Chapter 16

Applying and Interviewing

for Employment

12/28/20 Chapter 16 - 1
 Learning Objectives
After studying this chapter, you will be able to do the following:

1. Explain the purposes of application letters, and describe how to

apply the AIDA organizational approach to them

2. Describe the typical sequence of job interviews, the major types of

interviews, and what employers look for during an interview

3. List six tasks you need to complete to prepare for a successful job
interview

4. Explain how to succeed in all three stages of an interview

5. Identify the most common employment messages that follow an

interview, and explain when you would use each one

12/28/20 Chapter 16 - 2
 Submitting
Submitting Your
Your R
Réésum
suméé

• Whether you plan to apply to ptcl or any other company,

your résumé will usually be the centerpiece of your job-
search package.

• However, it needs support from several other employment

messages before, during, and after the interview process.

• These messages can include application letters, job-inquiry

letters, application forms, and follow-up notes.
 Writing Application Letters
• Whenever you mail, email, hand-deliver, or upload your résumé, you should include
an application letter, also known as a cover letter, to let readers know;

– what you’re sending,

– why you’re sending it, and
– how they can benefit from reading it.

• The best approach for an application letter depends on;

– whether you are sending a solicited application letter to apply for an identified job
opening or

– are prospecting with an unsolicited application letter—taking the initiative to write to

companies even though they haven’t announced a job opening that is right for you.

12/28/20 Chapter 16 - 4
A sample job posting

Smith’s application letter

mirrors the language of
the job posting.

12/28/20 Chapter 16 - 5
 225 Eucalyptus Avenue
Chand Nagri, Rawalpindi 440000
March 13, 2018

Sea-Air Global Transport

5467 Port of Tacoma Rd., Suite 230
Tacoma, WA 98421

Dear Hiring Manager:

Sea-Air Global Transport consistently appeared as a top transportation firm in the research I
The first sentence did for my senior project in global supply chain management, so imagine my delight when I
grabs attention by discovered the opening for an export pricing analyst in your Tacoma headquarters (Position The opening
indicating Code: T23-6678). With a major in business and a minor in statistical methods, my education paragraph
knowledge has been ideal preparation for the challenges of this position. identifies the
of the company specific job for
and its industry. In fact, my senior project demonstrates most of the skills listed in your job description, which he is
including written communication skills, analytical abilities, and math aptitude. I enjoyed the applying.

The reference to opportunity to put my math skills to the test as part of the statistical comparison of various
his résumé freight modes. As you can see from my résumé, I also have more than three years of part- The
emphasizes his time experience working with customers in both retail and commercial settings. This explanation
customer service experience taught me the importance of customer service, and I want to start my professional echoes the
orientation and also career with a company that truly values the customer. In reviewing your website and reading qualifications
shows he has done stated in the
several articles on Lloyd’s List and other trade websites, I am impressed by Sea-Air's job
his homework by
researching constant attention to customer service in this highly competitive industry. posting.
the company.
My verbal communication skills would be best demonstrated in an interview, of course. I
would be happy to meet with a representative of your company at their earliest convenience. I In the close, he
can be reached at dalton.k.smith@gmail.com or by phone at (051) 555-3737. politely asks for
The letter doesn't an interview in
include a a way that
handwritten Sincerely,
emphasizes
signature because yet another job-
it was uploaded to Dalton Smith related skill.
a website along
Chapter 16 - 6
with his résumé.
12/28/20 Figure 16.1 Solicited Application Message
 Writing Application Letters

• Prospecting is more challenging because you don’t have the clear target you have
with a solicited message.

• You will need to do more research to identify the qualities that a company would
probably seek for the position you are searching (see Figure 16.2).

– Also, search for news items that involve the company, its customers, the profession, or
the individual manager to whom you are writing.

• Using this information in your application letter helps you establish common
ground with your reader—and it shows that you are tuned in to what is going on in
the industry.

12/28/20 Chapter 16 - 7
 457 Mountain View Rd.
Chand Pur, Islamabad 44000
June 16, 2018

Ms. Patricia Downing, Store Manager

Wal-Mart Johns gets the reader's attention in
840 South Oak the first paragraph by speaking
Iowa Falls, IA 50126 directly to her needs.

Dear Ms. Downing:

You want retail clerks and managers who are accurate, enthusiastic, and experienced. You want someone
who cares about customer service, who understands merchandising, and who can work with others to get the
job done. When you’re ready to hire a manager trainee or a clerk who is willing to work toward promotion,
please consider me for the job.

