GEC – PURPOSIVE COMMUNICATION

MODULE 9 – 2 WEEKS

LESSON 9 – THE JOB INTERFIEW

INTRODUCTION

A job interview can be daunting even for the most experienced candidates. Everyone needs to be well
prepare to handle an interview to be able to keep up with the competition.

However, bear in mind you have made it past the CV overview so the employer already knows that you
are capable for the job. They have learnt about your accomplishments from your CV; now it's time toshow
them your personality and how you handle yourself in a professional environment.

OVERVIEW

Interviews are important because they give you the opportunitytomeetwithmembersofacompanyandsee if

the job you've applied for is a good fit. Interviews also provide the company with a chance to check your
qualifications and present you with problem-solving opportunitiesorquestionsaboutthe job.Preparingforyour
interview is crucial so you can make an excellent impressionandshowyoursuitabilityforthe position.However,
there are some behaviors, questions and comments you'll want to avoid during an interview.

OBJECTIVES
At the end of the lesson, the students should be able to:
a. Identify the steps involved in the job application process;
b. Recognize the importance of job interviews in the job application process; and
c. Create interview questions for the different job positions.

PRETEST

Have you ever applied for a job? Do you remember taking part in a job interview? Reflect on this
experience of a job interview. What good things did you do at this interview? What practices would you
not do again?

If you have never applied for a job, ask your parents or other resource persons about their job interview
experiences. Then, make a list of what to do or what not to do during a job interview. You may use the
table below as guide.

Table 1. Job Interview Conduct

What to do? What not to do?

1
LESSON PROPER

APPLYING FOR A JOB

Before getting employed, one undergoes an application process that involves the communication skills
you have been practicing in the previous lessons. The application process usually begins with a job
advertisement that is made available through various forms such as newspaper advertisements, radio
and/or television broadcasts, and social media posts, as well as through job placement offices inbusiness
and educational institutions.

To apply for a job, an applicant must carefully read the job advertisement to determine if the job
description matches his/her interest, needs, and qualifications. These advertisements list certain
requirements that applicants must prepare and submit. The requirements usually include an application
form or letter, recommendation letters, school records, and other supporting documents. After all the
requirements are collected and submitted to the employers, depending on the nature of the job, paper-
and-pen tests may be scheduled. Finally, a job interview is arranged.

The job interview is a vital component of the job application process. Documentary requirements,
which are the written components of the job application, do not give a complete picture ofthe application.
Test results are not totally reliable in providing all the information employers need. Thus, employers
arrange to interview job applicants to determine whether or not the latter possess the interview is
different from the other, it is important that applicants prepare themselves well. In this lesson, you will
learn about preparing for a job interview, as well as what to do and what not to do during a job interview.

8 key things to do Before, During and After the interview

1. Research the Company and Interviewer
This is an essential first step for preparing for your interview. Go through their website, editorials and
annual reports. Read up on their ongoing projects, future plans and ultimate goals.
Try to figure out the size of company, how many employees they have and what kind of workenvironment
they offer. You’ll use this information to demonstrate your knowledge of the company during the
interview. If you know the names your interviewers beforehand, look at their social media profiles. You
will feel more confident once you have a face to the name.

2. Prepare your Questions

Once you have researched the company, generate a list of questions that may be asked by the interviewer.
Practice your responses. This will help ease your nerves when it’s time for the real thing.
Next, prepare a list of questions to ask the interviewer. Ask about the role expectations, the culture,
growth opportunities– anything that will give you a clearer picture of what it would be like to work for
this organization. Asking questions shows you’re not only engaged in the interview, but intere sted and
already thinking about your future with this company.

3. Know Every Bit of your CV – Know your Strengths and Weaknesses

Your CV is all the interviewer has to go by in order to get to know you. They may pick things out from it
and ask you to elaborate so make sure you know it inside out. It is also vital that you know your strengths
and weaknesses because you should compare them to the job description.

4. Eat Something
Too many candidates make the mistake of not eating before interviewing and suff er from a lack of
attentiveness as a result. Before you go into the interview, eat a meal that contains vitamin E, omega 3
and antioxidants. This will improve brain functionality and help you stay alert.

5. Be On Time
Arriving 15 to 20 minutes before your scheduled interview is acceptable. Arriving early sets the tone that
you are a professional and will be reliable if offered the position.
Interviews begin the moment the candidate enters the building and ends when they leave. It has been
known that the interviewer may ask a secretary or receptionist for their impressions of the candidate.

2
6. Body Language
It is important to be aware of nonverbal impressions such as your handshake, eye contact and eye
movement, posture, and facial and hand expressions. A sizeable percentage of what we communicate
comes via body language.

7. Leaving the Interview

At the conclusion of the interview, thank the interviewer for his/her time and find out what the nextstep
will be. Once you have left the building and your interview is over, your next step will be to contact your
recruiter to discuss the potential opportunity of moving forward in the process.

8. The Follow Up – Thank You Notes

Wondering what to say in a thank you note? Or whether they really matter? Some people say they don’t
matter. Others say they are essential to getting that job offer.
Thank the interviewer for the opportunity, remind the interviewer of the qualities you would bringtothis
position, and address any concerns or issues that surfaced during the interview. This is another chance
for you to sell yourself.

Supplementary Aid
Watch this short video about the things to do and not to do during an interview. Here is the link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=thzOhKXRETw

SYNTHESIS

1. The job interview is a vital component of the job application process.

2. Job interviews are conducted to determine whether or not the applicant possess the qualities
expected from employees.

ASSESSMENT

LEARNING ACTIVITY 1

Directions: Answer the following questions below.

1. What steps are involved in the job application process?

_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________

2. What communication skills are needed in applying for a job?

_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________

3
3. What is the importance of job interviews in the application process?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________

LEARNING ACTIVITY 2

Directions: Look for the following qualification of the job position. Then, make an interview questions.

JOB TITLE QUALIFICATIONS INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

School Principal

Nurse

Bank Teller

LEARNING ACTIVITY 3

Directions: Complete the diagram below about the steps involved in the job interview process.

Reference: Marilu Ranosa Madrunio and Isabel Pefianco Martin, Purposive Communication Using English
in Multilingual Contexts, C & E Publishing, Inc., 839 EDSA, South Triangle, Quezon City