UNIT 10

Preparing for a Job Interview

GENERAL OBJECTIVES

to prepare for a job interview

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES

 To answer questions in an interview

 To describe one-self’s characters
 To describe one-self’s ability
 Functions of a job interview:
1. to give the prospective employer an opportunity to see if the
applicant is the most suitable person for the job
2. to give the applicant the opportunity to appraise the company
and the job

If a company calls you for an interview, they are interested in hiring

you. So you must be prepared to “sell” yourself as the most suitable
person for the job.
 STAGES ACTIVITIES
1. Begining of the • Applicant greeted and introduced to interviewer (s)
Interview
2. The main section of the • Questions from interviewer(s)
Interview • Applicant told about company and job
3. End of the Interview • Applicant usually given opportunity to ask questions.
• Applicant told of future action
• Interviewer(s) thanked by applicant
4. After the Interview • If offered the job, applicant informs company of his
decision.
• If there is no news within time mentioned, applicant
makes enquiry (by telephone)
• If applicant has accepted another job, he/she informs
company
 Research
It is an advantage to have knowledge about the company and the job
position you applied.

Sources of information :
- Annual reports
- Newspaper
- Magazines
- Friends
 Communication
Speech
 Should be clear and precise
 Use your natural voice
 Avoid using jargon and slang
 Never ask the company about salary or benefits packages
until after you receive the job offer
 Focus on your accomplishments, not just your job duties
Eye Contact
 Maintain eye contact. If you do not do this, it may seem
that you are uninterested in what the interviewer is saying.
 Keep your focus and intensity level high throughout the
interview.
 Introduce yourself with a confident handshake and a smile
Answering Question
 Answer carefully
 Listen closely
 Think before you answer
 If you don’t understand the question, ask for clarification
 Avoid answer just “yes” or ”no”
Examples of question that are AVOIDED by an interviewer :
• Have you written many reports and letters in English?
• Are you an aggressive person?
(the interviewee might answer “Yes”/”No”)

Better question to get better answers:

 Can you tell me about your experience in writing English? (the
interviewee will give elaborate answer)
 How would you describe your personality?
(the interviewee is expected to give longer answers)
 Preparing for the Questions
 Practice more on Wh-questions
 Practice answering requests
 Have better understanding in Tenses
 Learn more about vocabulary of personality
 Learn to give reasons and further explanation
Examples of questions asked :

1. What skills have you got?

2. What are your strengths?
3. What are your interests
4. What kind of people do you work well with?
5. What has been your greatest achievement?
6. What do you like about your last job?
7. What do you want to do in the future?
 Examples of a part of an interview :

Mr. Smith : Why do you want this job?

Mrs. Brown : I like travelling and using my languages.
I also like meeting
people, and I want a
new challenge. I really
want to work for
this company. It has an
excellent
reputation. I think with
my excellent sales
experience I can
Mr. Smith : What are your strengths?
Mrs. Brown : I’m fluent in Italian and Spanish. I’m good at
Training Sales Staff and I
get on well with
people. I think I’m very
good at organizing
seminars for customers.
Mr. Smith : What mistakes have you made?
Mrs. Brown : I’m not patient when people don’t meet
deadlines.
Mr. Smith : What kind of people do you work well
with?
Mrs. Brown : I like people who work hard and reliable.
Mr. Smith : What are your interests?
Mrs. Brown : I have a lot of different interests. As I said
before, I like travelling, and
I like reading
travel books. I also like
aerobics and skiing.
Mr. Smith : Do you have any questions to ask us?
Mrs. Brown : If I get the job, when would you like me to
start?
 Examples-2 :

Mrs. White : I’d like to ask you about your work

experience?
Mr. Storm : I learned to sell machines, and I improved my
computer skills.
Mrs. White : Do you have any special skills?
Mr. Storm : I’m good at languages. I speak Japanese very
well. Also I find selling very easy.
Mrs. White : What do you want to do in the future, in ten
years time?
Mr. Storm : Well, I plan to be head of a large marketing
department.
Mrs. White : Finally, about your interests-what do you do in
your free time?
Mr. Storm : Well, I spend a lot of time playing golf at the
weekend, and I’m keen on fitness.
So I go to the
gym a lot.