7.2 During an Interview: It’s Show Time SECTION OPENER / CLOSER INSERT BOOK COVER ART Section 7.2 During an Interview: It’s Show Time Chapter 7 • Interviewing Succeeding in the World of Work 7.2 During an Interview: It’s Show Time WHAT YOU’LL LEARN How to create the right first impression by displaying a good attitude and communicating effectively continued Chapter 7 • Interviewing Succeeding in the World of Work 7.2 During an Interview: It’s Show Time WHAT YOU’LL LEARN Effective responses to typical and tough interview questions Strategies for managing interview stress Chapter 7 • Interviewing Succeeding in the World of Work 7.2 During an Interview: It’s Show Time WHY IT’S IMPORTANT Your ability to project a positive first impression is essential for achieving success in your career and personal life. Chapter 7 • Interviewing Succeeding in the World of Work 7.2 During an Interview: It’s Show Time KEY TERMS body language role-playing problem solving stress Chapter 7 • Interviewing Succeeding in the World of Work 7.2 During an Interview: It’s Show Time At the Top of the List: Attitude Many employers look for the right attitude in a potential employee. Let your smile and enthusiasm project your positive attitude. Chapter 7 • Interviewing Succeeding in the World of Work 7.2 During an Interview: It’s Show Time Body Talk Body language is the gestures, posture, and eye contact you use to send messages. Eye contact, for example, shows that you’re paying attention. Chapter 7 • Interviewing Succeeding in the World of Work 7.2 During an Interview: It’s Show Time Body Talk A firm handshake signals selfconfidence. Nodding your head shows that you are thinking, while biting your nails may suggest that you’re too nervous to handle the job. Chapter 7 • Interviewing Succeeding in the World of Work 7.2 During an Interview: It’s Show Time Body Talk Good manners count. Chapter 7 • Interviewing Succeeding in the World of Work 7.2 During an Interview: It’s Show Time Speaking for Success Interview success depends not only on what you say but also on how you say it. Use standard English and show the communication skills that employers look for. Chapter 7 • Interviewing Succeeding in the World of Work 7.2 During an Interview: It’s Show Time Typical Questions Questions you should be ready to answer include: What goals have you set for yourself? What do think are your greatest strengths? Your greatest weaknesses? Why did you apply to our company? continued Chapter 7 • Interviewing Succeeding in the World of Work 7.2 During an Interview: It’s Show Time Typical Questions Why would you be right for this job? Where do you see yourself in five years? Chapter 7 • Interviewing Succeeding in the World of Work 7.2 During an Interview: It’s Show Time Typical Questions Honesty is the best policy. If you don’t understand a question, ask the interviewer to clarify it. Interviewers prefer specific answers that show you think clearly. Chapter 7 • Interviewing Succeeding in the World of Work 7.2 During an Interview: It’s Show Time Tough Questions Sometimes an interviewer will ask tough questions to see how you react under pressure. Chapter 7 • Interviewing Succeeding in the World of Work 7.2 During an Interview: It’s Show Time Tough Questions Tough questions you might encounter include: How can the company be assured that you’ll give us your best effort? What qualities do you have that offset your lack of experience? continued Chapter 7 • Interviewing Succeeding in the World of Work 7.2 During an Interview: It’s Show Time Tough Questions Are you going to move to a better job as soon as you’re finished here? Why should I hire you? Why should I trust you? How would you describe your relationship with your current employer? Chapter 7 • Interviewing Succeeding in the World of Work 7.2 During an Interview: It’s Show Time Tough Questions When you are asked tough questions, stay calm and don’t get defensive. Turn tough questions around to focus on your skills. Chapter 7 • Interviewing Succeeding in the World of Work 7.2 During an Interview: It’s Show Time Tough Questions If a panel of several people interviews you, stay calm and address one question at a time. There is often no right answer to tough questions. It’s how you answer that counts. Chapter 7 • Interviewing Succeeding in the World of Work 7.2 During an Interview: It’s Show Time Tough Questions Questions you should be