal people actually need to be convinced that the past experience of the internal candidate will actually complement the need of the future job and it is not just seen as a promotion ladder. Lack of preparation on the part of the candidate will indicate will indicate shallowness.
• Do not plan well for the interview: It is important to make an impact in internal interviews, so as not to come across as over-confident. You need to keep in mind that you will be competing with persons who have thoroughly prepared for this interview. You lack of preparation for the interview will be seen as taking-for-granted that the job is yours which will actually kill your chances for the landing the job.
• Do not ask questions: Interviewers during an internal interviews gauge your interest in the job through the questions you put them. Many candidates come unprepared to ask questions and loose this golden chance to prove their fit. The questions you need to ask should show your interest towards the work and goal of the department and your role in the team. Questions are an important tool for the candidate who needs to use them to their advantage.
• Do not follow-up: Many candidates forget the follow-up letter ' more so in internal interviews when they feel that it is not necessary due to the familiarity with the interviewers. However, a follow-up letter always acts like the icing on the cake. The internal candidate through this letter gets a last chance not only to show their interest in the job, but also convince the interviewers of their fit and value addition to the new job.

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There are many questions to people applying for managerial jobs. One of the typical questions are, 'you are too qualified or too experienced for the job'. The interviewer is actually happy to have you - he/she just wants to know why you would be happy with a position where you may be over-qualified. Be truthful and here a bit of flattery would go along way. You may say, that since the company is one that was admired by you for a long time, you would like to gain an entry point so you could not only be a part of the company, but also be able to contribute better and faster to its goals and growth. The answer should sound convincing even to your own ears; hence it needs a lot of practice.

'Are you rated as a efficient manager?' or 'What is your style of management?' are other questions which you will face while applying for managerial jobs. Here you emphasize on your efficiency with examples in your past and quote your management style as bottom-up approach or open-door which are the most people and results oriented methods. However, you should be familiar with what it involves (not only rattling of names of the methods) - so this question needs a lot of preparation. You need to be able to confidently put forward a good supporting argument in case the interviewer chooses to challenge your statement or choice.

'Have you dismissed anyone in your team? Why?' or 'How do you hire people?' are questions that seek to judge you ability to assess people's fit within your team, and your company and take touch decisions based on what you know. You may answer that your decisions to fire or hire are both based on one principle, value addition to the job and company. Your answer should be able to ramify the reasons and methods you use for analyzing value-addition ability of an employee. Hence, you need to prepare for these type of questions.

Questions like 'what does your boss think about you' and/or 'what do your juniors think of you' aim at finding out your self-assessing capacity. Be honest in your answer, highlighting your positive aspects while minimizing your negative traits - if any. This is an answer which can be easily check out - if in doubt, so be careful that you tell the truth.

'What if your biggest negative trait as a manager' is a question that you should answer with care. You do not want to wipe of your chances of being employed, neither can you say you have no negative traits. Use a minor negative trait which leaves scope for improvement, such as, 'I get boggled with details, but now I am learning to delegate responsibility and am able to manage these better'.

Your managerial traits and positive professional aspects should be highlighted in each and every answer; and if you are asked to describe a negative trait do so in a very positive manner, as an already identified flaw which is already on its way to be turned into strength.

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Do some Second Interview Preparation.

Second Interview overview

• A second interview is the last step in getting a job.
• The Employer is trying to see specific qualities and how you interact with the rest of the team.
• You can observe the corporate culture, the staff motivation and where your new office will be !
• Some second interviews start with a reception the day before, others with a breakfast early in the morning.
• Your free time will be limited but take opportunities to get mental breaks.

During the second interview these topics will also be discussed:

• Salary and benefits
• Employment guidelines
• Reimbursement of expenses

Expect some private second interviews especially if the job you have applied for is a technical job. Ask for a tour of the premises, if this is not scheduled.

• Structured Second Interviews - Each interviewer is assigned an area in which he will asses you.
• Unstructured Second Interviews -All interviewer have equal importance.

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• Interviewing is a learning process. Takes notes after each interview making particular note your mistakes and short falls.
• Write what you learn about the job and company. This information can be used in a second interview.
• Send an interview thank you letter.

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Knowing when to stay silent in the interview can help you a great deal. Being an excellent communicator counts in your favor, but there are a few instances where it is better to say nothing.

Salary negotiation

This is such an important part of the interview and also one of the areas where most job hunters fail. First of all, don’t bring up salary at all. Wait for the interviewer who will normally hint in that direction towards the end of the interview.

