Business Communication

Job Interview
The Handshake

 Keep your right hand free

 Meet the other person’s hand
 Keep hand in a vertical position
 Shake from the elbow, not the wrist
 Two to three smooth pumps

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Purpose of the Interview

The Candidate
– Clarify responsibilities of the position
– Determine if you can/will do the job
– Determine “fit”

The Interviewer
– Evaluate candidate based on qualifications
and employer needs
– Determine “fit”
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Questions When Scheduling

 How long will the interview last?

 How many candidates will be interviewing?
 With whom will I be interviewing?
 Is there anything I should bring with me?

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Know the Employer

 Product or Service
 Sales/Assets
 Competition
 History
 Field Offices
 Chain of Command
 Size

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Resources for Researching
the Employer

Planning Job Choices: How to

–
Research Companies
 Internet, www.workinoptics.com, etc.
 Trade publications & journals (OSA,
SPIE, IEEE)

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Know Yourself

 Why do you want to work for the firm?

 What can you do for the company?
 Your accomplishments/experience
 Your strengths/weaknesses
 Your initiative, goals and attitudes
 Your responses should be unique and
specific.
Copyright © 2005 by South-Western, a division of Thomson Learning. All rights reserved.
What to Bring to the Interview?
Comb or brush
 Portfolio (folder)
 Copies of your
resume
 College/university
transcripts
 Two pens
 Notepad

Copyright © 2005 by South-Western, a division of Thomson Learning. All rights reserved.

 Dress for Success

Women Men
– Suit with full-length – Two-piece suit
skirt and tailored – Solid colors vs. patterns
blouse – Tie pattern should be
– Keep accessories simple
and makeup simple – Wear polished shoes
– Pantsuits are more with dark socks long
acceptable now but enough so no skin
save them for after shows when you are
you obtain the job seated
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Ten Tips

1. Arrive on time 6. Smile, nod, give

2. Introduce yourself nonverbal feedback
in a courteous 7. Ask about the next
manner step in the process
8. Thank the interviewer
3. Read company
9. Obtain a business
literature while you
card
wait
10. Write a thank-you
4. Use body language letter to anyone you
to show interest have spoken to
5. Listen
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Typical Structure of an Interview

 Small talk
 “Tell me about yourself!”
 Discussion of your background and how it
relates to the position
 Your opportunity to ask questions
 Conclusion

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Five Tough Interview Questions

 The tell-all question: “Tell me about yourself.”

 The surprise question: “What’s your passion?”
 Strengths and weaknesses questions
 Questions about the future: “What are your
long-term goals?”
 Scenario questions: “What if…?”

Copyright © 2005 by South-Western, a division of Thomson Learning. All rights reserved.

Questions to Ask in an Interview

 What will be my duties entail?

 What kind of work can I expect to be doing?
Where does this job fit into the
 organizational structure of the company?
 Who would I report to? Who would I be
 working with?
 What is the size of the department I would be
working in? What is its structure? How is it
organized? May I see it?
Copyright © 2005 by South-Western, a division of Thomson Learning. All rights reserved.
More Questions to Ask

 Does the company offer any training opportunities?

 How would you describe the ideal candidate for this
position?
 What qualities do you want in the person who fills
this job?
 What do you feel would be the greatest challenge
for me?
 What is the selection process from here?
 May I contact you if I have any further questions?
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 After the Interview

Write a thank-you letter to anyone with whom you

have spoken
– Use standard business letter format
– Thank the interviewer
– Reference a point of conversation which was
of mutual interest
– Recap how your skills and qualifications fit the
position based on your interview conversation
– Communicate your continued interest in the
position
Copyright © 2005 by South-Western, a division of Thomson Learning. All rights reserved.
 Practice, Practice, Practice!
Mock interview
Internet
– Ten Interview Questions
http://www.careercity.com/content/interview/
during/tenquest.asp
– Virtual Interview
http://pound.thepavement.com/career/tvirtu
al.html

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THE OFFER

– Give answer in 24 hours unless you are

considering other options. Or ask for a
window of time.
– Ask about other important fringe (extreme)
benefits before accepting the job
– Avoid telephone negotiations

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THE NEGOTIATION PROCESS

 Before asking for more money, mention

positive statement that reflects your skills and
why you are qualified for the job.
 Here Are Some Examples Of How A Salary
Discussion Might Go
Company: “We would like to offer you a
salary of $55,000/year.”

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THE NEGOTIATION PROCESS

You: Alternative answer #1:

“I’m delighted that you are interested in
me. Based upon my experience and also
because of a variety of expenses associated
with the cost of living in (this city), I would like
to make around $60,000. How do you feel
about that?

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THE NEGOTIATION PROCESS

Alternative answer #2:

“I like the opportunity, and I know that I
could contribute, but I have several other
opportunities that are in the $60,000 range. Is
there a way we could work this out?”

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THE NEGOTIATION PROCESS

Alternative answer #3:

“I’ve completed a very valuable
education and anticipated $60,000 as a
minimum. Is there a way we can work that
out? I love the opportunity and would like to
work here if I can get that amount. What do
you think?”`

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