LESSON 2: PROFESSIONAL CORRESPONDENCE

“Professional is not a label you give yourself – it’s a description you hope others
will apply to you.”
David Maister

Specific Lesson Objectives:

At the end of this lesson, the students will be able to:
1. Construct basic workplace documents based on the principles of
corporate/professional communication;
2. Write an effective cover letter and resume based on the guidelines for the job
application process; and
3. Effectively introduce oneself and answer questions in a scenario simulating the job
interview.

DISCUSSION:

MEMOS

v When you send an official announcement, a directive, a guideline, or a

reminder to your colleagues within your department or across departments, you
will have to write a memorandum or, in short, a memo. Memos may be used to:
• Formally document a verbal exchange;
• Inform, notify, or update colleagues about certain concerns;
• Request, remind, or recommend; and
• Serve as an introduction to specific documents
v The memo follows a specific format designed for internal communication.
v It tends to be brief (one page is usually enough), and its content is arranged into
paragraphs, typically just one to three.

Sample Template:
(two inches of blank space)

Memorandum or Memo

To: Readers’ names (individual or group name) and designations/job titles

(one blank line)
From: Writer’s name and designation/job title
(one blank line)
Date: Current date
(one blank line)
Subject: What the memo is about

(two blank lines)

First single-spaced paragraph: an opening that grabs attention and introduces the purpose
of the memo, the context and problem, and the specific assignment or task
(one blank line)
 Second single-spaced paragraph: a body that explains the purpose and context in greater
detail; uses lists, if necessary, for easy digestion of information
(one blank line)
Third single-spaced paragraph: a closing that includes a request for action, deadline, and
reasons; ends courteously

v The memo’s subject line is of prime importance. Like a title, it “aids in filing and
retrieving the document, tells the readers why they need to read the
document, and provides a framework in which to set what they are about to
say” (Locker and Kienzler, 2013).
v Good-news memos and letters can highlight the good news in the subject line,
but bad-news letters and memos should have a neutral subject line.
v A good subject line is specific, concise, and appropriate to the message.

v Based on similar examples in Arinto (2009), the following examples illustrate

the differences between ineffective and effective subject lines.
a.
Too general: Training Seminar
Better: Dates for 2018 Training Seminar
Or: Schedule of Training Seminar on Conducting Interviews
b.
Wordy: Survey of Students’ Preferences Regarding Course Offerings
Better: Student’s Course Offering Preferences
Or: Survey of Students’ Course Preferences
Sample Memo

MEMORANDUM

To: All Staff

From: Tanya Smith, CEO
Date: July 18, 2018
Subject: NewTech Software Issues

It has come to my attention that many employees are having trouble using our recently acquired
NewTech sales management software because it currently creates duplicate client entries. Some of
you have stopped using the system altogether. We want this software to help you do your jobs better,
not to take up more time. Therefore, it is fine to hold off using it until we resolve the technical issues
BUSINESS LETTER/APPLICATION
with NewTech staff. LETTER

(signature)
Tanya Smith
CEO
v The business letter, like the memo, should be clear, concise, and organized.
v Business letters usually include the following:
a. Date – when the letter was written
b. Complete name of the recipient
c. Position of the recipient – in the organization or organization
d. Salutation or greeting – indicating the title (e.g., Mr., Ms., Dr.) of the recipient
e. Body of the letter – indicate your purpose (e.g., appreciation, request,
invitation, inquiry) for communicating with the recipient
f. Closing – (e.g., Sincerely – formal; Best – less formal)
g. Sender’s signature, complete name, affiliation (address of the sender’s
affiliation), sender’s contact details

v Some common formats of business letters include:

a. Block format – all parts are left-justified (considered as the most formal)
b. Modified block – the date and the closing are toward the center
c. Semi-block format – the date and the closing are toward the center, and each
paragraph is indented
Sample A: Block Format
Sample B: Modified Block Format
Sample C: Semi-block Format
HOW TO WRITE AN APPLICATION LETTER