You should never disclose a set figure. Even when the interviewer presses you for a specific number, try to change it around so that they provide you with a general idea.

You can for instance, ask what the current salary range for the position is. What did you have in mind when you advertised the position? If they still persist, rather answer that your previous or current salary cannot be compared as it is for another position and you would rather they provide you with a general salary range. If it boils down to just saying 'I am not willing to commit to a specific number or disclose a figure.' then be it. They will respect your answer as they know that giving a specific number puts you at a severe disadvantage.

This is one instance where it is better to stay silent in the interview as giving a figure that is lower than they had in mind, will mean you are in for a lower salary. If your figure is too high, it can cost you the job.

Seeking employment process

Even if you are really tired of job hunting and desperate to get the job, don’t tell them. This is a never ever! Employers want people who are in demand, by telling them about your long job hunting process, you are saying that no-one else wanted you so why should they hire you? Rather focus on the positive aspects of your current job or what you have been doing while you were out of a job.

You must never let it show that you are not in demand. Tell them how happy you are in your current job, and that the only reason why you have applied for this job is because you fit the job description so perfectly. Your goals and the employer’s goals are exactly the same. Rather stay silent in the interview than babbling about your problems. They want go-getters and people who are positive, not employees with problems.

Stay silent in the interview rather than asking about the work hours

You can ask what hours are expected from you, but don’t mention that you want reasonable or flexi time. Rather have the interviewer provide information bout the hours. If the hours don’t suit you at all, you can indicate so if you feel that taking the job with the particular hours is not worth the while. If you start demanding even before you are employed, the employer will be skeptical.

Stay silent in the interview about your personal information

Never volunteer information that can be used to discriminate against you. There is no reason to tell the interviewer you are pregnant or plan a family in the next year, nor is there reason for telling them you have two children aged 15 and 17.

This will definitely open the door for discrimination on the grounds of age. Don’t disclose your religion, sexual orientation and any specific beliefs. Although the law prohibits discrimination based on any of the above, there are ways for an employer to bypass the laws by stating you were not compatible with the company, or experience not relevant etc.

From the above information, you can see that there are times when it is better to stay silent in the interview. Don’t however, concentrate so hard not to disclose information that you come across as secretive or as an introvert.

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Most of the people who attend an interview are actually working in a job which they are planning to leave if they get the position. When the interviewer knows about it, they will definitely ask you the reason when moving from one job to another. You need to be as objective as possible in your answer so as not to sound like you blame anyone for your decision (colleagues, boss, or office politics), you do not sound frivolous and you do not come across as a problem employee. If you do not match say that you have reached a level where you feel you are stagnating and need to move on.

Another question you are likely to be asked when moving from one job to another is about financial security. Ensure that while you sound sufficiently concerned, you do not come across as panicky and desperate otherwise you will loose your salary negotiating powers.

You will also be asked to give a feedback on your ex-boss and/or your company. It is important here not to badmouth under any circumstances. Rather you should give high and positive feedback both to your ex-organization and about your boss showing them as vehicles for your enhanced knowledge and experience.

When answering about the past, you should come across as a mature and confident person; not as a bitter and desperate to move on individual. This will project a positive image about yourself and your capacity to handle discomfort and conflict in professional and personal life.

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There is one time where you can score very high during an interview, and that is when the behavioral interview technique is used. This technique is mostly used to see how fast you can react, how clear you can think and how well you can use your experience and expertise to handle critical (and sometimes successful) issues at your work place, during your work hours. The behavioral interview technique, though highly intimidating at times, is a chance to score very high with the interviewer. It is almost as if the interviewer checks your measurements with that of the vacancy. This is what the interviewer is going to find out from you ' how good you have been or you can be so he/she will judge how well you can match their company in the future. A sure fire way to check your fit, is by exposing you to a behavioral interview.

What is a behavioral interview? This is a technique by which the interviewer will put in front you a job scenario (where they are looking for certain skills ' be it multi tasking, flexibility, diplomacy, patience, marketing tactics, and so on) and ask you how would you have handled that in exact steps; alternatively he/she would ask you to give them an example of a time when you had to do say, aggressive marketing, and how did you do in that case.

