Ch. 14–1

Business Communication Workshop

Course Coordinator: Ayyaz Qadeer

Lecture # 29

Ch. 14–2

Interviewing and Follow-Up Messages

Ch. 14–3

We have discussed….

• Typical hiring sequence• Types of interviews:• What an employer looks for• Preparing for an Interview• Things to do for an interview• Potential discriminatory topics• Succeeding in a telephone screening interview

We have discussed….

• Preparing for a Hiring/Placement Job Interview: investigate the target organization; study the job description; practice answers to typical interview questions; expect to explain problem areas on your résumé; build interviewing experience with less important jobs first

• Sending positive nonverbal messages

Ch. 14–4

Ch. 14–5

• 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.

Fighting Job Interview Fears

Ch. 14–6

• Take deep breaths, particularly before the interview.

• Remember that during some parts of the interview you will be in charge.

• Remember that you are also evaluating the interviewer and his or her organization. This should give you confidence.

Fighting Job Interview Fears

Ch. 14–7

• Communication skills. How well do you present yourself and your ideas?

• Attitude. Do you have a positive attitude about yourself and your career?

• Aptitude. Do your educational training and general life experiences qualify you for this position?

Five Important Areas Employers Will Probe

Ch. 14–8

• Potential. How do your attitude and aptitude combine to contribute to this company?

• Motivation. What are your short- and long-term career goals? Why do you want this job?

Five Important Areas Employers Will Probe

Ch. 14–9

• Use the interviewer's name occasionally.• Be sure you understand the question asked. If

necessary, clarify vague questions by asking questions of your own, such as "By _ _ _ _ do you mean _ _ _ _?"

• Use good English and enunciate clearly.• Avoid answering with a simple "yes" or "no."

Answering Interview Questions Effectively

Ch. 14–10

• Aim your answers at key requirements for the job and at characteristics that interviewers seek: expertise, competence, communication skills, and enthusiasm for the job.

• Do not lie.• Don't be a "know-it-all." Don't be overbearing,

overly aggressive, or conceited.

Answering Interview Questions Effectively

Ch. 14–11

• Never make derogatory statements about your present or former employers.

• Show what you can do for the company; avoid an attitude of "What can you do for me?"

• Don't inquire about salary, vacations, and bonuses until the interviewer raises the issue or until you are offered the position.

Answering Interview Questions Effectively

Ch. 14–12

• What would you like to tell me about yourself?• Why do you want this job?• What best qualifies you for this job?• What are your key strengths?• What are your weaknesses?

Ten Standard Interview Questions

Ch. 14–13

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

Ten Standard Interview Questions

Ch. 14–14

• What will my duties be?• Do you have a written job description for this

position?• What is it like working here, in terms of the

people, management practices, work loads, expected performance, and rewards?

Ten Good Questions for You to Ask

Ch. 14–15

• What training programs does this organization offer?

• What are the possibilities for promotion?• What is the first problem that needs the

attention of the person you will hire?• What is the organizational structure, and where

does this position fit within it?

Ten Good Questions for You to Ask

Ch. 14–16

• Who would be my immediate supervisor?• What is the salary for this position?• When will I hear from you regarding further

action on my application?

Ten Good Questions for You to Ask

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The Closing

• Conclude gracefully

• Discuss salary

– Know when to negotiate

– Know what to negotiate

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• When the interviewer signals the end of the interview, stand up and shake hands.

• Find out what action will follow. Ask, "When can I expect to hear from you?"

• After his or her reply, say "If I don't hear from you by then, may I call you?"

• Thank the interviewer.• Say goodbye to the receptionist.

Closing a Job Interview and Following Up

Ch. 14–19

• Take notes on the interview as soon as you leave.• Alert your references that they might be called.• Write a thank-you letter to the interviewer. Remind

the interviewer of your visit. Show that you really want the job and that you are qualified for it.

Closing a Job Interview and Following Up

Ch. 14–20

The Thank-You Message

• Write it within two days.• Restate the job you’re applying for.• Mention special qualifications.• Convey continued interest.• Politely ask for decision.• Acknowledge interviewer’s time and courtesy.• Don’t forget the liberal use of “you” attitude.

Ch. 14–21

Other Follow-up Messages

• The letter of inquiry• The request for a time extension• The letter of acceptance• The letter declining a job offer• Letter of resignation

Ch. 14–22

• How does a structured interview differ from an open-ended interview and a situational interview?

• What typically occurs during a stress interview?• Why do employers conduct preemployment testing?• Why are the questions you ask during an interview as

important as the answers you give to the interviewer's questions?

• What are the three stages of every interview, and which is the most important?

Test Your Knowledge

Let’s Discuss

Ch. 14–23

• How should you respond if an interviewer at a company where you want to work asks you a question that seems too personal or unethical?

• What should you say in a thank-you message after an interview?

• What is the purpose of sending a letter of inquiry after an interview?

• What is the legal significance of a letter of acceptance?

• What organization plan is appropriate for a letter of resignation, and why?

continued

Test Your Knowledge

Let’s Discuss

Ch. 14–24

Thank You