Application Letter
v An application letter is a standalone document you submit to a potential employer
to express your interest in an open position.
v The job application letter explains who you are as a professional and an individual.
v The letter should highlight your achievements and skills, helping to get the attention
of the hiring manager or recruiter responsible for reviewing applications.
v When written well, this letter explains to the reader why they should ask you in for
an interview and highlights the key qualifications that make you a fit for the role.
• A job application letter can impress a potential employer and set you apart from
other applicants. In your letter, you may also want to show your familiarity with
the company to which you’re applying.
• You can talk about how your professional goals and aspirations align with the
company’s goals. It’s important to use your job application letter to showcase
aspects of your personality.
How to Write an Application Letter
v When writing an application letter for a job, follow these steps to make sure you
include information about yourself and your professional experience that will
appeal to a hiring manager:

1. Review information about the company and position

2. Use a professional format
3. Create the heading
4. Address the letter to the hiring manager
5. Open the letter by describing your interest
6. Outline your experience and qualifications
7. Include aspects of your personality
8. Express appreciation
9. Close the letter

1. Review information about the company and position

v It’s best to write a new application letter for each position you’re applying for, so
you can include pertinent details and show your interest in the particular open role.
Spend some time reviewing the company information, which you can likely find on
the website, as well as the position listing. Compare your qualifications and
experience with the list of skills in that posting. You may also want to think about
specific experiences that have prepared you for the role, such as leading a team
or managing a major event.
2. Use a professional format
v A job application letter should be more professional than a thank-you card or an
email to a co-worker or friend. The alignment of the document should include single
spacing, one-inch margins, and left alignment. It’s best to use a professional and
 traditional font, such as Times New Roman, in size from 10 to 12 points. Try to
keep your job application letter to one page. When a hiring manager reviews your
job application letter, they will get their first impression of you as a potential
employee, so take time to format it professionally and keep it concise.
3. Create the heading
v Use a formal business heading for your job application letter. The heading should
include your name and contact information, date, company name, and address.
Suppose you send your job application letter via email. In that case, you can
eliminate your name and contact information from the header and put it at the
bottom of the email after the signature instead.
Example header:
Your name
Your physical address
Your phone number
Your email address
Date
Name of the hiring manager or supervisor
Title of the hiring manager or supervisor
Company name
Company physical address
By including a professional and detailed heading, you can make it easier for the hiring
manager to follow up with you regarding the position.
4. Address the letter to the hiring manager
v In your research, try to find the person’s name reviewing applications for the job.
Address your letter to this person with a common business greeting, such as “Dear
Mr./Ms.” and their last name. If you’re not sure of the name or gender of the
individual reviewing your application, you can use the generic “To Whom It May
Concern” or “Dear Hiring Manager.”
5. Open the letter by describing your interest
v In the first paragraph of your letter, mention the job title you’re applying for and
where you saw the position posting. Include your interest in the role and briefly
state the main experience or qualification that makes you a good fit. This section
will draw in the hiring manager as the reader of your application letter, so it is
important to appeal to that person quickly and succinctly.
Example: “I saw the posting for the Marketing Intern role on my university’s online job
board, and I am very interested in the role. I am in my final year of earning my
bachelor’s degree in marketing with a minor in communications, so I feel my
educational experience has prepared me to work in a fast-paced marketing
department like the one within your organization.”
6. Outline your experience and qualifications
v The next few paragraphs of your letter should highlight your experience,
qualifications, and skills, positioned in a way that aligns with the company’s goals
and mission. For example, suppose you are applying for a job with a non-profit
organization that provides educational opportunities to underserved community
members. In that case, you could talk about your experience with non-profit
organizations or educational offerings. Since a job application letter should stand
on its own without a resume, it’s helpful to include details about your experience
related to the position you’re applying for.
7. Include aspects of your personality
v As you’re writing your job application letter, consider how you can incorporate
aspects of your personality. A friendly and engaging letter is likely to appeal to the
reader, especially when they can get an idea of how well you might fit with the
team.
v For example, in the situation mentioned above, explain that you are good at
connecting with children or valuing community spirit in your letter.
8. Express appreciation
v Before you sign off on your letter, express your appreciation to the hiring manager
for reviewing your letter and considering you for the position. The hiring manager
is taking time out of their day to read what you have written, so expressing your
gratitude for that time spent is a polite and professional way to close the document.
Example: “I appreciate the time you have taken to review my application letter. Since
you likely received several applications and letters for this open position, I am
extremely grateful for the time you have spent reading about me and what would make
me a good fit for this role.”
9. Close the letter
v Many people use “Sincerely” or “Best” to close the letter, although any professional
sign-off is fine to include. The final line of the letter should be your full name. If you
submit a hard copy of the letter, include your signature above your typed name.
When submitting an application letter via email, you should include your contact
information beneath your name rather than including it in the header.
Job application tips
v When preparing a job application letter, follow these tips to ensure your letter
includes the information a hiring manager needs.

