UNIT 11

Preparing for a Job Interview

General Objective : To prepare for a job interview

Specific Objectives : To answer question in an interview
To address people
Grammar Points : Present and Past Tense
Wh-questions

Functions of a job interview:

➢ to give the prospective employer an opportunity to see if the applicant is the most suitable person
for the job.
➢ To give the applicant the opportunity to appraise the company and the job.

If a company calls for an interview, they are interested in hiring you. So you must be prepared to “sell”
yourself as the most suitable applicant for the job.

The Usual Stages of an Interview

Begining of the
•Applicant greeted and introduced to interviewer (s)
interview

•Questions from interviewer(s)

The main section of •Asking applicant to elaborate on certain points in application
the interview letter.
•Applicant is informed about company and job

•Applicant is usually given opportunity to ask questions.

End of the Interview •Applicant is told of future action.
•Interviewer(s) thanked by applicant

•If offered the job, applicant informs company of his/her decision

•If there is no news within time mentioned, applicant makes
After the Interview enquiry (by telephone or email)
•If applicant has accepted another job, he/she should inform
company

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Research

It is an advantage to have some knowledge would like to have this type of job, and to work
about the company and the job. You could get for this company.
such information from annual reports, It is an advantage to have knowledge about the
newspaper and magazine articles in the local company and the job position you applied.
library, and also through other sources like your Sources of information :
lecturers, other professionals and friends. - Annual reports
This research will give you confidence at the - Newspaper
interview and help you decide whether you - Magazines
- Friends
COMMUNICATION
Speech Eye contact
✓ Should be clear and precise ✓ Maintain eye contact. If you do not do this, it
✓ Use your natural voice may seem that you are uninterested in what the
✓ Avoid using jargon and slang interviewer is saying.
✓ Never ask the company about salary or ✓ Keep your focus and intensity level high
benefits packages until after you receive the throughout the interview.
job offer ✓ Introduce yourself with a confident approach and
✓ focus on your accomplishments, not just your a smile
job duties ✓ Maintaining eye contact is very important for
communication. If you do not do this, it may
seem that you are uninterested in what the
interview is saying.
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” (Why?)

TYPES OF QUESTIONS

Before an interview, the interviewer or panel of about you and how well you communicate, you
interviewers would have reviewed your will be asked different types of questions.
application and references. To find out more

In the table below are examples of the types of questions you could be asked. Choose the appropriate
response for each question. Explain the reasons for your choice.

1. How long was your course? a. Quite long.

b. Just three years with vacation training.
2. You said you had used computers a. There were basic computer tutorials for all students and
during the course. Could you tell me in my final year, I chose the computer option which
more about this? covered programs related to my interest.
b. I enjoyed programming very much.
3. Why did you repeat your second year? a. I did badly in math. However, I received extra coaching
and in my repeat year, I found that with the extra help
and time, I improved.
b. There was a personal problem.

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4. What made you choose this company? a. The pay and holidays are good.
b. I'd like the opportunity to work on the development of
new products. Also the terms of employment are
attractive.
5. Why have you not been employed for a. Personal problem.
six months? b. There was a personal problem. My father broke his
arm and so I had to help him at his fruit stall in the
market

Here are some typical interview questions.

Can you tell me about yourself? What skills have you got?
What are your strong / weak points? What are your strengths?
Why do you want to work in the travel industry? What are your interests?
Do you have any previous work experience?' What kind of people do you work well with?
What do you see yourself doing five years from What has been your greatest achievement?
now? What do you like about your last job?
What kind of salary are you looking for? What do you want to in the future?
When would you be willing to start?

Preparing yourself for the questions and answers:

➢ 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.

Question: Possible answers:

• I have the potential to benefit the company in two areas.

“Why do you think you are fit (Mention two areas where you are sure you can add value.)
for this job?” • I can answer that positively for two reasons.
(Mention two examples or facts as proof.)
• My three strongest qualifications for this job are ______, ______
and ______.
(Always emphasize your skills!)

Examples of interview dialogues :

(I=interviewer, C=candidate)
Example 1:
I : I’d like to ask you about your work experience. C : Well, I plan to be head of a large marketing
What did you learn from your last job? department.
C : I learned to sell machines and I improved my I : Finally, about your interests – what do you do
computer skills. in your free time?
I : Do you have any special skills? C : Well, I spend most of the time playing golf at
C : I’m good at languages. I speak Japanese very the weekend and I’m keen on fitness so I go to
well. Also I find selling very easy. the gym a lot.
I : What do you want to do in the future . . . in ten
years time?

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

Conversation
Tessa Saunders is interviewing James Chen. Here is part of the interview

TESSA : Yes, that's very interesting. Now, TESSA: Right ... now ... let's turn to some
James, tell me something about other skills. Tell me. Can you type?
yourself. JAMES: Yes, but not very fast. Why? Is typing
JAMES: Well, as you can see from my necessary for the job?
application, I was born in Hong Kong TESSA: No, not really. But it always helps if
but I've got a British passport. I'm you can use a word processor or a
twenty-three years old, I speak three computer.
languages and I've got a Certificate in JAMES: Yes, of course. I think I can do that.
Advertising Studies. TESSA: Well, now. Have you got any
TESSA: And you're interested in a career in questions? I mean, is there anything
advertising. you'd like to ask me?
JAMES: Yes, I am. Very interested. JAMES: Yes, can you tell me a little more
TESSA: Why? about the job, please?
JAMES: Well, uh ... I like working with words TESSA: Yes, of course ..
and ideas. And I like meeting people,
too. And ... uh ...well...

What about you?

1. Where were you born?

2. How many languages do you speak?
3. Can you type very fast?
4. What are you interested in?

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