Chapter 14 Applying and Interviewing For Employment 14

Chapter 14 Applying and Interviewing For Employment 14 -1

Learning Objectives After studying this chapter, you will be able to: • Explain the purposes of application letters and describe how to apply the AIDA organizational approach to them • List six tasks you need to complete to prepare for a successful job interview • Explain how to succeed in all three stages of an interview • Identify the most common employment messages that follow an interview and explain when you would use each one 14 -2

Submitting Your Resume Your resume isn’t the only document! You also need to prepare: A cover letter Job inquiry letters Application forms Follow-up notes – thank you, request more time, or even a thanks, but “no thanks” letter • List of references • • 14 -3

Writing Application Letters • This is just as important as your resume. • Often, the reviewer will see it first (before your resume), and if it has ANY ERRORS it will likely be put in the “don’t interview pile” 14 -4

Following Up After Submitting a Resume • Don’t inquire before the “closing” date • If the ad says “no calls, ” then don’t call • When you follow-up by phone or e-mail you might share one additional piece of information • You can inquire about the hiring process 14 -5

The Typical Sequence of Interviews (1) The Screening Stage (2) The Selection Stage (3) The Final Stage

Learning About the Organization Copyright © 2014 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Prentice Hall 14 -7

Thinking Ahead About Questions A few of the many stock questions you will likely be asked: 1. What is the hardest decision you’ve ever had to make? 2. What is your greatest weakness? 3. Where do you want to be five years from now? 4. What didn’t you like about previous jobs you’ve held? 5. Tell me something about yourself. 14 -8

Boosting Your Confidence 14 -9

Structured Open-Ended Panel Group Behavioral Working Common Types of Interviews Situational Stress

Interview Media Telephone E-mail and IM Video Online Interviews

Being Ready When You Arrive Take a portfolio with you to hold your papers – NOT a file folder • Small notebook or paper and a pen • Several copies of your resume and your reference list • Possible samples of your work (if the position is creative) • Notes about what you know about the company • A list of questions – and make sure you have at least two questions to ask! • Know when and where the interview will be held • Be on time • Turn off your cell phone • Conduct yourself professionally while you are waiting If you plan to take a tablet computer (preferred over a laptop) to take notes, be sure you can open and start it quickly and that you can use it efficiently, so that you don’t waste the interviewer’s time. You may want to take a notepad as a backup. 14 -12

Three Stages of the Interview The Warm-up The Question & Answer Stage The Close 14 -13

What Employers Look for in an Interview Suitability Organization Fit Education Background Work Experience Attitudes Job-Related Traits Personal Style

Pre-employment Testing and Background Checks Integrity Language Ability Personality Knowledge and Skills Cognition Substance Tests Background Checks

Interview Notes 14 -16

Following Up After an Interview 14 -17

Follow-Up Message 14 -18

Message of Inquiry Request for a Time Extension This type of letter is part of the second assignment (Employment Package) for this class. 14 -19

Letter of Acceptance 14 -20

Letter Declining a Job Offer 14 -21

Letter of Resignation 14 -22

Learning Objectives: Check Your Progress 1. Explain the purpose of application letters and describe how to apply the AIDA organizational approach to them. 2. List some tasks you need to complete to prepare for a successful job interview. 3. Explain how to succeed in all three stages of an interview. 4. Identify the most common employment messages that follow an interview and explain when you would use each one. 14 -23