1. Emphasize your skills and abilities. An application letter is your opportunity

to sell yourself as an excellent candidate for the open position. Include specific
examples of situations in which you applied your experience, abilities, and skills
to benefit the organization. It is also helpful to include data that supports your
claims.
2. Stay concise. Although it may be tempting to include detailed information about
yourself, it is important to be concise. If a hiring manager receives a letter that
is multiple pages, they may not take the time to read it. A brief letter is more
manageable and appealing.
 3. Proofread the letter. Since this letter serves as your first impression, you want
to make sure It is as positive as possible. Ensure your letter does not have
grammatical or spelling errors to avoid a potentially negative first impression.
4. Review the job listing keywords. Most job postings will include certain skills
and abilities that the hiring manager and supervisor want applicants to possess.
Including these keywords in your application letter helps to show the person
reviewing it you would be a good fit in that specific role.
5. Send a letter for every position to which you apply. Unless a job posting
specifically states not to send an application letter, it is smart to send one for
each job to which you apply. This letter offers the opportunity for a potential
employer to learn more about you and gives you the chance to set yourself apart
from other applicants.

Job application letter template

Consider the following template when planning your job application letter:
Your name
Your address
Your email address
Your phone number
Date
Name of the hiring manager or supervisor
Title of the hiring manager or supervisor
Company name
Company address
Salutation [Dear Mr./Ms.],
Outline where you saw the job posting and express your interest in working in this role.
Discuss some of your qualifications that would make you a good fit for the job.
Describe your past experience in a way that emphasizes your personality and skills
while also showcasing how you align with the goals of the company.
Express your appreciation to the hiring manager for reviewing your letter. Include any
follow-up information, if applicable.
Closing [Sincerely, Best]
Your signature
Your name (printed)

Job application letter example

v Use this sample job application letter to help inspire you to write your own:
JUAN M. DELA CRUZ
483 Apple Street
New York, NY 10001
(212) 555-8965
juandelacruz@[Link]

September 15, 2019

BETHEL PRAISE V. VALLEJO

Recruiter
Rogers Consulting
901 Main Street
New York, NY 10001

Dear Ms. Vallejo,

I am reaching out to you regarding the posting for the human resources consultant position I found on
[Link]. I am interested in this position and would appreciate your consideration as a candidate for
the role.

In my previous experience, I worked in human resources departments to provide support across several
different industries. I have worked in my current role as a human resources generalist for the past four
years. Before this job, I worked as a human resources assistant for two years, which shows my ability
to advance in my career.

I have a strong passion for helping others, which is why I have found such fulfillment in human
resources, providing support to my fellow employees and assisting them in ways that benefit them
personally and professionally. I also enjoy looking for solutions to common H.R. problems, which I feel
would be a great asset in the position with your company. Since this consultant position works directly
with multiple clients, assisting them in their human resources needs, I believe my innovative nature and
strong skill set will help me succeed.