Working as a clerk and then as an assistant manager in a large department store has taught me how to
anticipate customer problems and deliver the type of service that keeps customers coming back. Moreover, my
The body points
recent BA degree in retailing, which encompassed such courses as retailing, marketing, management, and
out personal
qualities that business information systems, will provide your store with a well-rounded associate. (Please refer to my
aren’t specifically enclosed résumé for more information.) You'll find that I'm interested in every facet of retailing, eager to take
stated in her on responsibility, and willing to continue learning throughout my career.
résumé.
I understand that Wal-Mart prefers to promote its managers from within the company, and I would be pleased
to start out with an entry-level position until I gain the necessary experience. Do you have any associate
positions opening up soon? Could we discuss my qualifications? I will phone you early next Wednesday to
arrange a meeting at your convenience.

Sincerely,

Glenda Johns Johns focuses on the reader

The close builds the reader’s interest by and displays the “you”
demonstrating knowledge of the attitude, even though the last
Enclosure
company’s policy regarding promotion. paragraph uses the word “I.”
12/28/20 Chapter 16 - 8
Figure 16.2 Unsolicited Application Letter
 Tips for Writing Application Letters

• For either type of letter, follow these tips to be more effective:

– Resist the temptation to stand out with gimmicky application letters; impress
with knowledge and professionalism instead.

– If the name of an individual manager is at all findable, address your letter to that
person, rather than something generic such as “Dear Hiring Manager.”

• Search LinkedIn, the company’s website, industry directories, Twitter, and

anything else you can think of to find an appropriate name.

• Ask the people in your network if they know a name. If another applicant
finds a name and you don’t, you’re at a disadvantage.

– Clearly identify the opportunity you are applying for or expressing interest in.

Continues on the next slide…

12/28/20 Chapter 16 - 9
 Tips for Writing Application Letters

• Continue from previous slide…

– Show that you understand the company and its marketplace.

– Never volunteer salary history or requirements unless an employer has asked

for this information.

– Keep it short—no more than three paragraphs.

• Keep in mind that all you are trying to do at this point is move the
conversation forward one step.

– Show some personality, while maintaining a business-appropriate tone. The

letter gives you the opportunity to balance the facts-only tone of your résumé.

– Project confidence without being arrogant.

12/28/20 Chapter 16 - 10
Your application letter is a form of advertising, so organize it like a sales letter
by using the AIDA approach.

12/28/20 Chapter 16 - 11
Using the AIDA Model for Application Letters

• Getting attention. The opening paragraph of your application letter has two
important tasks to accomplish:

1. clearly stating your reason for writing and

2. giving the recipient a reason to keep reading by demonstrating that you have
some immediate potential for meeting the company’s needs.

Dear Ms. Downing:

Opening paragraph
You want retail clerks and managers who are accurate, enthusiastic, and experienced. You
want someone who cares about customer service, who understands merchandising, and who
can work with others to get the job done. When you’re ready to hire a manager trainee or a
clerk who is willing to work toward promotion, please consider me for the job.

12/28/20 Chapter 16 - 12
Using the AIDA Model for Application Letters

• Building interest and increasing desire. The middle section of your letter presents your
strongest selling points in terms of their potential benefit to the organization, thus building
interest in you and creating a desire to interview you. Be specific

• When writing a solicited letter in response to an advertisement, be sure to discuss each

requirement specified in the ad.

– If you are deficient in any of these requirements, stress other solid selling points to help strengthen
your overall presentation.

– Highlight personal characteristics that apply to the targeted position, such as your ability to work
hard or handle responsibility.

• Toward the end of this section, refer the reader to your résumé by citing a specific fact or
general point covered there.

12/28/20 Chapter 16 - 13
Dear Ms. Downing:

Opening paragraph
You want retail clerks and managers who are accurate, enthusiastic, and experienced. You
want someone who cares about customer service, who understands merchandising, and who
can work with others to get the job done. When you’re ready to hire a manager trainee or a
clerk who is willing to work toward promotion, please consider me for the job.

Middle section
Working as a clerk and then as an assistant manager in a large department store has taught
me how to anticipate customer problems and deliver the type of service that keeps customers
coming back. Moreover, my recent BA degree in retailing, which encompassed such courses
as retailing, marketing, management, and business information systems, will provide your
store with a well-rounded associate. (Please refer to my enclosed résumé for more
information.) You'll find that I'm interested in every facet of retailing, eager to take on
responsibility, and willing to continue learning throughout my career.

Final paragraph
I understand that Wal-Mart prefers to promote its managers from within the company, and I
would be pleased to start out with an entry-level position until I gain the necessary experience.
Do you have any associate positions opening up soon? Could we discuss my qualifications? I
will phone you early next Wednesday to arrange a meeting at your convenience.

