Answering Interview Questions- Do not ever discuss salary on the phone. It’s quite likely that
one of the first questions asked in a phone interview will
be, “How much are you making now?” or “What are
your salary expectations?” It’s way too soon for you to
reveal that kind of information. In fact, it could cost you
tens of thousands a year in lost earnings! In Chapter 8
you will see why bringing up salary at such an early
stage is not advisable. That chapter will also thoroughly
discuss the techniques for politely and tactfully postpon-
ing salary talk until you have a firmer idea of where you
stand with the company. Note, however, that if you’re
talking to a professional search firm, it is OK to discuss
salary early on in the job search process. The recruiters
at the search firm need to know your salary range in
order to find an appropriate position for you.
Group Interviews
As if oneinterviewer isn’t enough, you may be asked to speak to
three or four interviewers at a time. This is called a group, or
panel interview. The content of the interview and your answers
will not be any different than they would be with a single inter-
viewer, but your greeting, eye contact, and follow-up will change
a little. Remember these three tips:
- When you enter the room, shake hands with each person in the
group. It’s great if you can try beforehand to get every-
one’s name, but that’s not always possible. You don’t
haveto address each person by name, nor do you have
to introduce yourself by first and last names to all of
them. A handshake, with direct eye contact, a smile, and
a simple “Hello” or “Good morning” will do. - Make eye contact with everyone in the room. The interview-
ers are going to ask you questions one at a time. It’s
good to make eye contact with the person who asked the
question and the others who are listening. Be sure that
you glance into the eyes of each interviewer at least for a
second on every question, no matter which one of them
asked a particular question.