Ten Tips to Boost Your Interview IQ
by Carole Martin
Even the smartest and most qualified job seekers need to prepare for
job interviews. Why, you ask? Interviewing is a learned skill, and there
are no second chances to make a great first impression. So study these
10 strategies and caveats to enhance your interview IQ.
Practice Good Nonverbal Communication.
It's about demonstrating confidence: standing straight, making eye contact and
connecting with a good, firm handshake. That first impression can be a great
beginning -- or a quick ending — to your interview.
Dress for the Job or Company.
Today's casual dress codes in the office do not give you permission to dress as "they"
do when you interview. It is important to look professional and well-groomed. Whether
you wear a suit or something less formal depends on the company culture and the
position you are seeking. If possible, call to find out about the company dress code
before the interview.
Listen.
From the very beginning of the interview, your interviewer is giving you information,
either directly or indirectly. If you are not listening, you are missing a major opportunity.
Good communication skills include listening and letting the person know you heard
what he said. Observe your interviewer and match that style and pace.
Don't Talk Too Much.
Telling the interviewer more than he needs to know could be a fatal mistake. When you
have not prepared ahead of time, you may tend to ramble, sometimes talking yourself
right out of the job. Prepare for the interview by reading through the job posting,
matching your skills with the position's requirements and relating only that information.
Don't Be Too Familiar.
The interview is a professional meeting to talk business. This is not about making a new
friend. Your level of familiarity should mimic the interviewer's demeanor. It is important
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to bring energy and enthusiasm to the interview and to ask questions, but do
not overstep your place as a candidate looking for a job.
Use Appropriate Language.
It's a given that you should use professional language during the interview. Be aware
of any inappropriate slang words or references to age, race, religion, politics or sexual
preferences — these topics could send you out the door very quickly.
Don't Be Cocky.
Attitude plays a key role in your interview success. There is a fine balance between
confidence, professionalism, and modesty. Even if you're putting on a performance to
demonstrate your ability, overconfidence is as bad, if not worse, as being too reserved.
Take Care to Answer the Questions.
When an interviewer asks for an example of a time when you did something, he is
seeking a sample of your past behavior. If you fail to related a specific example, you
not only don't answer the question, but you also miss an opportunity to prove your
ability and tell about your skills.
Ask Questions.
When asked if they have any questions, the majority of candidates answer, "No."
Wrong answer. It is extremely important to ask questions to demonstrate an interest in
what goes on in the company. Asking questions also gives you the opportunity to find
out if this is the right place for you. The best questions come from listening to what is
asked during the interview and asking for additional information.
Don't Appear Desperate.
I know — it's a tough job market and you need a job. But when you interview with the
"please, please hire me" approach, you appear desperate and less confident.
Maintain the three C's during the interview: cool, calm and confident. You know you
can do the job; make sure the interviewer believes you can, too.
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INTERVIEWING TIPS
 Do your homework
Before you meet with a Microsoft representative at your college or come to a Microsoft
campus for an interview, do a little homework. Gather information about products and
technologies that interest you --- and what the company is doing in that area. Look at the
job descriptions and try to make sure you understand what the job entails. Prepare some
questions about the company and possible jobs --- this interview is not just our chance to
get to know you, it's also your opportunity to find out if you'd like to be on the company's
team, and if so, where you might fit in.
 Know your résumé and skill set
If you've made changes to your résumé, please bring us an updated version. Make sure
you can describe your strengths and expertise, as well as easily discuss past jobs and other
experience that appears on your résumé!
 Dress comfortably
Wear whatever makes you comfortable in an interview. Companies prize intelligence and
contribution over style. The people who interview you will probably be dressed like the
people on your college campus.
 Relax and be yourself
You've done your homework, you're dressed comfortably; now relax into the process and
allow yourself to become fully engaged. Natural enthusiasm and positive attitude will take
you a long way to making a positive impression and showing all you can bring to a
company's team.
 Be prepared to think
Your interview could include a technical discussion of the projects you've worked on, an
abstract design question, or general problem-solving puzzles or brainteasers. The types of
questions you'll be asked vary depending on the position you're looking for, but all are
meant to investigate your capabilities and potential to grow. We look for original, creative
thinkers, and our interview process is designed to find those people.
 Keep it on track
When you first sit down with each interviewer there's usually some small talk. Break
through with your own question to get it rolling, something like: "I've researched your
group (or product) from your site, but can you tell me more about what you do here?" As
an immediate follow-up, you might ask each person a version of the following question
(because different interviewers will have different answers): "That's very interesting. So
what skills would make someone most successfully in this environment?" This should give
you an idea of what skills that particular person is looking for.
CLOSING THE INTERVIEW
Do You Have Any Questions?
by Carole Martin
At the conclusion of a job interview you may be asked, "Do you have
any questions?" A common answer is, "No, I think you've covered
everything very well." This is the wrong answer. You have passed up your opportunity to
ask some critical questions that could help you decide whether you want to work for this
company.
But, what questions are appropriate? When Marianne was asked if she had any
questions at the conclusion of her first interview, she began asking about sick time
and vacation days and when she would be able to start taking them. The interviewer
was taken aback. "Is this what this woman cares about? Time off? This doesn't sound
like someone who will come in and get the work done," the interviewer thought to
himself. Clearly, Marianne had asked inappropriate questions.
Timing Is Key
The first round of interviews is about discovery, learning about the job and the
company, not the benefits or raises. Good questions to ask in the first round are about
the job content, and the company's culture and future.
David had prepared ahead of time and was ready when the manager asked if he
had any questions. David asked, "What types of projects would be forthcoming over
the next six months?" The manager was eager to tell David about prospects for
future business and the plans for future growth. This discussion prompted more
questions from David. The interview ended after a lively exchange and on a very
upbeat note. David's questions were appropriate and timely.
The interview should be an exchange of information: What does the company want,
and what do you have to offer? But it is also important to discuss what the company
has to offer, and what you want. It is essential to express an interest in the company
and the work being done. By asking questions, you will demonstrate investigative skills,
illustrate you are particular about the company you work for and that you are not going
to take just any offer.
It is also important to consider whom you are talking to. The human resources person is
the one likely to know about job descriptions, qualities being sought and the morale or
company culture. The hiring manager, your future boss, is the person to ask about the
department, the team you will be working with and the job's challenges.
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What About the Bennies?
But what about those other questions about benefits, stock options and time off? As
the interview process unfolds, there will be time to ask about the benefits and practical
matters. Often the human resources department will provide you with a brochure or
information packet. Obviously, you will need this information to assess an offer, but all
in good time.
What You Should Not Ask in the First Round of Interviewing
 Don't ask about salary, stock options, vacation, holiday schedule or benefits.
 Don't ask questions that have already been answered in the interview, just for

the sake of asking something.
Don't grill the interviewer. It's OK to ask about the person's background, but
only as an interested party, not an interrogator.
Questions You Should Ask in the First Round of Interviewing




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May I see a copy of the job description?
Why has the job become available?
What qualities are you seeking in the person for this job?
What is the next step?
When will you make your selection?
Prepare five or six questions before the interview and take them with you. When the
time comes for you to ask questions, take out your list. This will show good
preparation on your part. This time is a valuable opportunity for you to get the
information you need to help you make an informed decision.
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