I have strong communication skills, vital to success in the H.R. field. I also have a bachelor’s degree in
human resources from Arizona State University. I worked with skilled human resources professionals
who have shared their insights and experience with me throughout my education. Some of my strongest
skills include my ability to increase employee retention through the improvement of company culture
and to develop training and education programs to ensure all employees have access to the information
they need to succeed and comply with legal requirements.

I appreciate your time reviewing this letter and hope to hear from you regarding the next steps in the
hiring process. If you have any questions or need any additional information, please don’t hesitate to
contact me.

Sincerely,

JUAN M. DELA CRUZ

Applicant
FINAL REQUIREMENT

Assume that you are a fresh college graduate and you are applying for a job
related to your course (Engineering) (It’s up to you to assume what position or
job you will apply for). Make an application letter to a private company or a
government agency of your choice (You can assume a company name).

You can assume some information that is not yet applicable to you (e.g. year
graduated in college, academic awards, previous work experiences,
eligibilities, etc.)

Make sure that you apply the proper format (block format), guidelines and
rules in writing an effective application letter discussed in this module. Type it
in a A4 bond paper using Arial as your font (Font Size: 12).

Rubrics:
Content: 40%
Organization of ideas: 30%
Application of the guidelines in writing an application letter (including the
proper format): 30%
TOTAL: 100%
 LESSON 3: THE JOB APPLICATION PROCESS:
MAKING RESUME AND CURRICULUM VITAE
“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”
Confucius

DISCUSSION:

RESUME

v A resume is a document commonly used in the hiring process. It includes

information about your background and qualifications and should communicate the
most important, relevant information about you to employers in a clear, easy-to-
read format.
v The goal is to quickly communicate why you are uniquely qualified for the position
based on your skills and experiences.
v To create a resume that employers will notice, you can follow simple steps and
best practices. The main goal to keep in mind is to make your resume relevant and
readable.
HOW TO CREATE A PROFESSIONAL RESUME
v Follow these steps when drafting a resume for your next job application:
1. Start by choosing the right resume format
v A “format” is the style and order in which you display information on your resume.
There are three commonly-used resume formats you can choose from depending
on which is right for you: Chronological (or reverse-chronological), functional,
or combination.
v A chronological resume format places the professional history section first and is
a good option if you have a rich professional work history with no gaps in
employment.
v The functional resume format emphasizes the skills section and is a good option if you
switch industries or have gaps in your work history.

v The combination resume format is a good option if you have some professional
experience, where both skills and work history are equally important.
2. Include your name and contact information
v Your resume should begin with your name and contact information, including your
email address and phone number. You have a choice about whether or not to
include your mailing address. Your name should be highly visible at the top of your
resume with a bolded or larger font than the rest of the document, but no more than
a 14 point size. You might also include a link to your online portfolio if you are
applying to creative positions, for example.
3. Add a resume summary or objective
v After your contact information, you have the option to include either a resume
summary or an objective statement. An objective statement quickly explains
your career goals and is a good choice for those with limited professional
experience, such as recent college or high school graduates. A resume summary
is a short statement that uses active language to describe your relevant work
experience and skills.
4. List your soft and hard skills
v Take a moment to consider which skills make you a great fit for the job. Review the
job description and highlight keywords that you have had proven success with in
the past. Consider both hard (technical) and soft (interpersonal) skills, as well
as transferable skills you can use when changing careers or industries. Create a
skills section with keywords that are relevant to the employer. List any required
skills like certifications or licenses first.
5. List your professional history with keywords
v Write your professional history section in reverse-chronological order. Start with
your most recent job and provide a short description, including the company name,
the period you were employed, your job title, and a few key achievements during
your time at the company. You might also include relevant learnings or growth
opportunities you experienced while employed there.
v When listing your professional history, you should keep a few best practices in
mind:

• Use numbers to measure your impact when possible. Including specific

numerical achievements can help employers understand your direct potential
value to their company.
Example: “Developed new process for requesting supplies, reducing
fulfillment time by 10%.”

