鲜花( 115) 鸡蛋( 0)
|
祝顺利! 特意奉献:Employment Interview Kit
1 P- A3 x7 S& [! P$ f
4 [* z& O7 K' r% @8 `: F) PShould you be nervous about an upcoming job interview? Of course! Everyone is uneasy about being scrutinized, judged, and possibly rejected. But think of how much more nervous you would be if you had no idea what to expect in the interview and if you were unprepared.! m7 W! |; d# v- ^/ T
9 w' K I0 `+ q
This interview kit helps you get ready for an interview by introducing the two most common kinds of interviews and showing you how to learn about the employer. It will help you reduce your nervousness by teaching you how to practise for the interview, check your body language, and fight fear. You’ll be given tips on how to respond to recruiters’ favourite questions and how to cope with illegal questions and salary matters. Moreover, you’ll receive suggestions for questions you can ask.$ j7 R) l. Z) g3 i
8 O, R7 X3 V# K* |. m4 N7 y5 O3 [
Yes, you can expect to be nervous. But you can also expect to ace an interview when you know what’s coming and when you prepare thoroughly.
0 l# ?: m% ~6 X* V
' p* h, I* z* }! WSucceeding in Two Kinds of Employment Interviews ; c% |/ m/ G- l- a9 e- n, B: y; W
Investigating the Target 3 T7 h. h7 |, ^, c9 f
Preparing and Practising ' E9 l! I% M9 p7 ?% l! {2 x7 ^
Sending Positive Nonverbal Messages
! a2 e; X' Q3 B% X, n2 B7 e' ZFighting Fear 4 h& {3 b4 H9 g* g
Answering Questions # s. [$ O1 D' }8 q! S# k' D7 y8 N' [
All-Time Favourite Questions with Selected Answers
0 k: x' k4 ~1 W# d& U4 G3 y6 A8 N7 `Career Application
) L( K) R4 r# u0 k- ?2 S1 bSolutions
! k6 W3 k/ u9 m( S) t5 x( i
0 }( b& c' D: {; j2 j0 i+ y N! N7 E: e
Succeeding in Two Kinds of Employment Interviews$ H8 G5 y- }) M; ~
Job applicants generally face two interviews: (1) screening interviews and (2) hiring/placement interviews. You must succeed in the first to proceed to the second.
7 z$ H' `+ Z, O# f. }1 _/ F8 p0 s4 ?4 _8 S: Z1 K6 [% J
Screening interviews. Screening interviews do just that—they screen candidates to eliminate those who fail to meet minimum requirements. Telephone conversations, sometimes lasting as little as five minutes, are often used for screening interviews. The thing to remember about screening interviews is be prepared! Some of the ways you can ready yourself are: 5 S# Z) X. I/ x$ u# ^
* Y4 I9 b$ O$ mKeep a list near the telephone of positions for which you have applied. & c' C Q' M& T" v# ^
Have your résumé, references, a calendar, and a notepad handy. 1 E! F- Z) C. u$ B; S3 a
If caught off guard, make an excuse: “I was just going out the door,” or “We just sat down to dinner. May I call you back in ten minutes from the telephone in my office?” 3 c# s* r! \( y) q- R0 n$ T
Sell your qualifications and sound enthusiastic. 6 p! ]; c( p3 k1 V6 w& v
Hiring/placement interviews. These interviews are the real thing. Though in-depth, hiring/placement interviews may take many forms, one-to-one interviews are most common. In them, you can expect to sit down with a company representative and talk about the job and your qualifications for it. If the representative is the hiring manager, questions will be specific and job-related. If the representative is from human resources, the questions will probably be more general." I! A! @8 w. L5 O, p' L" ^: K
+ D0 v2 ?# g/ ~ W- fTwo other forms of hiring/placement interviews are sequential and group interviews, common with companies that rule by consensus. In sequential interviews, you may face many interviewers in sequence, each of whom you must listen to carefully and respond to positively. In group interviews, the employer may be looking for signs of leadership. Strive to stay focused, summarize important points, and ask good questions.8 R& d0 r% ]: ?; C* X. A
9 \5 d8 F, @* q0 MAnother hiring/placement form is the stress interview, which is meant to test your reactions. If questions are asked in a rapid-fire manner and come from many directions, try to slow things down. For example, say “I would be happy to answer your question, Ms. X, but first I must finish responding to Mr. Z.” If the interview’s initial exchange of introductions and greetings is followed by silence—another stress technique—you might say, “Would you like me to begin the interview?” or “Let me tell you about myself.” Or you might ask a question such as “Can you give me more information about the position?”6 m6 K8 n% R7 G# U# S
0 G( `5 J2 L* }8 W
5 J+ u% y3 K: B. R) ~$ d# `1 [1 Y8 ]% e0 G) q+ \
Investigating the Target
* x# m. `* [7 J, ^9 qThe more you know about a prospective employer, the better you’ll be able to tailor your responses to the organization’s needs. Interviewers, moreover, are impressed by candidates who have done their homework. For companies that are publicly held, you can generally learn a great deal from annual and financial disclosure reports. The Internet can also be a valuable tool; company homepages can provide excellent information. Consult The 1998 Canadian Internet Directory by Jim Carroll and Rick Broadhead for company Web sites. The Canadian Student Employment Guide published by the Student Employment Network (SEN) and your province’s Scott’s Directories offer company profiles. City and regional business directories also have helpful information. Another way to get information is to call the receptionist or the interviewer directly. Ask what you can read to prepare you for the interview. Here are some specifics to look for in your research:
( u9 H. P: t* ]2 P/ B' W% m
5 o0 w& D8 W* C$ KFind out all you can about organization leaders. Their goals, ambitions, and values often are adopted by all members of the organization—including your interviewer. 5 F8 u0 l E+ X( D5 P# v' Z
Investigate the business philosophy of the leaders, including their priorities, strategies, and managerial approach. Are you and your target employer a good match? If so, be sure to let the employer know about the correlation between their needs and your qualifications.
