Interviews can be very formal and structured or informal and conversational. Let the interviewer set the tone and let your style be compatible with theirs. There are standard steps that apply to every interview process.

THE INTRODUCTION
In every interview, there is a short interval before getting down to business, which is filled with small talk. Be enthusiastic and pleasantly answer any questions.

THE INTERVIEW
Follow the interviewer’s lead. Try to get the interviewer to describe the position and the duties to you early in the interview process. This way, you may be able to apply your background, skills and accomplishments to the position.

Establish rapport with the interviewer. People want to hire those they feel most comfortable with.

Make sure that your good points come across to the interviewer in a sincere manner. Stress your achievements.

Respond to questions being asked as they relate to the position, or the school’s needs. If asked about your background, be specific and only talk about those aspects that relate to the particular position in question.

If you get the impression that the interview is not going well and that you have already been rejected, do not let your discouragement show. Once in a while, an interviewer who is genuinely interested in you may seem to discourage you as a way of testing your reaction.

Avoid discussing salary, benefits, vacations or retirement at the first interview. If pressed about salary or benefits, respond: "I would seriously consider any reasonable offer you make."

Make sure you talk about why you are interested in this position and what you can offer the school.

CLOSING THE INTERVIEW
The closing phase is the most important part of the interview for making a lasting impression that can place you above other competitors for the same position.

Let the interviewer know how excited you are about the position.

Find out what the next step is.

Make a statement that indicates that you can do the job, and that you would like to receive an offer. Always ask for the offer.

Finally, as you are preparing to leave, tell the employer how much you would enjoy working with the faculty and students.

At this point, you should expect to be dismissed or taken to another interviewer. All interviews should be handled in the same fashion. You must convince all parties in the interview process that you are the right person for the job.

The candidate that shows the most enthusiasm for the job, the opportunity and the school is usually the one that gets the offer.