Ask the expert: Interview etiquette for both sides

Q. I went for a job a few months back with a television station and had two interviews, so I thought I was going well. After the second, I got no response at all from the guy who interviewed me, although his secretary promised to get him to call me back.

Obviously I didn't have what it took for the job but what upset me was his rudeness in not getting back to me. It was hurtful and I would have appreciated some feedback. If I am not suited to such a role I'd rather know now.

Should I pursue the issue? I have to admit that given this experience I am very reluctant to apply for any other jobs there.

A. This is one of my pet peeves as well. Best practice is for companies to communicate regularly throughout the recruitment and selection process and to notify you if you have not been successful.

Unfortunately, many tend to make the necessary call to the selected candidate but fail to follow up with other candidates who have not been selected. Part of this is that candidates who are not selected may be disappointed or even angry, and those doing the hiring may not want to be the bearers of bad news.

In your own circumstances, if you got through a second interview then chances are that you are well-suited, but just lost out to another candidate, keep on trying.

As to whether you want to work with this particular company, if it seems attractive otherwise, you might want to give it another chance, and see if it is just one manager's lack of follow-through or if it is company-wide.

Q. Recently I attended an interview with a committee of three men for a job with a multinational. Everything went fine. But at one point they asked if I had questions for them. My question: how advisable is it to put questions to an interview committee? Can I feel free to ask any questions which related to the interview?

A. Yes, I always advise candidates to prepare questions for the interview. This is a great opportunity to show your initiative and demonstrate unique abilities.

If there are sections of the job description that you would like explained, or aspects of the company that are not clear, take this opportunity to clarify them, particularly if you have done some research.

You may also ask how the process will unfold and when you can expect a reply.

They will often ask what attracted you to apply for the job; you can turn this question around by asking them if there were particular aspects of your CV that attracted them or if there are any areas that you can further explain or clarify.

Generally speaking, you should not use this opportunity to ask about salary or benefits such as holidays as this leaves the interviewers thinking that this is the most important thing to you - and you can raise these issues when you are offered the post.

Q. What do you think is the best way to answer the question "What are you earning at the moment?" in a job interview?

Or is it not a question that they are allowed to ask, or that you have to answer?

A. It is certainly legal to ask the question, but you can always respond that you are paid competitively and then turn the question around and ask what their expected range is for the post. You can then tell them whether the range seems reasonable, a little low or completely unrealistic, although you really should have done your homework and known this in advance.

Q. What should be the general answer for the "why should I hire you?" question. And also, what kind of body language do interviewers normally expect? I have a bad habit of using my hands while talking.

A. This question presents a great opportunity for you to summarise exactly how you meet the job requirements. Go back through the job description and the advertisement, point out what they are looking for and discuss point by point how you meet - and exceed - all their requirements.

If there are strengths that you think are an advantage, stress these. If you have any weaknesses, acknowledge these but point out how these can be addressed. You should think through this list before an interview, so that you can work these points into other questions.

As to body language, generally maintain open and engaging communication. Sit up, facing the interviewer, with your arms open - not crossed - and a smile on your face. Make eye contact when you speak, and don't worry about your hands moving. When your hands aren't moving they can be joined in front of you, on the table top.

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