• Use keywords from the job description. You should also include information
from the job description in your job history bullets, like your skills section. For
example, if the job description mentions the importance of meeting sales
quotas, you could include information about how you’ve met or exceeded
quotas in past roles.
Example: “Achieved goal of reaching 250% annual sales quota, winning sales
MVP two quarters in a row.”

• Be brief. Employers have seconds to review your resume, so you should keep
your descriptions as concise and relevant as possible. Try removing filler
words like “and,” and “the.” You should also only list key achievements instead
of multiple lines describing your role.

• Use action verbs. Make a stronger impact by using action verbs to describe
your professional achievements. Some examples include “developed,”
“saved,” “drove,” and “managed.”
v Follow the same process for other work experiences. If you do not have extensive
professional history, you should also include internships and volunteer
opportunities following the same format.
6. Include an education section
v An education section will be valuable if you have limited work experience (such as
recent college or high school graduates) or transfer to a new industry. You can
include information such as:

• Relevant coursework
• Grade point average (if above 3.5)
• Participation in clubs or organizations
• Leadership positions held
• Awards, achievements, or certifications

v When writing your education section, you should include the institution’s name,
dates of attendance, and your degree or area of study. If you are applying to mid
or higher-level positions, you might remove all but the name of your school and
dates of attendance to make room for more relevant professional experience on
your resume.
v If you have certifications or licenses relevant to the job description, you can include
them in this section. To save space, you can leave off any credentials that are not
directly related to the requirements of this job.
7. Consider adding optional sections
v If you have significant white space on your resume, consider adding an
achievements or interests section. This can help supplement a shorter resume,
especially those with limited work and educational experience. Ensure that the
achievements and interests you list support your career goals and are relevant to
potential employers.
8. Format your resume
v While the layout of your resume is important, you should also take time to pay
attention to formatting details like font style, font size, margins, and
spacing. Formatting your resume can make it look clean, professional and improve
readability. This is key when attempting to keep an employer’s attention. Here are
a few key tips that can help make your resume look polished:

• Make your font between 10 and 12 point size.

• Select a font that is clean and easy to read, like Arial or Helvetica; avoid stylized
fonts.
• Make sure your margins are 1 to 1.5 inches.
• Make your name and section headers bold or slightly bigger font size (no more
than 14 points).
• Use bullet points when listing several different pieces of information, like under
your education and professional history sections.
9. Proofread your resume
v Carefully review your resume for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors.
Reading your resume backward can help you identify errors by presenting the
words in a new order. You should also ask trusted friends, colleagues, professors,
and family members if they can review your resume. Third-party opinions can help
reveal new information you might have overlooked.
v Suppose your resume is more than one page, review for ways to consolidate or
shorten each section by removing filler words or extraneous information. Two
pages may be acceptable if you apply for high-level positions or industries like
healthcare or academia.
10. Tailor your resume for each position
v It’s important to revise your resume to tailor it to each position you apply for. For
each job, adjust the keywords in the skills section to be a great fit for what the
employer needs. It would help if you also changed what you emphasize in the
professional history and educational experiences sections depending on what’s
listed in the job description.
Example of a resume
CURRICULUM VITAE

v A curriculum vitae, often shortened to CV, is a Latin term meaning “course of life.”
A CV is a detailed professional document highlighting a person’s experience and
accomplishments. Employers often require a CV when considering applications.
This document shares an overview of your career history, education, relevant
awards and honors, scholarships, grants, research, projects, and publications.
v A CV may also include professional references and coursework, fieldwork,
hobbies, and interests relevant to your profession. You might also choose to add
a personal profile that lists your skills and positive attributes to ensure employers
have a well-rounded view of your personality and achievements.

