The final two topics in the series:

1. What to Do When the Interviewer Interrupts or Changes Direction
2. How to Ask Good Questions at the End of the Interview

WHAT IF THE INTERVIEWER INTERRUPTS YOU?

You have prepared your answers. You know what you want to say. Then, suddenly, the interviewer interrupts you.

What should you do?

Don't panic. An interview is a conversation, not a speech.

The interviewer may interrupt because they want more information, need an example, or simply want to take the conversation in a different direction.

Here are some useful ways to respond:

“Sure. Let me answer that first.”

“If I understand correctly, you're asking about…”

“That's a good question. Let me think for a second.”

“I can give you an example of that.”

“Going back to your previous question…”

And what if you don't understand the question?

Don't pretend you understand. It's perfectly acceptable to ask for clarification:

“Could you explain what you mean?”

“Could you give me an example?”

“Sorry, could you repeat the question?”

Remember:

You don't have to give the perfect answer.

You have to show that you can listen, adapt and communicate when things don't go exactly as planned.

A good interview isn't a perfectly rehearsed conversation. It's a real conversation.

“DO YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS FOR US?” — DON'T SAY “NO.”

You've answered the questions. The interview seems to be over.

Then the interviewer asks:

“Do you have any questions for us?”

And you say:

“No, I think that's all.”

Maybe it's time to change that.

This final part of the interview is another opportunity to show interest, preparation and professionalism.

Instead of asking very general questions, try questions that help you understand the job better:

“When will I get an answer?”

“What are the next steps in the recruitment process?”

“Is there training?”

“What kind of training would I receive during the first few months?”

Here are some other useful questions:

“What does a typical day look like in this role?”

“What would be the biggest challenge for someone starting in this position?”

“What would you expect me to achieve in the first three months?”

“How would you describe the team I would be working with?”

And here's a particularly useful one:

“Is there anything about my experience you'd like me to clarify?”

It gives you one last chance to explain something important or clear up a possible doubt.

One final tip:

Don't ask a question just because you memorised it.

Listen to the conversation and ask something that makes sense in that particular interview.

Good questions can make a strong final impression.