- G5 ]. v( w. a: TLearn about the organization’s accomplishments and setbacks. This information should help you determine where you might make your best contribution. " @% N9 F' @1 M- G8 G
Study the organization’s finances. Are they shaky? Is a takeover imminent? 8 N- g5 V8 Y X- b. C5 b: L- F3 h
Check out the competition. What are its products, strengths, and weaknesses? / T- P( i% A" M1 c; O. @- j& F" c9 {" v
Examine the organization’s products and customers, and ask yourself what excites you about this company.
$ u; x# a, r h; _ BFor smaller organizations and those that are not publicly owned, you’ll probably have to do a little more footwork. ' {( C" r. g( W* ]- f1 l# @
Start with the local library. Ask the reference librarian to help you locate information.
0 r: ^ o+ W( [* O: {Read newspapers, since they might contain stories or press releases with news of an organization.
; J: g" A* i# N- ?- P( i" QVisit the Better Business Bureau to discover if the organization has had any difficulties with other companies or consumers. " L& e+ ^9 e7 ]) B g
Check out the competition. What are its products, strengths, and weaknesses?
* j2 ` O5 N. y- I mInvestigate the organization through the Chamber of Commerce.
4 q: E6 e8 r+ I4 M7 m7 K2 oFor both large and small organizations, go beyond written sources and consider the following:
0 M/ O* e# }0 A' kAnalyze the organization’s advertising. How does it promote its products or services?
]2 O0 x8 g4 ^" b8 t. eTalk with the organization’s employees. They are probably the best source of inside information. Try to get introduced to someone who is currently an employee, but who does not work in the immediate area where you wish to be hired. Seek someone who is discreet. 0 P+ z% [( F2 H! r
Finally, don’t forget the international market. The Canadian Guide to Working and Living Overseas by Jean-Marc Hachey is a valuable tool for the international job search.
, P R( X8 d: \6 k6 h9 p- D
" E0 X \ h% O$ o8 _! c+ D% f6 |2 D6 Q$ d) r
( q) z, @6 h6 F4 L0 y m, |* w+ u
Preparing and Practising
9 b' b: U* T/ L/ SAfter you have learned about the target organization: : v0 `6 L9 r) r A
% L7 t( N9 E6 W* Z" H- ?Study the job description. The job description not only helps you write a focused résumé but also enables you to match your education, experience, and interests with the employer’s position. Awareness of the duties and responsibilities of the position will lead you to practise your best response strategies.
' O. P2 t k7 EItemize your (1) most relevant skills, (2) greatest areas of knowledge, (3) strongest personality traits, and (4) key accomplishments. Be ready to relate these items to the kinds of questions frequently asked in interviews. 2 k K+ X2 Y- i9 n4 i/ h- V4 i1 Z/ O
Practise responding to questions in a mock interview with a friend. Remember to be concise. You might wish to videotape or tape record a practice session to see and hear how you really come across. 5 U+ }4 `: U* ~5 [
Expect to be asked to explain problem areas on your résumé. For example, if you have little or no experience, you might emphasize your recent training and updated skills. If you have gaps in your résumé, be prepared to answer questions about them positively and truthfully.
. _3 w7 p5 J3 H d7 a N bTry to build interviewing experience with less important jobs first. You will become more confident and better able to sell your strengths with repeated interviewing exposure. 9 q7 D5 u2 S2 O% c' f3 k& f4 f
! r- r; F! R8 ]3 Z
9 R0 ?$ g, m) A) H" ZSending Positive Nonverbal Messages
& t1 K; K( t$ H1 H9 V2 P* uWhat comes out of your mouth and what’s written on your résumé are not the only messages an interviewer receives about you. Nonverbal messages also create powerful impressions on people. Here are suggestions that will help you send the right nonverbal messages during interviews. : v1 ]7 {; |' L& I6 Y0 Y$ O$ P
1 b1 c, g; K% C, _- I8 I# A
Arrive on time or a little early. If necessary, find the location on a trial run a few days before the interview so that you know where to park and how much time the drive takes or what transit routes to take. Remember, though, to take your trial run at the same time of day as your interview in order to judge traffic patterns.
, \2 ]. t/ k6 e6 J6 l; u8 yBe courteous and congenial to everyone. Remember that you are being judged not only by the interviewer but by the receptionist and anyone else who sees you before and after the interview. They will notice how you sit, what you read, how you look, and how you behave. Introduce yourself to the receptionist and wait to be invited to sit. $ L4 u5 Y% N6 ~$ z% a
Dress professionally. Even if some employees in the organization dress casually, you should look qualified, competent, and successful. Dress the part!
% J& F3 @* w0 T0 G. MGreet the interviewer confidently. Extend your hand, look him or her directly in the eye, and say, “I’m pleased to meet you, Mr. X. I am Z.” In this culture a firm, not crushing, handshake sends a nonverbal message of poise and assurance.
) G, E; `: k: |. B- K' DWait for the interviewer to offer you a chair. Make small talk with upbeat comments, such as “These are beautiful headquarters. How many employees work here?” Don’t immediately begin rummaging in your briefcase for your résumé. Being at ease and unrushed suggests you are self-confident. # }: n+ j: D6 M( [
Control your body. Keep your hands, arms, and elbows to yourself. Don’t lean on a desk. Sit erect, leaning forward slightly. Keep your feet on the floor. 0 Z! }1 M4 J% l' \2 V
Make eye contact frequently but don’t get into a staring contest. In this culture a direct eye gaze suggests interest and trustworthiness. " ?! `) m% M4 m
Smile enough to convey a positive attitude. Have a friend give you honest feedback on whether you generally smile too much or not enough.
