Chapter 18 Interviewing for Jobs Part 4—The Job Hunt Chapter 18 Interviewing for Jobs

Chapter Objectives Prepare for an interview. Explain how to make a good impression on the interviewer. Write a follow-up letter after an interview. Describe the factors to consider before accepting or rejecting a job offer.

Key Concepts A job interview is your chance to convince the employer that you are the right person for the job. Be sure to prepare thoroughly for your job interview by making a list of questions to ask and researching the employer. Before accepting a job offer, consider all the factors about the job.

Preparing for an Interview Follow these tips to prepare for an interview: Learn about the employer and the job. Make a list of questions to ask. List materials to take with you. Decide what to wear. Be prepared for questions. Practice for the interview. Know where to go for the interview.

Learn about the Employer and the Job Research the company’s products, services, size, reputation, and possibilities for growth. Information can be found through business and industrial directories, school-to-work coordinators or guidance counselors, an employee of the company, or the company’s Web site. Having knowledge of the company will show the interviewer that you are interested enough in the company to do outside research.

Make a List of Questions to Ask Asking questions is another way to show the employer your interest in the company. Ask questions that will help you decide if you really want the job. Save asking questions about salary ranges and benefits until the end of the interview.

List the Materials to Take with You Items you should take with you to an interview: Pen and personal fact sheet for filling out application. Your résumé. List of questions you plan on asking. A portfolio of your best samples.

Decide What to Wear To make a good impression on the employer, you need to look your best. Dress one step above what you would wear on the job. Make sure your clothes are neat, clean, and in good condition.

Be Prepared for Questions Be prepared to answer commonly asked interview questions. Give responses that emphasize your qualifications for the job. continued

Be Prepared for Questions Keep in mind the questions interviewers cannot ask. If you hear an improper question, you might respond by saying, “Please explain how that relates to the job.” If you suspect the interviewer is violating your legal rights, politely end the interview.

Interview Questions “Won’t you tell me about yourself?” “What do you know about our company?” “Why do you want to work for this company?” “Why do you think you will like this kind of work?” “What were your best subjects in school?” “What were your poorest subjects in school?” “What other jobs have you held?” “Why did you leave your last job?” continued

Interview Questions “Have you ever been fired from a job? If so, why?” “What is your major strength? weakness?” “Have you ever had a conflict with a coworker? How did you handle it?” “What do you expect to be paid?” “Are you willing to work evenings and weekends?” “What are your future plans?” “Why should I hire you?”

Practice for the Interview Mock interview: A practice interview conducted by an applicant’s friend, family member, or other adult with business experience. Practice answering questions in a natural and positive manner. Do not memorize your answers.

Know Where to Go for the Interview Make sure you know the date, time, and location of your interview. Save yourself valuable time by asking where to park ahead of time. Visit the company before the day of your interview so you can estimate travel time.

The Interview Other details of the interview to consider include the following: Arrive 5 to 10 minutes early. Greet the interviewer with a firm handshake and a friendly greeting. Listen intently. Act interested in what the interviewer is saying. Ask questions at the appropriate time. Do not expect to be offered a job on the spot. If it is not mentioned, ask when a hiring decision will be made.

The Dinner Interview Your behavior can influence whether you are offered the position. Table etiquette begins as you approach the dining area and does not end until you have left the dining area. Use good manners while engaging in conversation.

After the Interview Follow-up letter: A short business letter thanking the interviewer for their time. Postmark: The official U.S. Postal Service stamp on delivered mail. If the interviewer has not contacted you by the date promised, follow up with a phone call. continued

After the Interview Ask yourself the following questions to evaluate your job hunting practices: Are you qualified for the jobs for which you are applying? Are you applying to the wrong places? Are you filling out application forms properly? Do you lack interest and energy? Do you lack confidence? Are you being courteous? continued

After the Interview An informational interview may help you improve your job seeking skills. Informational interview: A meeting in which a job applicant learns about an occupation from a person in that area. Because there is no pressure, you should be more relaxed and able to work on interview skills. Thank the person and send a follow-up letter as you would for an actual interview.

Accepting a Job Offer Do not jump to accept a job offer before carefully considering all aspects of the offer. In addition to salary, find out if your employer provides any fringe benefits, such as: Insurance. Paid vacation. Sick pay. Retirement or profit-sharing plans. Bonuses.

Rejecting a Job Offer If you need more time to consider a job offer, ask the interviewer for a few days to think it over. If you must decide immediately and you do not want the job, politely thank the interviewer and explain why you are not accepting the offer. When rejecting a job offer made by mail, send a follow-up letter explaining why and thanking the interviewer for the offer.

Thinking Back What can you do to prepare for an interview? How can you make a good impression on the interviewer? Why is it important to write a follow-up letter after an interview? What factors should you consider before accepting or rejecting an offer?