12/28/20 Chapter 16 - 14
Figure 16.2 Unsolicited Application Letter
Using the AIDA Model for Application Letters

• Motivating action. The final paragraph of your application letter has two
important functions:

1. to ask the reader for a specific action and

2. to facilitate a reply.

Offer to come to the employer’s office at a convenient time or, if the firm is some distance
away, to meet with its nearest representative or arrange a telephone interview.

– Include your email address and phone number, as well as the best time to reach you.

– Alternatively, you can take the initiative and say that you will follow up with a phone
call.

12/28/20 Chapter 16 - 15
Dear Ms. Downing:

Opening paragraph
You want retail clerks and managers who are accurate, enthusiastic, and experienced. You
want someone who cares about customer service, who understands merchandising, and who
can work with others to get the job done. When you’re ready to hire a manager trainee or a
clerk who is willing to work toward promotion, please consider me for the job.

Middle section
Working as a clerk and then as an assistant manager in a large department store has taught
me how to anticipate customer problems and deliver the type of service that keeps customers
coming back. Moreover, my recent BA degree in retailing, which encompassed such courses
as retailing, marketing, management, and business information systems, will provide your
store with a well-rounded associate. (Please refer to my enclosed résumé for more
information.) You'll find that I'm interested in every facet of retailing, eager to take on
responsibility, and willing to continue learning throughout my career.

Final paragraph
I understand that Wal-Mart prefers to promote its managers from within the company, and I
would be pleased to start out with an entry-level position until I gain the necessary experience.
Do you have any associate positions opening up soon? Could we discuss my qualifications? I
will phone you early next Wednesday to arrange a meeting at your convenience.

12/28/20 Chapter 16 - 16
Figure 16.2 Unsolicited Application Letter
 How To Write
A Cover Letter - Contents
• Paragraph 1: • Paragraph 3:
– How and what you know about
the organization and the industry.
– to ask the reader for a
specific action and
– What you want. The reason

– Give information on how

• Paragraph 2: you can be contacted.
– Concise overview of work history
and skills that will help you
perform the job.

– Mention enclosure of your

resume. • Closing, signature, and
typed name
– State confidence in your ability.

12/28/20 17
Dear Name,
 
As an accomplished individual with a rapidly increasing range of industry experience, I believe I
am someone who will be an asset to your firm. With strong instincts and a proven record in the
areas of Account Writing, Account Management, Account Advisory, Chart of Accounts
Preparation, Finalization of Accounts, MIS Reports Preparation, Auditing, Internal Auditing &
Taxation, I would like to explore the possibility of putting my skills and experience to work for you.
 
As you can see from my enclosed resume my career encompasses roles in coordination,
collaboration and overall leadership. I am confident that my training, skills and my background will
suit you perfectly. I am someone who consistently delivers top quality results no matter what the
challenge. I am persuasive, self-confident and effective, and have proven to be a respected and
valued employee in the past. My dedication to excellent performance, ability to interact
professionally with all levels of personnel and my drive to grow in this field makes me an asset to
an organization such as yours.
 
I would be pleased to have the opportunity to discuss the future employment and look forward to
hearing from you soon. Please contact me at the contact information given below.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Your Name

12/28/20 18 Anjum N. Qureshi

Following Up After Submitting
a Resume

12/28/20 Chapter 16 - 19
 Following Up After Submitting a Resume

• If your application letter and résumé fail to bring a response within a month or so,
follow up with a second letter or email message to let the company know you are
still interested.

• This follow-up message will also give you a chance to update your original
application with any recent job-related information.

• Whatever the circumstances, a follow-up message can demonstrate that

– you are sincerely interested in working for the organization,

– persistent in pursuing your goals, and
– committed to upgrading your skills.

12/28/20 Chapter 16 - 20
 Following Up After Submitting a Resume

• When you follow up by email or telephone,

– you can share an additional piece of information that links your qualifications to the
position and
– ask a question about the hiring process as a way to gather some information about your
status.

• Good questions to ask include:

– Has a hiring decision been made yet?

– Can you tell me what to expect next in terms of the hiring process?
– What is the company’s timeframe for filling this position?
– Could I follow up in another week if you haven’t had the chance to contact me yet?
– Can I provide any additional information regarding my qualifications for the position?

12/28/20 Chapter 16 - 21
 Writing One Page Resume

12/28/20 Chapter 16 - 22
 Summary of sections
• Name (in bold)
• Address, telephone number, e-mail address
• Personal Statement
• Key Skills And Competencies
• Education
• Employment
• Achievements and awards
• Professional affiliations
• Publications or projects
• Personal Interests and Hobbies
Optional
• References

12/28/20 23 Anjum N. Qureshi

 Understanding
Understanding the
the Interviewing
Interviewing
Process
Process

• As you get ready to begin interviewing, keep two vital points in mind.

