TE – Session 3

Oral Forms Of
Communication: Interviews
 “Hey, I’ve Got A Job Interview!”

FEAR
FACTOR
● What’s going to happen during the
interview?
● Who is conducting the interview?
● What is the interview intended to accomplish?
● How long will the interview last?
● Where will the interview be conducted?
● How will I be evaluated?
Your interview starts before you walk
into an employer’s door..
 Interview Strategy
● Have advance knowledge of the company and the
answers to the “Fear Factor” questions.
● Know what the interviewer is asking and trying to
discover about you.
● Be prepared to convince the interviewer you can
accomplish his three goals: 1) you can do the job, 2)
you will do the job, 3) you will get along with other
employees.
● Most interviews are pleasant and friendly. Try to
enjoy it.
 Understand Yourself
Take an inventory of your attributes
1. Education
2. Experience, both paid and unpaid
3. Accomplishments and achievements
4. Skills and competencies
5. Community service
6. Clubs and organizations
7. Extra-Curricular activities
8. Work ethics
9. Values
 Create Your Personal
Profile
• Create a professional resume.
• Look for ways to put a positive spin on your
career history.
• Create a powerful, competent and
experienced
image by using action words to describe
yourself and your accomplishments.
Create Your Personal
Profile
• Give yourself all the credit you
deserve.
• Be totally honest, but don’t
shortchange yourself by underestimating
or minimizing your
accomplishments.
• Have a professional critique of your
resume.
 Know the Position
Make sure you and the position are a match.

• Duties of the position

• Compensation range
• Location
• Work schedules
• Benefits
 Know the Organization
• Organization’s name
• Private or public
• What products or services
• Key management team
 Know the Organization
Where to find organization’s information:

• Organization’s website
• Search engines like Google or Hoovers
• College placement office
• Networking
• Library and newspaper archives
 Types of Interviews
One-on-one most often used
● Informal: Interviewer has a general idea of what will be asked,
but after first question, follows conversation trend.
● Structured: Questions will be written out based on job
requirements, and will be asked of every candidate.
● Unstructured: After one or two questions, the interviewer may
sit back and wait for you to make the next move.
Group you will meet with more than one person at a time
● Teamwork is important. They want to see how effective you are
as part of a group.
● Take it one question at a time
● Answer the person who asked the question. After finish look
around & see if anyone needs further clarification.
● Make eye contact with each member of the group.
 The Job Interview

● The most crucial thirty- to sixty-minute opportunity you

have in your job seeking efforts.
● The culmination of all your preparation, including
education, and the key to opening the door to your
career.
● Your goals for effective job interviewing:
● Get the job offer
● Land a stimulating & rewarding job
● Interviewer’s goals in effective job interviewing:
● Can you do the job?
● Will you do the job?
● Will you get along with the other employees?
 Interviewer’s Worst Fear
1. If hired, you’ll be incompetent. Or, you’ll need too much time
to learn the job.
2. You won’t take your work seriously and someone must
constantly check your work.
3. That you’ll be lazy, giving only the minimum effort and have
to be told when to do everything.
4. That you’ll frequently call in sick, arrive late, leave early and
constantly ask for raises.
5. That you’re a quitter and you’ll walk out when they need you.
6. That you’re a constant complainer, a braggart, or someone
who blames others for your mistakes, sloppy work, etc.
7. That you’re arrogant, rude, pushy, broody, or moody.
8. That you show no pride in your work or appearance.
 Knock Their Socks Off
● You only have seconds to make your best impression.
● It’s all about connecting; bond with people in order to put
them at ease. You’ll be more socially desirable.
● It starts from the time you first see someone (30 seconds).
● A first impression is an emotional, not a rational reaction.

