Answering the Interviewer's Questions

A good interview is a mutual "get acquainted" process which usually involves questions and answers flowing in both directions. As you might expect, some of the questions you will be asked are predictable, while others less so.
Being prepared is still the best advice. Practice how you will answer some of the tougher questions. If you've had a short job stint, expect to be asked about it. Expect to be asked about why you're looking now and answer positively.
There are five principles that will help guide you in creating the best impression:
Listen to the question.
• Be sure that you understand exactly what is asked and why the interviewer wants this information. If necessary, ask for clarification on the specific point the interviewer is pursuing.

Take time to think.
• Think about the question before you respond. A reasonable period for reflection can create a positive, not a negative impression.

Give concise answers.
• Give enough of an answer to satisfy the interviewer, but don't ramble or volunteer more information unless it is positive and pertinent. Try to keep each response to 1-2 minutes. Ask the interviewer if your response answered his/her question. The interviewer can then decide if they want more or different information.

Use positive information.
• Be truthful, but do not offer negative or critical information about a company or an event.

Nonverbal Communication
• Experts in kinetics, the study and clarification of body movements, estimate that words express only 30% of what people actually communicate; facial expressions and body movements and actions convey the rest. During an employment interview, what you convey nonverbally may be as important as what you say.

Keep these "body language" clues in mind as you interview:

Facial Expression
• Eyes are a key nonverbal indicator. Looking away indicates shyness, dislike, untrustworthiness or a lack of interest. Eye contact indicates a desire for communications, feedback and friendliness. Make and keep eye contact.

Posture
• The way you sit or stand can convey energy or fatigue, interest or boredom. Walk and sit with a confident air. Lean toward an interviewer to indicate interest and enthusiasm.

Voice and Gestures
• Speaking loudly, rapidly or in a high pitch can convey anger or anxiety. Boredom can be expressed by a moderate volume and monotonous inflection. A well-modulated voice with a moderate pitch and inflection convey interest and appropriate excitement. Be aware of gestures which might convey anxiety and interfere with your message. Natural gestures reinforce your message and communicate confidence.

It is useful to get some objective feedback from friends on the "body language" you habitually use. The feedback could tell you which may be useful and might be used advantageously, and which might be intrusive or distracting and should be eliminated. This includes verbal habitual language like "you know".