Interview Answers:
Tips on What Hiring Managers Are Looking For

Careful interview prep requires you to think through the interview answers you'll be giving to some commonly asked questions - and to some that are not so common.

We have some tips that will help you get ready, and some additional options for those who want to truly be prepared.

Basic Interview Prep

There are certain things everyone should do in order to get ready for an interview. We cover them in depth throughout Top-Sales-Jobs.com. If you want a more detailed discussion on some of these points, see Preparing for a Job Interview, and specifically, our section on Job Interview Advice. In the meantime, here's a quick recap of some of our best advice:

• Make a good first impression. Your voice mail message and email address should be professional.
• Know your resume cold. Every position. Every accomplishment.
• Research the company you're meeting with.
• Know something about the industry the company operates in.
• Look the part!
• Have your references ready.
• Anticipate what questions might be asked.
• Prepare questions you want to ask the hiring manager.
• Think about how to handle the salary question.
• Follow up with a thank you note.

All of these areas are critical to getting high marks as you move through the interview process. But, clearly, anticipating questions, and knowing the interview answers you'll offer, are of critical importance.

How to Answer Interview Questions

First, make sure that your listening skills are sharp. Answer the question that was asked. If you're not sure about what the interviewer is looking for, ask for clarification. I've been known to cut candidates off mid-sentence. Not to be rude, but when I interview, I want to find out very specific information. If you start answering a question that I didn't ask, you're wasting my time. Harsh, but true.

Use examples from your experience to add credibility to the points you're making. If you're asked about your key strengths, express what they are, but strengthen your presentation by giving a quick example or two to prove your point.

Be concise in your answers. There's nothing worse than having a candidate drone on in a disjointed fashion to make a point. Preparation will help you do this. Knowing your resume cold will also help. Make sure you go to the interview prepared.

Watch your body language and delivery. You should be in a state of heightened relaxation - relaxed enough to have your nerves under control, but not so relaxed that you become best friends with your interviewer. Be personable but not familiar.

Don't be afraid of "dead air". When you've completed your answer, stop. If the interviewer does not have an immediate follow up, don't feel compelled to jump in with additional information, rattling on about a subject you've already covered. Wait for the next question. Or, you can ask the interviewer if you need to elaborate on anything you said.

These tips will help you formulate interview answers that will make an impression. If you're looking for more help, you can order our Sample Interview Questions. This collection of 100 interview questions and suggested answers will totally prepare you for even the toughest interview situation!