Proactive Tactics: Taking Some Control

In an interview, you don't have to be a passive participant who just reacts to questions.

Being proactive means understanding that you also have control over the conversation and can subtly steer the conversation to ensure you communicate your value and achieve your goal: the job offer.

Go in with a clear value proposition and be sure to communicate it.

Proactivity starts with solid preparation.

You must be absolutely clear about your value proposition for that specific position: why you are the ideal solution for the company's needs.

Your main objective during the interview is to make sure you communicate this proposition, whether they ask you directly or not. It's your "sell," and you must be sure to make it.

Your preparation and your value proposition give you the power to overcome unforeseen events during the interview.

Handle different types of interviewers

Part of being proactive is adapting to and managing different styles of interviewers without losing your focus. Recognize these types and act accordingly:

The Disinterested: If you notice the interviewer is distracted (looking at cell phone, mail, window) , don't get discouraged. Take control politely.

Say something like, "If you'll allow me three minutes, I'd like to explain why I was so interested in this interview and why I think I'm a good candidate." Make your time count.

The Concerned One: If the interviewer expresses a concern about your profile ("I'm worried that you don't have..."), don't get down on yourself.

Address the concern directly, explain how you plan to handle that supposed weakness and refocus the conversation on your strengths.

The Aggressive or Serious One: If the interviewer is very direct, frugal or doesn't smile, don't assume he or she doesn't like you. It may be their style, they may be stressed or just very analytical.

Adjust a little to their tone (without losing your friendliness), remain confident in your proposal and move on.

The "Good Agent" (Too Friendly/Social): Beware if the conversation becomes too social and friendly, deviating from the professional.

You might have a good time, but the interviewer may not gather the information needed to defend your candidacy.

If this happens, redirect the conversation nicely: "It's been very nice chatting about X, but if I may, I'd like to get back to why I think I'm a good fit for this position...".

The "Corker" (Acid/Technical Questions): If you are asked very specific questions (numbers, technical data) designed to screen candidates, be prepared to take those key facts with you if they are relevant to the position.

If you don't know the answer, calmly admit it and show your reasoning process if possible.

Re-direct the conversation if it gets sidetracked or the interviewer becomes distracted.

If you feel the interview is veering off onto irrelevant topics or the interviewer has lost interest, you have the power and responsibility to re-direct it.

Polite intervention: Wait for a natural pause and say something like, "I under