The 25 most difficult questions you'll be asked on a job interview

Being prepared is half the battle.

If you are one of those executive types unhappy at your present post and embarking on a New Year's resolution to find a new one, here's a helping hand. The job interview is considered to be the most critical aspect of every expedition that brings you face-to- face with the future boss. One must prepare for it with the same tenacity and quickness as one does for a fencing tournament or a chess match.

This article has been excerpted from "PARTING COMPANY: How to Survive the Loss of a Job and Find Another Successfully" by William J. Morin and James C. Cabrera. Copyright by Drake Beam Morin, inc. Publised by Harcourt Brace Jovanovich.

Morin is chairman and Cabrera is president of New York-based Drake Beam Morin, nation's major outplacement firm, which has opened offices in Philadelphia.

1. Tell me about yourself.

Since this is often the opening question in an interview, be extracareful that you don't run off at the mouth. Keep your answer to a minute or two at most. Cover four topics: early years, education, work history, and recent career experience. Emphasize this last subject. Remember that this is likely to be a warm-up question. Don't waste your best points on it.

2. What do you know about our organization?

You should be able to discuss products or services, revenues, reputation, image, goals, problems, management style, people, history and philosophy. But don't act as if you know everything about the place. Let your answer show that you have taken the time to do some research, but don't overwhelm the interviewer, and make it clear that you wish to learn more.
You might start your answer in this manner: "In my job search, I've investigated a number of companies.
Yours is one of the few that interests me, for these reasons..."
Give your answer a positive tone. Don't say, "Well, everyone tells me that you're in all sorts of trouble, and that's why I'm here", even if that is why you're there.

3. Why do you want to work for us?

The deadliest answer you can give is "Because I like people." What else would you like-animals?
Here, and throughout the interview, a good answer comes from having done your homework so that you can speak in terms of the company's needs. You might say that your research has shown that the company is doing things you would like to be involved with, and that it's doing them in ways that greatly interest you. For example, if the organization is known for strong management, your answer should mention that fact and show that you would like to be a part of that team. If the company places a great deal of emphasis on research and development, emphasize the fact that you want to create new things and that you know this is a place in which such activity is encouraged. If the organization stresses financial controls, your answer should mention a reverence for numbers.
If you feel that you have to concoct an answer to this question - if, for example, the company stresses research, and you feel that you should mention it even though it really doesn't interest you- then you probably should not be taking that interview, because you probably shouldn't be considering a job with that organization.
Your homework should include learning enough about the company to avoid approaching places where you wouldn't be able -or wouldn't want- to function. Since most of us are poor liars, it's difficult to con anyone in an interview. But even if you should succeed at it, your prize is a job you don't really want.

4. What can you do for us that someone else can't?

Here you have every right, and perhaps an obligation, to toot your own horn and be a bit egotistical. Talk about your record of getting things done, and mention specifics from your resume or list of career accomplishments. Say that your skills and interests, combined with this history of getting results, make you valuable. Mention your ability to set priorities, identify problems, and use your experience and energy to solve them.

5. What do you find most attractive about this position? What seems least attractive about it?

List three or four attractive factors of the job, and mention a single, minor, unattractive item.

6. Why should we hire you?

Create your answer by thinking in terms of your ability, your experience, and your energy. (See question 4.)

7. What do you look for in a job?

Keep your answer oriented to opportunities at this organization. Talk about your desire to perform and be recognized for your contributions. Make your answer oriented toward opportunity rather than personal security.

8. Please give me your defintion of [the position for which you are being interviewed].

Keep your answer brief and taskoriented. Think in in terms of responsibilities and accountability. Make sure that you really do understand what the position involves before you attempt an answer. If you are not certain. ask the interviewer; he or she may answer the question for you.

9. How long would it take you to make a meaningful contribution to our firm?

Be realistic. Say that, while you would expect to meet pressing demands and pull your own weight from the first day, it might take six months to a year before you could expect to know the organization and its needs well enough to make a major contribution.

10. How long would you stay with us?

Say that you are interested in a career with the organization, but admit that you would have to continue to feel challenged to remain with any organization. Think in terms of, "As long as we both feel achievement-oriented."