. W7 L9 ~" B- }& m% FSound enthusiastic and interested—but sincere.
- m( C% a2 Y1 b4 n( B3 r p5 u) [. K- ?& j2 b& A$ I ~
* w# f, K+ K7 C2 ^# t& hFighting Fear
) S6 y, M) b6 u4 N* fBeing nervous is natural. Other than public speaking, employment interviews are the most dreaded events in people’s lives. You can, however, reduce your fears by following a few suggestions.
8 m7 ` [' p+ e# h, @
4 t7 A+ l8 b2 _( u) L2 i2 {1 A8 APractise interviewing as much as you can—especially with real companies. The more interviews you experience, the less nervous you will be. Many colleges and universities offer practice interview sessions through their placement offices.
4 V& G' A1 z; v5 K0 K0 u4 c+ |) [Prepare 110 percent! Know how you will answer the most frequently asked questions. Be ready with success stories. Rehearse your closing statement. One of the best ways to reduce butterflies is to know you have done all you can to be ready for the interview. . L# e$ C" {, u7 G8 d, c
Take deep breaths, particularly if you feel anxious while waiting for the interviewer. Deep breathing makes you concentrate on something other than the interview and also provides much-needed oxygen. : x. g% b4 p y+ J/ g8 T
Remember that the interviewer isn’t the only one who is gleaning information. You have come to learn about the job and the organization. In fact, during some parts of the interview, you will be in charge. This should give you courage. 0 j8 A- t+ J! M5 W) [) {) t
2 Z! p' A; T! _6 b
0 b U; Q. J) d6 U1 cAnswering Questions
1 ?) w* `) b+ X7 C6 B5 T }The way you answer questions can be almost as important as what you say. The following tips will help you make the best impression.
5 L, H& X6 d: X7 D' N' N
' `6 g+ F) P# K2 [% E `Use the interviewer’s name and courtesy title from time to time when you answer. “Ms. Lyon, I would be pleased to tell you about …” People like to hear their own names. But be sure you are pronouncing the name correctly. Listen carefully when introductions are made. 0 N% V% z6 X: R* b' r; z& Y2 N4 a1 W
Clarify vague questions. Some interviewers are inexperienced and ill at ease in the role. Occasionally, you may have to ask your own question to understand what was asked. “By ______ do you mean _______ ?” 3 g3 L4 x- `( d' G, `$ e0 `
Make your answers demonstrate the key characteristics interviewers seek: expertise and competence, motivation, interpersonal skills, decision-making skills, communication skills, enthusiasm for the job, and a pleasing personality. & k4 ~# B) s d' X1 l* B4 X
In your answers, focus on your strengths. Don’t reveal weaknesses, even if you think they make you look human. You won’t be hired for your weaknesses, only for your strengths. 0 r4 G/ x1 v' h9 T, I A# ]* j
Use good English and enunciate clearly. Remember, you will be judged by how you communicate. Avoid slurred words like “gonna” and “dint,” and slangy expressions like “yeah.” Also don’t overuse “like” and “eh.” + F, V; o: i) Y: v
Eliminate verbal static (“ah,” “and ah,” “uhm”). Make a tape recording as you practise answering expected interview questions. Is it filled with verbal static? 4 m$ G1 Z$ ^: p! l" o6 |
Consider closing out some of your responses with “Does that answer your question?” or “Would you like me to elaborate on any particular experience?”
: ^; p/ y# {/ L9 f7 |0 o2 E; P! I) k! J- G' j
: ^8 v; R3 I; oAll-Time Favourite Questions with Selected Answers2 a& j7 O9 S# k
The following interview questions are the ones most frequently asked of recent graduates and other job seekers. You’ll also find a section of questions for you to ask when it is your turn. The interview questions are divided into groups. In each group the first question is answered. As you read the remaining questions, think about how you could respond most effectively.& z5 J3 m1 u* q" q$ B$ n& ` b
/ i7 q! h9 Q7 h4 ^ l. z
Questions to Get Acquainted
: I- |4 A% S, h7 r! N+ {8 c3 k. w! u. \; K+ k1 v
Tell me about yourself./ F1 b) j1 ~( ?) e: O% B
Experts agree that you must keep this answer short (one to two minutes tops) but on target. Try practising using this formula: ) @5 f) \/ w" i* X) X; G# x0 P6 M% `
, E: t( h! O e, K" f! b
# A f- m# B& P( v* E+ e" m“My name is ______. I have completed _______degree/diploma with a major in _________. Recently I worked for ________ as a _________. Before that I worked for ______as a _______. My strengths are _________ (interpersonal) and _________ (technical).”
) I `# G! O. Y0 JTry rehearsing your response in 30-second segments devoted to your education, your work experience, and your qualifications/skills. Some candidates end with, “Now that I’ve told you about myself, can you tell me a little more about the position?”# T H) _' v/ }' Q$ E; m
# b$ b3 j# l5 d0 o" l* G0 ^* H
What was your major and why did you choose it?
# @2 ?5 ?, \9 o, E
6 o j1 J# p# s7 A1 [0 k$ j% ^' a: Y, z: D5 _# Y6 r
If you had it to do over again, would you choose the same major? Why? - G$ F9 l& l" S0 V1 k! |$ p
* F. k, A N9 p1 F; j6 w2 d: |/ F
( }/ @* @6 `3 A: h
Tell me about your postsecondary institution and why you chose it.
