© 2002 SOUTH-WESTERN EDUCATIONAL PUBLISHING 9th Edition Brantley & Miller Effective Communication for Colleges CHAPTER 9 Applications, Interviews, and Follow-Up Messages

Effective Communication for Colleges, 9th ed. by Brantley and Miller Chapter 9 Slide 2 Learning Objectives  Complete an application neatly and accurately.  Identify and discuss successful interview techniques.  Use the Internet to locate information that pertains to employment applications, interviews, and follow-up messages.  Implement the CBO approach, apply the appropriate message strategy, and incorporate the six Cs of effective messages to plan and complete effective follow-up messages.

Effective Communication for Colleges, 9th ed. by Brantley and Miller Chapter 9 Slide 3 Information Requested on Employment Applications  Personal information  Employment desired  Education  Previous employment  References

Effective Communication for Colleges, 9th ed. by Brantley and Miller Chapter 9 Slide 4 Guidelines for Completing Employment Applications  Be prepared.  Ask for two copies, and read the entire form before you begin.  Print or type as instructed.  Complete each section. Use N/A when a section does not apply.  List the specific position you seek.  Provide a brief explanation for leaving your job. Continued on next slide.

Effective Communication for Colleges, 9th ed. by Brantley and Miller Chapter 9 Slide 5 Guidelines for Completing Employment Applications  Indicate that salary is negotiable.  Use references that pertain to your past employment.  Answer truthfully, and treat every question seriously.  Check for completeness.  Make any corrections neatly and carefully.  Sign and date the application. Continued

Effective Communication for Colleges, 9th ed. by Brantley and Miller Chapter 9 Slide 6 Employment Interviews  Face-to-face interviews  Informational interviews  Telephone interviews

Effective Communication for Colleges, 9th ed. by Brantley and Miller Chapter 9 Slide 7 Interview Preparation  Review personal information.  Determine salary range.  Review employer information.  Assemble interview materials.  Confirm interview appointment.  Choose interview wardrobe.

Effective Communication for Colleges, 9th ed. by Brantley and Miller Chapter 9 Slide 8 The Interview  Project positive body language.  Be prepared to answer and ask appropriate interview questions. Typical interview questions Inappropriate interview questions

Effective Communication for Colleges, 9th ed. by Brantley and Miller Chapter 9 Slide 9 Examples of Illegal Interview Questions  How old are you?  Where were you born?  Where do you go to church?  Are you married, divorced, or single?  Do you have any children?  Are you pregnant?  What are your political affiliations?

Effective Communication for Colleges, 9th ed. by Brantley and Miller Chapter 9 Slide 10 Interview Closing  Watch for signs that the interview is ending.  Request a commitment for notification.  Clarify follow-up activities.  If you are interested in the job, say so.  Use the interviewer’s name as you thank him or her for the interview.

Effective Communication for Colleges, 9th ed. by Brantley and Miller Chapter 9 Slide 11 Important Messages in the Employment Process  Follow-up letter  Thank-you letter  Acceptance letter  Refusal letter  Resignation letter

Effective Communication for Colleges, 9th ed. by Brantley and Miller Chapter 9 Slide 12 Plan a Message Using the CBO Approach  Identify the objective.  Visualize the audience.  Gather supporting information.  Organize the information.

Effective Communication for Colleges, 9th ed. by Brantley and Miller Chapter 9 Slide 13 Compose a Draft Using the CBO Approach  Use direct pattern and good news strategy for: Follow-up inquiries. Thank-you letters. Acceptance letters. Resignation letters.  Use indirect pattern and bad news strategy for refusal letters.

Effective Communication for Colleges, 9th ed. by Brantley and Miller Chapter 9 Slide 14 Complete a Message  Proofread.  Edit.  Revise.  Finalize.

Effective Communication for Colleges, 9th ed. by Brantley and Miller Chapter 9 Slide 15 Follow-Up Inquiry  Begin with the main idea—the inquiry.  Explain your interest in the position.  Request an interview.

Effective Communication for Colleges, 9th ed. by Brantley and Miller Chapter 9 Slide 16 Thank-You Letter  Begin with the main idea—a thank you.  Extend appreciation to anyone who was involved during the interview.  Offer to provide additional information.  End by expressing appreciation and your interest in the position.

Effective Communication for Colleges, 9th ed. by Brantley and Miller Chapter 9 Slide 17 Acceptance Letter  Begin with the main idea—the acceptance.  Provide goodwill statements.  End courteously.

Effective Communication for Colleges, 9th ed. by Brantley and Miller Chapter 9 Slide 18 Refusal Letter  Begin with a buffer—a thank you, a compliment, or some other neutral statement.  Provide an orderly explanation that prepares the receiver.  Imply or state your decision—the refusal.  Provide additional information to neutralize the unfavorable news.  End by restating your appreciation or by adding a goodwill statement.

Effective Communication for Colleges, 9th ed. by Brantley and Miller Chapter 9 Slide 19 Resignation Letter  Begin with a confirmation of your resignation.  Provide a brief rationale, the resignation date, and other pertinent details.  End with an expression of appreciation for your work experience at the company.