15.4 The Job Interview

Useful Tips for an interviewBY: Ivanna Contreras&Sandra Torres

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The Job InterviewTo prepare for the interview: Do your homework.Get organized.Plan to make a good first impression.Anticipate questions and plan appropriate responses.Think positively.

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Standard Interview QuestionsSome examples are:Tell me about yourself.What do you know about this company?Why does this job opening interest you?Do you prefer working alone or with others?How well do you work under pressure?What do you want to be doing in five years?Why should I hire you?What are your goals for the future?What were your favorite and least favorite subjects in school?In what school activities have you participated? What teaming skills do you have? How well can you follow instructions?How dependable are you? What is your major weakness? What salary do you expect?Why do you think you might like this particular job?What kind of work do you eventually hope to you?

3Good Questions to Ask EmployersSome examples are:How would you describe the responsibilities of the position?How would you describe a typical week/day for this position?Whom does this position report to? If I am offered the position, can I meet him or her?If I am extended a job offer, how soon would you like me to start?Slide 4

4What Is Said Without WordsAn upright, confident posture reflects your sense of self-worth. Eye contact shows you are listening and are interested in what the interviewer has to say.A smile shows that are you relaxed and confident. Keep your facial expressions friendly, calm, relaxed, and positive.A firm handshake conveys that you are professional and enthusiastic. Avoid a weak or overly aggressive handshake.

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5Interviews in Session6

What Is Said Without Words (Continued)Leaning slightly forward toward the interviewer conveys that you are interested. Leaning back can give the opposite impression.Be aware of the interviewers body language to help you sense when you are losing the persons attention or when you are going into too much detail. Slide 7

Common ErrorsAvoid these interview errorsPoor eye contact.No goal.Poor appearance.No prepared questions. Using the wrong body language. Talking too fast.Using foul language. Lack of enthusiasm.Asking about the salary and benefits too soon.Not asking for the job.Rushing the employer. Interpreting. Being late.Not being polite.SLIDE 8

What not to do in an interviewBe lateChew gumLay things on he interviewers deskActing like know-it-allSaying, Ill take anything, instead of describing the kind of work you want to doTrying to run the interview by talking to muchDiscussing personal problemsTrying to read the material on the interviewers deskAnswering questions with liesBeing annoying by tapping pen9

Dress and GroomingDressing for an interview should be on of the most important thing dressing professional makes you look responsible an can help you be a better choice for the job that you want.10

Dress and Grooming2nd PictureThese people who are dressed appropriately will have a better chance of getting the job then these guys Page 311

Dress and GroomingHow NOT to dress or look for an interview. Page 3, 412

After the InterviewWrite a follow-up letter.Write a short thank-you for the interview.Page 8, 913April 20, 2011Dear : Weve had the happy experience of receiving one or more orders from you every year for several years. But, as I study our list of faithful customers, I note that you havent bought anything from us for the past year. This set me to wondering: Did we goof on a shipment? Was the merchandise you last ordered not exactly what you wanted? Maybe youve been too busy lately to indulge in your favorite sport? Or is it simply because you havent needed anything?Whatever the reason, Id really like to know it, and I hope youll tell me on the enclosed form, which you can mail in the postage-paid envelope. In the meantime, Im sending you a flyer describing our special rock-bottom prices sale on all golf equipment and tennis gear. Maybe when you see the bargains offered, you wont even need to fill out that form I referred tojust the order blank thats on the flyer.Sincerely,Enclosure

Food for Thought 1. Assume that you applied for a job but were not selected for the position. Should you abandon your efforts to obtain a job with that particular employer? Why or why not?

2. What can you gain from seeking an evaluation of your interview performance from an interviewer who rejected you?3. In what ways is each interview a learning experience?

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