Interviews

If I were waiting to be interviewed along with others, I wouldn't make small talk with the other interviewees as you never know what role they might be interviewing for and you never know who will be listening to your convo. The receptionist might be a member of HR staff who is put there to monitor candidates' behaviour whilst they wait for interview. They could be best friends with the interviewer and report back to them later who was saying what whilst they were waiting. Never take it for granted that all is as it seems. Some companies have rather unothodox ways of seeing how candidates behave. You never know if the other "candidates" waiting there are really interviewees or just other members of staff planted there to see how you behave. Just always be careful about what you say and think about how it might be construed :) I don't mean to make the interview process sound sinister but just think about your own needs rather than worry about someone else sitting beside you who says they're very nervous, just smile politely and tell them "You'll be ok, everyone is nervous when they're going for interviews!"

Hello dear Sviswan. I think that it could be of some help to talk with some others who come for the same interview for the same job or a different one in the same company. It could help us to get to know more informaion about each other working experience and the exchanging of working experience might sometimes offer us some hints in giving a better response to the questions to be raised by the interviewer. A friendly and helpful conversation with the same interviewees is a good one. It is only my humble viewpoint. Thanks.

i have experienced 2-3 interviews till date. once it was only me waiting for my interview to be taken. other times there were some people. By nature I do not talk to much with people. But i like to speak a little with those people before attending the interview. it also releases stress.

It has been a long time since i went to a real job interview... but then again... throughout my career life... i have only been to four... and in both cases... i sat quietly and observed what the other applicants were wearing and what the office workers were doing... I tend to not engage anybody in converstation since i know that all of us are quite nervous... and this is a way for me to relax my mind... gather courage... and imagine what questions will be asked and how i am going to answer them...

I tend to be very quiet for the very same reasons, afraid I'd talk too much which is a sign of nervous behavior. I'm sure the interviewer expects one to be nervous but they, of course, don't want to see it because it shows weakness. So I'd be a quiet person for that reason and to watch what is going on around me.

Seems like you knew exactly what to do... kind of you to help that woman with a child. It shows that you can trust yourself and that you are a good and friendly person. Were I an employer, that would have earned you extra points. I am wondering if there was a receptionist there who perhaps saw you being so kind. It is sometimes true that the office staff provides information to the employer and that the interview actually starts in the waiting room.

First of all, I feel for you. Interviewing is very stressful. But to be sitting with other candidates is extremely awkward. I would think that alone is indicative of some dysfunction. Whay is the reason for that? Are they backed up? Is it going to be a group interview? Or are there several interviews going on at the same time with multiple interviewers?? I will tell you what I do. I observe everything around me. The receptionist answering the phone, the employees walking in and out, also the other applicants. If there is any company literature in the room, I pick it up and read it. I also do what I can to relax ----- breathing, meditation [just don't fall asleep], visual imagery, whatever. But I do not converse with anybody, because I don't want anyone to overhear anything I might say, and I don't want to get into any discussions about anything. If someone talks to me, I respond politely, but I don't initiate anything

Hi Sviswan, I have experienced 5 or 6 rounds of interviews and it is very scary. Before the interview, if there is people waiting for it, I will just sit down on the couch reading magazine waiting for my name to be called. If the person besides me who wish to have a small talk, I am glad to chat during the waiting period because as the waiting gets longer and longer, the more nervous you are. Therefore, I always hope there is someone who is going to chat with me while waiting.

Whenever I go to an interview I always watch myself in everything I do. But not to the point that I am stiff, quiet, and conscious. As soon as I walk into the building I act normal but polite. I greet people I come across, the people at reception, the people I walk past with. This is for the reason that in an interview you never know who will make the decision in the end. There's a saying that say 'first impression lasts', and its never impossible to think that they may take into account how well you carry yourself and being friendly right from the start. All is part in an interview, even body language matters.

I tend to make light conversation with some-one whom is receptive. I left on my own, in total silence, I think I would be a mental "basketcase." Talking to some-one helps alleviate the tension. I don't know why, but interviews, are some-thing in this world that unnerves me. Hope your interview was successful.

Hi Sv well the last interviewd i attended was almost 11 yrs back when i was looking for job. sure i was nervous as it was first time to join practicle field and no doubt fear of UNCERTAINTY was there too the process of hiring for management trainess was Test. board interview and then CEO interview, i did well too in first 2, but CEO really give me tough time. but good thing i was selected and after that i did not leave the job and still grabing it. what was outcome of ur interveiw?? Take care

I take my sewing with me. It helps to calm the nerves and focus me more. And yeah! I've been called mad! But I still got the job!

In an interview I would usually sit silent until I was called unless someone else struck up small talk with me first. You definitely want to be social and outgoing but not over the top loud or anything. That would just turn a potential employer off I think. Good luck hope you got the job..

I make small talk to people around me most of the time. I'm always nervous before the interview. So having a little small always helps me! Its also a great way to get to know people, they might be your new co-worker! You two might end up being good friends and helping each other. I made a few friends in the waiting room before. If no one is there I usually read magazines and tell myself "You will do fine! Clam down. You got this!" To hype myself up!

Like you I will just sit there all nervous and not say anything The reason being I can think about what they will ask and how I will reply I hope your Interview went well

i had experienced that in applying a job..i just keep silent unless somebody ask me to or try to start a casual conversation..

Sometimes getting involved in a conversation with someone will help to ease your tension in this type of situation, SViswan, but at other times it is better to just concentrate on the results you would like to achieve from the interview you are anticipating.

I would make casual conversation if someone was receptive, but wouldn't get into a prolonged discussion. I would do my best to appear confident and at ease (and undermine the other applicants hopefully haha). Too much talking would make me appear nervous and probably actually make me more nervous. I rehearse possible responses in my mind before the interview. And I'm sure that woman with the child was appreciative - not the best idea to bring your child to an interview - let's assume she had no choice.

When I have an interview, usually I will wait and sit there siliently. In fact at that time you can prepare for the interview in your mind. Such as what to say and how you behave. I wonder how your interview would be. I hope you can succeed it.

I usually say, "Hi," smile and sit down. Most of the time, I and the other candidates are looking through our folders or portfolios to refresh our memories about the position. We think about questions that might be asked, etc. So I seem polite and personable, but busy. Take care