ENG 412 PROFESSIONAL ENGLISH Interviewing for Employment Preparing

ENG 412 PROFESSIONAL ENGLISH Interviewing for Employment

Preparing for a Job Interview Investigate the target organization. Know the leaders, company products, finances, goals, competition, accomplishments, setbacks. n Study the job description. How do your skills and accomplishments fit the position? n 2

Preparing for a Job Interview Practice answers to typical interview questions. n Expect to explain problem areas on your résumé. n Build interviewing experience with less important jobs first. n Videotape or tape record a practice session to see how you come across. n 3

Employment Interviews Organization’s Main Objective Applicant’s Main Objective Match Applicants with the Organization Match Goals and Capabilities with the Job

The Interviewer’s Agenda n They have an agenda n n To determine if you have the skills Identify your personal attributes Assess your motivation Help them by n n n Showing how you fit their company Exhibit your personality Share your career goals

What Do Employers Seek? Organization Fit Qualifications Personality Knowledge Background Skills Style Abilities

Sending Positive Nonverbal Messages n n n Arrive on time or a little early. Be polite and friendly to everyone. Introduce yourself to the receptionist and wait to be seated. Dress professionally. Greet the interviewer confidently with a firm handshake n n Control your body movements. Have copies of your CV etc. Ready 7

Sending Positive Nonverbal Messages n n n Make frequent eye contact but don't get into a staring contest. Smile enough to convey a positive attitude. Sound enthusiastic and interested–but sincere. Use Mr. or Ms. unless asked to use first name n Stand up to meet people n Remember “please” and “thank you” n Be good at chatting and small talk n 8

Fighting Job Interview Anxiety n n n Practice interviewing as often as you can, particularly with real companies. Prepare 110 percent. Know how you will answer the most frequently asked questions. Be ready with your success stories. Rehearse your closing statement. 9

Fighting Job Interview Anxiety Take deep breaths, particularly before the interview. n Remember that during some parts of the interview you will be in charge. n Remember that you are also evaluating the interviewer and his or her organization. This should give you confidence. n 10

Five Important Areas That Employers Will Probe Communication skills. How well do you present yourself and your ideas? n Attitude. Do you have a positive attitude about yourself and your career? n Aptitude. Do your educational training and general life experiences qualify you for this position? n 11

Five Important Areas That Employers Will Probe Potential. How do your attitude and aptitude combine to contribute to this company? n Motivation. What are your short- and long-term career goals? Why do you want this job? n 12

The Three-Stage Process Warm-Up Phase Question-and Answer Stage The Close

The Warm-Up Phase First Impressions Body Language

Questions and Answers Asking and Responding Listening to the Interviewer Handling Personal Questions

Answering Interview Questions Effectively n Use the interviewer's name occasionally. n Be sure you understand the question asked. If necessary, clarify vague questions by asking questions of your own, such as "By _ _ do you mean _ _? “ n Use good English (or Turkish) and pronounce words clearly and carefully. n Avoid answering with a simple “Yes" or “No. " 16

Answering Interview Questions Effectively n Aim your answers at key requirements for the job and at characteristics that interviewers seek: expertise, competence, communication skills, and enthusiasm for the job. n Do not lie. n Don't be a "know-it-all. " 17

Answering Interview Questions Effectively n Never make negative statements about your former employers, or your choice of major or university. n Show what you can do for the company; avoid an attitude of "What can you do for me? “ n Don't inquire about salary, vacations, and bonuses until the interviewer raises the issue or until you are offered the position. 18

Ten Standard Interview Questions n What would you like to tell me about yourself? n Why do you want this job? n What best qualifies you for this job? n What are your key strengths? n What are your weaknesses? 19

Ten Standard Interview Questions n What did you like and dislike about your last job? n Do you consider yourself a team player? Why? n What are your career goals? n Where do you expect to be five years from now? n What salary do you expect to receive? 20

Ten Good Questions for You to Ask n What will my duties be? n Do you have a written job description for this position? n What is it like working here, in terms of the people, management practices, work loads, expected performance, and rewards? 21

Ten Good Questions for You to Ask n What training programs does this organization offer? n What are the possibilities for promotion? n What is the first problem that needs the attention of the person you will hire? n What is the organizational structure, and where does this position fit within it? 22

Ten Good Questions for You to Ask n Who would be my immediate supervisor? n What is the salary for this position? n When will I hear from you regarding further action on my application? 23

Close of the Interview Concluding Well Discussing Salary Reviewing Notes

Closing a Job Interview When the interviewer signals the end of the interview, stand up and shake hands. n Find out what action will follow. Ask, "When can I expect to hear from you? " n After his or her reply, say "If I don't hear from you by then, may I call you? " n Thank the interviewer. n Say goodbye to the receptionist. n 25

Following Up n Take notes on the interview as soon as you leave. n Alert your references that they might be called. n Write a thank-you letter or email to the interviewer. Remind the interviewer of your visit. Show that you really want the job and that you are qualified for it. 26

Follow-Up Messages n Thank-You Message n Enquiring After a Delay n Refusing a Job Offer

Evaluate/Retrain n How did you do overall? What were your strengths? What needs improvement?