1. Essentials of Business Communication Third Canadian Edition by Mary Ellen Guffey and Brendan Nagle Copyright 2000 Nelson Thomson Learning Employment Interviewing and Follow-up Messages C H A P T E R 14

2. Essentials of Business Communication Third Canadian Edition by Mary Ellen Guffey and Brendan Nagle Copyright 2000 Nelson Thomson Learning Learning Objectives u Distinguish between screening interviews and hiring/placement interviews. u Identify information resources in investigating target employers. u Explain how to prepare for employment interviews. u Recognize how to control nonverbal messages and how to fight interview fears.

3. Essentials of Business Communication Third Canadian Edition by Mary Ellen Guffey and Brendan Nagle Copyright 2000 Nelson Thomson Learning Learning Objectives u Be prepared to answer favourite interview questions and know how to close an interview. u Itemize topics and behaviours to be avoided in interviews. u Write follow-up letters and other employment messages.

4. Essentials of Business Communication Third Canadian Edition by Mary Ellen Guffey and Brendan Nagle Copyright 2000 Nelson Thomson Learning Kinds of Interviews u Screening u Hiring/placement

5. Essentials of Business Communication Third Canadian Edition by Mary Ellen Guffey and Brendan Nagle Copyright 2000 Nelson Thomson Learning Preparing for Screening Interviews u Keep near the telephone a list of positions for which you have applied. u Have your résumé, references, a calendar, and a notepad handy. u If caught off guard, ask if you can call back in a few minutes from the telephone in your office. Organize your materials and yourself. u Sell your qualifications and sound enthusiastic.

6. Essentials of Business Communication Third Canadian Edition by Mary Ellen Guffey and Brendan Nagle Copyright 2000 Nelson Thomson Learning Three Kinds of Hiring/ Placement Interviews u One-to-one interviews u Sequential and group interviews u Stress interviews

7. Essentials of Business Communication Third Canadian Edition by Mary Ellen Guffey and Brendan Nagle Copyright 2000 Nelson Thomson Learning Investigating the Target u Find out all you can about company leaders. u Investigate the business philosophy of the leaders.

8. Essentials of Business Communication Third Canadian Edition by Mary Ellen Guffey and Brendan Nagle Copyright 2000 Nelson Thomson Learning Investigating the Target u Learn about the company’s accomplishments and setbacks. u Study the company’s finances. u Examine its products and customers. u Check out the competition. u Analyze the company’s advertising.

9. Essentials of Business Communication Third Canadian Edition by Mary Ellen Guffey and Brendan Nagle Copyright 2000 Nelson Thomson Learning Preparing and Practicing u Practice reciting answers to typical interview questions. u Videotape or tape record a practice session. u Expect to explain problem areas on your résumé. u Try to build experience with less important jobs first.

10. Essentials of Business Communication Third Canadian Edition by Mary Ellen Guffey and Brendan Nagle Copyright 2000 Nelson Thomson Learning Sending Positive Nonverbal Messages u Arrive on time or a little early. u Be courteous and congenial to everyone. u Introduce yourself to the receptionist. u Dress professionally. u Greet the interviewer confidently.

11. Essentials of Business Communication Third Canadian Edition by Mary Ellen Guffey and Brendan Nagle Copyright 2000 Nelson Thomson Learning Sending Positive Nonverbal Messages u Wait for the interviewer to offer you a chair. u Control your body movements. u Make eye contact frequently but don’t get into a staring contest. u Smile enough to convey a positive attitude. u Sound enthusiastic and interested—but sincere.

12. Essentials of Business Communication Third Canadian Edition by Mary Ellen Guffey and Brendan Nagle Copyright 2000 Nelson Thomson Learning Fighting Fear u Practice interviewing with real companies. u Prepare thoroughly. u Take deep breaths. u Remember you are gleaning information.