11. Your resume suggests that you may be over-qualified or too experienced for this position. What's Your opinion?

Emphasize your interest in establishing a long-term association with the organization, and say that you assume that if you perform well in his job, new opportunities will open up for you. Mention that a strong company needs a strong staff. Observe that experienced executives are always at a premium. Suggest that since you are so wellqualified, the employer will get a fast return on his investment. Say that a growing, energetic company can never have too much talent.

12. What is your management style?

You should know enough about the company's style to know that your management style will complement it. Possible styles include: task oriented (I'll enjoy problem-solving identifying what's wrong, choosing a solution and implementing it"), results-oriented ("Every management decision I make is determined by how it will affect the bottom line"), or even paternalistic ("I'm committed to taking care of my subordinates and pointing them in the right direction").
A participative style is currently quite popular: an open-door method of managing in which you get things done by motivating people and delegating responsibility.
As you consider this question, think about whether your style will let you work hatppily and effectively within the organization.

13. Are you a good manager? Can you give me some examples? Do you feel that you have top managerial potential?

Keep your answer achievementand ask-oriented. Rely on examples from your career to buttress your argument. Stress your experience and your energy.

14. What do you look for when You hire people?

Think in terms of skills. initiative, and the adaptability to be able to work comfortably and effectively with others. Mention that you like to hire people who appear capable of moving up in the organization.

15. Have you ever had to fire people? What were the reasons, and how did you handle the situation?

Admit that the situation was not easy, but say that it worked out well, both for the company and, you think, for the individual. Show that, like anyone else, you don't enjoy unpleasant tasks but that you can resolve them efficiently and -in the case of firing someone- humanely.

16. What do you think is the most difficult thing about being a manager or executive?

Mention planning, execution, and cost-control. The most difficult task is to motivate and manage employess to get something planned and completed on time and within the budget.

17. What important trends do you see in our industry?

Be prepared with two or three trends that illustrate how well you understand your industry. You might consider technological challenges or opportunities, economic conditions, or even regulatory demands as you collect your thoughts about the direction in which your business is heading.

18. Why are you leaving (did you leave) your present (last) job?

Be brief, to the point, and as honest as you can without hurting yourself. Refer back to the planning phase of your job search. where you considered this topic as you set your reference statements. If you were laid off in an across-the-board cutback, say so; otherwise, indicate that the move was your decision, the result of your action. Do not mention personality conflicts.
The interviewer may spend some time probing you on this issue, particularly if it is clear that you were terminated. The "We agreed to disagree" approach may be useful. Remember hat your references are likely to be checked, so don't concoct a story for an interview.

19. How do you feel about leaving all your benefits to find a new job?

Mention that you are concerned, naturally, but not panicked. You are willing to accept some risk to find the right job for yourself. Don't suggest that security might interest you more than getting the job done successfully.

20. In your current (last) position, what features do (did) you like the most? The least?

Be careful and be positive. Describe more features that you liked than disliked. Don't cite personality problems. If you make your last job sound terrible, an interviewer may wonder why you remained there until now.

21. What do you think of your boss?

Be as positive as you can. A potential boss is likely to wonder if you might talk about him in similar terms at some point in the future.

22. Why aren't you earning more at your age?

Say that this is one reason that you are conducting this job search. Don't be defensive.

23. What do you feel this position should pay?

Salary is a delicate topic. We suggest that you defer tying yourself to a precise figure for as long as you can do so politely. You might say, "I understand that the range for this job is between $______ and $______. That seems appropriate for the job as I understand it." You might answer the question with a question: "Perhaps you can help me on this one. Can you tell me if there is a range for similar jobs in the organization?"
If you are asked the question during an initial screening interview, you might say that you feel you need to know more about the position's responsibilities before you could give a meaningful answer to that question. Here, too, either by asking the interviewer or search executive (if one is involved), or in research done as part of your homework, you can try to find out whether there is a salary grade attached to the job. If there is, and if you can live with it, say that the range seems right to you.
If the interviewer continues to probe, you might say, "You know that I'm making $______ now. Like everyone else, I'd like to improve on that figure, but my major interest is with the job itself." Remember that the act of taking a new job does not, in and of itself, make you worth more money.
If a search firm is involved, your contact there may be able to help with the salary question. He or she may even be able to run interference for you. If, for instance, he tells you what the position pays, and you tell him that you are earning that amount now and would Like to do a bit better, he might go back to the employer and propose that you be offered an additional 10%.
If no price range is attached to the job, and the interviewer continues to press the subject, then you will have to restpond with a number. You cannot leave the impression that it does not really matter, that you'll accept whatever is offered. If you've been making $80,000 a year, you can't say that a $35,000 figure would be fine without sounding as if you've given up on yourself. (If you are making a radical career change, however, this kind of disparity may be more reasonable and understandable.)
Don't sell yourself short, but continue to stress the fact that the job itself is the most important thing in your mind. The interviewer may be trying to determine just how much you want the job. Don't leave the impression that money is the only thing that is important to you. Link questions of salary to the work itself.
But whenever possible, say as little as you can about salary until you reach the "final" stage of the interview process. At that point, you know that the company is genuinely interested in you and that it is likely to be flexible in salary negotiations.