Whichever is the case, the key to the success here is to be prepared to a great extent to such type of questions ' with specific focus to points which converge on duties of your past job(s) and the job you are applying for. You need for this purpose, first highlight the skills that are most needed in the job you are applying for; then see the match of those skills in the job(s) you have done in the past. Before the interview, prepare on that line, a few success stories which you can put across to highlight those skills. For example, if your job is in customer relations, you may like to highlight how you have handled a very unreasonable client to his satisfaction with wit, patience and persuasion; or in marketing how you sold a product to a client who had a negative image about your company, and so on.

The main point to remember here is that the interviewer is really looking for details in how you managed a tough situation to the benefit of the company. Give the details without any modesty. Those details could be the ticket for you to that company's job.

However well prepared you are, a behavioral interview may still catch you unaware and unprepared. There could be angles that the interviewer has thought that did not cross your mind. Do not worry when that happens. You improvise. Think that such a situation has arisen and think how best you would handle it to the benefit of the company. Be honest and say that such a situation had not arisen yet in your line of duty, but if that would be the case this would be the way I would handle it.

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The wage is the compensation you will get for offering your time to the employer. In other words, employees offer time and expertise in exchange for money.

When the interviewer offers you the job, you then have to make a decision as to whether you are ready to accept it. You have to understand the wage and the benefits package before you make the decision. Career wage research has to be done prior to the interview. Knowledge is power and you want to have all the facts in your hands about the wage before you can assess if the package offered is fair or not.

The four steps in discussing your wage increase during an interview

• Negotiate the position.
• Sell yourself, then negotiate - show your unique expertise.
• Secure the job offer.
• Negotiate the salary and benefits package.
  

When negotiating a wage, the interviewer will generally have a range and he'll offer you the bottom of that range. You have to negotiate way up as much as possible. Generally the interviewer is not the only one to convince that you are worth more than the initial offer. Never accept the first wage offer unless you are very desperate for a job.

Employers use various tactics to offer you a lower salary :

• Offer you the job and a starting date with no mention of the salary
• Employers ask what salary you need - do not answer with a figure!

Always ask about your responsibilities, working hours, level of authority and accountability during the salary negotiation.

During a wage increase negotiation, make sure that the company understands you are working toward a mutually beneficial arrangement not just that you want more. Reiterate your skills and enthusiasm for each job. Let them make another offer after the first one.

On first offer, do not just accept it. Ask for some time to make sure you are comfortable with it. If you feel it is a fair package send an acceptance letter. If you are not happy with the wage increase: let them know. This is probably the only time you can safely ask for a wage increase.

Try to get all the details in writing. A lot of professional companies will give all of the details in written format.

If you are happy with what is offered, get it in WRITING: everything that was discussed, not only the salary but also the health plans, vacations, etc. The majority of companies will provide this in writing. If not, move on to a more professional company. We have seen job seekers accept positions with promises for salary and benefits that never materialized.

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A lunch interview is simply an interview held over lunch. It takes a different approach and different preparation. The interview will probably be slightly longer than normal.

Lunch Interview Etiquette

Do not worry too much about lunch interview etiquette, employers are more interested in your ability to do the job rather than your table manners although a certain level of education and manners have to be shown. If you follow the normal table manners you will be fine unless VIP dining is part of the job.

Do not:

• Sneeze on food.
• Dunk bread in soup.
• Be rude to the waiter.
• Get drunk.
• Place elbows on table.
• Speak with your mouth full of food.
• Chew with your mouth open.

Lunch interview Tips

• Make sure your lips are clean and wipe them often.
• Choose something in the same price range as your interviewer.
• Do not complain about the food.
• Do not drink alcohol during your lunch interview.
• If unpredictable situations happen during the lunch interview stay composed and show a sense of humor.
• Check out the restaurant. The menu could be on their web site. If not, stop by and have a look.
• Choose a small, light meal. You will be talking more than the interviewer so he will finish first.
• Avoid meals which will give you a strong breath.
• Avoid meals which require a lot of chewing.
• Avoid things that have a lot of fluid, such as soups etc.
• Avoid things that are hard to eat such as lobster, oysters and the like.
• Give more attention to the interviewer and less to your lunch.
  

The Bill:

• If the interviewer requested a lunch interview he will pick up the bill
• If you have initiated contact and requested a lunch meeting then the bill is yours

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The most common interview is the one to one. The interviewer with the interviewee. The One to One Job Interview is a test/conversation and both parties will end the conversation with an opinion. The interviewer: if the candidate is right for the job and the interviewee: if the organization is right for him.

The interview starts when the interviewee meets the interviewer. We read a lot in body language signs & other non-verbal communication. The clothes you wear are also important.