2 S: n3 U# z Z4 v. G
: W/ ?3 m, I4 a" a5 p( [1 N
% `6 K3 _" ?* M: I9 `5 fDo you prefer to work by yourself or with others? Why?
g4 ^3 P+ Q% N, `+ G: o& q$ X8 l, B6 ]9 j* D( c6 n
: z8 ?0 A0 i* M, a2 _1 E6 LWhat are your key strengths? # X! n) h3 n2 r# f+ ]$ B6 M
! l1 K9 f: D6 h8 ^ ]8 a: P- W
What are some things you do in your spare time? Hobbies? Sports?
- G4 {' r* X, }8 ~& v
- W5 D9 ^6 l1 ]2 ]2 q7 Q0 k* M8 J+ Y; O! u7 L8 h" I8 a$ Y0 {* i
Were you active in any extra-curricular activities in college/university?
) f! p3 Y* w( W7 j: Z# [* a" w7 H
0 D" w; u; O$ u. _" Z4 j- z# g' s" H$ t* @ M
What professors did you like the most? The least? Why?
# U/ F, g; W6 M; |
2 I' K" ?, \, N l+ D8 o( b7 ?8 m' _( C* ` x
Did you change, or have you changed, your major? Why?
2 a. n: B. c. ]; J1 S8 t7 ^; s# ^' b$ ]! m E7 M
4 j+ P6 ?" A' f. |
Are you willing to travel? / C4 T& y2 m2 b+ S& V7 O" U, b
g5 h0 h e2 v4 N% V
! E' v. N0 d& L# vHow did you happen to apply for this job? 8 T( B8 T5 _5 ~( F
, L! p: C: [0 b Y: E+ Y3 K
. f8 ~% p2 o n, q
What particular qualifications do you have that qualify you for this job?
( o2 m; m& A9 b$ z/ |7 {$ S7 }% F+ G) t
4 g S! j; g2 Q# q" d4 G2 ]
What courses prepared you for this job?
1 Q+ H, p7 }* T& H) b7 q) o
( H' r% _9 S$ @% X0 {( ~/ I3 m8 {$ @ e' Y' |' U
Do you consider yourself a team player? Describe your style as a team player. 6 I) R" C. w) ]! ]; X+ D1 h
Questions About Your Experience and Accomplishments3 @* ~; L% G5 d W0 m$ d8 M
" J% D O6 S9 q+ sWhy should we hire you when we have applicants with more experience or better credentials?
7 Q! q/ n+ K' a @) N7 ]) y9 s- V+ H& e5 Y# F
In answering this question, remember that employers often hire people who present themselves well instead of others with better credentials. Emphasize any of your personal strengths that could be advantageous to this employer. Are you a hard worker? How can you demonstrate it? Have you had recent training? Some people have had more years of experience but actually have less knowledge because they have done the same thing over and over. Stress your experience using the latest methods and equipment. Emphasize that you are open to new ideas and learn quickly.
( C" F! G4 j( ~# I3 ]3 F% O4 Q k$ x
9 b9 z4 `% i" }- ~
Tell me about your part-time jobs, internships, or other experience.
4 W, b% D# j7 C& N
* z8 g% A! |) d+ D% M1 M) R' `* J, G& N8 z
What were your major accomplishments in each of your past jobs? 7 M$ G/ g, W( @ `
9 {+ L, N. ^- ]4 n/ I2 h
) o: \+ o% I" t+ q) n( I
Why did you change jobs?
. D; v& m ]2 ]" d* @/ P2 d e, z3 d* P% P
! P# u& u' z0 q9 K$ P1 d, Y5 v: u
What was a typical work day like? : O9 D0 u" ^) {) k
# q. d- u0 U. r8 r7 X" G) A; I( {( d/ K5 T. ]2 Y; u5 c
What were your responsibilities at _________ ? % t0 P7 f. z/ k# u* t: o- a3 {9 T
8 b, T0 z( P m0 p5 F! [3 I* R. P/ R% N1 p# N
What job functions did you enjoy most? Least? Why? 6 S/ s5 b+ P3 d" p
) @& j# @( P+ j* k1 z* W8 a& C9 |5 Y9 G) U; L% j5 k& M$ Y T
Who was the toughest boss you ever worked for and why?
9 y9 D2 u5 ?; M' ?- d" b
6 n; P* a* G n; l6 E/ H" V6 n
8 ?) M. v4 ~( \+ h+ UWhat were your major achievements in college/university? # ~6 \* E& `7 Q) |4 g9 ~- R; V
- m4 F. p# t( L9 x6 j9 s6 ^ U0 j) }. x1 L, R; P/ f; q
What was your overall average? In your major? " P" y" R* T# _- H) N: N4 d
Crystal-Ball Gazing and Questions About the Future
+ H4 e, z: ` V8 y/ A
6 Y- a0 _0 M6 F4 S5 X" ^0 }$ E' \5 {& UWhere do you expect to be five years from now?8 W4 K( I7 x5 A
: k8 B4 ~1 r$ ?+ a( s3 |- |% cIt’s a sure kiss of death to respond that you’d like to have the interviewer’s job! Instead, show an interest in the current job and in making a contribution to the organization. Talk about the levels of responsibility you’d like to achieve. One employment counsellor suggests showing ambition but not committing to a specific job title. Suggest that you will by then have learned enough to have progressed to a position where you will continue to grow. ' e0 x2 h% {& q; ^. V$ }2 F) @* B
6 U3 R. o. W$ w6 m. M3 y
3 \% H8 `' _ b5 ?8 U$ ?2 lIf you got this position, what would you do to be sure you fit in? 8 j7 v2 B" Z+ a# B% R; Z7 {
& {4 Q; \! ~" y5 R7 G# F& o
; ]5 h @1 b5 J% v2 A. a- hIf your supervisor gave you an assignment and then left town for two weeks, what would you do? * q8 H, A- w; Q$ {& I7 s# ~. _) K$ }
0 L* l4 o G' _ B8 a) g
3 [) ?# W0 q& L1 X. D4 SThis is a large (or small) organization. Do you think you’d like that environment? * o0 b; p7 a' T1 b1 z; V" T8 X
3 z, X" E' m1 ~9 F! J: t: p3 f. O
8 Q! I [" E, f! kYou are aware that a co-worker is falsifying data. What would you do? ; o& y [2 O, f8 S- ^6 ~! E0 @
5 A9 J' l2 n) p E1 |( {
0 d4 @- C; N% F7 I7 J/ @Your supervisor is dissatisfied with your work. You think it is acceptable. How would you resolve the conflict?