• First, recognize that the process takes time.

• Start your preparation and research early; the best job offers usually go to
the best-prepared candidates.

• Second, don’t limit your options by looking at only a few companies.

• By exploring a wide range of firms and positions, you might uncover

great opportunities that you would not have found otherwise.

• You’ll increase the odds of getting more job offers, too.

 Employment Interviews
• An employment interview is a formal meeting during which both you and
the prospective employer ask questions and exchange information.

• The employer’s objective is to find the best talent to fill available job
openings, and your objective is to find the right match for your goals and
capabilities.

12/28/20 Chapter 16 - 25
Typical Sequence of Interviews
• Most employers interview an applicant multiple times before making a job
offer.

• Depending on the company and the position, the process may stretch out
over many weeks or it may be completed in a matter of days.

12/28/20 Chapter 16 - 26
Typical Sequence of Interviews

• First is the screening stage, which helps employers screen out

unqualified applicants.

• Screening can take place on campus, at company offices, or

via telephone or computer.
– Interviews at the screening stage are fairly structured, so applicants are
often asked roughly the same questions.

– Your best approach to an interview at this stage is to follow the

interviewer’s lead.

12/28/20 Chapter 16 - 27
Typical Sequence of Interviews
• The selection stage of interviews helps the organization narrow the field a
little further.

– Typically, if you are invited to visit a company, you will talk with several people: a
member of the HR department, one or two potential colleagues, and your potential
supervisor.

• Your best approach during selection stage of interviews is to;

– show interest in the job,

– relate your skills and experience to the organization’s needs,

– listen attentively, ask insightful questions, and

– display enthusiasm.

12/28/20 Chapter 16 - 28
Typical Sequence of Interviews

• If the interviewers agree that you are a good candidate, you

may receive a job offer, either on the spot or a few days later
by phone or mail.

– In other cases, you may be invited back for a final evaluation by a

higher-ranking executive who has the authority to make the hiring
decision and to decide on your compensation.

• An underlying objective of the final stage is often to sell you on

the advantages of joining the organization.

12/28/20 Chapter 16 - 29
 Types of Interviews
• Interview methods can be distinguished by the way they are structured,
the number of people involved, and the purpose of the interview.

– A structured interview follows a set sequence of questions, allowing

interviewers to screen unqualified candidates and compare answers from all
candidates.

– In an open-ended interview, the interviewer adapts the line of questioning

based on your responses and questions. Keep your answers focused and
professional.

– In a panel interview, you meet with several interviewers at once. Try to

relate to each person on the panel, and tailor your responses accordingly.

– In a group interview, one or more interviewers meet with several

candidates simultaneously. A key purpose is to observe how the candidates
interact.

12/28/20 Chapter 16 - 30
 Types of Interviews
• In a behavioral interview, you are asked to describe how you handled situations
from your past. In behavioral based interviewing you want to prepare STAR’s.

– Situation or Task
– Action Taken
– Result of Your Action

– That means, think of examples where;

• you describe a situation or task,
• the actions you took, and
• the result of your action.

• Employers use these questions to assess your job-related technical skills and
your ability to work under pressure, coordinate with others, and resolve conflict.

12/28/20 Chapter 16 - 31
 Behavioral Based Questions

• You know you are in a behavioral based interview when the

questions start with can you tell me about a time..

– Think Specific (Don’t Say “Usually, Always, Or Never” because

you aren’t being specific)

– Say “I” (The interviewer wants to know what your role in the
example was. )

– Be Prepared to Answer the Negative Question (we all make

mistakes, what did you learn from it)

Continues to the next slide

Behavioral Based Questions
– Was The Result Positive? Measurable?

– For example you might tell the interviewer about a group project you
worked on. Instead of telling him/her you received a passing grade,
say what grade, was it the highest in the class.

– If the example is from an internship did you save the company

money, or did you receive an award?

– Don’t Forget To Smile

– Be Concise
 Types of Interviews
• A situational interview focuses on how you would handle various
hypothetical situations on the job.

– The more you know about the job, the better you will do during the interview.

• A working interview is the most realistic, as you actually perform work-

related tasks.

• During a stress interview, you might be subjected to long periods of

silence, criticisms of your appearance, deliberate interruptions, and abrupt
or even hostile reactions by the interviewer.

– If you find yourself in a stress interview, recognize what is happening and

collect your thoughts for a few seconds before you respond.

