3. Job Interview

1) The beginning of the interview

People tend to form an opinion of others within the first ten seconds of meeting them. If this first impression is negative, it will be hard to shake off. However, if the first impression is positive, you can afford a few slip-ups after that. At the beginning of the interview, therefore, you should look the interviewer in the eye, smile confidently and greet him or her courteously.

As your interviewer will immediately start forming an impression of you, learn to introduce yourself clearly and confidently. The best way is simply to say your name: "Good morning. Birgit Michel." Refer to your interviewer with their title and last name - "Nice to meet you, Dr Roberts" - unless they invite you to use their first name.

REMEMBER! Plan to arrive for your interview 10-15 minutes prior to the appointed time. Arriving too early confuses the employer and creates an awkward situation. By the same token, arriving late creates a bad first impression. Ask for directions when making a rrangements for the interview.

2) During a Job Interview

The information exchange will be the primary part of the interview. It is when you will be asked the most questions and learn the most about the employer.

• Speak clearly and enthusiastically about your experiences and skills. Be professional, but don't be afraid to let your personality shine through. Be yourself.

• Listen carefully. You will want to remember what you learn about the job, and you will certainly want to answer the question that was asked.

• Be positive. Employers do not want to hear a litany of excuses or bad feelings about a negative experience. If you are asked about a low grade, a sudden job change, or a weakness in your background, don't be defensive. Focus instead on the facts (briefly) at what you learned from the experience.

• Pay attention to your nonverbal behavior. Look the interviewer in the eye, sit up straight with both feet on the floor, control nervous habits (cracking knuckles, drumming fingers, shaking legs, touching face etc.), and smile confidently as you are greeted.

• Don't be afraid of short pauses. You may need a few seconds to formulate an answer. The interviewer may need time to formulate an appropriate question. It is not necessary to fill up every second with conversation.

3) The end of the interview

This is your chance to show how much you're interested in the company and to find out if the job is really as interesting as it seems. Always ask questions because this demonstrates your prior research and interest in the job. Your questions migh t be direct, logistical questions such as, "When can I expect to hear from you?" (if that has not been discussed); a question to clarify information the employer has presented The job advert mentioned possibilities for advancement. Could you tell me a little more about that?; a question regarding the employer's use of new technology or practices related to the career field; or a question to assess the culture and direction of the organization such as "Where is this organization headed in the next five years?" Do not ask specific questions about salary or benefits unless the employer broaches the subject first. The employer may also ask you if you have anything else you would like to add or say. Again, it's best to have a response. You can use this opportunity to thank the employer for the interview, summarize your qualifications and reiterate your interest in the position. If you want to add information or emphasize a point made earlier, you can do that, too. This last impression is almost as important as the first impression and will add to the substance discussed during the information exchange. Be polite and show enthusiasm: "It was very nice to meet you, and I am excited by the prospect of working for you. I look forward to hearing from you."

REMEMBER! Don't ask questions for the sake of it.