Part of getting a job or changing careers involves the interview process. It provides a means of information gathering for both the interviewer and the interviewee. It can be a very pleasant or very unnerving exchange depending on the levels of preparation. All participants need to pay attention to what is said as well as how it is said. Therefore, you must plan to communicate on at least three levels:

1. Nonverbal - Body language, inflections, eye contact.
2. Verbal - Information conveyed by words.
3. Meta-Messages - Messages conveyed through choice of words, word sequencing as well as the omission of certain words and phrases.

Use your vocabulary to convey subtleties as you express your thoughts, and create impact by exuding confidence without being arrogant, and displaying vitality through your alertness and enthusiasm.

However, if you are being interviewed and you become uncomfortable during the interview process, you can take momentary control by asking questions yourself. Accomplish this by using what is known as the reversal; attach a question to the end of your answer to the interviewer. This gives you a moment to collect yourself. Follow up with other questions by focusing on company needs if necessary. It is always acceptable to focus on the needs of the customer.

Also remember that company representatives encountered at career fairs are usually conducting screening interviews which are designed to select candidates who match a certain profile for referral to hiring managers who usually conduct the decision to hire interviews. Adjust your responses to the purpose of the interview. It is also helpful to be aware that many companies now use what is known as Behavior-Based Interviewing which can be used in either screen or decision interviews. The behavior-based interview focuses on a candidate's past behavior to help predict future behavior and job performance. These interviews usually contain very structured questions linked to skills required to perform a job. For example, if an interviewer asks you to "Describe a time when you successfully dealt with an angry customer," respond by stating the problem, actions taken, and results. This is known as a PAR (problem, action, results) response and can be used as a tool for answering questions of this nature. This type of organized response allows the interviewer to rate your responses more precisely to targeted skills.

Unfortunately, difficult or embarrassing questions can come up. Prepare for these by looking over the list below:

1. Tell me about yourself.
2. What do you know about our company?
3. In your current or last position, what were your most significant accomplishments?
4. Why do you want to leave your present job?
5. Have you ever been fired?
6. How would your co-workers describe you?
7. What can you bring to this company?
8. What are your career goals and objectives?
9. How do you perform under pressure?
10. Describe your ideal work environment.

In addition to these, think of some others on your own, and practice how you will answer each using a tape recorder. Remember to answer embarrassing questions with honesty and brevity, brevity, brevity! Beware of the silence gremlin. An interviewer may use silence as a technique to get you to talk about things that you did not prepare to talk about. Furthermore, it is prudent to expect a background check on some level. Employers now seek more personal information, such as, driving record, criminal history, credit rating and IRS payment record. Questions may frequently arise in these areas if you are interviewed by a recruiter. Be honest. If you are honest with the recruiter, the recruiter may be able to assist you with strategies for addressing any unfavorable information.

Realistically, the interview is just a conversation where each participant wishes to establish rapport in order gain information. Prepare a list of questions for the interviewer, and interject them artfully throughout the conversation. Regardless of the interview approach used, may the best salesperson win!