Job Interview Guide (ENGL 1023) SY 2021-2022 PDF

**CORRESPONDENCE LEARNING MODULE** ENGL 1023 (Advanced Technical Communication) SY 2021-2022 **Lesson 11: Job Interview** -------- ------------------- Topic: 1\. Job Interview -------- ------------------- -------------------- ------------------------------------------------- Learnin...

**CORRESPONDENCE LEARNING MODULE** ENGL 1023 (Advanced Technical Communication) SY 2021-2022 **Lesson 11: Job Interview** -------- ------------------- Topic: 1\. Job Interview -------- ------------------- -------------------- ------------------------------------------------- Learning Outcomes: At the end of this module, you are expected to: -------------------- ------------------------------------------------- 1. identify do's and don'ts in job interview; 2. share benefits of knowing the do's and don'ts in job interview; and 3. demonstrate appropriate skills during the mock job interview. LEARNING CONTENT **INTRODUCTION:** Right after receiving your college diploma or obtaining your license in your field of specialization, you will definitely search for job and undergo a series of hiring process. This process is the real "make or break" test of your skills and abilities. The job interview is the most important part of your job search. Your curriculum vitae and cover letter lay the groundwork of your application, but the interview provides you an opportunity to speak for yourself and present the things that you can do. In this process, you must show who you are, how you would contribute to the organization and prove why you are the best candidate for the position. This module presents the things that you need to do and observe during job interview. **LESSON PROPER:**  The job interview is considered not only a vital component but also the acid test of hiring process as a certain applicant goes through an extreme phase of proving the things that he or she can do. This is an important step in the employee selection process wherein it enables the employer to determine the skills, personality and experience of an applicant. **[BEFORE THE INTERVIEW]** When a certain company or firm invites you for an interview, this usually means that you are qualified for the job or you meet all the set of criteria. This process gives you opportunities to speak for yourself as you need to prove the things that you can do. In fact, it is crucial to answer questions because this tests if you are really prepared as well as your personal skills. There are some simple steps to take before the interview to help you comfortably answer the interview questions and these are mainly focused on research and planning. (by Hardavella, G., et. al, 2016) It is expected that you do a thorough search and obtain information about the organization. You should figure out what they are focusing on. You can also visit the organization personally and ask more about their processes. Based on all this research, you need to think how your goals would match the organization's goals and how your strengths and experience/expertise in the field will serve the organization and/or even contribute to the solution of problems they may face. Through this step, this only shows that you have the enthusiasm for the job as well as gives you opportunity in applying your personal attributes to the organization's needs and goals. However, bear in mind that the detective work is usually done reciprocally. Potential employers will usually do their research on you and even check your social media account. Therefore, you need to be mindful with regards to your internet presence.  This step allows you review your skills, abilities and characteristics in detail. It also helps you to identify things that you need to apply to the potential future employer and present them in a way that will match to their goals and needs. Imagine yourself in the actual position and ask what yourself what are the things that you can offer to the organization. If you have reflected on this beforehand, you will definitely answer each question clearly and substantially. It is essential that you should alert your reference persons that they may receive phone calls or an email regarding your job application and they should respond promptly. Depending on the relationship you have with them, you might also ask them what their overall impression is about you. However, bear in mind that a good reference will always send you a copy of their reference unless it is in the form of an online questionnaire; in this case, they will update you. Some interviewers might ask you what your references will say about you and knowing something about it, again, shows good introspection.  Inevitably you will need to do some brainstorming based on your detective work and introspection, during which you need to ask yourself the following questions: - What are the employers looking for? - How will they assess you? - What questions are they most likely to ask to help them judge these things? - How can you convince them that you are the best fit for the job and organization? - What evidence have you got to support that? "Old time classic" questions that panelists are keen to ask - Can you talk to us through your CV? - Why did you choose this particular institution? - Why did you choose this job? - What skills/experience you have that would make you a good candidate? - What are your weaknesses/strengths? - How would you see yourself in 5 years' time? This brings you to the point where you should anticipate potential questions and prepare answers accordingly in advance. These typical questions that you will be asked in most interviews. This step allows you to imagine yourself in the actual interview. Your mentor or experienced friend may pretend as the interviewer and ask their feedback. In big institutions, "mock interviews" are often offered to candidates that have planned to move on and have applied for new jobs. If these mock interviews are being practiced in your institutions, then this is definitely something you can benefit from. If your mentor or friend is not available and mock interviews are not offered by your institution, then you can practice in front of a mirror or, even better, film yourself! The latter can be of real benefit as it picks up elements that you may have not even considered and can help you identify potential weak points that you can work on and improve.  