prepared to ask include: What are the employee benefits? Does the company pay for training? What is the potential for growth in this company? Chapter 7 • Interviewing Succeeding in the World of Work 7.2 During an Interview: It’s Show Time Standing in the Spotlight Role-playing is acting out a role in a make-believe situation. Some interviewers use role-playing as a chance to evaluate your skills. Chapter 7 • Interviewing Succeeding in the World of Work 7.2 During an Interview: It’s Show Time Standing in the Spotlight Problem solving means using thinking skills to find solutions to problems, such as theoretical problems posed by an interviewer. Chapter 7 • Interviewing Succeeding in the World of Work 7.2 During an Interview: It’s Show Time Standing in the Spotlight Some interviewers expect you to do all the talking; they only ask vague questions such as, “Tell me about yourself.” This type of interview sounds casual, but it can prove very difficult. Chapter 7 • Interviewing Succeeding in the World of Work 7.2 During an Interview: It’s Show Time Standing in the Spotlight Prepare a brief mental outline of what points you will cover in case your interview is unstructured. Highlight your qualifications, including your relevant skills, experience, and personal qualities. Chapter 7 • Interviewing Succeeding in the World of Work 7.2 During an Interview: It’s Show Time Standing in the Spotlight Make sure to mention why you would like to work for the company. This is where your company research will come in handy. Chapter 7 • Interviewing Succeeding in the World of Work 7.2 During an Interview: It’s Show Time Can They Ask That? An interviewer does not have the right to ask you about: children or child care, age, disabilities, citizenship, continued Chapter 7 • Interviewing Succeeding in the World of Work 7.2 During an Interview: It’s Show Time Can They Ask That? lawsuits against you, or AIDS or HIV status. Chapter 7 • Interviewing Succeeding in the World of Work 7.2 During an Interview: It’s Show Time Can They Ask That? If an interviewer asks you a question that isn’t job-related, you might say, “I assure you that this area is not a problem. Let me tell you about the skills I have that fit this job.” Chapter 7 • Interviewing Succeeding in the World of Work 7.2 During an Interview: It’s Show Time The Stress Factor Stress is the emotional and physical tension that is body’s natural response to conflict. Chapter 7 • Interviewing Succeeding in the World of Work 7.2 During an Interview: It’s Show Time The Stress Factor If you feel great stress in an interview, stop trying so hard—relax and be yourself. The worst thing that can happen is that you don’t get the job. There are other jobs. Chapter 7 • Interviewing Succeeding in the World of Work 7.2 During an Interview: It’s Show Time Wrapping it Up At the end of the interview, you may be offered the job on the spot. If you aren’t, thank the interviewer and ask when they hope to make a decision. Chapter 7 • Interviewing Succeeding in the World of Work 7.2 During an Interview: It’s Show Time Graphic Organizer Interviewing Skills BEFORE DURING AFTER Prepare yourself Arrive on time Attitude Body language Confidence Thank-you note Follow up Chapter 7 • Interviewing Succeeding in the World of Work 7.2 During an Interview: It’s Show Time SECTION 7.2 REVIEW Key Concept Checkpoint Comprehension 1. Why is a positive attitude essential to succeeding in the workplace? continued Chapter 7 • Interviewing Succeeding in the World of Work 7.2 During an Interview: It’s Show Time SECTION 7.2 REVIEW Key Concept Checkpoint Comprehension 2. Where in the job market do you see yourself in five years? continued Chapter 7 • Interviewing Succeeding in the World of Work 7.2 During an Interview: It’s Show Time SECTION 7.2 REVIEW Key Concept Checkpoint Comprehension 3. Why do you think employers ask tough questions? 4. How do you control interview stress? continued Chapter 7 • Interviewing Succeeding in the World of Work 7.2 During an Interview: It’s Show Time SECTION 7.2 REVIEW Key Concept Checkpoint Critical Thinking 5. Why should you ask questions at the end of an interview? Chapter 7 • Interviewing Succeeding in the World of Work 7.2 During an Interview: It’s Show Time SECTION OPENER / CLOSER INSERT BOOK COVER ART End of Section 7.2 During an Interview: It’s Show Time Chapter 7 • Interviewing Succeeding in the World of Work