Conducting the Interview

The most important step in this process is how you answer the interview questions:

• Speak clearly and enunciate. 
• Don’t rush, but don’t ramble with your answers – the company that is interviewing you has predetermined the amount of time you’ll have to answer each question in the interview.
• Listen to each question, contemplate your response, and answer concisely.
• Make sure you answer the question being asked. Off-base, round-a-bout answers are a surefire way to talk yourself out of a job.
• If you are given the opportunity to retry your answer, try to nail down your response sooner rather than later. We have found that more tries may begin to dilute a clear message, so your first or second answer will probably be your best.
• Answer with a headline. The first sentence of your answer should set the tone by restating the question and providing your initial opinion.
• From there, you can add details from your own research, opinions, and experiences. However, you should always make sure you cycle back to your original point and don’t stray too far off-topic. Take a deep breath, relax, and let your personality shine through.

At the end of day, employers hire human beings, not just the name at the top of a resume. Smile and have fun – remember, if you are adequately prepared, you will be successful.