24. What are your long-range goals?

Refer back to the planning phase of your job search. Don't answer, "I want the job you've advertised." Relate your goals to the company you are interviewing: 'in a firm like yours, I would like to..."

25. How successful do you you've been so far?

Say that, all-in-all, you're happy with the way your career has progressed so far. Given the normal ups and downs of life, you feel that you've done quite well and have no complaints.
Present a positive and confident picture of yourself, but don't overstate your case. An answer like, "Everything's wonderful! I can't think of a time when things were going better! I'm overjoyed!" is likely to make an interviewer wonder whether you're trying to fool him . . . or yourself. The most convincing confidence is usually quiet confidence.

As Reprinted from FOCUS Magazine -- January 5, 1983

article source

Interviews: Why should a company hire you?

Sunder Ramachandran artical source

Our earlier feature, 'Smashing answers to common interview questions', got us a phenomenal response. Several readers highlighted the questions they often struggle with. Based on your feedback, here are answers to more interview questions, along with tips from senior HR managers and industry professionals.

Question: Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?

The aim of this question is to test your foresightedness and also gauge if you plan for the future. Stick to professional goals and aspirations while answering. The interviewer does not want to hear about a dream vacation you plan to take, or the industry you would like to be in. Talk about company related objectives. This is an opportunity for you to show that you want to succeed in the company and are keen on creating a career path there.
Sample answer: As your company has a strong performance-based culture, in five years I see myself playing a key role of Brand Manager, working on your marketing initiatives.

• Tip from Abbas Rizvi, Director, Eternity Placements (New Delhi): "I recommend that candidates give some thought to personal and professional aspirations, and then frame the answer accordingly. Aspiring to be the CEO or Director in five years may be unrealistic for an entry level executive. So, while enthusiasm is appreciated, it has to be aligned with the company's growth plans and the candidates' personal goals."

Question: Why should we hire you?

Being specific and highlighting your strengths versus the competition is the key here. Stay away from generalities like 'I am the best' or 'I am very hard working and dedicated', etc. Talk in quantifiable terms that will make you stand out and pinpoint the qualities you have that are valuable to the company. Give real examples that show them you are best-suited for the job.
Sample answer: In the past, I have implemented projects on attrition management, helping bring down employee turnover rates by 4 per cent. I believe this experience and knowledge will add value as employee retention is amongst your company's top priorities.

• Tip from M S Ramesh, Senior HR Manager, NTPC (Noida): "I like it when candidates have done some research about our revenue, about the challenges we are facing, before telling us how their experience relates to that. I would recommend that they point out things they may have done in their previous companies that could address our current problems."

Question: What if you don't make it in this interview?

This is often used as a stress question to check your spontaneity. The idea is to see if you have a back up plan and how you handle rejection. You need to be assertive and confident while answering this question. You can say you will be disappointed, adding that you will continue to move ahead in your career with the same enthusiasm and vigour.
Sample answer: I will be disappointed if that happens, but will work on specific feedback and try again when the opportunity presents itself.

• Tip from Rohini Seth, psychologist and organisational behaviour consultant (New Delhi): "I would recommend that candidates have a back up plan ready -- like going back to their old jobs or joining some other company in a similar field. It pays to be honest and tell the company your plans. I once heard a candidate respond to this question with 'I will join the competitor as I have an offer from them but was keen on working with your brand. We appreciated his honesty and hired him."

Question: Why do you want to make a career in ... (Sales, IT, HR, etc)?
The interviewer wants to learn what you know about the chosen career. Knowledge about the domain and the job shows the interviewer you are interested and demonstrates initiative on your part.
Sample answer: I have always been a people's person and counselling is a skill that comes naturally to me. Armed with a Master's degree in HR, I believe a job as an HR executive will give me an opportunity to put my natural skill sets and education to practice.

