Job interview

Interviews are usually the deciding factor in the application process. During the Interview, you’ll have to effective market your skills and give a highly polished presentation of yourself. It is also a chance for the employer to see how you handle yourself – the way you look, act and react.

There are two basic kinds of interviews: one is a screening interview, where numerous applicants are invited so that a company can narrow down the candidates.

The second kind of interview is known as a line interview. Here the employer invites only a few select applicants to the company’s office. Interview may last half of an hour or extend over two days. You may meet with one interviewer, a group, or several groups in succession. You may be interviewed alone or with several candidates at once. Take as many interviews as you can if you’re interested in the position.

There are several points you should think about when getting ready for a job interview. Preparation is everything. You can prepare for an interview by doing some investigation about the type of job you’ll be doing: learn about the job’s duties, and review the technical skills most relevant for the job. Find out background information on the company from trade literature, industrial indexes and annual reports. Learn its history, products, services, organizational structure, branch locations, competitors, contributions to the field or the community.

Pay special attention to your appearance because it is the first thing the interviewer will notice. It should be favorable and professional because the dress code is an important part of an organization’s culture. When in doubt, don’t hesitate, to ask. “Should I wear a business suit?” when you arrange the interview on the phone is easy and quite appropriate. Usually, men should wear a business suit and a conservative tie, and women should wear a daytime dress or business coordinates (skirt and a blouse with a matching jacket).

During the interview you can expect questions about your education, job experience, and personal style. An interviewer will want to discover your good points as well as your bad ones.

Since you will be asked to speak at length, prepare a brief review of your qualifications. Your interviewer will have a copy on the desk, so you can be sure that its content will be the subject of many questions. Any extra details or information that brings you resume up to date will be appreciated.

Be on time! Being late for an interview makes a very poor impression. Leave yourself enough time to allow for traffic and other delays. If you are running late, make every effort to call, apologize, and tell them to expect you late.

Ex 3. Study the text and try to find answers to the following questions:

1. What are the types of interviews and how they differ?

2. Why is it good to take as many interviews as possible?

3. What are the sources of your investigation?

4. What does it mean to dress appropriately for a certain position?

5. What are the most likely questions the applicant will be asked?

6. What regulations should be observed when coming for an interview?

7. Do you think the points above are equally important for a successful interview?

Ex 4. Listen to the dialogue repeating after the speaker. Pay attention to intonation and pronunciation.

Ann: Hey, Jane, I have a job offer and I think I’m going to go for it. It’s my first experience with this, and I’m really excited.

Jane: Yeah. You’re going to have rough times. I know this for sure because I learned it the hard way. I recently missed a job interview.

Ann: I’m sure to hear that. But you get better with each interview. I’d say, you learn a lot from your experience.

Jane: Right. Next time I’ll prepare more.

Ann: What do you mean?

Jane: Well, I’ll call the company and ask for a copy of their annual report, or whatever it is, so I could be better prepare. I mean I’d do a lot seem smart and competent.

Ann: Come on, Jane, you’re going to practice those interview questions, are you?

You are going to take it seriously this time?

Jane: Sure. And I’ll also do a dry run the day before so I’ll not get lost there.

Last time I missed my interview by showing up late. All I’m saying is that I’ve ruined my best chance to be hired. But next time I’m not going to miss it.

Speaking

Ex 5. Prepare dialogue between employer and applicant.

Writing project

Ex 6. Discuss steps of your future interview in pairs and write them down.