Steps to a New Job

How to Master the Art of Interviewing

Don't Talk Yourself Out of a Job

I've got a friend who's the hiring manager of an electronics company. He told me once that he brought a candidate into his office to make him a job offer. An hour later, the candidate left. I asked my friend if he had hired the candidate.

"No," he said. "I tried. But the candidate wouldn't stop talking long enough for me to make him an offer."

Don't misinterpret me. I'm not suggesting that an interview should consist of a series of monosyllabic grunts. It's just that nothing turns off an employer faster than a windbag candidate.

By using the short version/long version method to answer questions, you'll never talk yourself out of a job.

Next: The Prudent Use of Questions >