• Tip from Prabh Sharan, Training Manager, Kingfisher Airlines (Mumbai): "I would recommend that candidates present their interest and education as strong reasons for choosing a certain career. If you are making a career shift, then explaining the rational for such a move is also expected. Being honest helps. I interviewed a candidate who said she would like to take up a job that pays her the most and the job we offered fitted that bill as she had some financial responsibilities in the family. She came across as sincere and dedicated, and we offered her the job."

As we said earlier, it's all about the answers.
-- The writer is a corporate training consultant based in New Delhi.

:: COMMON Interview Questions ::

1. Tell me about yourself.

Keep your answer short and focused on your professional life. This is not the time to bring up relationships, childhood experiences, family etc. A brief history of education, career and special interests is what is called for here. End it with why you are interested in this particular job.

2. Why are you applying for this particular job?

Show interest and demonstrate that you have researched the job and know what you are getting into. Bring up evidence from past work/ studies that supports your interest in this role and any skills you have acquired in preparation for the role. You can say something like 'I would like to work for a leader in innovative network and telecommunications solutions and my college degree in computational mathematics has given me a solid background for this role. Mention the value-added you can bring to the job.

3. What do you know about our company?

Indicate what you have learnt from your research activities - from their annual reports,

newspapers, word of mouth, other employees etc. Use this to flatter them and show that you have done your homework.

4. What makes you qualified for this particular job?

Again, explain that you are very interested in the job and demonstrate what it is about your past experiences, education and qualifications that makes you ideal for the job. Show enthusiasm and support your answers with evidence wherever you can (e.g. my summer internship at Citibank gave me broad exposure to the area of equity analysis and I think I can apply many of the tools I learnt there in this job). Elaborate on all the past experiences and skill sets that make you suitable for the job. In cases where your past experience is not directly relevant, you can still find elements of it that can be useful. Play up team skills, computer skills, leadership roles, specific courses and independent research activities that can be useful to the job at hand to show your initiative even where you don't have directly relevant job experience.

5. What can you do for us that someone else can't?

Demonstrate key strengths, skills and personal characteristics.

6. Why should we hire you?

See 3. Because you have all the experience/ traits/ credentials demonstrated in 3 and in addition to being qualified, you are enthusiastic, intelligent, hardworking, flexible and willing to learn. Also mention any key relationships you may have that may assist you in the job.

7.  What do you look for in a job?

Be honest. Also mention keywords such as challenging, steep learning curve, good work culture, demanding, rewarding, opportunities for advancement and growth, team environment, opportunity to build and maintain client relationships etc.

8. Why are you looking to make a career change?

Mention your interests and make sure you bring up all skills/ experience however insignificant that can support your move in this new direction. It is quite common in this day and age to make a career switch. You need however to show that you have very carefully thought about the change, have a strong interest in the new career and can use some of your previous skills/ education/ relationships to make that move.

9. Why did you leave your last job?

Do NOT use this as an opportunity to badmouth past employers or peers or talk about a failure of any sort. Any of these answers are acceptable: you were looking for a new challenge, your learning curve had flattened out in the previous job and you were looking for a new learning opportunity, the company or department were restructuring, you were ready to start something new after achieving your career goals at the previous company etc.

10. Why do you want to work for us (as opposed to the competitor companies)?

Demonstrate that you know something about the company, that you believe they are leaders/ innovators in what they do, or you think their work culture is exactly what you are looking for, or you like their product(s) or you have friends who work there and have always been attracted to the company etc. Flatter the company and show you know something about it.

11. How long will it take you to start making a meaningful contribution?

Show that you are enthusiastic and willing to learn and will put in all the hours and effort necessary to learn the ropes and start making an immediate contribution. Indicate that your past experiences/ skills/ credentials will enable you to make an immediate contribution at some level while you quickly learn all new aspects of the job. An Interviewer wants someone who is willing and able to learn and will make a return on his investment sooner rather than later.

12. What are your strengths?

See 14 below. In addition, keywords such as good teamplayer, work very well under pressure, very creative, very strong quantitative or computer skills, and very strong client relationship skills may be appropriate depending on your chosen field.

