If you work in an environment requiring frequent customer interface and teamwork, you may find yourself facing what I call the "show me" interview. What this means is that at some point during the interview, you will be required to show the interviewer how you would handle a certain situation, by acting out that situation with the interviewer.

Don't let this seem intimidating, because it really represents what we all wish would be present in an interview: some TRUTH about what you can REALLY DO! Many applicants say, "I could just show them, I know they would hire me." So buck up, if this situation comes your way, it is your chance to shine.

Recently when Vicky Goff of Satellite Beach interviewed with United Airlines at their World Headquarters in Chicago, she was put to the test and given a chance to show her stuff in handling customer conflict. Not only did Goff participate in role playing activities determined to test her ability to deal with disgruntled customers, she also worked with other job applicants in group activities designed to show whether she could work with a group, build consensus and assume leadership.

I have also heard of tongue-tied technical applicants who asked the interviewer to let them show him or her they could do the job. This type of "showing by doing" has sometimes led to performing a single activity on-the-job to working an entire day for free. But for the person who would have lost the opportunity, it was worth the extra time to provide the proof.

So, whether you're faced with having to provide proof or you ask to be given a chance to demonstrate it, take it for what it is worth, an opportunity to really show you can fit the job.