GE 2/ GE 3: Purposive Communication

WEEK 17

Learning Outcomes/Objectives:

a. Apply the things to consider in a job interview.

Discussion:

PREPARING FOR A JOB INTERVIEW

While the thought of an interview might appear daunting for most of us, interview preparation is not as
hard as it seems. All that one needs to do is stay organized and be proactive.

We are going to discuss everything related to the interview preparation.

So let's look at the interview preparation process step by step: Things to do before, during, and after an
interview.

BEFORE THE INTERVIEW

1. Company information
The most important step is to read and research the company you are interviewing for. Go through the
company website, blog, and social media pages to assess its products, services, and client-base. Also, read
recent press releases for insight on projected growth and stability. Review the organization's background and
mission statement and take down some numbers like revenue, strength, offices, etc.

These details can most likely be found on the website of the company in 'About us' or 'Who we are'
section.

2. About the interviewer

If you know the interviewer’s name already, research about him/her. Visit his/her profile on Naukri or
LinkedIn, Facebook and find out whether the person is an HR professional or a Technical Manager.

Prepare for the interview accordingly.

3. Evaluate job description

The recruiter puts the effort into mentioning a detailed job description for a reason. They are looking for
someone who perfectly complements the job profile and role. So, make a good effort to go through the job
description so that you are aware of the expectations the company has for the position.

4. Fit in skills and qualities

While you analyze the job description, outline the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Examine the
hierarchy and determine where the position fits within the organization. Analyze what the employer is seeking
concerning your qualifications. Tweak your resume accordingly.

5. Make a list of questions

As per the company background and job role, make a list of questions you can expect to be thrown at
you. Research answers to these questions via the company website, social media pages, company news, etc.
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6. Mock interview
Find a friend or a family member and hand them down the list of questions you prepared. Ask them to
play the role of an interviewer. Practice answering all the questions on the list. You can also record your
answers to analyze them further.

7. Organise documents
Keep two copies of all the important documents such as your resume, cover letter, degrees, mark sheets,
identity proofs, photographs, etc., ready. Also, check if the recruiter has asked you to bring any other thing like
a laptop, notebook, etc. to the interview. Organise all the documents neatly in a folder.

8. Check your social presence

Your social media profiles are capable of providing a glimpse of your personality. A recruiter would
generally check your social media presence before or after interviewing you. Thus, it is a wise idea to improve
your public profiles. Also, type your name on Google and see how you appear on the search engine.

9. Interview dress
Choose a formal outfit for the interview. If you are not sure about the color, wear black formal trousers
and a crisp shirt, preferably in white, blue, pastel, or nude shades. Both men and women can go for this
combination. Pair your attire with a mild deodorant or perfume, a pair of black formal shoes, clean socks, and a
black belt. Plug in that iron. Make sure your clothes are neat and wrinkle-free. Make sure that your overall
appearance is neat and clean. Most importantly, beam with confidence all along and wear a smile.

10. Check directions

Check the distance of the venue a day before. Decide beforehand how you would like to commute and
plan your timing accordingly.

11. Sleep and eat well

A night before the interview, sleep well for at least 6 to 7 hours. Eat something an hour before the
interview so that you have the energy and patience to sit through it. Carry a bottle of water or juice along to
keep yourself hydrated.

DURING THE INTERVIEW

1. Timing
It is best to arrive 20-25 minutes before prior to the interview time. It will give you time to relax. You
can also use the time to check yourself in the mirror and freshen up before the process starts.

2. Interview body language

While waiting for your turn, sit properly and maintain a good body posture. Be polite to the guards,
receptionists, and other candidates. Keep a smile on your face. In the interview room, sit and answer questions
confidently. Be firm, yet polite. In case you do not know an answer, be honest about it and pass on to the
question. Keep your statements crisp, short and precise.

3. Questions for interviewer

It is most likely that the interviewer will end the interview with the question - 'Do you have any
questions for me?' Use this opportunity to ask smart questions about the company, position, and culture.

4. Ending the interview

At the end of the interview, shake the interviewer’s hand and thank for his/her time and consideration.
 GE 2/ GE 3: Purposive Communication
AFTER THE INTERVIEW

1. Analyze the interview

It is one of the most important exercises to do post an interview. Sit down for a few minutes and write
down the questions that you were asked during the interview.

Furthermore, assess your responses to these questions and make points of things that you forgot to
mention or would have said in a better way. This will help you prepare better for future interviews.

