successful interviewing chapter 7. 7 | 2 copyright 2012 wadsworth © cengage learning. all rights...

Successful Interviewing

Chapter 7

7 | 2Copyright 2012 Wadsworth © Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

The Big Picture

• Chapter 7 prepares you with the foundation for preparing for and participating effectively in a job interview.


Chapter Topics

• Preparing for the Interview

• Successful Interviewing Tactics

• Questions to Ask and Employer during an Interview

• Interview Follow-up


Learning Objectives

• Explain the two types of questions that can be asked in a job interview.

• Discuss what makes an interview question illegal and explain appropriate responses to these types of questions.

• Understand accepted standards of interviewing.


Learning Objectives (cont’d)

• Discuss methods used to calm nerves before and during an interview.

• Define nonverbal behavior and provide examples of positive and negative nonverbal behavior in an interview.

• Discuss how to address your weaknesses or negatives in the interview.


Learning Objectives (cont’d)

• Describe the purpose of an informational interview.

• Discuss the purpose and methods of follow-up to an interview.

• Demonstrate the ability to find sample interview questions and create acceptable answers to each.

• Practice interviewing skills by participating in a mock interview.


Case In Point Questions

• What did Susan do to help Julie begin to form opinions about her professionalism and abilities?

• How in this brief scenario did Susan demonstrate her abilities as a detail-oriented individual?


Case In Point Questions (cont’d)

• What kind of impression did Susan make by waiting to accept Julie’s handshake and waiting to be asked to sit?

• If Susan had extended her hand first or had sat before being offered a chair, what impressions, if any, might have been made? Should these actions affect Julie’s overall opinion of Susan?


Preparing for the Interview

• Update resume and reference list; make copies.• Organize your portfolio.• Prepare interview clothes.• Purchase materials needed for interview (pens,

paper, etc.). • Get directions to the interview.• Research the company.


Preparing for the Interview (cont’d)

• Review a job description, if possible. • Understand job requirements.• Find out what kind of interview will be

conducted, if possible.• Anticipate questions that might be asked and

effective answers.• Prepare questions to ask the employer.


Types of Interview Questions

• Traditional – Fact-finding– Background information of applicant

• Situational – Explores applicant’s experience – Assesses problem-solving and other skills


Examples of Common Interview Questions

• Why should we hire you?• What can you tell us about our company?• What makes you qualified for this position?• Where do you see yourself in five years?• How do you make yourself indispensible to a

company?


Examples of Challenging Questions

• Tell me about a time when you had to accomplish a task with someone who was particularly difficult to get along with.

• Tell me how you handled an ethical dilemma.

• Tell me about a time when you had to resolve a problem with no rules or guidelines in place.


Illegal Questions

• Examples of illegal questions

• Responding appropriately


Effective Preparation

• Familiarize yourself with the location of the interview.

• Allow extra time for arriving at the site.• Prepare your briefcase with necessary items. • Turn off your cell phone when you arrive.• Enter the interview setting with a calm and

organized demeanor.• Complete any paperwork that is requested.


Addressing Nervousness

• Have realistic expectations. • Know what you bring to the job. • Prepare. • Take care of yourself. • Familiarize yourself with the interview site.


Effective Nonverbal Communication

• Posture is important. Sit upright in the chair, relax and lean forward slightly to show your interest.

• Rest your hands in your lap, on the arms of the chair, or folded loosely on the table in front of you.

• Use direct eye contact to show that you are actively listening.


Effective Nonverbal Communication (cont’d)

• Speak in a clear and controlled voice. Vary your tone and pitch.

• Make sure your tone is not apologetic or defensive.


Effective Interviewing

• Remain courteous under all circumstances.• Turn off all cell phones and pagers. • Do not allow family or others at the interview.• Request a cup of water prior to the beginning of

the interview in the event your mouth becomes dry.

• Answer each question with consideration and care.

• Pause if needed to consider a response.


Effective Interviewing (cont’d)

– Avoid making jokes and being overly friendly. – Use good grammar. Avoid um or uh.– Speak up to show confidence.– Demonstrate effective listening skills. – Do not interrupt the interviewer.– Clarify questions as needed.– Be positive about your experience and

achievements, but avoid exaggerating.



• Respond as clearly and succinctly as possible. • Avoid topics such as religion and politics.• Demonstrate the knowledge you have gained

about the company through research.• Avoid discussion of your personal life.• Avoid criticizing former employers or colleagues.



• Avoid overuse of hand gestures.• If you trip or accidentally knock something over,

handle the situation with grace and poise.• Have questions to ask the employer.• Focus on how your abilities meet company

needs.



• Avoid appearing desperate for the job.• Do not bring up salary and benefits.• Tell the interviewer if you are interested in the

job at the end of the interview.• Obtain the name and title of the interviewer at

the end of the interview so that you can send a thank-you note.

• After the interview, record notes about your experience.


Addressing Weaknesses

• Lack of related experience– Draw on experience other than work

• Lack of education or degree– Draw on work/practical experience

• Poor academic performance– Provide examples of quality performance


Addressing Weaknesses (cont’d)

• Frequent job changes– Emphasize what you have learned from each job and

the pattern of professional growth

• Gap in employment– Emphasize what you did and what you learned


Questions to Ask an Employer during an Interview

• An effective tool you can use to your benefit• Write down carefully thought-out questions and

bring them to the interview• Do not ask questions for the sake of asking

questions• Any information that can be found through the

Internet or other research about the company should not be asked


The Informational Interview

• Purposes• Steps

– Do your research. – Select a person to interview. – Set up the interview. – Prepare effectively. – Dress appropriately.

– Pay attention to time frames. – Write a thank-you note.


Interview Follow-up

• Thank-you notes

• Appropriate follow-up questions

• Other considerations


Chapter Summary

• Preparing for the Interview

• Successful Interviewing Tactics

• Questions to Ask an Employer during an Interview

• Interview Follow-up

successful interviewing chapter 7. 7 | 2 copyright 2012 wadsworth © cengage learning. all rights...

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