The interviewer is going to conduct an 'investigation' in order to see if you are fit for the job vacancy and whether you are better at the job than the other candidates. The interviewer will ask questions of a technical nature and of a general nature.

General questions will analyze your problem solving abilities and your ability to socialize with the rest of the team. Always use previous achievements to back any facts you mention. Even if such achievements were at the school newspaper, employers under stand that school leavers have to start from some where.

Job interview preparation is very important. Make notes of your achievements and study the way you talk about them by practicing.

Apart from trying to see if you have the experience and qualifications for this job, interviewers also want to see how you fit in the work environment, the team and how you relate to your immediate supervisor. Therefore, if you have a one to one interview it is very likely that you will have several other one to one interviews. This is a disadvantage over a 'panel interview'. Each time the interviewer is satisfied you move a rung up in the corporate ladder until you're interviewed by the departmental manager (this depends on the kind of job you are being interviewed for).

Treat each one to one interview with great attention. Do not assume that the next interviewer knows what you told the first one. You will need to mention your preparation and qualities each time.

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There are several interview techniques one can use during the actual interview

Attention Aware Interview technique :

Limit you amount of talking. Interviews have only a limited attention time, to be specific there is only about 80 seconds where you have the interviews attention. After you start replying to an Interview Question

The back ground to the Interview technique is :

As you start your reply to the interview question, you interviews has full attention. As more time passes his attention is decreasing rapidly. After 60 seconds, you have basically lost him/her. So aim to deliver the answer in less than 60 seconds. Delivering your highlight after 60 seconds will not necessarily reach the interviewers head! If you are not convinced by the level of detail you have given. Ask: "Do you want me to expand more on this?"

Ask Questions Interview Technique :

Engage the interviewer by asking questions. Asking Questions improves your relations with the interviewer, and you will be more easily remembered after the interview. Interviewers are impressed by the interest you show in the job, sometimes even more the selling points you have. If you can manage to get your interviewer talking about himself, you are doing great!

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When you find it difficult to get the interview, you can revert to one of the following unconventional methods:

Limit the offer period

Call the hiring manager and state that you will be in town during the next week and would like to schedule a meeting. To make sure you get the interview, you can end your request with two alternative dates for the meeting.

Schedule several interviews

Schedule more than one interview in the same area over a certain period. If the hiring manager is still reluctant to schedule a meeting, you can mention that you have an interview with their competition on for example, Tuesday, and will have Wednesday open for an interview. Name the competition. Since the manager wouldn't want to lose a potential beneficial employee to his competition, he may grant the meeting. Apart from this, employers want people who are in demand. It will sound like you are the flavour of the month and he wouldn't let the opportunity pass to hire you.

Combine time limit and demand

Once the manager knows that you will only be available for the next week and it is clear that you may get hired by the competition, you can mention that you would rather see him now, since your trip has already been paid. Companies try to keep their costs down and would prefer not to have to pay for another trip.

When you get the interview, you should also set up other interviews. This way you cut down on costs, time spent on interviewing, and at the same time broadens your job prospects.

What happens when the manager says that you should just send your CV to him?

You can bypass this response by stating that since you will be in the area, you will gladly hand deliver the CV or even fax it. Point out that you appreciate his time and understand his tremendous workload. You are therefore willing to make it easier by making sure that he receives it in person. You have then changed an obstacle to an opportunity for a quick personal meeting with the hiring manager.

When distance is an issue

You may not always be in a position to hand deliver your CV, but then you can make use of modern day technology such as fax and emailing. Most faxes are seen as priority mail and normally reach the right person. Call the hiring manager to say that you will be faxing your CV and will call to hear if he received it. He will keep it close by since he wouldn't want to be caught off guard. Other applications may all still be in one pile, but yours will get priority. Do follow up and use the moment to provide your background and possible contribution to the company.

Three more unconventional methods to help you get the interview

Since so many applicants make use of templates and general CV's, your CV will stand out if you customize or write it specifically for a particular industry or company. With this method you focus on their requirements, style, and culture. You can add the enterprise logo as a watermark to your CV. It will definitely impress them and show that you are willing to go the extra mile for their enterprise.

If you are particularly interested in working for a certain company, you can also indicate it by mentioning their name in the objective part of the CV, for example: 'Marketing Manager Opening at Siemens'.

By using slightly unconventional methods to get the interview, you set your application apart from the hundreds of other more traditional methods to get the interview. You will be noticed and get the opportunity to meet with the relevant person.

