ELTU2012 Business Communication I

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

MODULE 1 JOB SEARCH SKILLS

1C JOB INTERVIEWS

OBJECTIVES

1. To help you analyze the skills and abilities you can offer a prospective employer
2. To introduce various types of interviews and interview etiquette
3. To help you respond to questions in job interviews appropriately and effectively

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon completion of this section, you will be able to:

1. analyze the skills and abilities you can offer to a prospective employer
2. understand various types of interviews and interview etiquette
3. handle questions in job interviews appropriately and effectively
4. prepare for a mock interview

AUDIENCE ANALYSIS AND SELF-INTRODUCTION

TASK 1: WHAT DO INTERVIEWERS LOOK FOR IN A CANDIDATE?

What do you think interviewers are looking for in a candidate in general? Discuss with your
group-mates and list the top five characteristics you agree on.

______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

Show your classmates a job advertisement that interests you recently.

Job position applied: ________________________________________
Company name: ____________________________________
Company profile/ website: _____________________________________________________

Module 1c_ Job Search Skills: Job Interviews (Student Version) updated July 2017 1
ELTU2012 Business Communication I
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
What kinds of skills and experience is this specific position looking for?
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

TASK 2: INTRODUCING YOURSELF AT A CAREER FAIR

Chris and Crystal were interested in applying for a marketing training programme. Watch their
performance at a career fair.

1. Watch the video clip “How to Work a Career Fair” (2:00-2:40) at

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Lt75KdVi5A

What caused Chris’ failure in his interview?

_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________

2. Now in the same video clip, watch a good example of a self-introduction. (3:00-5:10)

Which three interview questions did Crystal attempt to address to in her one-minute market
pitch?

1. _________________________________________________________________________

2. _________________________________________________________________________

3. _________________________________________________________________________

Crystal managed to link her background to the job requirements and stressed that she was a
good fit for the position. How did Crystal tie her answer to what the company was looking
for? Give three examples.

Job requirements Crystal’s answers

1.

2.

3.

Module 1c_ Job Search Skills: Job Interviews (Student Version) updated July 2017 2
ELTU2012 Business Communication I
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Having good preparation is a key to Crystal’s success in winning a job interview. To

prepare, you will need to:
• review your resume and understand your competitive edge
• research the employer and the job requirements.
• Analyze how your key strengths match the company’s needs
• prepare a 30-second self-introduction and practice aloud.
• prepare for commonly asked questions and potential questions to ask the interviewer
• dress professionally

TASK 3: PREPARING A ONE-MINUTE SELF-INTRODUCTION

Now prepare a two-minute self-introduction to convince a potential employer that you are
well-suited to the job you are applying for. Address your prospective employer’s needs and
concerns as if you are answering some basic interview questions. For example:

1. What position are you interested in?

2. How much do you know about the employer? Why are you interested in this company or
job?

3. What qualifications do you have? Why are you a good match for this company?

4. What makes you a good fit for this job: e.g., a high cumulative GPA in a particular subject,
work experience or networking in the field, special skills showing the required personal
qualities, etc.

Useful expressions

 I know you are looking for someone who has …

 I also served as a…

 Your company is/ has …, which is why I’d like to work for you…

 I think I’m a good fit to this position/ your company because…

Module 1c_ Job Search Skills: Job Interviews (Student Version) updated July 2017 3
ELTU2012 Business Communication I
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Your self-introduction

___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________

EXTENDED ACTIVITY

Audio- or video-record your two-minute self-introduction and then upload the clip on the
Blackboard site for peer comments.

Name of speaker/candidate: ______________________________________

Peer comments by: _______________________________________________

Contents:

Language:

Module 1c_ Job Search Skills: Job Interviews (Student Version) updated July 2017 4
ELTU2012 Business Communication I
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Style of presentation:

TYPES OF INTERVIEWS

Structured interviews are:

 Controlled by interviewers, possibly with questions from a standardized checklist
 Good for gathering facts and screening large groups

Open-ended interviews are:

 Unstructured, with a more relaxed format
 Good for assessing individual strengths and weaknesses

The following types of job interviews are also common.

Telephone interviews are sometimes used by employers to screen candidates for face-to-face
interviews.

Skype/ video conferencing interviews are usually used for overseas candidates.

Competency-based/ Behavioural interviews can be a more difficult type of interview.

Candidates are asked questions that assess how they might react in certain job-related situations
in order to evaluate their key competencies.

Case interviews may be even more difficult for some than behavioral interviews and can be
quite stressful. Candidates are asked to read a case and then answer questions that are
situational and hypothetical, typically consisting of “what if...” scenarios that must be resolved
on the spot.

Technical interviews sometimes consist of case-like exercises called brainteasers.

In panel interviews, candidates face a series of questions asked by several interviewers. The
purpose is typically to see how a candidate responds to various interviewing styles and how he
or she acts under pressure.

