Advanced Technical Writing Lecture 10 Job Interview 23/7/2007

Advanced Technical Writing

Lecture 10

Job Interview

23/7/2007

Islamic University Dr. Basil Hamed 2

Job interviewing

Job interviewing is one of the most popular Career topics on the Web. But no career advisor can tell you exactly what to say during a job interview. About the best that career advisors can do, is to give you some tips about the typical questions to expect, so you can practice answering them ahead of time. The rest is up to you.


Interview

The Interview can be divided into three stages:

1. Before the interview

2. During the interview

3. After the interview


Before The Interview

• Show that you are knowledgeable about the company and its operations– Learn about your potential employer before the interview

– What kind of business is it ?

– Is the company locally owned?

– Is it a nonprofit organization?

– If the job is public employment, at what level of government is it?

– Does the business provide a service, and, if so, what kind?

– How large is the firm?

– Is it expanding?

– Where will you fit in?


Before The Interview Continue

• Know Interviewer himself (if possible)

• It is good idea to try to anticipate the questions an interviewer might ask and to prepare your answers in advance


Example of Interviewer questions

• Why Should We Hire You?• What are your short-term and long-term occupational

goals?• What are your major strengths and weaknesses?• Do you work better alone or with others?• Why do you want to work for this company?• How do you spend your free time?• Why are you leaving your job? What are you looking for in your next job? What is

important to you?


Interview Questions NOT to Ask

• What does this company do? (Do your research ahead of time!)

• If I get the job when can I take time off for vacation? (Wait until you get the offer to mention prior commitments)

• Can I change my schedule if I get the job? (If you need to figure out the logistics of getting to work don't mention it now...)

• Did I get the job? (Don't be impatient. They'll let you know.)


During The Interview

• Be sure to arrive for an interview at the appointed time

• Take along your resume• The interview will actually begin before you are

seated• What you wear and how you act will be closely

observed• Remain standing until you are offered a seat.


During The Interview Continue

Present a positive attitude Self confidence & Be modest

Tell your interviewer about your recent accomplishments

and future career plans


Don't interrupt the interviewer. Take your time - it's perfectly acceptable to take a

moment or two to collect your thoughts • Don't smoke, chew gum, eat, or drink.• Unfreeze your face – smile !“ A man without smiling face must not open a shop”

☺


Shake hands firmly !

Depends upon occasions


Listen Attentively

• Listen is not hearing• Make sure you listen to the question and take a

moment to gather your thoughts before you respond.

• Look directly to the interviewer• Don’t argue mentally• Rid yourself of visual distractions—glasses,

pen, or other objects.• Listen with animation


Be mindful of physical appearanceShow Enthusiasm


Approach the question of salary cautiously

Do not talk too much


Never create a situation where you keep

Interviewer waiting


Get the interviewer to like you


Job Interview Tips and Suggestions

Job interviewing never seems to get any easier - even when you have gone on more interviews than you can count. You are meeting new people, selling yourself and your skills.


Job Interview Tips

PRACTICE PREPARE BE TIMELY STAY CALM SHOW WHAT YOU KNOW FOLLOW UP


PRACTICE

Practice answering interview questions and practice your responses to the typical job interview questions and answers most employers ask. Think of actual examples you can use to describe your skills. Providing evidence of your successes is a great way to promote your candidacy

http://jobsearch.about.com/library/weekly/aa121000a.htm

http://jobsearch.about.com/library/weekly/aa121000a.htm


PREPARE

Prepare a response so you are ready for the question "What do you know about our company


BE TIMELY

Be on time for the interview. On time means five to ten minutes early. If need, take some time to drive to the office ahead of time so you know exactly where you are going and how long it will take to get there


STAY CALM

During the job interview try to relax and stay as calm as possible. Take a moment to regroup. Maintain eye contact with the interviewer. Listen to the entire question before you answer and pay attention - you will be embarrassed if you forget the question!


SHOW WHAT YOU KNOW

Try to relate what you know about the company when answering questions. When discussing your career accomplishments match them to what the company is looking for


FOLLOW UP

Always follow-up with a thank you note reiterating your interest in the position. If you interview with multiple people send each one a thank you note.

http://jobsearch.about.com/library/weekly/aa082398.htm


End of the Interview

Thank your interviewerIndicate you are interested in the jobTactfully get an idea of when expect to hear

from the company.


After The Interview

Jot down pertinent information you learned during the interview.

A day or two later, send the interviewer a brief note of thanks.


Sample Thank You Letter

Your Name Your Address Date

Name Title Organization Address City, State, Zip Code

Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name: It was very enjoyable to speak with you about the assistant account executive

position at the Smith Agency. The job, as you presented it, seems to be a very good match for my skills and interests. The creative approach to account management that you described confirmed my desire to work with you.

In addition to my enthusiasm, I will bring to the position strong writing skills, assertiveness and the ability to encourage others to work cooperatively with the department. My artistic background will help me to work with artists on staff and provide me with an understanding of the visual aspects of our work.


Follow-up Letter to job InterviewDear Mr. Vallone:Thank you for the informative and pleasant interview we had last Wednesday. Please extend my thanks to Mr. Wilson of the Servocontrol Group as well. I came away from the meeting most favorably impressed with Calcutex Industries.

I find the position to an attractive one feel confident that my qualifications would enable me to perform the duties to everyone’s advantage.

I look forward to hearing from you soon.Sincerely yours,

Philip Ming

Documents

Advanced Technical Writing Lecture 10 Job Interview 23/7/2007