: h" n* G+ d8 O) w+ a5 U' C3 J2 R: d2 {) W* ~/ R
) l2 d* g8 s0 P/ I$ [8 U1 k+ S
After completing a job, how would you evaluate it? ' [2 d8 c# v9 h3 ~$ R+ D" t
# x7 w5 N& |7 O- Q8 [
6 j4 F% E4 Q N% [$ ~ AWhat does dependability mean to you?
8 b6 J/ Y6 A* ]4 O% m1 O
! v# Y+ \& H8 E) z; W" w" e
; m* r/ V2 K7 u3 HDescribe someone whom you consider an excellent communicator. Explain your choice.
* U; i2 F! l8 }
7 {7 X- g0 l% g! _/ @- x/ k# s7 y
7 I/ |( v x+ v! w% qWhat plans do you have to continue your education?
/ I4 t4 W! `3 [, AQuestions to Make You Squirm
- _) r3 d+ e# P3 p8 g( p" k5 x7 V6 A5 s8 V
What are your key weaknesses?
8 i: U, L) ?# c8 C9 q8 z
( e6 G0 B Z9 d8 e7 tIt’s amazing how many candidates knock themselves out of the competition by answering this question poorly. Actually, you have many choices. You can present a strength as a weakness (“Some people complain that I’m a workaholic or too attentive to details”). You can mention a corrected weakness (“I found that I really needed to learn about the Internet, so I took a course …”). You could cite an unrelated skill (“I really need to brush up my Spanish”). You can cite a learning objective (“One of my long-term goals is to learn more about international management. Does your organization have any plans to expand overseas?”) Another possibility is to reaffirm your qualifications (“I have no weaknesses that would affect my ability to do this job”).
+ k' ?! e, J6 R; I; N' }
9 b9 }+ ]4 V* p A% @, R; T5 r3 r6 g; s' j) ]* s2 n
If you could change one thing about your personality, what would it be and why would you want to change it?
! r6 B3 A& b. ?+ i- `# |# e* z) W8 S2 ^! O# o) M" e
; n0 d# H- n* M- v6 g: pIf I met some of your college/university friends, what do you think they would say about you? 9 i4 [- W5 ~& d% x7 f
* [* |; l' r. ^! S/ k
; ~% i7 J/ e# s! Y( sWhat would your former boss say about you? # S- H/ S) m7 @0 n
# n6 c8 _$ Y. w4 @9 I
* Y& x. u5 \* B9 r2 W
What do you want the most from your job? Money? Security? Power?
: ?) W3 d. p C+ w$ X5 ^2 \- S& i: L5 S2 ~0 o. @. {1 R: E: y
+ ]% P7 q1 t; A/ j6 ]0 [
How do you handle authority? Criticism?
8 B/ j6 D+ N6 T( e, V
$ R! I: F! c3 t/ l: w7 V ^5 U. V) t) y. M; j. I
How did you prepare for this interview? 5 t) f0 ^" N7 a* K
2 c7 }+ u4 H7 j0 _& y* G7 {- y" M
' s5 `6 \" P2 _Do you feel you achieved the best grade-point average of which you were capable in college? $ q6 W- {6 Y$ ~$ s9 p
: i$ v2 ~$ D) n5 O; z$ }3 h: s
* J- U; Z3 |3 D& _) s$ hWhat causes you to lose your temper? , ~8 O9 m3 P7 o |( q
3 y3 s$ v* q" K: |7 N
/ L/ n6 f! f- o. a" B% a; kRelate an incident in which you faced an ethical dilemma. How did you react? How did you feel? ( M4 }- K. @4 h* W" l, E2 J
( m+ F$ {2 a) A, m
6 i! k8 }: d6 Y0 c& P3 N/ |5 cHow long do you think this position will be challenging to you? 2 [% ^$ h! P$ z! l2 A! U) p2 j) k
& S7 J7 R1 ?; W2 l3 L$ I: c# }- _4 @0 u7 f# h0 n
If your supervisor told you to do something a certain way, and you knew that way was dead wrong, what would you do? ) j4 }- o/ I1 |8 r; w4 U
/ z+ @6 V9 L* T/ o7 x/ }1 h& v; l+ x( x$ E- v. B
When you are supervising people, how do you motivate them?
4 R w/ u5 R* t5 U- fQuestions About Money+ g7 K7 m% n) v
: M9 q, O1 }1 F1 J/ N0 FHow much money are you looking for?9 |! Q: a/ j1 s9 d2 R# i) ^7 H
6 a k& G2 r; fOne way to handle salary questions is to ask politely to defer the discussion until it’s clear that a job will be offered to you. (“I’m sure when the time comes, we’ll be able to work out a fair compensation package. Right now, I’d rather focus on whether we have a match.”) Another possible response is to reply candidly that you can’t know what to ask until you know more about the position and the company. If you continue to be pressed for a dollar figure, give a salary range. Be sure to do research before the interview so that you know what similar jobs are paying. Salary information is available, for example, through Statistics Canada.
