Always be upfront with direct questions...If personal questions are asked by the interviewer, keep your answers professional and focused on the job you are interviewed for.
Never discuss family, children etc... if you bring it up they can ask questions...they are not allowed to ask about your personal information such as marriage and children first though...if they do say something first say..."Oh, I didn't think you could ask me those questions"...
Never "badmouth" your former employer, boss or supervisor...if you want to be immediately excluded from a job, "badmouthing" and telling an interviewer how the boss made you angry, so you just walked off the job is the way to go...otherwise, try to focus on the positives of your previous employer.
List previous employers in your resume, but not necessarily your supervisor...a close co-worker is acceptable as a reference, but put the co-worker's title, however, be prepared to answer questions about your working relationship with your supervisor...try to answer these questions in the most positive way possible...never criticize your former supervisor, especially by "name calling"
Always contact those who you intend to use as references...ask them ... if they prefer not to be used as a reference you will not question and will understand...sometimes people's personal references can be very damaging...be prepared with names, complete addresses and phone numbers when you apply
IF you have previous positive reviews or evaluations from your employer, bring copies for your interview.
PREPARE yourself for the following questions:
Why did you leave your last place of employment?
DO NOT PLACE BLAME HERE. A good answer is something like, "I feel that I wanted to expand my responsibilities more and I had reached my potential in my position." or "No room for advancement"
What are your best qualities? What are the areas that you feel you need to work on?
(DO NOT ANSWER "I don't know" to either of the two above) (Do not answer ANGER MANAGEMENT to the second question...)
How do you handle conflict with a co-worker? with a supervisor?
How will hiring you benefit XXXXXXX Company?
Where would you like to see yourself in 5 years, 10 years (etc)?
Thank the interviewer for their time and consideration at the end of the interview. Ask when you can expect to hear from them.
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