12/28/20 Chapter 16 - 34
 Interview Media
Have a copy of all the materials you have sent the employer.
Use a landline to avoid mobile phone reception problems.
Maintain a professional style in your responses and
be sure to ask questions that demonstrate your
knowledge of the company and the position.

Remember, you will not be able to use nonverbal signals to

create a good impression, so a positive, alert tone of voice is
vital.

Prepare for a video interview as you would for an Virtual online interviews can range from simple
in-person interview and take extra steps to become structured questionnaires and tests to sophisticated
familiar with the equipment and the process. job simulations that are similar to working
interviews.

During any video interview, sit up straight and

focus on the camera.

12/28/20 Chapter 16 - 35
 What Employers Seek

Organization
Organization Fit
Fit Job
Job Qualifications
Qualifications

Background
Background Education
Education

Attitudes
Attitudes Experience
Experience

Style
Style Skills
Skills

12/28/20 Chapter 16 - 36
 What Employers Seek

• Interviews give employers the chance to go beyond the basic data of your
résumé to get to know you and to answer two essential questions.

• The first is whether you can handle the responsibilities of the position.

– You will probably be asked to describe your education, previous job

experiences, and skill set.

– You may also be asked how you would apply those skills in hypothetical
situations.

12/28/20 Chapter 16 - 37
 What Employers Seek
• The second question is whether you will be a good fit with the
organization and the target position.

– The general aspect concerns your overall personality and approach to work.

• Your qualifications could be stellar, but if an employer suspects that you might be a
negative presence in the workplace, you probably will not get the job offer.

– The specific aspect involves the fit with a particular company and position.
Just like people, companies have different “personalities.”
• Expectations also vary from job to job within a company and from industry to
industry.

• Even though you might have the technical qualifications for a particular job, you
might not have the right mix of personal attributes.

12/28/20 Chapter 16 - 38
 Pre-employment Testing

• Many companies rely on pre-employment testing to determine:

– whether applicants are suited to the job; and

– whether they will be worth the expense of hiring and training.

– Integrity tests. You might not think that a test could identify job candidates who
are more likely to steal from their employers or commit other ethical or legal
infractions, but employers have had some success in using integrity tests.

12/28/20 Chapter 16 - 39
Ask yourself these questions to test your way of looking at integrity and honesty:

12/28/20 Chapter 16 - 40
 Pre-employment Testing

• Personality profiles. Some employers use personality tests to profile;

• Overall intellectual ability,

• Attitudes toward work, interests, and
• Managerial potential, as well as such characteristics as;

– Dependability,
– Commitment,
– Honesty, and
– Motivation.

12/28/20 Chapter 16 - 41
12/28/20 Chapter 16 - 42
 Pre-employment Testing

• Job skills tests. These tests are the most common type, and are designed
to assess competency or specific abilities needed to perform a job.

• Substance tests. Drug and alcohol testing is one of the most controversial
issues in business today.

– Some employers believe such testing is absolutely necessary to maintain

workplace safety and protect companies from lawsuits, whereas others view it
as an invasion of employee privacy and a sign of disrespect.

12/28/20 Chapter 16 - 43
 Pre-employment Testing

• Background checks. In addition to testing, most companies conduct some

sort of background check on job candidates, such as reviewing credit
records, checking for criminal history, and verifying education.

– To help prevent a background check from tripping you up, make sure your
college transcript and credit record are correct and up-to-date.

– If you have anything posted online that might be potentially embarrassing,

take it down now.

12/28/20 Chapter 16 - 44
The full format of a long report can be
as follows:
• Title page
• Acknowledgements
• Executive Summary
• Table of Contents
• Introduction/Terms of Reference/Scope
• Procedure
• Findings (the evidence)
• Conclusions
• Recommendations
• References/Bibliography
• Appendices

12/28/20 Anjum N. Qureshi

45
• A business proposal is a written offer from a seller to
a prospective buyer in a formal and structured way.

• The basic structure of a business proposal includes

– the title page,
– executive summary,
– introduction, (background/histrory)
– problem/need,
– objective/solution,
– work plan,
– staffing,
– Budget (a breakdown of costs),
– evaluation, and
– conclusion.

12/28/20 Chapter 16 - 46
Suggested Topics
• Writing reports
1. Writing a report on the current state of Pakistani stock market, reasons for its downturn and
the way forward
2. Importance of communication in global business world (consider why communication is
important citing historical examples as well as recent in addition considering culture, across
culture, intercultural issues, etc.).
3. What efforts if any, Pakistani corporate sector is taking to make your environment greener
and healthier? You are required to give suggestions to further improve their efforts
4.  How can we promote more tolerant behavior within Pakistani society?
5. How should children be taught about responsible Internet use?

