1. Chapter 16 Interviewing and Following Up
Business Communication: Process and Product, 6e
Mary Ellen Guffey Copyright © 2008

2. Purposes of Interviews
To convince the employer of your potential.
To find out more about the job and the company.
To expand on the information in your résumé.
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business Communication: Process and Product, 6e

3. Before the Interview Preparing and Practicing
Study the job description. How do your skills and accomplishments fit the position?
Prepare success stories.
Practice answers to typical interview questions. Make your best responses automatic.
Researching the Target Company
Know the leaders, company products, finances, goals, competition, accomplishments, setbacks.
If possible, interview employees. Consult blogs and other Web sources.
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business Communication: Process and Product, 6e

4. Before the Interview Preparing and Practicing
Record a practice session to see how you come across.
Expect to explain problem areas on your résumé.
Decide how to dress professionally.
Gather what you will bring with you.
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business Communication: Process and Product, 6e

5. During the Interview Sending Positive Nonverbal Messages
© Nancy Ney / DK Stock / Getty Images
Sending Positive Nonverbal Messages
Control your body movements.
Exhibit good posture.
Make frequent eye contact but don't get into a staring contest.
Smile enough to convey a positive attitude.
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business Communication: Process and Product, 6e

6. During the Interview Sending Positive Nonverbal Messages
© Nancy Ney / DK Stock / Getty Images
Sending Positive Nonverbal Messages
Listen attentively.
Turn off your cell phone. Don't chew gum.
Sound enthusiastic and interested—but sincere.
Avoid "empty" words—um, uh, like, basically.
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business Communication: Process and Product, 6e

7. During the Interview Fighting Fear
Practice interviewing as much as you can, particularly with real companies.
Prepare 110 percent.
Know how you will answer the most frequently asked questions.
Be ready with your success stories.
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business Communication: Process and Product, 6e

8. During the Interview Fighting Fear
Take deep breaths, particularly before the interview.
Know that you are not alone. Everyone feels anxiety during a job interview.
Remember that it's a two-way street. You are also evaluating the interviewer and his or her organization. This should give you confidence.
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business Communication: Process and Product, 6e

9. During the Interview Projecting a Professional Demeanor
Greet the interviewer and shake hands.
Answer questions confidently.
Refocus to clarify vague questions: "By ____, do you mean _____?"
Focus on your strengths; do not reveal weaknesses.
Use good English and enunciate clearly.
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business Communication: Process and Product, 6e 8

10. Kinds of Interview Questions
Questions to Get Acquainted
Tell me about yourself.
What are your greatest strengths?
Questions to Gauge Your Interest
Why do you want to work for _______?
Why are you interested in this position?
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business Communication: Process and Product, 6e 8

11. Kinds of Interview Questions
Questions About Your Experience and Accomplishments
Why should we hire you when we have applicants with more experience or better credentials?
How do your qualifications and experience prepare you for this position?
Behavioral Questions
Tell me about a time when you solved a difficult problem.
Describe a time when you worked successfully as part of a team.
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business Communication: Process and Product, 6e 8

12. Kinds of Interview Questions
Questions About the Future
Where do you expect to be five years from now?
If you got this position, what would you do to fit in?
Challenging Questions
What is your greatest weakness?
How would your former supervisor describe you as an employee?
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business Communication: Process and Product, 6e 8

13. Kinds of Interview Questions
Questions About Money
How much money are you looking for?
How much do you think you're worth?
Situational Questions
If you were aware that a coworker was falsifying data, what would you do?
If you had to handle an irate customer, what would you do?
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business Communication: Process and Product, 6e 8

14. Using the STAR Method to Answer Behavioral Interview Questions
Behavioral interview questions may begin with “Tell me about a time when you ”
To answer effectively, use the S T A R method:
What was the Situation?
What was the Task?
What Action was taken?
What was the Result? S T A R
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business Communication: Process and Product, 6e

15. Closing the Interview Asking Your Own Questions
What will my duties be?
What is it like working here, in terms of the people, management practices, work loads, expected performance, and rewards?
What training programs does this organization offer?
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business Communication: Process and Product, 6e

16. Closing the Interview Asking Your Own Questions
Who would be my immediate supervisor?
What is the organizational structure, and where does this position fit in?
What is the first problem that needs the attention of the person you hire?
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business Communication: Process and Product, 6e

17. Closing the Interview Asking Your Own Questions
How will my job performance be evaluated?
What do you like best about working for this organization?
When will I hear from you regarding further action on my application?
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business Communication: Process and Product, 6e

18. Closing the Interview Ending Positively
When the interviewer signals the end of the interview, stand up and shake hands.
Find out what action will follow.
Ask, "When can I expect to hear from you?"
After his or her reply, say, "If I don't hear from you by then, may I call you?"
Thank the interviewer.
Say goodbye to the receptionist.
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business Communication: Process and Product, 6e

19. After the Interview Make notes on the interview as soon as you leave.
Alert your references that they might be called.
Write a thank-you letter to the interviewer. Remind the interviewer of your visit. Show that you really want the job and that you are qualified for it.
If you don't hear from the interviewer within the specified time, call.
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business Communication: Process and Product, 6e

20. End
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business Communication: Process and Product, 6e