Vary your answers in length from 30 seconds (when answering a question about negatives, e.g. your weaknesses) to no more than five minutes (when summarizing your strengths or the reason the employer should hire you).

Look for opportunities to use examples or accomplishment stories to illustrate your skills.

Add numbers, titles, time-lines, dollar values and other details to your answers to boost their significance.

Relate your skills to this job opening and emphasize your ability to contribute to the organization.

Talk in a conversational manner. Speak up to be heard. Add emphasis and enthusiasm to your answers. Vary the pace of your speech. Pause to gather your thoughts.

Keep your body language positive  i.e. eye contact, open gestures, facial expression, smiling, nodding and posture.

Ask for clarification of questions that seem unclear by asking "Could you repeat that?" "How do you mean?" "Could you clarify that a little?" or simply stating, "I'm not sure I understand what you're asking."

Postpone questions about salary, benefits and holidays until an offer is made to you. See pages 19-21 for information on handling salary negotiations.

• too scripted and formal in tone
• too wordy and long-winded
• unfocused and rambling
• confusing and poorly organized
• delivered in a lecturing style
• concerned with salary and benefits too early in the process