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Most job hunters use conventional methods for obtaining interviews. Unless you use unconventional getting the interview techniques, you will have to stand in line for a chance to meet the hiring manager. You can distinguish your CV and application from other candidates by following these unconventional getting the interview techniques.

Expressive method

This is a targeted method and not meant for those who are shy. You contact the hiring manager and ask whether he would rather meet on Wednesday or earlier in the week for an interview. Another method to follow is to give a time frame, for instance, telling the interviewer that you will be in the vicinity during the next week and would like to make use of the opportunity to hand deliver your CV.

If you indicate how you can benefit the company and that a trusted source referred you, you stand an even better chance for getting the interview. If you fail to impress the person, you may fall back on enquiring if he knows about another department in the enterprise that may have a need for an employee with your qualifications, experience and skills.

Less expressive method

If you feel direct unconventional getting the interview techniques are a bit too aggressive, you may consider a similar but more subtle approach. With this technique you still enquire about possible openings without directly asking for an interview.

You contact the recruiting manager and ask whether he be may interested in a discussion on how you can benefit his department or perhaps have knowledge of another manager at the company who has a need for an employee with your skills. If the person shows interest, you casually state that it is a coincidence. The odds are now in your favor. Instead of you being on the requesting side, you now find that you are in demand.

Now is the time to state your main skills and benefits to the employer. Your skills, experience and qualifications must match the company's particular needs. The drawback with this method is that the manager can get of the hook fairly easily. If there is no person within his company who may need your skills, ask if he perhaps knows about other companies that can benefit from your services. Don't hang up without offering to deliver or fax your CV. Once you have done that, you can call to follow up.

Take the lead

Don't give the person the opportunity to say no. Once you have stated your background and purpose in short with a clear indication of how you can benefit the company, move on to the next step of getting a set date for an interview. If you ask if you can perhaps meet for an interview, you may get a no, but if you ask when would suit you best for an interview and give the person a choice of for instance Monday or Thursday morning, the person is more likely to respond with a positive answer.

If the person still refuses, you can indicate that you know that his time is valuable, but you will only take up ten minutes and show how it will be benefit the company. Indicate that you are willing to compromise on time and a place to fit in with the person's schedule. End your request with a statement such as 'Reasonable for you?' or 'That is reasonable, do you agree?' Since nobody likes to be called unreasonable or sound unreasonable, you are likely to get the interview.

Show respect for the manager's time

Most managers are busy, but if you state that you will not even take more than fifteen minutes of the hiring manager's time, it shows that you care about his work schedule. Mention that you will explain how you will be able to increase the sales, production, or motivate his staff, within ten minutes. When an interview is granted, show that you regard his time as valuable by staying within the time frame that you promised. Focus on the specific issues and outcomes. By doing this, you proof that you keep your word, are able to get straight to the point and make a good impression in a short time span.

Hand your CV and contact card to the person, should he want more information. You should make use of the opportunity to expand on your ideas and possible benefits to the company if he asks you for more information during your visit. Make the most of it by following up within two days.

Should the manager still be too busy to grant an interview, you can suggest a discussion over lunch or breakfast, as a token of your appreciation for his busy schedule. He will listen to you during lunch since you are paying.

Use knowledge about the company

One of the best unconventional getting the interview techniques is to use suggestions for improvement to get a meeting. Do your research. Find a list of the company's products and services from their website, annual report and marketing materials. The annual report is the ideal source for finding information of their short and long term plans. Use the knowledge to come up with a solution to their problems or to show how you can help them reach their goals. You don't have to call the hiring manager for this. You can pass your suggestion on to one of their key employees and call to set up a meeting for the discussion of the solution or suggestion. Once you get the meeting, you can indicate your availability for employment or mention that you would love to participate in the project or process for improvement.

Areas that you can target for improvement include suggestions on how to improve the advertising, sales, increase customer satisfaction or enhance their image, product changes, and suggestions for a new product or service line etc. This approach not only demonstrates that you have initiative and that you care about the specific company, but also gets in you in a position for an informal interview.

Even though these unconventional getting the interview techniques may sound aggressive, they are sure fire methods for getting the hiring manager's positive attention.

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Handshake: A dry, firm hand shake reflects a strong personality and is what most employers are looking for. Limp, sweaty hands are definitely a no. This is the first body language in the interview that your interviewer will "read".

Hands: Do not exaggerate hand gestures when you are talking. Try answering an interview question in front of a mirror to help you understand how much you move your hands while talking.

