Communicating for Employment: Interviewing

1. Communicating for Employment: Interviewing

2. Interviews Structured Unstructured Group Stress Questions Closed Open Behavioral Types of Interviews / Questions

3. Before the Interview

4. Study the company. Name (what initials stand for) Location Age Organization Status in industry Latest stock market quote Recent news and developments Scope Corporate officers Products and services Before the Interview

5. Before the Interview • Know about the job for which you are applying. • Job title • Job qualifications • Job functions • Salary range • Career path of the job • Travel / Relocation opportunities • http://www.bls.gov

6. Before the Interview • Study yourself. • What you have to offer • How well your skills match the job requirements • How well you will fit in with the company, etc. • How you will sell yourself.

7. Before the Interview • Plan answers to questions you may be asked. • Tell me about yourself. • Tell me a story. • What are your career goals? • What courses did you like best? Least? Why? • What type of boss do you prefer? • Describe a time when you (a) worked well with others, (b) worked well under pressure, (c) organized a major project, (d) motivated others, (e) accepted constructive criticism.

8. Before the Interview • Know how you will handle salary questions. • General range • Standard salary for region

9. Before the Interview • Know the illegal questions and how you would handle them. Employers cannot discriminate based on the following: race marital status color religion gender national origin age (40-70) disability Questions may be asked after hire or on voluntary basis with application

10. Before the Interview • Plan two or three success stories that describe your skills, education, experience, interpersonal skills, or other personal qualities.

11. Before the Interview • Prepare a list of questions to ask the interviewer. • What is a typical day like? • What type of people would I work with? • Why is the job vacant? • What types of ongoing in-service training programs do you provide? • What advice would you give someone who is starting out? • When can I expect to hear your decision?

12. Before the Interview • Build your confidence--PRACTICE. • Learn the name and correct pronunciation of the interviewer and the job title. • Dress professionally. • Dress conservatively. • Do extremities test. • Be well groomed. • Smile when appropriate.

13. “The apparel oft proclaims the man.”--Shakespeare When you enter an office where no one knows you, the individuals in that office will perceive certain things about you based solely on your appearance.

14. If you look like an expert, people will perceive you as an expert.

15. First Impressions • Economic level • Educational level • Trustworthiness • Social position • Sophistication • Economic / Social / Economic Heritage • Success • Moral character • Background • Friendliness • Attitude

16. Impression Management • Take what you have been given, and make yourself professional, interesting, desirable. • Always dress for where you are going—not for where you are.

17. Before the Interview • Carry copies of your resume, references, transcripts, portfolio, etc. • Go alone (unless otherwise requested). • Arrive 5 to 10 minutes early. Don't be one second late.

18. Before the Interview • Introduce yourself to the receptionist in a professional, confident manner. Give your name, the purpose of your visit, and the interviewer's name. • Be aware of your nonverbal cues when waiting in reception area. Read company literature. Relax.

19. During the Interview

20. During the Interview • When meeting the interviewer, stand gracefully, smile, maintain eye contact, shake hands firmly, and use the interviewer's name (pronounced correctly). • Stand until the interviewer invites you to sit. • Sit attentively. Avoid crossing legs.

21. During the Interview • Do not chew gum. • Do not smoke or smell like smoke. • Do not place personal items on the interviewer's desk.

22. During the Interview • Relax and show confidence, but don't be overconfident. • Listen attentively. • Convey interest and enthusiasm.

23. During the Interview • Use appropriate nonverbal communication: • Maintain good posture. • Maintain eye contact. • Don't fidget. • Avoid crossing legs. • Sit up straighter and appear more intent when making a point. • Don't cross arms over chest.

24. During the Interview • Sell yourself. Let the interviewer guide the interview, but give more than yes/no responses. • Keep the interview centered on your strengths. • Remain calm about any controversial points mentioned. • Avoid criticizing past employers, teachers, or colleagues.

25. During the Interview • Describe past jobs and accomplishments; don't evaluate them. • Take few notes. Jot down the information when the interview is over. You may ask for a business card. • Ask relevant, meaningful questions. • Avoid alcoholic drinks if you are interviewed over lunch or dinner.

26. During the Interview • Sell the interviewer on hiring you. • Relate your knowledge and skills to the position you are seeking. • Stress your positive qualities and characteristics. • See page 559 of text.

27. During the Interview • Conclude the interview by summarizing your strengths. • Watch for signals that the interview is over, and don’t prolong. • Tactfully ask when you will be advised of the decision.

28. During the Interview • If you’re offered the job, you may either accept or ask for time to consider the offer. • Thank the interviewer for meeting with you—with a warm smile and a handshake. • Complete the application form carefully, neatly, and correctly.

29. During the Interview • If your interview includes eating lunch or dinner with some of the company representatives, be sure to brush up on your table manners. http://www.gradview.com/careers/etiquette.html http://www.gradview. com/careers/etiquette. html

30. After the Interview

31. After the Interview • Send a letter of appreciation to the interviewer(s) the same day or the next day. • Follow up with a phone call or letter.

32. Marks Against Applicants In Order of Importance

33. Marks Against Applicants 1.Has a poor personal appearance 2. Is overbearing, overaggressive, conceited; has a “superiority complex”; seems to “know it all” 3. Is unable to express self clearly; has poor voice, diction, grammar 4. Lacks knowledge or experience

34. Marks Against Applicants 5. Is not prepared for interview 6. Has no real interest in job 7. Lacks planning for career; has no purpose or goals 8. Lacks enthusiasm; is passive and indifferent. 9. Lacks confidence and poise; is nervous and ill at ease.

35. Marks Against Applicants 10. Shows insufficient evidence of achievement 11. Has failed to participate in extracurricular activities 12. Overemphasizes money; is interested only in the best dollar offer 13. Has poor scholastic record; just got by

36. Marks Against Applicants 14. Is unwilling to start at the bottom; expects too much too soon 15. Makes excuses 16. Is evasive; hedges on unfavorable factors in record 17. Lacks tact 18. Lacks maturity

37. Marks Against Applicants 19. Lacks courtesy; is ill-mannered 20. Condemns past employers 21. Lacks social skills 22. Shows marked dislike for schoolwork 23. Lacks vitality 24. Fails to look interviewer in the eye 25. Has a limp, weak handshake

38. Sources: Interviewing Web Sites • http://www.quintcareers.com/ • http://hometown.aol.com/mbastyle/ • http://www.job-interview.net/ • http://www.thomas-staffing.com/jobtip1.htm • http://www.fastcompany.com/online/01/jobint.html

39. Sources: Books • Bixler, Susan, and Nancy Nix-Rice (Contributor). The New Professional Image : From Business Casual to the Ultimate Power Look. Adams Media, 1997. • Baldrige, Letitia. Letitia Baldrige’s New Complete Guide to Executive Manners. New York: Rawson Associates, 1993. • Guffey, Mary Ellen. Business Communication: Process and Product, 4th edition. Thomson South-Western, 2003. • Himstreet, William C., Wayne M. Baty, and Carol M. Lehman. Business Communications, Tenth Edition. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, 1993. • Molloy, John T. Molloy’s Live for Success. New York: Morrow, 1981.

40. Sources: Books • Molloy, John T. John T. Molloy’s New Dress for Success. New York: Warner, 1988. • Molloy, John T. New Women’s Dress for Success. New York: Warner, 1996. • Thill, John V., and Courtland L. Bovee. Excellence in Business Communication, Fourth Edition. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 1999. • Thourlby, William. You Are What You Wear: The Key to Business Success. Kansas City: Sheed Andrews and McMeel, 1978.