Make eye contact at least half Check your impulse to use other
to 2/3 of the time. Nod every soperson’s name repeatedly. Never
often. use first name in interview.
Smile, even if not in mood. FakeRadiate accessibility. Show
social generosity. interest in others.
Be careful about oversharing, Match speech cadence to other
i.e. disclosing too much. person. Listen closely.
 Think Like the
Interviewer
What kinds of questions will
What does the manager want
the manager ask?
to know? That:
● All interviews are different.
● You are the best person to
● However, since most
accomplish his/her 3 goals.
interviews are routine, there
● You will NOT become his/her
are some routine questions
“worst fear”. you can expect.
● You will make ● Areas the manager needs to
● the company better, know about you
● the manager’s life easier, ● Education Experience
● the manager become more ● General intelligence Skills
successful & look better.
● Attitudes Personality
 General Tips
• Map your route to the interview site so you’re not
late.
• Appropriate business attire is a must.
• Refer to your achievements often before your
interview date, so they’re fresh in your mind.
• Know your answers to probable questions
before you walk in the door.
 General Tips
• Practice, practice, practice your answers and
your delivery. Ask others to critique you.
• If you have access to a video recorder, tape a
mock interview so you can see your nonverbal
communication.
• The image you project and how you present
yourself will be either a deal-maker or
deal-breaker.
• Think about questions you need to ask.
Write them down to jog your memory.
 Typical and not so typical
Job Interview Questions
• Tell me about yourself. (Don’t ramble. Stay focused on
those things about yourself that make you best
qualified for the job.)
• What are your strengths? (Make sure you know what
they are before you get to the interview. Make a
list.)
• What are your weaknesses? (Careful of this one.
What you say can and will be held against you.)
 Typical and not so typical
Job Interview Questions
• How would your current (or last) boss describe
you? (Be honest . . . They may be talking to
him/her)
• Describe the attributes of the worst boss you ever had.
(Treat this like a minefield. A misstep could blow up
in your face. Try to put a positive spin on the negative
attributes.)
 Typical and not so typical
Job Interview Questions
• Describe a conflict or disagreement you have had at
work and explain how you handled it.
• How do you react to criticism? (This is not the time
for ego)
• Give an example of a risk you took at work or
school and how it turned out. What did you
learn from the outcome?
 Typical and not so typical
Job Interview Questions
• What is your managerial style?
• Why do you want to leave your current employer?
(Positive, positive. A prospective employer doesn’t
want to hear a litany of grievances against your
current employer.)
• What was your most important contribution to
your last (or current) employer?
 Typical and not so typical
Job Interview Questions
• What accomplishment in your life are you most proud?
• Would you hire you for this job? Why?
• Why should we hire you over other finalists for this
position? (Of course, you won’t know their
credentials, so focus on your own.)
 Typical and not so typical
Job Interview Questions

• What motivates you?

• How do you motivate others to achieve their
personal best? (Keep in mind that motivation
is internal. You can only “motivate” yourself.)
 Common Questions/ Answers
● Tell me about yourself. ● Tell me about a problem you
● Highlight your background as it solved on your previous job.
relates to particular job. ● Provide information that
● In what ways will your includes problems you have
education or training help you in handled, actions you have
this position? taken and the results- premise
that past behavior predicts
● Demonstrate your capacity to future behavior.
make practical application of ● Do you prefer to work alone,
formal knowledge & training. or do you to prefer to work as
● Why did you specialize in your part of a group?
particular field? ● Double-edged sword; work
alone could be self starter,
● Solicits clues about basic value
work in group could be team
system. player. Stress both attributes.
 Common Questions/ Answers
● What do you know about our
company?
● Use company research.
● Why are you interested in
working for this company?
● Relate your skills to what you
know about the company.
● How does this position fit into
your future plans?
● Where do you see yourself in
three years?
● Demonstrate ambition,
potential and flexibility.
● In a job, what interests you
most/least?
● Relate to the position
● Describe your best/worst
boss.
● Keep it positive.
● How do others describe you?
● Personal traits &
characteristics adjectives
● What do you consider your
single most noteworthy
accomplishment in your last
job?
 Questions
● Give me one good reason I
should hire you.
● What qualifications do you
have for this job?
● If you were hired, what
ideas/talents could you
contribute to this position?
● What do you consider your
most outstanding quality?
● What evidence can you cite
that demonstrates your job
effectiveness?
● Give me two good reasons
I should not hire you.
● What would you most like
to improve about
yourself?
● What could you have done
better on your last job?
● What can you tell me that
best illustrates your
personal drive and
motivation.
 Answers
Strengths Weaknesses - probing
● Identify your key strengths ● technical shortcomings
related to job description (knowledge & skills to
● Provide evidence of strength perform job)
utilization (as demonstrated ● interpersonal shortcomings
in major contributions, job (ability to relate to others)
success) ● personal shortcomings
● Compare yourself with peers (personal traits that influence
(co-workers, other applicants) your effectiveness)
Pretend you’re the Weakness control: turn
employer, what qualities into positive
match job demands.
 Your Questions
● Interview is a two-way
process. Prepare
questions.
● Managers want to hear
intelligent, well-thought
questions.
● Company Questions
● What are the plans of the
company for the future?
● How would someone with
my background fit into the
company plan?
??
● Company Questions
● Is there a career path? Or
Where can I go from here,
assuming that I perform
the job’s responsibilities?
● What is the overall
structure of the
department where this
position is located?
● What are some of the
challenges and priorities of
the company?
 Your Questions
● Job Questions
● Were there any questions I
didn’t provide an adequate
answer?
● Is this a new or
replacement job?
● As you think about this
position, what aspects of
this job could be
performed better?
● What do you visualize as
the major opportunity
areas for this position?
??
● Job Questions
● To whom does this
position report?
● What is the background
of my potential boss?
● What qualifications does
your ideal candidate
need?
● What are the
opportunities for
personal growth? Or If
you were to offer me this
job, where could I expect
to be in 5 years?
 Your Questions
Compensation Issues
● Never ask about salary. The company will discuss salary
when appropriate; usually reserved for the second interview
or when there is a firm offer. When the offer is made, ask: Is
there a sign-on bonus or commission in addition to salary?
How often are the reviews?
● Benefits questions. Company benefits are often worth 25%
to 50% or more of cash salary offered. Ask: When am I
eligible for the plan? Do I have a choice of benefits available?
● Negotiations. Everything can be negotiated after you have
received an offer. Know the market and request
consideration in terms of salary, benefits and perks.
 Behavioral Based
Interviewing
Behavioral
SKILL: Coping
QUESTION: Describe a high-pressure situation you had to handle at
work or school. What happened, who was involved and what did you
do in terms of resolution?