WHAT TO INCLUDE ON A CURRICULUM VITAE?

v Your CV should include the following:

• Contact information. Include your full name, address, phone number, and email
address.
• Academic history. List all schooling from high school through postdoctoral (if
applicable). Include the title of the degree you earned, the year you graduated,
and the school’s name.
• Professional experience. Include the organization where you worked, the job
title, the dates you were employed, and a summary of your experience and
achievements.
• Qualifications and skills. List a combination of hard and soft skills you’ve
developed throughout your career.
• Awards and honors. For each award, add the name, year received, the
organization that gave you the award, and any pertinent details (such as how
often it’s presented).
• Publications and presentations. For publications, provide a full citation including
your co-authors, date, summary, volume, page, DOI number. For presentations,
provide the title, date, and venue you presented.
• Professional associations. List the organization’s name, location or chapter, and
active membership dates.
• Grants and scholarships. Provide the name of the grant or scholarship, the date
awarded, and the institution that provided the award.
• Licenses and certifications. Please include the name of the license or
certificate, the date you earned it, and the institution that awarded it.

THREE CURRICULUM VITAE FORMAT TYPES

v All three types of C.V.s should include the above information. The primary
difference between formats is the order of these elements.
1. Chronological
v This is the most common type of CV. For a chronological CV, list your academic
history and professional experience first after your contact information. This type
of CV focuses largely on your academic and professional experience.

• Contact information
• Academic history
• Professional experience
• Qualifications and skills
• Awards and honors
• Publications and presentations
• Grants and scholarships
• Licenses and certifications
• Professional associations

v A chronological CV is best if you have consistent employment within the same

industry, and your work experience displays advancement within your field.
2. Functional
v This CV format emphasizes your skills, awards, and honors. If you write a
functional CV, you should place your relevant skills near the top under your contact
information. In a functional CV, you will allocate more space to your qualifications,
skills, awards, and honors and less space to your professional experience. Here
are the sections you should include:

• Contact information
• Qualifications and skills
• Awards and honors
• Academic history
• Professional experience
• Publications and presentations
• Grants and scholarships
• Licenses and certifications
• Professional associations

v A functional CV may be the right choice if you have recently graduated and are
entering the job market for the first time, have multiple gaps in employment, or
you’re changing careers.
3. Combination
v This CV type is a hybrid of the chronological and functional formats. It allows
adequate space for details about both your professional and educational history,
as well as your skills and accomplishments. The elements you place first depend
on your experience, career goals, and what you believe is most relevant to the
types of positions you’re seeking.
v For example, if you’re hoping to earn a teaching position at a university and you’ve
spent the past ten years as an educator, you should list your professional
background first.
HOW TO WRITE A CURRICULUM VITAE
v When it comes to formatting your CV, there are four more factors you’ll need to
consider:
1. Choose the right font type and size
v Your CV must be legible and easy to follow. To improve readability, be sure to
choose the proper font type and size.
v The two primary font categories are serif and sans-serif. Serif fonts (Times New
Roman, Courier, Georgia) have small, decorative flourishes, while sans-serif
(Helvetica, Arial, Geneva) fonts do not. It’s best to choose a sans-serif font
because, in most cases, they’re easier to read.
v Additionally, keep your text between 10–12 points. While reducing your font size
to reduce the number of pages can be tempting, you should never sacrifice
readability for length.
2. Check your margins
v Be sure to check your CV margin size. Margins that are too large will leave too
much white space on each page, while margins that are too small can make the
page seem over-filled. A good rule is to keep your margins between 1–1.5 inches.
3. Utilize your space effectively
v C.V.s can become lengthy, especially if you’ve been in your industry for several
years and have amassed a great deal of experience. To ensure you’re using space
effectively, and your CV is easy to read, consider using the following techniques:
• Bulleted lists: Make lists (such as your collection of skills or awards) easier to
consume by adding small bullets.
• Section headers: Distinguish section headers from the rest of your CV content
by making them bolder, larger, or underlined.
• Bolded words: In addition to section headers, consider bolding other important
words, such as your name and job titles, to set them apart.
4. Proofread
v Before you send your CV to employers, always take time to check your spelling,
grammar, and syntax. A clean, error-free CV increases readability and
demonstrates professionalism.
v A well-composed CV shares all the most essential information employers need
when considering you for job opportunities. By making sure your CV is
comprehensive, correctly formatted, and easy to read, you’re one step closer to
landing the job you want.
Example of a Curriculum Vitae
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN A RESUME AND A CURRICULUM VITAE