4 y/ F# \# h) o+ X0 C" w; ^9 n' P' U V* h% s8 G) |
% e# l, M, ?7 x# I) y" nHow much do you earn now? 2 R- x. o) Z6 \; a. u, Y; i6 \
$ Q% I0 ~" ^# {2 ?
& D2 I, K& Z% n- J5 V" o) B% S
How did you finance your education? 6 V8 U: {+ Q: h. Y2 i; A
' b( O9 c7 Z4 c# K% @; y1 H: I: Z& u0 M5 U
Have you saved any money? 3 a6 E5 x6 S2 p/ X! V
7 D4 \* e. T/ W; j
! \8 ^- I# i! j/ xHow much money do you expect to be earning at age _____? 0 d) s$ M# ^0 h- N5 t8 G
Questions for You to Ask ) C7 e4 f6 S3 b0 D6 F
4 y/ d1 ]" I$ E6 C7 w' u$ P8 }At some point in the interview, you will be asked if you have any questions. Your questions should not only help you gain information, but they should also impress the interviewer with your thoughtfulness and interest in the position. Remember, though, that this interview is a two-way street. You must be happy with the prospect of working for this organization. You want a position to which your skills and personality are matched. Use this opportunity to find out whether this job is right for you.
8 a) F0 k& E0 W; {; ?' e' |, |. k9 q
What will my duties be (if not already discussed)?
) d: F9 B9 ~1 w& F/ Q) J8 \( Q# s" I' Q: T) y A
Tell me what it’s like working here in terms of the people, management practices, workloads, expected performance, and rewards.
* c5 u* ?& `) P% u! z
# [/ e; t/ l; S& n" C: B7 ^
' E# \1 W8 R- t% {/ Y# BWhy is this position open? Did the person who held it previously go to another company? ; {2 r, o# B5 F( D$ i' Q3 o
( I7 E( Q' H( e' x7 }
5 J7 ?& A) U0 v4 H8 B5 A& k9 P: }What training programs are available from this organization? What specific training will be given for this position? 9 t3 s \8 P. _& `+ _2 I
% Q6 O0 E% v' }" a3 U
4 n I4 s. E& d( A* t0 CWhat are the possibilities for promotion with this position?
' H7 C6 v% ~' n# m# q' d0 D: F9 t9 ?; i# x' H$ d, w
: C4 J5 \, o* T& d: y8 mWho would be my immediate supervisor? , i, X0 {- P# e" j
& F1 \) c. ?; I0 Y$ F; |) l' L$ e% M% G
What is the organizational structure, and where does this position fit in? 9 Y& [! }8 p: d0 S: p2 ^" e( p- n: Y9 \
. d" w; f4 w$ V$ l- L
" l) q8 D3 ] \0 Q2 y% j% {+ ?What type of travel is required in this position?
0 w9 m l! u/ L5 c" E' Z6 F7 g( F' t9 r0 p9 u0 l+ i5 H0 O
/ f3 H, p! C7 u2 ]0 ~! d; OWhat is the availability of housing in the surrounding area?
8 @, i% \% m U& t1 {: R8 Y+ C4 W, n& T: k
% l2 Y8 J& \' c) H' Z/ p
Assuming my work is excellent, where do you see me in five years? % W- w# x2 k- p
2 a' p3 H5 ~4 Q, B2 z7 h( c7 c7 M. n
How long do employees generally stay with this organization? ! a5 A9 d n( T' F
' C+ e' D0 g' W/ c# B- V# n
| t' h- _) T* n5 O* \What are the major challenges for a person in this position?
5 J' P7 T, O0 w$ N1 l+ ~; |: U8 [1 ?$ ~
) C3 ` v4 O9 G/ T
What can I do to make myself more employable to you? 4 b( O1 t# f" O) J" B) m
4 \; b$ B. Z1 q' U5 L$ Q
/ H* d4 u1 E5 y% k/ Z( \4 r
What is the salary for this position? x }& x& I3 d0 o1 }% M$ [
+ E9 W/ Y S* B6 c$ T$ q
7 a( S# Z4 U; V3 q: t7 I' ]5 N4 VWhen will I hear from you regarding further action on my application?
+ l; z- N, S" X& U" s& l0 `Fielding Illegal Questions . E; @- g% S& |" L {% }8 _ P% m
) N) @; u6 j9 ^+ m( w
Provincial/territorial and federal human rights laws in Canada are designed to avoid discrimination; therefore, interviewers may not ask questions like those in the list below. Note, however, that legislation varies among jurisdictions and it is best to review the legislation for your specific area. Though interviewers are prohibited from asking some questions, you may face an inexperienced or unscrupulous interviewer who does ask some of these questions. How should you react? If you find the question harmless and you want the job, go ahead and answer it. If you think that answering it would damage your chances of being hired, try to deflect the question tactfully with a response such as, “Could you tell me how my marital status relates to the responsibilities of this position?” Another option, of course, is to respond to any illegal question by confronting the interviewer and threatening a lawsuit. However, you could not expect to be hired under these circumstances. You might, though, wish to reconsider working for an organization that sanctions such procedures. Here are some questions that cannot be asked in any jurisdiction in Canada: 1 h; f& j! U6 j. [
& C6 @0 N1 F+ k; N
Are you married, divorced, separated, or single? 5 A# C R- p! M% E$ z0 R
Do you have any disabilities that would prevent you from doing this job? (But it is legal to ask “Can you carry a 50-pound sack up a 10-foot ladder five times a day?”) % F- i6 }0 S$ @; l( z7 U2 ~6 I
What is your religious preference? 5 s% q7 y: N7 x; O
How old are you? What is your date of birth? (But employers can ask whether the applicant is between a range of ages. Check specific provincial/territorial jurisdiction for details.)