2. Inform your references

Inform your references beforehand that they might receive a call from the company you interviewed for.
Speak to them about the position and emphasize the points that you would like to be recommended for.

3. Follow up
If you do not hear from the interviewer within the expected number of days, do not hesitate to drop an
email and ask for an update.

In the email, mention the following details:

 Begin the email by thanking the interviewer for considering your candidature.
 Remind him of the meeting and mention how pleased you were to get in touch with him/her.
 If the interviewer showed interest in your past projects, attach some samples of your previous work,
projects, etc. and any other relevant additional information.
 Finally, mention your motivation, qualities, and reiterate your interest in the organization. Politely ask
for an update on the interview process.

Some don'ts of interview preparation

 Do not arrive late for the interview.

 Do not arrive for the interview without a copy of the resume.
 Do not speak loudly on the phone while waiting for your turn.
 Do not laze around or hunch while sitting in the waiting area.
 Do not ask the interviewer any personal questions.
 Do not use bad words about your previous or current company/employer in your social media posts.

https://www.naukri.com/blog/interview-preparation-tips-for-before-during-and-after-an-interview/

WHAT TO DO AND WHAT NOT TO DO DURING JOB INTERVIEWS

THE DOS

We'll start off with the dos of interview dos and dont's. First up? Gather all necessary and important
information when you are invited to the interview:

When you accept the invitation to the interview, DO be sure you know the name of the company, and
request the names and job titles of each of the people who will be interviewing you (if they're not offered).
You'll want to research the interviewers on LinkedIn.
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Displaying a little bit of knowledge about an interviewer's professional background can go a long way toward
making a great impression.

DO know the type of job interview you will encounter. Ask, if the information is not volunteered by the person
setting up the interview.

DO ask how long the interview(s) is/are expected to take so you can know how it will impact the rest of your
day.

DO ask for the street address of the interview location (and, if appropriate, the floor of a building, and/or office
number). Also, inquire about parking and/or public transportation, if appropriate.

Prep for the interview well ahead of time:

If you have a few days before the interview, DO take a practice run to the interview location, preferably at the
same time you would be traveling on the day of the actual interview. Be sure you know exactly where the
employer's location is and how long it takes to get there, where to park your car or get off public transportation,
etc.

DO demonstrate your interest in the job—and protect yourself—by doing research on the employer, their
products and/or services, their competitors, their reputation, and their financial status (you don't want to be the
last person hired before the layoffs begin). Search LinkedIn, and search Google (using the News filter) to
discover as much as you can about the organization, its management, and even their competitors.

DO prepare to ask intelligent questions about the job, the employer, or the industry. Having no questions to ask
shows a lack of interest and/or preparation. Both are interview killers!

DO practice answering the most common job interview questions, with a focus on answers customized
for this employer and this job. Keep in mind that the employer is most interested in how hiring you will
benefit them.
DO dress the part—for the job, the company, and the industry—and err on the side of caution if you're unsure
of how to dress (i.e., dress more formally than casually). If you're not sure what to wear, consider reading our
article When Job-Hunting: Dress for Success.

Make a great impression at the interview:

DO plan to arrive about 10 to 15 minutes early. A late arrival for a job interview is never excusable. If you are
running late, DO phone the employer to let them know. If you arrive more than 15 minutes early, wait until 10
minutes before the interview to present yourself to the employer.

DO turn off or mute your cellphone, and put it out of sight (unless you must use it to demonstrate a job-related
skill or accomplishment).

DO be sure to greet the receptionist or assistant and other staff members with courtesy and respect.

If presented with a job application, DO fill it out neatly, completely, and accurately. Keep it "in sync" with both
your LinkedIn profile and resume because they will probably be compared to ensure consistency.

DO bring a notepad, in case you need to jot down anything of interest regarding the job. Also bring a copy of
the job description, extra resumes, and your personal business cards. If you have a job skills portfolio, bring that
with you, too.

DO shake hands firmly, make eye contact, and smile when you are introduced to someone. Avoid having a
limp,  sweaty, or clammy handshake!

DO wait until you are offered a chair before sitting. And DO remember body language and posture: sit upright
with your shoulders back. No slouching!

DO exchange business cards with each person who interviews you, or at least get their business cards (if you
don't have your own).

