Navigation Resume Tips Interview Tips (Part1) The Do's (Part2) The Dont's (Part3) Q&A Prep (Part4) In Conclusion... (Part5) Counter Offer	Resume Tips » In Conclusion... (Part5) Nationwide personnel specialists serving the Engineering and Architectural community CONCLUDING COMMENTS ON INTERVIEWING People who are sophisticated job changers invariably become masters of the entire interviewing process. They are able to rapidly determine whether an interviewer wants someone offbeat or middle-of-the-road, and whether they want a dynamo or conservative type. Then they tailor the image they project to the employer's wants. These people also learn to quickly sense how well an interview is going and adjust their behavior accordingly. For example, it is generally a bad sign if the interviewer continues to accept telephone calls during the course of your discussion. If they are really interested in you, they will put an end to routine interupptions. It is generally a good sign if the interviewer does more talking than you; if they know your background and ahas read your resume before you begin the interview; or if they really begfins to speak in terms of you solving their problems. In order to convert your interview into job offers, you probably will have to make sure your personality mixes with a number of people. This will entail the development of some expertise at complimenting strangers in a genuine and sincere manner. For example, if you are being interviewed by a personnel executive, you should find some way to express an interest in their field, or demonstrate your recognition of their responsibility. In any initail interview, your primary objective is to leave a very favorable impression with the interviewer. Between your interview and your follow-up, you want him to decide to actively recruit you for the organization. There will always be some questions for which you can't have answers. However, after a while you will find that even difficult situations will leave you relatively unruffled. When you find yourself in a situation where the job is obviously not for you, then you should use the opportunity to have consideration for another position. If this is not possible, then you should try to gain information concerning leads to positions in other firms. Despite the level of job hunting skill that you possess, you will also be rejected for the majority of positions for which you are interviewed. You will be rejected because you spoke to much, too short, or too loud for a given interviewer; or because you weren't liked; or because your salary demands were too high. However, if you have followed my advice, you will not be rejected because of your appearance; because your record was weak in sports without a suitable explanation; because you lacked interest in their company; because you were not communicative enough during the interview; or because your initiative was not demonstrated by the accomplishments you reviewed. Even in the best of situations, you are going to lose quite often. One key factor will be your ability to learn from your experience and to avoid discouragement over setbacks. If you foul-up an interview, don't waste time looking back and never feel embarrased! It's a big world and you should work at exploring other opportunities. As a final comment on interviewing, I suggest that you clarify arrangements for any expense reimbursement before the interview. If you don't do this, you are certain to end up disappointed. In addition I believe that when appropriate, you need to develop a tactful means of applying pressure! Don't let companies keep you on a string too long. They may just be searching for an even better prospect. Also, there will certainly be occasions where you have been interviewed by ev eryone concerned, but where they simply delay extending a firm offer. In such cases, your best strategy will be to indicate that while you want very much to join them, other opportunities require that you have a decision within a few days. Celebrating our 32nd year serving the Engineering Field An enterprise can never be planned and carried on without abilities of skilled people."- John Adams, 1786 Copyright © 2005 The Shupack and Michaels Group, Inc. All rights reserved.