• Your appearance
• Your attitude
• Your answers to questions
• Your non-verbal communication
• Your knowledge of the company
• Your enthusiasm

All of these will be used to judge you as a potential employee. Remember, employers seek people who can be counted on to do the job for which they are hired and who can get along with others. An employer is not strongly interested in anyone (no matter how capable they are) who presents signs of being:

• Lazy
• A complainer
• Habitually late
• Sloppy or frazzled in appearance
• Unable to accept criticism
• Generally unhappy
• One who blames others

The interview process is guided by four stages. These stages are completed in the amount of time the interviewer decides to allot to each stage. The stages are: the opening; questions & answers; information exchange and the closing.

  It is important to know these stages and what is appropriate conduct in each stage. Some information is best given in one stage and not in another; it’s important to realize this fact. Knowing generally what is happening at the various stages of an interview will reduce anxiety, improve your presentation, and reflect on you positively.

  Remember that the shift from one stage to the next is regulated by the interviewer; by listening and watching you will catch the cues that signal the next stage. Here are a few tips:

  Stage 1. Opening:

• Dress a level higher than employees typically wear in the office (if the office attire is shirt and tie, you would wear a suit to the interview).
• No excessive jewelry, perfume, or make up.
• Always have a good firm handshake; keep eye contact when shaking hands.
• No long answers to general greeting questions.(Always give a short, positive response to opening questions.)
• Be alert and attentive in your greeting, use good eye contact, above all SMILE.
• If you are meeting in an office, glance around the room, it may give you clues as to the interviewer’s personality or give clues to something you may have in common.
• When the employer raises the issue of your resume or application, it signals for the next stage in the interview.

  Stage 2. Questions & Answers:

• Follow-up any skills/abilities mentioned with an example which demonstrates the skills.
• Be aware of non-verbal communication messages from yourself and the interviewer.
• Focus all answers to reflect your abilities to do the job.
• Listen carefully to questions and ask for clarification if needed.
• Rephrasing a question can give you time to think of an answer or example. Don't do this too often.
• Speak in a clear and positive manner when answering.
• Use the interviewer's name during the interview, people like to hear their name used. (be aware of preferences for use of first name or last name)
• Bring copies of all written material you have provided to the employer.
• If sitting, feet flat on the floor and lean forward slightly when interviewer is asking a question (it will project attentiveness).
• Be enthusiastic and exhibit controlled energy.
• Smile and be positive in your manner.
• When the employer asks if you have any questions, this signals the next stage in the interview process.

  Stage 3. Information Exchange:

• When considering questions to ask, think of questions to help you decide if the company and position are a good match for you (such as what type of in-service training is offered to staff).
• Unless the employer has introduced the subject, this is not the time to ask about salary, benefits, vacations, or time off.
• If the subject is one the employer is ready to discuss and has introduced, be ready to discuss salary after other questions you may have about the position.
• Salary ranges (rather than single figures) are an option if you are not sure of the wage market.
• It is also a good idea to ask questions that demonstrate your interest in the company and in the position (such as what type of growth does the employer see in the industry and what potential could this mean for the position).
• The questions you ask will give the employer a demonstration of your maturity and thoughts as to this important decision.
• It is O.K. to structure your questions to reflect your confidence in getting an offer.

  Stage 4. The Closing:

• Ask if you could get back to the employer about their hiring decision.
• Give a time and date when you will call back.
• Ask if there is any additional information or references you can provide to assist in the decision making process (have some extras with you).
• Give a closing statement that is positive and professional ("I would like this position because it matches well with my skills and I have the ability to excel in the position")
• Always thank the interviewer for their time, smile and give a good handshake.
• Remember to send a thank you card or letter to the interviewer the same day.

  Non-verbal messages

  It is important that during the interview your non-verbal communication matches your verbal responses. Non-verbal communication is an important part of your overall message. Smiling, attentive posture, and eye contact are a few of the positive non-verbal messages sent during an interview.

  Non-Verbal Messages Come From:

• Your body posture while standing, sitting or greeting another person
• Your appearance
• Your eye contact
• Hand and arm movements
• Feet and leg movements
• Facial expressions/movements
• Head movements