13. What are your weaknesses?

Do NOT mention key weaknesses here. This is not the place to say you are bad at meeting deadlines or you never mastered highschool mathematics etc. Turn this question around to your benefit. For example, you are 'overambitious' or 'extremely attentive to detail' or 'like to take on too many projects'. Make it sound positive.

14. What are your career goals?

Show you have thought forward and are committed to your career.

15. How would you describe yourself?

Any of these are good examples of attributes employers are looking for: intelligent, hardworking, quick to learn, enthusiastic, honest, efficient, productive, ambitious, successful, compassionate (in the medical fields).

16. How would your colleagues describe you?

Do not bring up anything negative here.

17. How would your boss describe you?

They will check references anyways so bring up the most positive attribute you can think of about yourself e.g. hardworking, honest etc. and leave it to your Boss to say anything to the contrary.

18. What did you most like/ dislike about your past job?

Do not use this to badmouth past jobs/ employers. Keep it light and in your favour eg I outgrew the job, there wasn't a clear career progression, I wasn't learning anything new etc. Ideally, you will have loved your last job and would like to achieve the same kind of success and job satisfaction in a more challenging area as you have now 'outgrown' that job and are ready for 'new challenges'.

19. Describe a situation in your past where you showed initiative?

You could describe any new methods you came up with to do your job or to save money for the company or to turn around a bad situation. It can be something as simple as changing a filing system, or establishing a relationship with a vendor that saved your department a lot of money. If you are in sales, you may want to talk about how you brought in that big account. Creatives may talk about how they came up with that cutthroat image or design that brought in the business.

20. What were your main responsibilities in your last job?

Have these ready and list them all. Dwell on the ones that are most relevant to the new job. This answer should be smooth and practiced.

21. What do you consider your greatest accomplishments?

Many of us have one or two milestones in our career that we are very proud of e.g. that early promotion, that 'huge' deal we brought in, the design we came up with, the costs we saved, the revenues we increased, the people we trained, a new invention or process we came up with etc.

Examples of accomplishments may be: 'Reduced costs by X%; or renamed and repositioned a product at the end of its lifecycle, or organized and led a team to do do XYZ, or achieved sales increase of

X% etc. If you are a fresh college graduate, talk about extracurricular activities, leadership roles and grades.

22. Describe your management style (if relevant)

No answer

23. Do you work better in teams or independently?

Show that you are a proactive team player and like to bounce ideas off others and get input; however you are very capable of working independently (give examples).

24. How do you work under pressure?

Well. Give evidence.

25. What other jobs have you applied for?

Don't mention jobs in different career directions (e.g. advertising and investment banking). Do however bring up any other offers or Interviews from competing firms.

26. How did you do in college?

Keep it positive. It's okay to say you were very busy making the most of college and were very involved in sports, activities, social life etc. Employers want human beings not robots. Mention the areas you did very well in even if it was just one or two courses you excelled in. They will check for themselves.

27. What kind of hours would you like to work?

Employers want to see flexibility. Indicate you are willing to put in whatever hours are necessary to finish the job. Do however mention any constraints you have e.g. you would like to be home to pick your kids up from school at 3:30. Most employers are willing to work around your constraints if you show flexibility on your side as well. 

28. Do you have any questions for me?

YES you do. Questions engage the Interviewer and show your interest. Ask questions that show you know something about the company or the job, that you are planning ahead, that you are anxious and willing to learn the ropes and that you are committed to the position.

source: http://www.placementpapers.net/helpingroot/common_interview_questions

Interview etiquette

Often, it’s the little things that will make or break you in interviews – like turning up on time. Here, banks and recruiters offer some advice on what you should, and shouldn’t, do if you want to impress at interview.

COMMENTS

With regards to bring questions to interview. Show that you are really interested in the role. e.g. what will u b doing on a daily basis, what do the interviewers do and how they go there, what have they got planned for you, etc.

DO

Arrive on time: “It’s absolutely vital that you arrive on time. Lateness is inexcusable; it’s just non-negotiable,” says Victoria Biggs at recruiter Jon Michel. “Punctuality shows that you are both reliable and value the opportunity to be interviewed,” says ANZ Bank’s graduate programme project manager, Linnea Reddie. “You have to, have to, arrive early," says Citigroup’s senior HR generalist, Erika Burmeister.

