LEARNING OUTCOMES By the end of this lesson, students will be able to: use effective language for interviews during one-to-one sessions - demonstrate.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

• use effective language for interviews during one-to-one sessions

- demonstrate interview mannerism- answer with confidence

• use effective language during group discussion:- discuss different views on a topic given.- ask relevant questions to seek clarification- use sequence connectors- state your stand: agree, disagree, etc.

• analyze the frequently asked questions (FAQ) during interview

Example of Job Interview Questions and Answers

• How are you today?• Did you have any trouble finding us?• What do you think of the weather lately? How are you today?• Did you have any trouble finding us?• What do you think of the weather lately?

QUESTION GOOD RESPONSE BAD RESPONSE

How are you today? I'm fine thank you, and you?

I'm well thank you.

So, so

OK

Not so well

Common focus during interview

EducationRemember that your education took place in the past. Therefore you need to use the PAST TENSES:

- I attended the University of Malaya from 1987 to 1993.- I graduated with a degree in agricultural planning.

If you are currently a student you should use the following PRESENT TENSES:

- I am currently studying at Universiti Malaysia Pahang and will graduate with a degree in Chemical Engineering in December.- I am studying English at the MARA Community College.

Continued…

Experience and QualificationsWork experience is to be explained in detail- exactly what you did and how well you accomplished the tasks.

The tenses you should use are PRESENT PERFECT or PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS. This signals that you are still performing these tasks at your current job, for example:

- Smith and Co. have employed me for the last 3 years as a salesperson.- I have been creating customer contacts for 6 months.

When talking about past employers use THE PAST TENSES to signal that you are no longer working for that company, for example:

- I was employed by Jackson's from 1989 to 1992 as a clerk.- I worked as a receptionist at Istana Hotel while I was living in Kuala Lumpur.

ACTIVITY 1

In a pair, surf the internet. Find one example of a frequently asked interview question with an answer. Analyze the answer. Present to the class.

INTERVIEWER & INTRERVIEWEES

Who is an interviewer - the person who plans the meeting, sets goals, asks the questions, and gener ally controls the direction of the conversation. Who is an interviewee - the person who answers questions, provides information, and helps to achieve the goals of the meeting.

The do’s and don’ts for interviewers and interviewees

We have discussed these earlier!

TIPS ON A SUCCESSFUL INTERVIEW

The Process of an Interview Select the best candidate and make your offer.Questioning Techniques to help prospective Interviewers Types of questions: 1. Open

2. Closed 3. Problem solving 4. Probing

Continued…

~Open questions – Elicits an in-depth and thoughtful response from the interviewee and makes him/ her do the talking, may illustrate the interviewee’s ideas, opinions and expertise.

~Closed questions – Used only to verify and clarify specific information such as those written in the CV/ cover letter.

~Problem solving questions – Assesses the interviewee’s ability to think logically through a work-related issue.

~Probing questions – Asks more specific questions such as to request details, examples and clarification of previously asked question.

Continued…

These area of questions may be asked: The candidate The job and the organization Skills and knowledge Ambitions Interests and hobbies Situation questions

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Example questions about the candidate

• How would you/ your friends. Colleagues describe you?• How do you determine or evaluate success?• What are your strengths and/ or weaknesses?• What motivates you to put forth your greatest effort?• What do you look for in a job?• What led you to choose your field/ major of study?

Continued…

Example questions about the job and the organization • Why do you want this job?• Can you work independently/ under pressure/ in a team?• How do you feel about travel/ overtime?• What do you know about our organization?• Why do you want to work for our organization?• What criteria are you using to evaluate the organization for which you hope

to work for?

Continued…

Example questions about skills and knowledge • How has the university experience prepared you for this career?• What would be your contribution to the organization? • What have you learnt from participation in extra-curricular activities at

school and/ or university?• Describe the relationship that should exist between a supervisor and those

under him.• What would you do if you have arranged to meet someone after work and

your employer asks you to stay late?• What major challenges have you encountered and how did you deal with

them?

Continued…

Example questions about ambition

• What do you hope to be doing in 5 years’ time?• Would you consider yourself suitable to enter management?• What would you like to accomplish in this job?• What are your short term and long term goals?• What are the most important rewards you expect from your career?• Do you have any plans for continued study?

Continued…

Example questions about interests and hobbies • What do you do in your free time?• How long have you been interested in this sport/ hobby?• Are you attending any part-time classes at present?• Are there any courses you wish to attend?• What is the name of the book that you are currently reading?• What type of in house training would you suggest for the staff of this

organization?

Continued…

Example situation questions (group discussions) • Your employer has left for an overseas business trip and you realize he has

left some important documents behind. What would you do?• There is some unfortunate gossip that your employer is defrauding the

company. What would you do?

For the Interviewees

Before the Interview

~ Research: Find out as much as you can about the company. ~ Punctuality: Be early so that you can relax and compose yourself before the interview.

~ Documentation: Bring original and copies of documentation such as certificates, assessments, reviews, etc. ~ Presenting yourself: Dress for success. Be neat and clean.

For the Interviewees

During the interview

~ Listen carefully: Pick out the key details of the question and pause briefly before answering, keep answers on target. Never interrupt the interviewer.

~ Take care to use correct expressions: Utilize language suitable for the situation, avoid slang and expressions like `you know’, `sort of’, `er’, etc.

~ Observe etiquette: Don’t smoke, eat, or drink during the interview.

For the Interviewees

During the interview

~ Maintain positive non-verbal communication: Look directly at the interviewer(s), sit up straight, control nervous habits and smile naturally as you are greeted.

~ Be honest: Do not pretend to know things that you do not know.

~ Ask questions: Find out about potential for the future, your responsibilities, training and other work-related questions.

For the Interviewees

During the interview Below are some questions you might like to ask:

1. What would be the primary duties initially? 2. How would you describe the management style of this organization as

a whole?3. What is the most difficult or challenging part of this job?4. What growth opportunities are there in the organization?5. When can I expect to hear from you?

For the Interviewees

After the Interview ~ A “thank you” note: You may want to send a follow-up ‘thank you” letter to the interviewer. This shows interest and keeps your name fresh in their mind.