]. j. B* o" |$ f7 N8 U: k% JHave you ever been institutionalized for a mental problem?
. G9 {0 ?2 z/ I" W6 h) Q7 a8 ?* a2 yThe following questions are illegal in some Canadian jurisdictions:8 I7 b( N U) ?( p2 e5 l
7 L2 q* ^8 O& q0 `# w' {Of what country are you a citizen? (But it is legal to ask “Are you legally entitled to work in Canada?”)
, O; Z: `, X$ i7 g. e+ K- RWhom did you vote for in the last election? ; c* T& ~& d9 L/ I9 {) t! S7 n
What is your sexual preference?
4 t. ]$ f) C- Z9 i6 G7 P2 W9 L# YHow many children do you have?
3 z2 n$ {- W2 f, _# I8 M7 {. `. LHave you ever been arrested?
: b9 U! {6 r$ @( X8 z/ XHow much alcohol do you drink per week? # h! C2 l, f3 S; g/ z# J5 d1 q
Interview Don'ts
% \+ @* i) u9 @% e. D. X8 `1 g* L, n) K8 R' J. ]1 ?
No one is perfect in an interview. You can, however, avert sure disaster by avoiding certain topics and behaviours such as the following: + [1 Z3 m9 @- B1 m- y
; f g9 d+ u7 e: G+ lDon’t ask for the job. It’s naive, undignified, and unprofessional. For now, just see how the interview develops. ( }% U# v; q5 q
Don’t trash your previous employer, supervisors, or colleagues. The tendency is for interviewers to wonder if you would speak about their companies similarly. X% \5 g; _+ H8 j
Don’t be a threat to the interviewer. Avoid suggesting directly or indirectly that your goal is to become head honcho, a path that might include the interviewer’s job.
3 j- ? n& S; z; HDon’t try to memorize question answers. Your responses will sound “canned.”
9 E4 k- ~+ M2 @4 z/ Z+ ZDon’t be late or too early for your appointment. $ H* B _, C% l0 h, v% Y
Don’t discuss controversial subjects, and don’t use profanity. 9 V' Q: y, x4 p( [! r
Don’t smoke unless the interviewer smokes.
5 S& M1 P5 Y$ ODon’t emphasize salary or benefits. If the interview goes well and these subjects have not been addressed, you may mention them toward the end of the interview.
/ w* q2 ]8 J9 Q' s# e4 V* nDon’t be negative about yourself or others. Never dwell on your liabilities. # X: y9 B/ [' V0 w ]; D! n
Don’t interrupt.
5 f4 d3 j6 g* @$ _& x: pDon’t accept a job immediately after getting an offer.
# M1 b. h! P2 a( eDon’t accept an offer until you have completed all your interviews. + c" t1 p! ?4 p* ]5 A
3 F% X: u3 W A5 K0 B1 u; o) b8 u, C- a& P9 u/ E2 R
Career Application
3 {9 N, N% `6 a- l) `/ u, V% |7 S: NAssume you have sent your résumé to many companies. What information should you keep near your telephone and why?
5 k# G. i! V3 u& n0 }" z% `
$ S( V" r' t% W( p) y& m. ^2 j: D3 P1 L7 V
Your first interview is with a small local company. What kind of information should you seek about this company and where could you expect to find it? ; F6 m/ V6 k. B8 C& s: r7 d
, j7 _& i* U4 x0 E+ N; ] Z3 U$ r
& F% Z: i8 k2 O9 s$ X
Name at least two ways in which you can practise for the interview and receive feedback on your performance. 4 @. J3 ], @* q
+ \; ?4 p! a6 f! S5 [: x' y
! ]. D; b8 h/ w# zWhat nonverbal messages do you think your appearance and demeanour send? How could you make sure your nonverbal messages are working for you? 8 B+ A/ o: j, H* ^/ V
7 q( `! J% X) L7 X2 s b: A, }5 @7 G2 n- @7 c6 s; ~- ~
Why is it important to make frequent eye contact with an interviewer?
. u4 g6 X" _1 C! A& k& {! K7 H" }" d. K& o
; X6 d2 C+ B" h0 p' \, Q
What is your greatest interview fear? That is, what do you fear you might do or what do you fear might happen to you during an employment interview? How can you overcome your fears?
4 [( [; m8 M; T3 ?* V& Y8 E# @' `8 l9 a
# N2 H6 ]1 j8 Z/ l9 i1 I- _Should you be candid with an interviewer when asked about your weaknesses? Justify your answer.
$ E* w ~- W! }$ `+ X0 I7 m- P: l' p. j1 b; y5 @
" T; A% j+ X) u! j& EHow can you clarify vague questions?
* n, _7 j8 {, t$ Y' P: A
?0 e% v8 [8 q) w) U" e: ]3 Z, F4 n6 m( M, J
Select three get-acquainted questions. Write each of them on a separate sheet of paper and then answer each question on the pertinent sheet. 6 E4 h3 w- ~5 B- v$ }
2 d3 P* w0 \7 K) @1 S& g+ i7 B8 N9 |
0 ~) j r- x( W+ OSelect three crystal-ball-gazing questions. Write each of them on a separate sheet of paper and then answer each question on the pertinent sheet.