Choosing the right clothing when attending job interview is necessary. Everything from hair to toes should be clean and presentable. You should focus on personal hygiene, shower right before the interview, have a clean shave and dress up nicely. Different organizations have different dress codes, so if you are uncertain, calling the HR representative beforehand is a good idea. Traditionally, this would be smart business attire, but if you are in any doubt, overdress rather than underdress. Often a good choice is a professional look that you are comfortable with. You do not want to be the person that turns cyanotic in front of the panel as the shirt collar is too tight! If you feel misplaced in your own clothing, it will easily show. Avoid alcohol consumption the night before and get plenty of sleep. In addition to the visual impression, make sure to plan your journey in advance, collect all the necessary documents to have them ready on the day, and arrive 15 minutes earlier than the interview time. **DURING THE INTERVIEW** When entering the interview room, try to be relaxed, have a confident smile and make eye contact. When meeting the panel, introduce yourself with a handshake. If the panel is comprised of more than three members, then this may not be feasible and is not recommended. Instead, introduce yourself by making eye-contact with all panel members. While you are being interviewed, you should maintain a positive body language throughout the interview, speak clearly and in full sentences, smile frequently and make eye contact. During questioning, sit upright, listen to the questions and try to answer as clearly and concisely as possible. Also, maintain good manners with any staff member or interviewers that you might meet before or after the interview, or even during the coffee break, lunch or dinner. Do not forget that while you are with any of the institution's or company's staff, you are being assessed, whether the setting is formal or informal.  It rarely happens but the interviewer may try to see how you respond under pressure by employing an aggressive line of questioning, or ask incoherent or non-sensible questions or questions that betray a lack of understanding in the topic. Don't ever let your temper get the better of you and make sure you remain calm and polite. Even if you have had enough with your previous job, you should never badmouth a former employer in an interview. If specifically asked (this may come as "why did you leave your last job?") try to keep your tone somewhere between neutral and positive and try to emphasize on what you have learned in that job and what you are hoping to do in the future which will blend nicely with the new job you have applied for. On a similar note, do not talk negatively or disrespectfully about any person that you have worked for/within the past. This is disliked by panelists and it may give the impression that you were the cause of the conflict or problematic relationship.  In the end, you will be asked if you have any questions. Therefore, you should prepare some questions about the job, workplace, institution and personal development on the job. Even if the panel has covered most of what you wanted to know, ask a question that is relevant and thought-provoking. This can show that you are genuinely interested in the role and really listening to the panel. To not ask a question may make you come across as disinterested. **AFTER THE INTERVIEW** After the interview, there is a seemingly endless time that you are waiting for the result. In the worst case scenario that your interview was an unpleasant experience, it is generally better not to openly complain about it to your professional circle or start making calls or sending e-mails. Regardless of whether you get the job or not, it is important to take notes (now that your memory is still fresh) and try to remember the questions and your responses to them. Focus on what you think went really well and what could have been said in a different way. You should reflect on what could have been done differently and how this can be achieved in the future. This brief self-evaluation gives you a better insight of your performance and will help you improve for future interviews. **THE BASIC OF POWER INTERVIEW** Whatever the type of questions which will be asked during the interview, you will come out with flying colors if you know the basics of power interview. Yeager, et. al, in their book, Power Interview, enumerated them as follows: When you arrive at the interview, be prepared to make small talk with office staff and the interviewer(s). Be positive, especially in response to those seemingly innocent questions, such as "How are you today?" "Did you have trouble locating the building?" No one wants a complainer or a person who seems to have a negative attitude as part of their team. Read more at: \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\--END OF LESSON 11\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-- **REFERENCE/S** Abulencia, E. F. (2001). *Integrated Business and Technical Communication*. Rex Book Store, 57. **Online Reference** **How to Prepare for an Interview. Retrieved October 31, 2020.**