Interviewing Information

Communication Skills

This is the single greatest reason most candidates DO NOT receive offers. It is one of the most important, and scrutinized traits reviewed by prospective employers. As a general rule:

Listen to the question, and then answer directly to the question! A brief "example" is appropriate, and then offer additional details.
Example: Have you been involved in Design?

ANSWER: Yes, I was involved with Design in my last 3 positions over the past 10 years, from concept thru production, of various consumer products. Would you like more details about the products or my involvement?
DON'T ramble on with your response. The interviewer will lose their train of thought, and become disinterested in what you are saying. If they ask you the time, do not tell them how to build a clock! FOCUS on the Question and YOUR Answer, offer the details and share them when requested to do so.
Try and answer questions based on the position of the person you're speaking with. Don't go into the elaborate details of an Engineering Product, with Human Resources People who won't understand, but again, offer the details in case they do.
You should talk LESS than the interviewer. If that isn't the case, YOU ARE TALKING TOO MUCH.

In today's environment, Communication and End User/ Customer Skills are highly sought after and prized. The interview is the client's only way to evaluate these skills. If they are bored talking to you, you ramble on, or you stray from the subject, they will conclude that you will do the same with their end user/customer.

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