13. Essentials of Business Communication Third Canadian Edition by Mary Ellen Guffey and Brendan Nagle Copyright 2000 Nelson Thomson Learning Answering Questions u Refocus and clarify vague questions. u Aim answers at key characteristics interviewers seek. u Use good English and enunciate clearly.

14. Essentials of Business Communication Third Canadian Edition by Mary Ellen Guffey and Brendan Nagle Copyright 2000 Nelson Thomson Learning Responding to Illegal Interview Questions u If you feel the question is harmless, answer it. u If you do not wish to answer, deflect the question tactfully by saying Could you tell me how _____ relates to the responsibilities for this position? u Or, use the opportunity to further emphasize your strengths. An older worker might mention experience, maturity, stability etc. when asked about age.

15. Essentials of Business Communication Third Canadian Edition by Mary Ellen Guffey and Brendan Nagle Copyright 2000 Nelson Thomson Learning Closing an Employment Interview u Thank interviewer. u Review your strengths for this position. u Ask if you may leave copies of your résumé and your list of references. u Find out what action will follow.

16. Essentials of Business Communication Third Canadian Edition by Mary Ellen Guffey and Brendan Nagle Copyright 2000 Nelson Thomson Learning Interview Follow-up Letter u Refer to the date of the interview. u Show appreciation in thanking the interviewer. u Remind reader of interpersonal skills and enthusiasm for the job. u Highlight specific skills for the job. u Look forward to hearing from interviewer.

17. Essentials of Business Communication Third Canadian Edition by Mary Ellen Guffey and Brendan Nagle Copyright 2000 Nelson Thomson Learning Rejection Follow-up Letter u Admit disappointment. u Emphasize continued interest and confidence in meeting job requirements. u Refer to specifics of interview; tell how skills are being improved.

18. Essentials of Business Communication Third Canadian Edition by Mary Ellen Guffey and Brendan Nagle Copyright 2000 Nelson Thomson Learning Interview Checklist Before the Interview: 4Research the organization 4Learn about the position 4Plan to sell yourself 4Prepare answers to possible questions 4Prepare success stories 4Arrive early 4Dress appropriately

19. Essentials of Business Communication Third Canadian Edition by Mary Ellen Guffey and Brendan Nagle Copyright 2000 Nelson Thomson Learning Interview Checklist During the Interview: 4Establish the relationship 4Act confidently but naturally 4Don’t criticize 4Stay focused on your strengths 4Learn about the job requirements 4Prepare for salary questions 4Be ready for inappropriate questions 4Ask your own questions 4Conclude positively

20. Essentials of Business Communication Third Canadian Edition by Mary Ellen Guffey and Brendan Nagle Copyright 2000 Nelson Thomson Learning Interview Checklist After the Interview: 4Make notes on the interview 4Alert your references 4Write thank-you letter

21. Essentials of Business Communication Third Canadian Edition by Mary Ellen Guffey and Brendan Nagle Copyright 2000 Nelson Thomson Learning Employment Application Form u Carry a card summarizing vital statistics not included on your résumé. u Look over all the questions before starting. u Fill out the form neatly. u Answer all questions. u Be prepared for a salary question. u Ask if you may submit your résumé.

22. Essentials of Business Communication Third Canadian Edition by Mary Ellen Guffey and Brendan Nagle Copyright 2000 Nelson Thomson Learning Try Your Skill Select the answer that completes the statement. 1. Job candidates should: a. find out all they can about a company before the interview. b. use the interview to find out as much as possible about a company. c. wait until an interview to research a company to avoid wasting effort.

23. Essentials of Business Communication Third Canadian Edition by Mary Ellen Guffey and Brendan Nagle Copyright 2000 Nelson Thomson Learning Try Your Skill Select the answer that completes the statement. 1. Job candidates should: a. find out all they can about a company before the interview. b. use the interview to find out as much as possible about a company. c. wait until an interview to research a company to avoid wasting effort.