SKILL: Tolerance of Ambiguity

QUESTION: Give an example of a time when you had to deal
with frequent and unexpected changes. What does this say
about your ability to work in an ambiguous or unstructured
circumstance?
 Behavioral Based
Interviewing
Behavioral
SKILL: Versatility
QUESTION: In work situations, as in life, we sometimes have to
compromise to make things happen. Tell me about a time when you
felt it necessary to compromise your own immediate interests in order
to be flexible and tolerant of another’s needs.
 Behavioral Based
Interviewing
Leadership
SKILL: Energizing
QUESTION: Give an example of a time when your positive attitude
caused others to be motivated or energized into action. Be specific.

SKILL: Team Building

QUESTION: Building a team spirit to get results is often difficult.
Tell me about a time when you had your greatest success in building
a team spirit. What specific results did the team accomplish?
 Behavioral Based
Interviewing
Leadership
SKILL: Influence
QUESTION: (1) Give an example when you first used fact and
reason to persuade others to take action. Be specific. (2) Give an
example of a time when your communication skills were powerful
enough to enable you to influence the way others thought or acted,
even in a very difficult situation.
 Behavioral Based
Interviewing
Problem Solving
SKILL: Analytical
QUESTION: Give an example where you actively designed several
solutions to a single problem.

SKILL: Creativity
QUESTION: Give an example of a situation where you were
inventive and explored new ways of thinking. What was the
outcome?
 Behavioral Based
Interviewing
Problem Solving
SKILL: Decision Making/Decisiveness
QUESTION: (1) Give an example of how you reached a practical
business decision by an organized review of the facts and weighing of
options. (2) Give an example of a situation when you had to stand up
for a decision you made even though it made you unpopular.
 Behavioral Based
Interviewing
Personal Work Habits
SKILL: Commitment to Tasks
QUESTION: (1) Describe a time in which you were able to be
very persistent in order to reach goals. (2) Give an example of
any specific time in which you found it necessary to give long
hours to the job.

SKILL: Goal Setting

QUESTION: What has been your experience in defining
long and short-range goals? Tell me what specific goal
was set, how was it set, and how successful you were
in its achievement?
 Behavioral Based
Interviewing
Personal Work Habits
SKILL: Organization and Planning
QUESTION: Many positions have well-established, standard
methods to help you do the job. Give an example of a time
when you found a systematic method for solving work problems
to be a good routine to follow. How did your planning help you
deal with the unexpected?
 Behavioral Based
Interviewing
Communication
SKILL: Interaction
QUESTION: Being skillful in dealing with others on the job is an
important factor in being productive. Describe a time when you
were successful in dealing with another person because you built
a trusting and harmonious relationship.
 Behavioral Based
Interviewing
Communication
SKILL: Spoken Communication
QUESTION: Careful listening and effective communication go
hand in hand. Tell about a specific time when your ability to listen
helped you communicate better. Tell about a specific experience
of yours that illustrates your ability to influence others verbally.