• Preparing proposals
1. Why Pakistan’s first television network unable to compete in the existing market? Prepare a
plan to put PTV on positive footing. (determine problems and then solution)
2. Reviving Lollywood (history and background, its zenith and fall, what can be done by the
govt. the industry itself, and public at large, who are the stakeholders)
3. Solving parking problem at Karachi company (you are a private company)
4. Give City Govt. Rawalpindi proposal to tackle their garbage disposal problem
5. What should be done to lower the national debt?
6. What could be done to make the electoral system more effective?
7. How can the government make programs such as welfare, Medicaid, and Social
Security more effective?

12/28/20 Chapter 16 - 47
Preparing
Preparing for
for aa Job
Job Interview
Interview
 Preparing for a Job Interview
• Having acquired an insight into the interviewing and assessment process, you’re
now ready to begin preparing for your interviews.

• The more prepared you are, the less nervous you will be about the interviewing
process.

12/28/20 Chapter 16 - 49
Learning About the Organization
and Your Interviewers

• Today’s companies expect candidates to demonstrate an understanding of;

– the company’s operations,

– its markets, and
– its strategic and tactical challenges.

• Making this effort demonstrates;

– your interest in the company, and

– it identifies you as a business professional who knows the importance of investigation

and analysis.

12/28/20 Chapter 16 - 50
 Learning About the Organization
and Your Interviewers
• Learn as much as you can about the managers who will be interviewing you, if you
can get their names.

• Search LinkedIn in particular; many professionals have profiles on the popular

business networking site. Think about ways to use whatever information you find.

– For example, if you learn that an interviewer lists membership in a particular professional
organization, you might ask him or her whether the organization is a good forum for people to learn
about vital issues in the profession or industry. This question gives the interviewer an opportunity to
talk about his or her own interests and experiences for a moment, which builds rapport and might
reveal vital insights into the career path you are considering.

• Just make sure your questions are sincere and not uncomfortably personal.

12/28/20 Chapter 16 - 51
• Throughout the interview process, you can expect to get a mix of questions
that are specific to you and the particular job opening, as well as questions that
are of a more general nature.

• Get ready to face these five at the very least:

• What is the hardest decision you have ever had to make?

• Be prepared with a good example, explaining why the decision was
difficult and how you made the choice you made.

• What are your greatest weaknesses?

• The standard ways to reply are to describe a weakness so that it sounds
like a virtue (such as driving yourself too hard) or to describe a relatively
minor shortcoming and explain how you are working to improve.

12/28/20 Chapter 16 - 52
• Where do you want to be five years from now?
• Your answer should reflect your desire to contribute to the employer’s long-term goals,
not just your own. Whether this question yields useful information is a matter of debate,
but be prepared to answer it.

• What didn’t you like about previous jobs you have held?
• Describe something that you did not like in a way that puts you in a positive light, such
as having limited opportunities to apply your skills or education. Avoid making negative
comments about former employers or colleagues.

• Tell me something about yourself.

• Ask if the interviewer would like to know about your specific skills or attributes. If this
point is clarified, respond accordingly. If it is not, explain how your skills can contribute
to the job and the organization.

12/28/20 Chapter 16 - 53
• Why do you want this job?

• Companies want to hire people who are passionate about the job.

– First, identify a couple of key factors that make the role a great fit for you (e.g., “I love
accounting because I have always been fascinated by the numbers.)

– Then share why you love the company (e.g., “I’ve always been passionate about
education, and I think you guys are doing great things, so I want to be a part of it”).

• Why should we hire you?

• If you're asked this question, you're in luck: There's no better setup for you to
sell yourself and your skills to the hiring manager.

• Your job here is to craft an answer that covers three things:

– that you can not only do the work, you can deliver great results;
– that you'll really fit in with the team and culture; and
– that you'd be a better hire than any of the other candidates.
 Planning Questions of Your Own

• Remember that an interview is a two-way conversation: The questions you ask

are just as important as the answers you provide.

• By asking insightful questions,

– you can demonstrate your understanding of the organization,
– you can steer the discussion into areas that allow you to present your qualifications
to best advantage, and
– you can verify for yourself whether this is a good opportunity.

• Plus, interviewers expect you to ask questions and tend to look negatively on
candidates who don’t have any questions to ask.

Continues on the next slide…

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 Planning Questions of Your Own

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 Building Your Confidence
• Interviewing is stressful for everyone,
so some nervousness is natural.