Research the company and the role before your interview: Paula Knowlen, general manager for Westpac Bank and services business at HR consultant Hudson, says the biggest mistake is not doing your homework. “Candidates need to be clear that they know why they’re applying for that company. They want to know its values and culture and place in the market, and they need to be able to show that knowledge," she says. Terry Mason, executive general manager of talent and development at Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), agrees: “There are so many avenues for finding these things out; it is remarkable how many don’t. Many (wrongly) think they’re so good technically that they’ll be in demand.” Read the daily finance press, and see eFinancialCareers' Jargon Buster to brush up on your banking terminology.

Come with at least one question to ask the interviewer: Louise Pope, of recruiter Crimson Consulting, says intelligent questions set you out from the others. Crimson suggests you could ask why the position is available, what sorts of people have done well in it, the company’s growth plans, or what the salary is of successful people there in their third to fifth year – although Citigroup’s Burmeister advises against asking any salary questions. Cathy Knezevic, vice-president communications at Deutsche Bank, says: “Come with a good question to ask, or don’t ask at all. Don’t come with a whole lot of questions just for the sake of asking questions.” At recruiter Michael Page, Jason Hemens suggests specific questions on the role, the programme and the company. “These will also help you make an informed decision if you are offered more than one position.”

Take time to think before you answer a question: Hudson’s Knowlen says banks are also assessing your communications skills, so listen properly, or you’ll find yourself answering the wrong question. ANZ’s Reddie says: “When you are nervous you might respond automatically. But saying the first thing you think of might not be appropriate. A well-considered response is the best and shows you are thoughtful.” But Citigroup’s Burmeister says a certain amount of nervousness is expected. “Don’t be too worried about being nervous. Just ride with your nerves and enjoy the interview. It’s a two-way process.” And Biggs says you can always ask to come back to the question later in the interview when you’ve settled down a little.

Know what’s in your CV: Everything in your CV should be utterly familiar to you, so be prepared for questions on it. If you have gilded the lily, it will be immediately evident and will do you more harm than good. Wasting people’s time in this way, says CBA’s Mason, will leave a very bad impression.

DON'T

Turn up in casual clothes: Even if the bank has a dress-down policy, remember that an interview is a formal situation and you need to dress appropriately. “The visuals as you walk through the door are vital,” says Michel’s Biggs. “Too much jewellery, aftershave, make-up are killers. You want to be remembered for the right things, not the wrong things,” she stresses. “For guys, a suit with a tie; for women, a suit, either with slacks or a skirt,” says Citigroup’s Burmeister. Crimson Consulting's Pope advises: “Dress conservatively, and preferably in dark colours; pay attention to all facets of your dress and grooming.” And don’t forget to polish your shoes, make sure your hair is clean and neat, and your clothes crisp and professional.

Waffle: Michael Page’s Hemens says, “Listen carefully to questions being asked and make sure your responses are concise, yet detailed and positive. Draw from specific practical examples to illustrate your skills, and show how you would suit the company and the role.” Rothschild’s HR manager, Cleo Higgins, warns that candidates who have been to a few interviews often use the same examples repeatedly and their answers begin to look rehearsed and lifeless. Keep your answers fresh and pertinent. But don’t be too concise: “Monosyllabic answers are deadly,” says Burmeister.

Fidget or forget to make eye contact: “Don’t fidget. There are a lot of fidgeters out there,” says Michel’s Biggs. “A firm handshake is crucial and so is making eye contact,” she adds. Kate Abrahams, a director and head of communications at Deutsche Bank, says how you click with people at the interview is very important, and this cannot happen at all if you don’t make eye contact.

Exaggerate (too wildly): Morgan Stanley’s head of recruiting Asia Pacific, Andrew Le Lievre, says there is no point painting yourself as something you’re not. It is soon detected and, if it’s not, might land you in a job you are not fitted for. Burmeister adds that being yourself in an interview also helps you relax and respond more fully to the interview. CBA’s Mason adds: “Don’t say what you think they want to hear. You shouldn’t assume anything: just be yourself and answer directly and truthfully.”

Forget to turn off your mobile phone: ANZ’s Reddie says forgetting to turn off your mobile phone indicates that you are not forward-thinking or respectful towards the interviewer. Bankers and recruiters alike agree that a phone call to you in the middle of an interview is as good as a death sentence for getting a job.
So phones off, shoes polished, CV committed to memory. Next stop the interview. Good luck!

source: http://news.students.efinancialcareers.com.au/NEWS_ITEM/newsItemId-9521