24. Essentials of Business Communication Third Canadian Edition by Mary Ellen Guffey and Brendan Nagle Copyright 2000 Nelson Thomson Learning Try Your Skill Select the answer that completes the statement. 2. Positive nonverbal messages are sent by a. videotaping a practice interview. b. grasping the hand of the interviewer and shaking vigorously. c. arriving on time, being courteous, and dressing professionally.

25. Essentials of Business Communication Third Canadian Edition by Mary Ellen Guffey and Brendan Nagle Copyright 2000 Nelson Thomson Learning Try Your Skill Select the answer that completes the statement. 2. Positive nonverbal messages are sent by a. videotaping a practice interview. b. grasping the hand of the interviewer and shaking vigorously. c. arriving on time, being courteous, and dressing professionally.

26. Essentials of Business Communication Third Canadian Edition by Mary Ellen Guffey and Brendan Nagle Copyright 2000 Nelson Thomson Learning Try Your Skill Select the answer that completes the statement. 3. In responding to the question “Tell me about yourself,” you should a. provide a short formula response. b. supply considerable detail about your education, experience, and skills. c. read from your résumé so that you don’t omit anything important.

27. Essentials of Business Communication Third Canadian Edition by Mary Ellen Guffey and Brendan Nagle Copyright 2000 Nelson Thomson Learning Try Your Skill Select the answer that completes the statement. 3. In responding to the question “Tell me about yourself,” you should a. provide a short formula response. b. supply considerable detail about your education, experience, and skills. c. read from your résumé so that you don’t omit anything important.

28. Essentials of Business Communication Third Canadian Edition by Mary Ellen Guffey and Brendan Nagle Copyright 2000 Nelson Thomson Learning Try Your Skill Select the answer that completes the statement. 4. Which of the following questions is illegal? a. When did you graduate from college? b. What is the date of your birth? c. Are you a legal citizen of Canada?

29. Essentials of Business Communication Third Canadian Edition by Mary Ellen Guffey and Brendan Nagle Copyright 2000 Nelson Thomson Learning Try Your Skill Select the answer that completes the statement. 4. Which of the following questions is illegal? a. When did you graduate from college? b. What is the date of your birth? c. Are you a legal citizen of Canada?

30. Essentials of Business Communication Third Canadian Edition by Mary Ellen Guffey and Brendan Nagle Copyright 2000 Nelson Thomson Learning Try Your Skill Select the answer that completes the statement. 5. In closing an interview, you should a. find out what action will follow. b. ask for the job to sound confident. c. leave copies of your résumé and list of references with the interviewer and the receptionist.

31. Essentials of Business Communication Third Canadian Edition by Mary Ellen Guffey and Brendan Nagle Copyright 2000 Nelson Thomson Learning Try Your Skill Select the answer that completes the statement. 5. In closing an interview, you should a. find out what action will follow. b. ask for the job to sound confident. c. leave copies of your résumé and list of references with the interviewer and the receptionist.

32. Essentials of Business Communication Third Canadian Edition by Mary Ellen Guffey and Brendan Nagle Copyright 2000 Nelson Thomson Learning Try Your Skill Select the answer that completes the statement. 6. After an interview, you should follow up with a letter that a. repeats answers to all the major questions asked during the interview. b. thanks the interviewer and shows appreciation. c. reviews your strengths and asks for the job.

33. Essentials of Business Communication Third Canadian Edition by Mary Ellen Guffey and Brendan Nagle Copyright 2000 Nelson Thomson Learning Try Your Skill Select the answer that completes the statement. 6. After an interview, you should follow up with a letter that a. repeats answers to all the major questions asked during the interview. b. thanks the interviewer and shows appreciation. c. reviews your strengths and asks for the job.

34. Essentials of Business Communication Third Canadian Edition by Mary Ellen Guffey and Brendan Nagle Copyright 2000 Nelson Thomson Learning