Text 1. The Interviewing Process

Since we can not hide our energy, it would be well not to seek opportunities when we are depressed or feeling ill. Smile because happy people get hired faster. Basically, the object is to be yourself. Most employers prefer people who are open, honest and speak straight across, person to person. It is not necessarily the person with the most skills who gets hired. It is a person who the employer likes and believes will fit into the organization. Success in establishing comfort naturally increases with additional visits. The impression is dependent upon how we look, how we feel and also, how we act.

During the interview, be sure to dress appropriately, make eye contact, and greet the recruiter with a firm handshake. Answer the questions posed concisely and with a degree of modesty. Come prepared with questions about the company itself. Do research in advance on the corporate web site so that job descriptions and company projects are familiar.

Be able to briefly talk about your education, experience and abilities in relationship to the job for which you are applying. Be ready to discuss what you have learned about the company that has motivated you to apply for the job. Practice means saying the words out loud, not to memorize, rather just to have experience saying the words. Thinking about what you will say is not the same as saying what you will say.

Some interviewers like to use a rather sneaky tactic called 'stress questions'. These bizarre queries usually come out of the blue and are designed to confuse and fluster you. For example:

v If you could be any animal which would you be?

v What is the meaning of life?

The point of these is to test your sense of humour and see how you react under pressure. Often, what you answer is less important than keeping calm and composed.

Always remember that you are in control of everything you say, so don't merely answer questions; respond to them in a way that allows you to prove your suitability for the position. Bottom line, employers want people who will come to work on time, every day they are scheduled, who can get along with the other employees and are willing to do the job the way the employer wants it done. In essence, every job requires on the job is training. New employees must learn the rules of the organization and how to get along with the other employees. Every job is hardest at the beginning and gets easier with experience. Saying something like, "I know I can learn your method of operation," tells an employer you have faith in your ability to learn the way the employer wants it done.

After an interview, it is advantageous to send the recruiter a thank-you note. This helps establish a relationship with the recruiter, shows interest in the position, and indicates personal responsibility.

The first interview may be followed up with second rounds on-site or over the phone. From there it is a short wait until the company calls back with their offer, or mails a rejection – hopefully the former.

LET’S ROLE-PLAY THE SITUATION

II. Work in pairs. Student A: you are going to have a job interview next week. You are eager to get the position of Sales Manager in that company and too worried of doing something wrong. Ask questions what you should/shouldn’t do in an interview. Student B: You’ve been working for a very prestigious company for seven years already. You’ve got a good experience of having passed the job interview. Share your experience and answer all the questions of Student A.

Nota Bene!

Top 10 Most Common Interview Questions

What makes you think you are the best person for this job?

How would you describe yourself?

What are your greatest weaknesses?

How do you handle pressure?

What do you know about this company?

What are your strengths?