ASSESSMENT TASKS

FINAL REQUIREMENT

Assume that you are a fresh college graduate and you are applying for a job
related to your course (Engineering) Make a (1) Resume and a (1) Curriculum
Vitae that will serve as the employers’ additional reference to know if you are
really qualified for the position you are applying for.

You can assume some information that is not yet applicable to you (e.g. year
graduated in college, academic awards, previous work experiences,
eligibilities, etc.)

Make sure that you apply the proper format (you can choose what format to
follow based on the formats given in this module), guidelines and rules in
writing an effective resume and curriculum vitae discussed in this module.
Type it in A4 bond paper using Arial as your font (Font Size: 10-12).

Rubrics:
Content: 40%
Organization: 30%
Application of the guidelines in writing a Resume and Curriculum Vitae
(including the proper format): 30%
TOTAL: 100%
 LESSON 4: THE JOB APPLICATION PROCESS:
EFFECTIVELY ACING A JOB INTERVIEW
“Job interviews are like first dates. Good impressions count. Awkwardness can
occur. Outcomes are unpredictable.”
Anonymous

DISCUSSION:

JOB INTERVIEW

v If the employer or hiring personnel like the overall picture presented by your
application letter, resume, and curriculum vitae, they will want a closer picture. They will
then ask the applicant to come in for a job interview.
v Job interviews can vary from structured or formal with specific questions to
unstructured with more freewheeling conversation. Among several other types of
interviews, the following are the most common:

• The traditional one-on-one interview – the candidate is interviewed by one

person.
• The panel interview – the candidate is interviewed by a group or panel.
• The group interview – the candidate, is interviewed along with fellow candidates.
• The stress interview – the candidate is asked a series of difficult and intimidating
questions to see how they handle stress.

v It is best to determine which type of interview to expect and prepare appropriately

for this kind of interview. It is normal to be nervous, but there are ways of reducing this
interview fear.
v The best way to fight nervousness is to be well-prepared for the interview. The
following are some general tips for preparing for an interview.

21 JOB INTERVIEW TIPS: HOW TO MAKE A GREAT IMPRESSION

Tips for before the interview

v In the days before your job interview, set aside time to do the following:
1. Start by researching the company and your interviewers.
v Understanding key information about the company you’re interviewing with can
help you confidently go into your interview. Using the company’s website, social
media posts, and recent press releases will provide a solid understanding of the
company’s goals and how your background makes you a great fit.
2. Practice your answers to common interview questions.
v Prepare your answer to the common question: “Tell me about yourself, and why
are you interested in this role with our company?” The idea is to quickly
communicate who you are and what value you will bring to the company and the
role—it’s your personal elevator pitch.
3. Reread the job description.
v You may want to print it out and begin underlining specific skills the employer is
looking for. Think about examples from your past and current work that align with
these requirements.
4. Use the STAR method in answering questions.
v Prepare to be asked about times in the past when you used a specific skill and
use the STAR method to tell stories with a clear Situation, Task, Action, and Result.
5. Recruit a friend to practice answering questions.
v Practicing your answers out loud is an incredibly effective way to prepare. Say
them to yourself or ask a friend to help run through questions and answers. You’ll
find you gain confidence as you get used to saying the words.
6. Prepare a list of references.
v Your interviewers might require you to submit a list of references before or after
your interview. Having a reference list prepared ahead of time can help you quickly
complete this step to move forward in the hiring process.
7. Be prepared with examples of your work.
v During the interview, you will likely be asked about specific work you’ve completed
about the position. After reviewing the job description, think of work you’ve done in
past jobs, clubs, or volunteer positions that show you have experience and success
doing the work they require.
8. Prepare smart questions for your interviewers.
v Interviews are a two-way street. Employers expect you to ask questions: they want
to know that you’re thinking seriously about what it would be like to work there.
Here are some questions you may want to consider asking your interviewers:

• Can you explain some of the day-to-day responsibilities this job entails?
• How would you describe the characteristics of someone who would succeed in
this role?
• If I were in this position, how would my performance be measured? How often?
• What departments does this teamwork with regularly?
• How do these departments typically collaborate?
• What does that process look like?
• What are the challenges you’re currently facing in your role?