8 y' D! d5 R5 r+ E% q6 M. w& P1 Y: S$ k
! K: `0 [% q2 K9 ^3 h- v4 x
Select three squirm questions. Write each of them on a separate sheet of paper and then answer each question on the pertinent sheet.
' `/ O; c" A) c. i3 j
4 l6 F) ]3 n; Q& N9 M5 u T; E" S. T
Select two money questions. Write each of them on a separate sheet of paper and then answer each question on the pertinent sheet.
- u$ P; E: A6 ^5 E" G; U' O
6 |" Q1 E u& \. @* b
: j0 f3 g7 q; z2 e; f Z& ?' W& iSelect three questions for you to ask the interviewer. Write each of them on a separate sheet of paper and then answer each question on the pertinent sheet. : M& J# h6 x! O' V
# ]9 Y3 `, T# E/ A d) \( f6 v9 s
4 N0 l7 D. s0 m- ISelect three illegal questions. Write each of them on a separate sheet of paper and then answer each question on the pertinent sheet.
2 K! t8 I2 N/ {3 v& ?# }# _& S; G
7 _1 k; k5 R1 }" E' `3 EWhy is it important not to accept a job immediately after getting an offer?
+ I6 ^! r# k4 {) k c8 C* s# l5 o5 }; V8 M) O8 q
$ @: V7 m- M& s4 [, i+ Y: M3 n* w* r; u: ]
Solutions
) F" b; t# C' iKeep near the telephone a list of all the positions for which you have applied. You should also keep a copy of your résumé, references, a calendar, and a notepad. Many companies use telephone screening interviews to select those individuals whom they wish to interview in person. ) A+ G0 t+ m0 b. O& }6 h8 @3 Q: m6 B
0 T8 G2 f/ C* V3 X) z: |* W; {9 i u* f+ ^7 M8 l
For a small local company, you can probably find information in the local library. Ask the reference librarian to help you. Newspapers might be helpful. The Better Business Bureau and the Chamber of Commerce could also provide information. Checking out the company’s advertising as well as its competition will tell you about its current focus. Best of all would be talks with current or previous employees.
3 B5 }: d/ p0 Y8 c
6 ^2 D/ P" a/ D5 V5 }$ @ i5 i7 O5 a6 ^& j+ a* A; d
You could conduct a mock interview with a friend. Recording the interview with a video or tape recorder will provide feedback. If no friend is available, practice responding to typical questions and record your answers.
) R( l5 T1 a9 q$ W: W% B0 r
; Y6 X$ U2 T( L$ W2 T: x
& O8 {" M% E! ~Do you think you send nonverbal messages that suggest confidence and success? To gain feedback, you could ask a friend or relative to be candid with you about your appearance and demeanour. : l. I0 T* c# a- e* Y! L
6 X7 l" N R. @! s/ v" g9 m* \& X' l" q0 i6 ?) B6 y* Q+ @" U* U
In this culture frequent eye contact suggests that an individual is interested and is trustworthy. 0 y* ^. }. M2 ]2 \) P+ ^$ [% I
9 H+ z9 e' V( S5 O; z
. e) j8 w5 L& T7 uSome students fear that they will choke and start a coughing fit. Others fear drawing a blank and not being able to answer a question at all. Some worry that they will drop something or stumble over a rug or perspire profusely. Your fears may be different. You can overcome most fears by preparing thoroughly for the interview. Conduct mock interviews. Rehearse answers to all the favourite questions generally asked at interviews. Practise deep breathing. ' O# W" J+ S2 f3 S2 Q
% p) }( R: d) ?1 v0 j" N) @. l" X2 @0 b; A- X
Never be candid about your weaknesses! No one was ever hired for a job because of his or her weaknesses. If pressed to name a weakness, name a strength disguised as a weakness, identify a corrected weakness, cite an unrelated skill or a learning objective, or simply state that you have no weaknesses that would affect your ability to perform this job.
# t1 Z* K4 {# S* b% w* Q' u& u2 e% \* R; V: o5 R- ^
6 Y( X" f* T) o/ C& e5 WIf you are asked a vague question, you can respond by saying, “Would you please clarify what you mean by _______?” or “By _________, do you mean _________? "8 G; U& w% ]" u4 I. B
- n6 H5 u3 D: j8 v/ M+ h* A Q+ T+ q3 {! w; z
Questions and answers will vary.
& q5 q4 {6 { I% n: X0 I! t+ |! Q- A+ m1 m2 V( X: o9 e
/ x$ _% i3 D5 s5 h, k/ rQuestions and answers will vary. 8 u- ^9 [+ [& ]! Y
# H! n. U" I- s" d) I. V. d3 o2 g( ?( E) A
Questions and answers will vary. 1 J( b. F. A+ V' R& Q% l
/ `/ t2 a$ R. \* ~
# K; B( I. P* \ k) L! z1 O- FQuestions and answers will vary.
9 X# X) B, c) C& \4 g# I# X7 E/ A h- Y0 Q- C8 z5 V* A( C
' @) X% }) d' M; O3 Y: R6 ]+ p6 sQuestions and answers will vary. 1 {1 F/ D: X+ @ D$ l! `! K
! x& B; S; M$ |! }- Y# m8 D# h
+ r: `5 ?, ?$ H5 f) c; T
Questions and answers will vary. ' y: k4 e3 H6 O( p' B c4 B
) x* \; J$ P3 f. ? k
2 ~2 V* ?$ t! J; @
You’ll want to consider a job offer carefully. Every opportunity has pluses and minuses. Before accepting the position, you may have to resolve certain questions or concerns. Give yourself time to think about this big decision. No reasonable company would deny you a chance to think it over. |
|