• However, you can take steps to feel

more confident.

• Start by reminding yourself that you

have value to offer the employer, and
the employer already thinks highly
enough of you to invite you to an
interview.

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 Building Your Confidence

• If some aspect of your appearance or background makes you uneasy, correct it if

possible or offset it by emphasizing positive traits such as warmth, wit,
intelligence, or charm.

• Instead of dwelling on your weaknesses, focus on your strengths.

• Instead of worrying about how you will perform in the interview, focus on how
you can help the organization succeed.

• The more prepared you are, the more confident you’ll be.

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 Polishing Your Interview Style
• Competence and confidence are the foundation of your interviewing
style, and you can enhance these attributes by giving the interviewer an
impression of good manners and good judgment.

• Building confidence and good manners??

Good Manners

Competence
Confidence

Mock Nonverbal Voice

Interviews Skills Training

Good Judgment

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 Polishing Your Interview Style
• You can improve your interviewing style by staging mock interviews with
a friend.
– You can record these practice sessions and then evaluate them yourself. After each
practice session, look for opportunities to improve.

• During the mock interviews, pay particular attention to your nonverbal

behavior.

• You are more likely to have a • These nonverbal signals convince the
successful interview if you; interviewer that you are:
• maintain eye contact, • alert,
• assertive,
• smile frequently, • dependable,
• sit in an attentive position, and • confident,
• responsible, and
• use frequent hand gestures.
• energetic.

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 Polishing Your Interview Style

• The sound of your voice can also have a major impact on your
success in a job interview.

– If you tend to speak too rapidly, practice speaking more slowly.

– If your voice sounds too loud or too soft, practice adjusting it.

– Work on eliminating speech mannerisms such as you know, like, and

um, etc.

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 Presenting a Professional Image

• Clothing and grooming are important elements of preparation because they reveal
something about your personality, professionalism, and ability to sense the
unspoken “rules” of a situation.

• Inappropriate dress is a common criticism leveled at interviewees, so stand

out by looking professional.

• Remember, an interview is not the place to

express your individuality or to let your inner
rebel run wild.

• Send a clear signal that you understand the

business world and know how to adapt to it.

• You won’t be taken seriously otherwise.

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Being Ready When You Arrive

Preparing Traveling Waiting

Your Résumé The Location Review and Plan

Support Papers The Route Be Professional

Your Portfolio Travel Time Practice Courtesy

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 Being Ready When You Arrive

• When you go to your interview, take ;

– a small notebook, a pen,

– a list of the questions you want to ask,
– several copies of your résumé (protected in a folder),
– an outline of what you have learned about the organization, and
– any past correspondence about the position.

• You may also want to take a small calendar, a transcript of your college grades, a
list of references, and a portfolio containing samples of your work, performance
reviews, and certificates of achievement.

• Carry all these items in a good-quality briefcase.

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 Being Ready When You Arrive
• Be sure you know when and where the interview will be held.

– The worst way to start any interview is to be late, so plan to arrive early.
– Verify the route and time required to get there, even if that means traveling there ahead
of time.

• When you arrive, you may have to wait for a while.

– Use this time to review the key messages about yourself that you want to get across in
the interview.
– Conduct yourself professionally while waiting.
– Show respect for everyone you encounter and avoid chewing gum, eating, or drinking.
– Anything you do or say at this stage may get back to the interviewer, so make sure your
best qualities show from the moment you enter the premises.

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 The Interview Process

1 The Warm-Up Stage

2 Question-and-Answer

3 Close of the Interview

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 The Warm-Up Stage
• The warm-up is the most important, even though it
may account for only a small fraction of the time
you spend in the interview.

• Studies suggest that many interviewers, particularly

those who are poorly trained in interviewing
techniques, make up their minds within the first 20
seconds of contact with a candidate.

• Do not let your guard down if the interviewer wants

to engage in what feels like small talk; these
exchanges are every bit as important as structured
questions.

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 The Warm-Up Stage
• Body language is important at this point.

– Sit up straight, maintain regular but natural eye

contact, and do not fidget.

– When the interviewer extends a hand, respond with

a firm but not overpowering handshake.

• Repeat the interviewer’s name when you are

introduced.

– Wait until you are asked to be seated, or until the

interviewer has taken a seat.

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 The Question-and-Answer Stage
• Questions-and-answers will consume the greatest part of
the interview.

– The interviewer will ask you about your qualifications

and discuss many of the points mentioned in your
résumé. You will also be asking questions of your own.

• Let the interviewer lead the conversation, and never answer a question before he or
she has finished asking it.

• As much as possible, do not limit yourself to yes or no answers.

