When interviewing job applicants, recruiters will consider a number of factors in determining whether the applicant should be pursued further or rejected altogether.

Although the criterion varies among professions and organizational cultures, recruiters during the preliminary interview generally delve into such areas as education, skills, experience, personality-type, compensation expectations, career interests, motivation and communication style.

Because there is much ground to cover in the limited time constraints of most scheduled interviews, applicants need to make optimum use of that time. They need to respond concisely, informatively and without over-embellishing.

Perhaps because of poor preparation or just plain nervousness, I often encounter applicants who tend to offer long, drawn-out responses to even the most basic questions.  In addition to raising serious doubts about their level of self-awareness, I often pass them over for those who afford me the time to ask more questions which, in turn, enables me to better evaluate their qualifications and determine if they are a good fit for the company.

Susan Chadick, co-Chief Executive Officer of Chadick Ellig, a premier executive search firm based in New York City, advises:

“When asked what time it is, don’t explain how to make a watch.  In anticipation of an interview, be clear on what points of information you want to focus on and remain within that plan.  Provide additional information if it is asked for, but don’t ramble and lose the primary point.”

As a general rule, anticipate the questions and rehearse your responses to keep them within 60 to 90 seconds in length.  While you may be eager to share ALL the details about some matter of great relevance or importance to you, long-winded answers risk frustrating and annoying the interviewer and derailing your job prospects.

If you’re not invited back for a subsequent interview, this could be a reason why.

Matt Durfee is the CHRO for LSQ Holdings, author of “Job Search Secrets from the Reluctant Expert” and founder of Orlando-based Navigator Institute (www.navinstitute.com). Contact him at mdurfee@navexec.com.