1. Applying and Interviewing
Chapter 14
Applying and Interviewing
For Employment

2. Learning Objectives After studying this chapter, you will be able to:
Explain the purposes of application letters and describe how to apply the AIDA organizational approach to them
List six tasks you need to complete to prepare for a successful job interview
Explain how to succeed in all three stages of an interview
Identify the most common employment messages that follow an interview and explain when you would use each one

3. Submitting Your Resume
Your resume isn’t the only document!
You also need to prepare:
A cover letter
Job inquiry letters
Application forms
Follow-up notes – thank you, request more time, or even a thanks, but “no thanks” letter
List of references

4. Writing Application Letters
This is just as important as your resume.
Often, the reviewer will see it first (before your resume), and if it has ANY ERRORS it will likely be put in the “don’t interview pile”

5. Following Up After Submitting a Resume
Don’t inquire before the “closing” date
If the ad says “no calls,” then don’t call
When you follow-up by phone or you might share one additional piece of information
You can inquire about the hiring process

6. The Typical Sequence of Interviews
(1) The Screening Stage
(2) The Selection Stage
(3) The Final Stage

7. Learning About the Organization
Copyright © 2014 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Prentice Hall

8. Thinking Ahead About Questions
A few of the many stock questions you will likely be asked:
What is the hardest decision you’ve ever had to make?
What is your greatest weakness?
Where do you want to be five years from now?
What didn’t you like about previous jobs you’ve held?
Tell me something about yourself.

9. Boosting Your Confidence

10. Common Types of Interviews
Structured
Open-Ended
Panel
Common
Types of Interviews
Group
Behavioral
Situational
Working
Stress

11. Interview Media
Telephone
and IM
Video
Online Interviews

12. Being Ready When You Arrive
Take a portfolio with you to hold your papers – NOT a file folder
Small notebook or paper and a pen
Several copies of your resume and your reference list
Possible samples of your work (if the position is creative)
Notes about what you know about the company
A list of questions – and make sure you have at least two questions to ask!
Know when and where the interview will be held
Be on time
Turn off your cell phone
Conduct yourself professionally while you are waiting
If you plan to take a tablet computer (preferred over a laptop) to take notes, be sure you can open and start it quickly and that you can use it efficiently, so that you don’t waste the interviewer’s time. You may want to take a notepad as a backup.

13. Three Stages of the Interview
The Warm-up
The Question & Answer Stage
The Close

14. What Employers Look for in an Interview
Suitability
Organization Fit
Education
Background
Work Experience
Attitudes
Job-Related Traits
Personal Style

15. Pre-employment Testing and
Background Checks
Integrity
Personality
Cognition
Language
Ability
Knowledge
and Skills
Substance
Tests
Background
Checks

16. Interview Notes

17. Following Up After an Interview

18. Follow-Up Message

19. Request for a Time Extension
Message of Inquiry
Request for a Time Extension
This type of letter is part of the second assignment (Employment Package) for this class.

20. Letter of Acceptance

21. Letter Declining a
Job Offer

22. Letter of Resignation

23. Learning Objectives: Check Your Progress
Explain the purpose of application letters and describe how to apply the AIDA organizational approach to them.
List some tasks you need to complete to prepare for a successful job interview.
Explain how to succeed in all three stages of an interview.
Identify the most common employment messages that follow an interview and explain when you would use each one.