DO maintain eye contact with your interviewer(s), and show enthusiasm in the position and the company at all
times.
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DO avoid using poor grammar, bad language, slang, and pause words (such as "like," "uh," and "um").

When you are answering questions, DO focus on what you can do for the company rather than what the
company can do for you. Stress your achievements and accomplishments, particularly those related to the
requirements of the job, and mention what you learned in your research about their products/services,
competitors, and the industry.
DO ask  your questions to determine if the company will be a good place for you to work, and if the job will be
a good fit for you. Ask your questions throughout the interview, as appropriate, unless you are instructed to hold
your questions until the end.

DO your best to dodge the "salary requirement" question, if asked. Respond that you are sure the salary will be
appropriate for the job (even if you aren't sure), and that you'd like to learn more about the job before discussing
salary. (Visit our salary tutorial center for more tips and strategies.)

DO close the interview by telling the interviewer(s) that you're very interested in the job (if that applies once the
interview wraps), and ask if they have any concerns about your qualifications or fit for the job and the
organization. Also inform the interviewers that if they think of additional questions at a later point, to reach out
by phone or email.

Make a great impression after the interview:

At the end of the interview, DO ask about next steps in the hiring process—who you should stay in touch with,
the details (name, phone number, and email address) for staying in touch, and when they plan to be back in
touch with you.

After you have left, DO take down notes (if you were unable to jot any down during the interview) on any
crucial job/company details that you want fresh in your head.

DO write a unique thank you letter/email within 24 hours to each person who interviewed you, and also to the
person who set up the interviews (if that person didn't interview you). And do know all the rules of following up
after the interview.

THE DONT'S

Now we've come to the next section of interview dos and dont's. The don'ts represent a much shorter list,
fortunately, because you'll be so well-prepared based on the dos!

As you are getting ready for the interview:

DON'T assume that you can "wing it" and be impressive without trying, or without advanced preparation.

DON'T assume that an invitation to a job interview means that you have a job offer "in the bag." That's wrong
and a big mistake and the farthest thing from the truth!

DON'T arrive late. Let's repeat that one: DON'T arrive late.

DON'T dress inappropriately. If you're unsure of how to dress (formal vs. business casual), aim for
clothing that is a bit more formal to be on the safe side.

During the interview:

DON'T eat, drink, or chew gum during the interview, and DON'T drink alcohol prior to the interview.
Also, DON'T smoke before the interview—you'll end up smelling like smoke if you do.

DON'T answer cellphone calls or send or respond to texts during the interview. Keep your cellphone turned off
and stowed away.

DON'T inquire about salary, vacations, bonuses, retirement, or other benefits until you've received an offer.
This is a very big DON'T that you can't lose track of during the interview.
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DON'T act desperate, as though you would take any job with any employer.

DON'T act disinterested in the job or the employer.

DON'T say anything negative about former colleagues, supervisors, or employers, and DON'T offer any
negative information about yourself, even if you're being self-deprecating.

DON'T answer questions with a simple "yes" or "no." Explain whenever possible. Describe those things about
yourself that showcase your relevant talents, skills, and determination. Give detailed examples of your
accomplishments.

DON'T be soft-spoken. Speak clearly, and project confidence and preparation.

DON'T fidget or slouch.

DON'T bring up or discuss personal issues or family problems.

DON'T respond to an unexpected question with an extended pause or by saying something like, "boy,
that's a good question." A short pause before responding is okay. Ask for a clarification if you don't
understand the question or want guidance on what is an appropriate response.
DON'T ever lie. Answer questions truthfully, frankly, and succinctly.

DON'T over-answer questions. Sharing too much information (TMI) can be more damaging than not sharing
enough. Be sure to answer the question asked, and then wait for the next question, or ask a question of your
own.

DON'T tell jokes during the interview.

DON'T ask the interviewers personal questions.

After the interview:

DON'T forget to follow up immediately with your thank you notes (or emails) to each interviewer.

https://www.livecareer.com/resources/interviews/prep/interviewing-dos-donts

SYNTHESIS

1. The job interview is a vital component of the job application process.

2. Job interviews are conducted to determine whether or not the applicants possess the qualities expected from
employees.
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COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS:

Name: Date:

Recall what was presented and discussed in the input. Then answer the following questions:

1. What steps are involved in the job application process?

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2. What communication skills are needed in applying for a job?

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 GE 2/ GE 3: Purposive Communication
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3. What is the importance of job interviews in the application process?

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