• If you are asked a difficult question, pause to think before responding.

• If you periodically ask a question or two from the list you have prepared, you
will not only learn something but also demonstrate your interest.

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 The Question-and-Answer Stage

• Paying attention when the interviewer speaks can be as important as

giving good answers or asking good questions.

– Listening should make up about half the time you spend in an interview.

– The interviewer’s facial expressions, eye movements, gestures, and posture

may tell you the real meaning of what is being said.

– Be especially aware of how your comments are received .

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 The Question-and-Answer Stage

• Employers cannot legally discriminate against a job candidate on the basis of race,
color, gender, age (from 40 to 70 years), marital status, religion, national origin, or
disability.

• If you are asked personal questions, how you respond depends on;

– how badly you want the job,

– how you feel about revealing the information asked for,

– what you think the interviewer will do with the information, and

– whether you want to work for a company that asks such questions.

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 The Close
• Like the warm-up, the end of the interview is more important
than its duration would indicate.

• The close of the interview is your last opportunity to

emphasize your value to the organization and to correct any
misconceptions the interviewer might have.

• You can generally tell when the interviewer is trying to conclude the session.

• When you get the signal, respond promptly, but do not rush.

• Thank the interviewer for the opportunity and express an interest in the organization.

• If you can do so comfortably, try to pin down what will happen next, but do not press
for an immediate decision.

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 The Close
• If you do receive an offer during the interview, you will naturally want to discuss
salary.

• However, let the interviewer raise the subject.

• If asked about your salary requirements, you can say that they are open or
negotiable, or that you would expect a competitive compensation package.

• If you do not like the offer, you might try to negotiate, provided you are in a good
bargaining position and the organization has the flexibility to accommodate you.

• If salary is not negotiable, you may find some flexibility in the overall
compensation and benefits package.

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 The Close
• If yours is a typical job search, you will have many interviews before you accept an
offer.

• For that reason, keeping a notebook with interview notes can help you refresh your
memory of each conversation.

• As soon as you leave the interview facility, jot down the names and titles of the
people you met.

• Briefly summarize the interviewer’s answers to your questions.

• Then, evaluate your performance.

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Following
Following Up
Up After
After the
the Interview
Interview
 Common Types of Employment
Messages Following an Interview

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 Common Types of Employment Messages
Following an Interview

• Consider the following tips when writing the most common types of employment
messages:

• Thank-You Message: Write a thank-you message within two days of the

interview, even if you feel you have little chance of getting the job. In addition to
demonstrating good etiquette, a thank-you message gives you the opportunity to
reinforce the reasons you are a good choice for the position and lets you respond to
any negatives that might’ve arisen in the interview. Acknowledge the interviewer’s
time and courtesy, convey your continued interest, reinforce the reasons that you
are a good fit for the position, and ask politely for a decision.

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 Common Types of Employment Messages
Following an Interview

• Inquiry Message: If you’re not advised of the interviewer’s decision by the

promised date or within two weeks, you might make an inquiry. A message of
inquiry (which can be handled by email if the interviewer has given you his or her
email address) is particularly appropriate if you’ve received a job offer from a
second firm and don’t want to accept it before you have an answer from the first.

• Time Extension: If you receive a job offer while other interviews are still pending,
you can ask the employer for a time extension. Open with a strong statement of
your continued interest in the job, ask for more time to consider the offer, provide
specific reasons for the request, and assure the reader that you will respond by a
specific date.

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 Common Types of Employment Messages
Following an Interview

• Acceptance Letter: When you receive a job offer that you want to accept, reply
within five days. Begin by accepting the position and expressing thanks. Identify
the job that you’re accepting. In the next paragraph, cover any necessary details.
Conclude by saying that you look forward to reporting for work.

• Declining a Job Offer: After all your interviews, you may find that you need to
write a letter declining a job offer. Use the techniques for negative messages (see
Chapter 9): Open warmly, state the reasons for refusing the offer, decline the offer
explicitly, and close on a pleasant note, expressing gratitude. By taking the time to
write a sincere, tactful letter, you leave the door open for future contact.

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 Common Types of Employment Messages
Following an Interview

• Resignation Letter: If you get a job offer and are currently employed, you can
maintain good relations with your current employer by writing a letter of
resignation to your immediate supervisor. Follow the approach for negative
messages and make the letter sound as positive as possible, regardless of how you
feel. Don’t take this letter as an opportunity to vent any frustrations you may have.
Say something favorable about the organization, the people you work with, or what
you’ve learned on the job. Then state your intention to leave and give the date of
your last day on the job. Be sure you give your current employer at least two
weeks’ notice.

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