Tips for during the interview

v After you’ve spent time preparing, you can be successful on interview day by
practicing these tips:

9. Plan your interview attire the night before.

v If you’re speaking to a recruiter before the interview, you can ask them about the
dress code in the workplace and choose your outfit accordingly if you don’t have
someone to ask, research the company to learn what’s appropriate.
10. Bring copies of your resume, a notebook, and a pen.
v Take at least five copies of your printed resume on clean paper in case of multiple
interviewers. Highlight specific accomplishments on your copy that you can easily
refer to and discuss. Bring a pen and a small notebook. Prepare to take notes, but
not on your smartphone or another electronic device. Write information down to
refer to these details in your follow-up thank-you notes. Maintain eye contact as
much as possible.
11. Plan your schedule so that you can arrive 10–15 minutes early.
v Map out your route to the interview location so you can be sure to arrive on time.
Consider doing a practice run. If taking public transportation, identify a backup plan
for delays or closures.
12. Make a great first impression.
v Don’t forget the little things—shine your shoes, make sure your nails are clean and
tidy, and check your clothes for holes, stains, pet hair, and loose threads. Display
confident body language and a smile throughout.
13. Treat everyone you encounter with respect.
v This includes people on the road and parking lot, security personnel, and front desk
staff. Treat everyone you don’t know as though they’re the hiring manager. Even if
they aren’t, your potential employer might ask for their feedback.
14. Practice good manners and body language.
v Practice confident, accessible body language from the moment you enter the
building. Sit or stand tall with your shoulders back. Before the interview, take a
deep breath and exhale slowly to manage anxiety and encourage self-confidence.
The interviewer should extend their hand first to initiate a handshake. Stand, look
the person in the eye, and smile. A good handshake should be firm but not crush
other people’s fingers.
15. Win them over with your authenticity and positivity.
v Being genuine during interview conversations can help employers easily relate to
you. Showing positivity with a smile and upbeat body language can help keep the
interview light and constructive.
16. Respond truthfully to the questions asked.
v While it can seem tempting to embellish your skills and accomplishments,
interviewers find honesty refreshing and respectable. Focus on your key strengths
and why your background makes you uniquely qualified for the position.

17. Tie your answers back to your skills and accomplishments.

v You must tie your background to the job with any question you answer by providing
examples of solutions and results you’ve achieved. Use every opportunity to
address the requirements listed in the job description.
18. Keep your answers concise and focused.
v Your time with each interviewer is limited, so be mindful of rambling. Practicing
your answers beforehand can help keep you focused.
19. Do not speak negatively about your previous employers.
v Companies want to hire problem solvers who overcome tough situations. If you’re
feeling discouraged about your current job, focus on talking about what you’ve
gained from that experience and what you want to do next.

Tips for after the interview

v When the interview is over, give yourself the best chances of moving forward by
doing the following:
20. Ask about the next steps.
v After your interview, it is appropriate to ask either your interviewer, hiring manager,
or recruiter about what you should expect next. This will likely be a follow-up email
with results from your interview, additional requirements like an assignment or
reference list, or another interview.
21. Send a personalized thank you letter after the interview.
v Ask for the business card of each person you speak with during the interview
process so that you can follow up individually with a separate thank you email. If
you interviewed in the morning, send your follow-up emails the same day. If you
interview in the afternoon, the next morning is fine. Make certain that each email is
distinct from the others, using the notes you took during the conversations.