Interviews - Knowing When To Stop

If you are looking for a job, you have probably applied to several companies and are hoping for an interview. You should practice your interview skills before you get close to this stage so that you will be ready. You do not want to be practicing your interview skills at ten o'clock the night before the actual interview. If you know what to say in response to some standard questions long before they are asked, the answers will also come across as more natural, and this will be important if you are required to attend more than one interview at the same company.

Many companies choose to host a series of interviews. Sometimes, they do this so that different members of the executive team can get a chance to see and talk with the applicant. In this case, you would be scheduled for an initial interview, often with a manager who is directly above the position being hired. If this person likes what you have to offer, they will direct you to speak with another team member. You will then be scheduled to speak with the next person who has influence on this position. You may go through this process anywhere from two to five times.

In this case, you may also be required to interview with a panel of people. This makes some people incredibly nervous, as they feel outnumbered in the room. But this does not necessarily need to be an uncomfortable situation. If you have rehearsed your answers, are very familiar with your work history and qualifications, and you feel confident about your ability to do the job, you will find that speaking with a group is no more difficult than speaking with one interviewer.

At other companies, the multiple interviews are held with the same person. This usually occurs when there are multiple applicants. The first interview might be scheduled so that the potential employer can see if you have any glaring areas that would not mesh with the company's needs. The second interview would occur when the manager has narrowed down the applicants to those who seem to meet the requirements for the job. If you attend a third interview with the same person, you are most likely one of a handful of candidates who are highly qualified for the position.

Due to nerves or the repetitive nature of interviews, you may find yourself having a hard time knowing when to stop talking. This may especially be true when facing a panel of employers or when speaking to the same person for the second or third time. Your nerves or your increased comfort level may lead you to go on about yourself in a way that could be detrimental to your ability to get the job.

Knowing when to stop is not always easy. But again, if you rehearse some basic answers to some standard interview questions, this will help prepare you somewhat. Do not elaborate, even if you feel tempted to at the time of the interview. The potential employer can always ask you more questions to clarify. You do not want to appear too talkative or dominant in the conversation.

So keep your answers short and to the point. If you feel you have something else to add, wait until the end of the interview when they give you an opportunity to do this.

Click here to go to the next interview article - Following Up an Interview Effectively