Module 1c_ Job Search Skills: Job Interviews (Student Version) updated July 2017 5
ELTU2012 Business Communication I
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
In group interviews, candidates gather with other interviewees to discuss topics and answer
questions as individuals or teams. Group interviews sometimes also include role-playing
exercises. The purpose is typically to see how candidates work with their peers.

In group interviews,
 several candidates are interviewed at the same time for the same position
 candidates interact in a group situation and are evaluated on how they match the
requirements of a specific job
 candidates’ reactions to tough questions and critical comments are also assessed
 interviewers gather information about individual candidates’ skills, e.g., analytical skills,
leadership skills, communication skills, problem-solving skills, etc.

During a group interview it is important to:

 observe the dynamics established by the interviewer
 ask for clarification if you are unsure what is expected from you
 communicate respectfully and confidently
 avoid confrontation or conflict, as this will make you look uncooperative and immature
 maintain good eye contact with the interviewer(s) and be sensitive to cues from their body
language

Some of the following questions may be asked in a group interview.

 What can be done to solve the problem in this situation?
 Who would you hire from your group? Why?
 What will make this team work successfully?
 What is your personal contribution to the team's performance?
 How can the team accomplish the objective?

TASK 4: IDENTIFYING INTERVIEW TYPES AND PROCESS

Different types of interviews serve very different purposes. In preparation for an interview, it
is essential to find out what interview format and procedures to expect. For example, your
interview may aim to screen applicants for an internship program, a part-time job, an
exchange program, or a scholarship.

How many interviews have you attended since you entered the university? Do they have
different purposes and formats? Make notes in the table below and then verbally share your
experience in various interview situations with other group members.

Module 1c_ Job Search Skills: Job Interviews (Student Version) updated July 2017 6
ELTU2012 Business Communication I
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Purpose of interview Name of organization Interview types or formats

1.

2.

3.

INTERVIEW ETIQUETTE

Interview etiquette refers to a set of conventional and expected behaviors in interviews. Showing
courtesy and respect to the interviewer is always valued by the employers.

TASK 5: UNDERSTANDING DOS AND DON’TS IN INTERVIEWS

Watch the video clip “Interviews Dos and Don’ts” at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1ucmfPOBV8

(4 minutes).

1. In the video, the candidate failed to impress the employer positively. Give some examples for the
type of inappropriate acts or speech she demonstrated in this interview under the Don’ts column.

Don’ts Dos

Module 1c_ Job Search Skills: Job Interviews (Student Version) updated July 2017 7
ELTU2012 Business Communication I
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. Now watch the video again, make notes on the employer’s advice and make a list under the “Dos”
column. Discuss with your group members and add more on your list.

TASK 6: TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF- GOOD AND BAD ANSWERS

Watch two short video clips to see how a candidate answered a typical interview question.
‘Tell Me about Yourself": Good Answer vs. Bad Answer at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cyww7eRVj3E

Discuss in groups. What makes the second clip a more desirable sample to learn from? Make notes
below.

Bad answer 1:10-1:33

Good answer 0:36-1:12

HANDLING QUESTIONS IN JOB INTERVIEWS

TASK 7: STRATEGIES OF ANSWERING JOB INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

To answer the questions well in an interview, you need a strategy, not a scripted answer. You should
try your best to emphasize the experiences in your background that best fit what each interviewer is
looking for.

Now work with a partner.

1. Take turns to conduct a 5-minute interview by asking the following questions.
2. The interviewer will note down the comments on the answers in the space provided below.

Module 1c_ Job Search Skills: Job Interviews (Student Version) updated July 2017 8
ELTU2012 Business Communication I
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
3. When the two interviews are completed, discuss with your partner and identify the good
strategies used when handling the questions.

Five common interview questions Strategies for handling the question

1. Tell me about yourself.

2. What is your greatest weakness?

3. Tell me about a time you had to

resolve a conflict.

4. You are given multiple tasks with

high priority. How do you
prioritize?

5. Where do you see yourself five

years from now?

Many useful tips concerning current interviewers’ expectation can be found online. Here is an example.
Read ‘How to Master 5 of the Most Common Interview Questions’ at
http://www.wallstreetoasis.com/blog/how-to-master-5-of-the-most-common-interview-questions
(posted on 27 August 2013) for sound advice.

TASK 8: A Q & A GAME

You will be given some paper strips with interview questions written on them. Put them face-down in
a pile. Take turns to pull one question out and ask another group member to answer. All group
members should give feedback to the speaker.