Eye Contact: Maintain eye contact but do not stare. If you are uncomfortable with this kind of body language look at the interviewer's nose as it has the same effect. Do not let your eyes wander away from your interviewer.

Posture: Reflects energy, enthusiasm and self control. Stand and sit erect. Slouching does not reflect a positive attitude in interview body language.

Fidget: Simple - do not fidget. Avoid playing with you hair, clicking pens and the like.

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Usually you will be given the opportunity to ask questions at the end of your interview. You should at least have a few prepared questions or, if you are not sure of any information give during the job interview, now is the time to ask. If you do not ask any questions the interviewer can think you are not as enthusiastic as other candidates who asked 3 or more questions.

By asking plenty of questions, you can also take this opportunity to show your awareness of the current industry situation and that you are interested in a long career. Do not ask more questions than you were asked.

Do you know which questions you can ask at the interview?

It depends on your situation, the position you are applying for, and your relationship with the interviewer(s) and the organization.

Below are some common questions:

Asking questions during an interview will show that you are interested.

• Can you tell me more about the structure of the organisation?
• What kind of management style does your company promote?
• What are the skills that you consider important for this job?
• Do you reimburse travel expenses?
• Do you have a complete job description for this post?
• What kind of software do you use?
• How will my performance be measured?
• Do you have an induction course/notebook?

When you ask questions you will start forming a relationship with your employer. It will also increase interactivity and make you look interested in the company and job your are applying for.

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Your job interview preparation can give you a lot of insights on how to answer interview questions. The job description can also give you an insight into what the employer expects of you.

An interview is a test. Each interview question is going to test you on a particular area. The key to pass this test is to practice. Family members, friends, career counsellors and teachers can all help to get the answer to each interview question correct. To improve on the delivery of the answer to your interview question, try using a video camera or a tape recorder. Observe yourself and identify the possible areas of improvement. This is also a good opportunity to observe your own interview body language

Be prepared to answer interview questions related to your CV and cover letter. Make sure you read them before the interview and know what information they contain.

General points to think about before answering an interview question

• Think about the job and the employer's needs first.
• Employer's needs come before your own.
• Emphasize how you will help to achieve the company's goals.
• Describe your accomplishments in quantifiable words.
• Explain how your skills and attributes will benefit the organization.
• Be specific and to the point.
• Explain why you approached projects in a certain ways.
• Explain how the skills you bring will benefit the organization.
• Don't downplay your accomplishments or attribute them to luck.
• Be specific in your answers. Avoid rambling or going off on a tangent.
• Ask for clarification if you are unsure of the question.

Identify Weaknesses in your CV and be prepared to discuss them. Possible weaknesses in you CV can be:

• Low GPA.
• Lack of related experience.
• Short employment periods.
• Lack of management experiences.

Interview Questions

Why are you interested in this field?
Why are you interested in this company?
Why are you interested in this position?
Why do you want this job?
What qualities do you think this job requires?
Why do you want to work for this organization?
What have you got to contribute?
What can we offer you that your present employer cannot offer?
How long have you been looking for a new job?
What do you know about this organization?
What interests you about this organization?
What are you looking for in a new job?
What would be your ideal job?
What sort of jobs are you considering at the moment?
What did you do on a day to day basis?
What do you not like about the job?
How did you make a difference to your last organization?
How successful are you?
What was your greatest success and how did you achieve it?
What has been your biggest failure?
How could you improve yourself?
How did you progress in your last job?
How do you handle criticism?
How do you work with others?
Are you a self-starter, able to work without constant supervision?
Can you be depended upon in critical situations and follow work through to completion?
Are you objective in evaluating yourself and others?
What motivates you?
Are you competitive?
What problems did you encounter and how did you overcome them?
Do you feel you are ready to take on greater responsibilities?
Are you enthusiastic and easy to work with?
Can you work under pressure?

Recruiters need to know what drives you to want the job and why you want to work for the organization in particular.

Can you manage your time effectively?
How do you structure your day's work?
How do you plan your day and week?
How did you handle sudden unplanned work or crisis?v Can you handle constructive criticism in a productive manner?
What are you like under pressure?
How many hours are you prepared to work?
What are your career goals?
How did you get on with your last manager/colleagues?
How do you express yourself in situations where you have to be tactful?
What initiatives do you take to make the work place more efficient?
How do you deal with different people at work?
How do you handle work in high pressure situations?

These Interview questions are a guide.

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