SKILL: Written Communication

QUESTION: In some jobs, it is necessary to document
work thoroughly. Give an example of a project you
completed that required detailed written documentation.
 Summary
• You know yourself and what you have to offer.
• You know you and the position are a match.
• You know the organization’s history and the
benefits you would bring to it.
• You have prepared a professional resume.
• You’ve practiced, practiced, practiced
your delivery.
• You’ve selected appropriate attire.
 Summary
• You know answers to probable questions, including
behavioral-based questions.
• You’ve practiced your smile, eye contact,
and firm handshake.
• You’ve made it to the interview site on time.
• This organization couldn’t live without you.
 Tips
● Bathe and use deodorant-antiperspirant before
the interview.
● Bring only essential items to the interview (resume,
references, portfolio, datebook, transcripts of college work,
licenses, etc.). Organize items so can refer to them readily in
interview.
● Know location of office and how to get there. Make a trial trip
getting to the interview.
● Arrive 15 minutes early for actual interview.
● Be pleasant, polite and friendly but businesslike to everyone
you meet, including office staff.
● Check your appearance before going in.
● If you have bad breath, take a breath mint.
 Professional Dressing
Dress Up even if Casual Environment

For women For men

● Wear a suit, trouser and tailored ● Wear a suit, blue, black or gray,
jacket, dress with sleeves, or in conservative style. Freshly
dress with jacket in conservative pressed.
style, color and fabric. Be ● Shirts white or light color, or with
feminine, but business-like. narrow stripes; ties conservative.
● Hair in conservative style; nails ● Eliminate earrings, flashy jewelry
manicured, short to mid-length, or strong after-shave.
clear or light color polish. ● Conservative style hair; trimmed
● Keep make-up and accessories to beard.
minimum; less is more. ● Dress style shoes, polished and
repaired.
 Non-verbal
● Always offer your hand in interviewer’s response;
use a firm, but not crushing handshake.
● Use eye contact without staring; avoiding contact is a sign of
deception, disinterest, or lack of confidence.
● If a place of sitting is not indicated, choose a chair closest to
the interviewer.
● Sit relaxed, but do not slouch. Leaning slightly forward
shows interest, but do not lean on desk or knees.
● Use hands naturally to emphasize a point; do not cover
mouth, hold your head or twist hands.
 Summary
Deadly Interview Mistakes
1. Arrives late for the interview.
2. Indicates he is late because the directions he was given
were not good.
3. Looks disheveled and inappropriately dressed.
4. Slouches in his seat.
5. Does not maintain good eye contact with interviewer.
6. Assumes he will find out about the company in the
interview. Asks interviewer “What do you do here?”
7. Does not link what he can do with the needs of the
employer.
8. Brags about how great he is , but cites no evidence.
 Summary
Deadly Interview Mistakes
9. Responses have no clear focus, seem disorganized and
rambling.
10. Is low-key; does not project enthusiasm nor appear to want
the job; what are you going to do for me attitude.
11. Answers most questions with short “yes” and “no”.
12. Appears desperate for a job – any job.
13. Calls the interviewer by his first name repeatedly or uses
the wrong name.
14. Badmouths his former boss and the company.
15. Gives memorized responses and forgets parts.
16. Asks “How am I doing? Are you going to hire me?”
After the Interview
● Review & analyze your performance. Take
notes, modify any items to improve your
next interview.
● Send a thank you note to the manager
immediately after the interview. Don’t put
this off!
● Make a return visit or a telephone call two
or three days after your interview.
● Reintroduce yourself and remind which job you
interviewed for.
● Add any additional thoughts you may not have
covered when interviewed.
● Emphasize your strengths for the job.
● Find out if a hiring decision has been made. If
decision has been made and you’re not it, ask for
 100 Marion Street
Liberty, MO 64068
816-792-2000
March 17, 2010

Dr. Richard Lambert, Recruiter

One World Center
2000 Liberty Street
New York, NY 10281

Dear Dr. Lambert:

Thank you so much for meeting with me to review and discuss my skills for the exercise
specialist position. I enjoyed learning more about your company and plans for the future.

The position sounds very interesting, particularly since it would be an opportunity for me to use
my skills in designing sound individual exercise prescriptions and administering safe, specific
activity programs. I am eager to develop and deliver exercise programs to your clients.

Dr. Lambert, I want this job. I can quickly become a member of your team if you’ll give me a
chance. If I may, let me call you in a few days to see if you have reached a decision favorable to
both of us. I look forward to talking with you. Thank you again for your consideration.

Sincerely,

(written signature)

Cynthia L. Smith