Module 1c_ Job Search Skills: Job Interviews (Student Version) updated July 2017 9
ELTU2012 Business Communication I
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

1. Tell us about yourself.

2. What is your career plan (short and long term)?

3. What position do you plan to have in five years?

4. What courses did you like most and least? Explain.

5. What do you know about the opportunities in the field in which you are trained?

6. What do you know about our company?

7. Why do you want to work for us?

8. Why should we hire you?

9. What qualifications do you have that make you feel you should be hired over others?

10. What weaknesses do you have that we should know about?

11. What do you think are the real qualifications for this job?

12. What do you think determines a person’s progress in an organization?

13. How do your qualifications compare with the job requirements?

14. Describe a time when you worked well under pressure.

Module 1c_ Job Search Skills: Job Interviews (Student Version) updated July 2017 10
ELTU2012 Business Communication I
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

15. Describe a time when you worked well with others.

16. Describe a time when you solved a difficult problem.

17. How do you respond to criticisms?

18. Describe something that you have done that shows your initiative and willingness to work.

19. How have your part-time jobs, volunteer work, or extra-curricular activities prepared you for
work with our organization?

20. What was the most rewarding aspect of your previous job?

21. How do you handle workplace disputes?

22. What do you expect to achieve in this position?

23. What are your salary expectations?

24. Is there anything that you would like to ask us?

25. Is there anything that you would like to know about the position?

Module 1c_ Job Search Skills: Job Interviews (Student Version) updated July 2017 11
ELTU2012 Business Communication I
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

TASK 9: USING THE RIGHT VERBS

Correct each of the following responses of the interview questions with an appropriate verb.

Problematic sentences Corrected verbs

e.g. My goal is to be a corporate VP by the time I am 30. is to be
1 . In five years, I want to gain solid experience in marketing
communications and be developing skills in another marketing
function.

2 . My last boss identified that I needed to work on my presentation skills.

So I seek out practice opportunities and join Toastmasters. I see some
real improvement.

3 . In 2013, I have worked in Product Development & Strategy, Wealth

Insurance for six months and was responsible for collecting customer
data for analysis.

4 . I determined to pursue a long-term career in the banking industry.

5. My ability to adapt to different environments, my eagerness to learn

and my self-motivation are useful for helping me overcame various
challenges.

6. I have been tried to improve this by prioritizing my tasks on my to-do

list.

7. This semester, I focus on my studies and no longer take part in many

activities.

8. The reference letters and feedback from my internships shows that my

performance was excellent.

9. The former HSBC team head said that I have supported the team well,
and that I was a responsible colleague. I also develop a good rapport
with internal colleagues and other parties.

10. I am a Year 4 student at CUHK and would graduate in June 2014. I am

deferring my academic studies for one year as I took part in an
exchange programme and a six-month internship at HSBC.
Module 1c_ Job Search Skills: Job Interviews (Student Version) updated July 2017 12
ELTU2012 Business Communication I
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

TASK 10: CONDUCTING A MOCK INTERVIEW

One of the job search assignments in this course is to simulate a job interview. Study the assessment
guidelines given by your class teacher for further information.

Name of candidate: _________________________________________________

Position applied for:
Name of interviewers:
_________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________

Mock interview procedures:

1. Conduct a self-analysis and audience analysis. Research the prospective organization or

company and make notes on the skills and abilities required for the job.
2. Study your résumé thoroughly and prepare a list of anticipated questions and possible
answers.
3. Prepare some job/ company-related questions to ask the employer at the end of the
interview.
4. Attend a mock interview and answer the questions in appropriate business attire.
5. Collect feedback forms from the interview panel.

Try to cover various phases in the mock interview.

 Phase 1: Warm-up questions
 Phase 2: General questions on résumé
 Phase 3: Challenging questions
 Phase 4: Your-turn questions

Observe good interview etiquette and demonstrate your strong fit and enthusiasm for the post.
Useful link: 100 Potential Interview Questions’ at http://career-advice.monster.com/job-
interview/interview-questions/100-potential-interview-questions/article.aspx

Module 1c_ Job Search Skills: Job Interviews (Student Version) updated July 2017 13
ELTU2012 Business Communication I
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Mock Interview: Peer/Self-Evaluation Form

Job interview performance Peer comments/Self-evaluation

Content
 Provided sufficient and specific examples of
relevant academic qualifications/work
experience/skills for the position applied for
 Described specific situations that demonstrated
teamwork and problem-solving skills
 Described specific situations that demonstrated
sense of responsibility and ability to work
independently

Delivery and Attitude

 Demonstrated confidence (smiled, use good
body language, maintained eye contact)
 Answered concisely
 Structured answers with a focus on
contributions to the company rather than gains
for self
 Demonstrated enthusiasm for learning on the
job and contributing to the company
 Conveyed a positive attitude toward the
interviewer(s) and the company

Language
 Expressed ideas fluently and clearly
 Used a good range of vocabulary and correct
grammar (does not have to be complete
sentences, but no errors such as s/v agreement,
pronoun reference, etc.)
 Expressed ideas using accurate pronunciation
and appropriate intonation

Module 1c_ Job Search Skills: Job Interviews (Student Version) updated July 2017 14