Second Semester, AY 2021-2022
Subject: ENGL 2 Purposive Communication Instructor: Mary Donneli C. Alcoser,LPT / 09129143705
Topic/s: The Job Interview
Directions: Read the discussion and instructions properly and do what is being asked.
Module 7 & 8
At the end of this lesson, students should be able to:
a. identify the steps involved in the job application process;
b. recognize the importance of job interviews in the job application process; and
c. demonstrate communication skills in a mock interview.
APPLYING FOR A JOB
Before getting employed, one undergoes an application process that involves the communication kills you have been
practicing in previous lessons. The application process usually begins with an advertisement that is made available
through various forms such as newspaper advertisements, radio and/or television broadcasts, and social media posts, as
well as through job placement offices in business and educational institutions.
To apply for a job, an applicant must carefully read the job advertisement to determine if the job description matches his/
her interests, needs, and qualifications. These advertisements list certain requirements that applicants must prepare and
submit. The requirements usually include an application form or letter, recommendation letters, school records, and other
supporting documents. After all the requirements are collected and submitted to the employers, depending on the nature of
the job, paper-and-pen tests may be scheduled. Finally, a job interview is arranged.
The job interview is a vital component of the job application process. Documentary requirements, which are the written
components of the job application, do not give a complete picture of the applicant. Test results are not totally reliable in
providing all the information employers need. Thus, employers arrange to interview job applicants to determine whether
or not the latter possess the qualities expected by the company or organization. Because each job interview is different
from the other, it is important that applicants prepare themselves well. In this lesson, you will learn about preparing for a
job interview, as well as what to do and what not to do during a job interview.
The key to putting in a good performance and securing the job is preparation. Take a look at these top s to get you
interview ready.
4 Ways to Make a Good Impression
As you're preparing for the interview, think about ways you can show yourself in a positive light:
Punctuality - arriving late will increase your stress levels and give the employer a bad first impression, so do your
best to arrive in good time.
Positivity and enthusiasm - be polite and professional with any staff you meet before or after the interview and, if
you're feeling particularly nervous, remind yourself that the worst thing that could happen is not getting the job.
During the interview, respond to questions with positive statements, be enthusiastic about the job and avoid
badmouthing your previous employers or university tutors.
Body language - give a firm handshake to your interviewer(s) before and after the session. Once you're seated, sit
naturally without slouching in your chair or leaning on the desk. Throughout the interview, remember to smile
frequently and maintain eye contact.
Clarity - answer all questions clearly and concisely, evidencing your most relevant skills, experiences and
achievements. It's acceptable to pause before answering a difficult question to give yourself thinking time, or
asking for clarification if you're unsure what a question means. When answering, don't speak too quickly.
Practice job interviews
It's a good idea to do at least one mock interview before the real thing. Your university careers and employability service
will help you to practice your interview technique. You can also write and practice answers to common interview
questions with someone you trust - possibly even recording yourself and then reviewing your performance. It's also worth
testing your telephone connection and making sure that your laptop, microphone and any other technical equipment you
need is working and you know how to use them.
What to take:
pen and notebook
your CV and interview invitation
your academic certificates and work examples if requested
photo ID
breath mints or gum
a bottle of water
money for transport and food.
Do’s and Dont’s in an Interview
1. Do your homework
Preparation is the first essential step in the interview process, so don’t let yourself down before it’s even taken place. Researching the
company, you are meeting with will show your interest in the business and give you an upper hand. Look at their website and what’s
happening in the news to widen your research and see what the media is saying about the company. Don’t limit your research to this
alone - make sure you research the background of your interviewers, including their career history and specific achievements.
2. Make a good first impression
If you're going to a face-to-face interview, plan your trip there, do a trial run if it is at an unfamiliar location and arrive a few minutes
early for the interview. Late arrival for a job interview is inexcusable. Bring your CV and ensure you know the dates and its specifics
so you can confidently talk through your CV and give examples. For a video interview, minimize technical issues by testing your
video tool the day before your interview, on the day of your interview, ensure you are set up and ready to go at least 15 minutes before
your scheduled time, in a quiet and comfortable place. You won't have the luxury of being able to offer a firm handshake or make eye
contact with your interviewer, so the best alternative is for you to smile confidently and appear interested and engaged. Looking the
part is also important and you can rarely go wrong wearing a well-fitting suit. The amount of care you take in your presentation is a
sign of your interest in the role and your seriousness in making a good impression.
3. Listen and respond accordingly
Too often the feedback from clients is that the candidate does not answer the question in a clear and direct manner. Don’t run circles
around the questions, listen and answer accordingly while using examples from your experience to back it up.
4. Prepare smart, open ended questions to ask the interviewer
Remember that an interview is a two-way street, asking questions will help illustrate your interest and motivation to succeed in the
role and company, as well as get you noticed and separate you from other candidates. It will also determine if this really is the
opportunity or business you want to join.
5. Sell your strengths and expertise
Make sure that you communicate your strengths to the interviewer in a concise, factual and sincere manner.
[Link]’t speak poorly about your present or former employers
The interviewer will assume you will do this to them if you leave and question your professionalism. This is a big red flag to anyone
interviewing a candidate.
2. Don’t falsify information
Answer questions truthfully and as close to the point as possible. Explain and describe things about yourself that relate to the position
on offer, and truly reflect your past experience. If you are being probed in an area that is not a strength, be honest and let your
interviewer know you are willing to learn or work on and how you can up skill in this area. Follow that with strengths you have in
another area that you could bring to the table.
3. Don’t speak over the interviewer
It is important to be a good listener as well as a good talker. It shows that you are respectful and have strong interpersonal skills. If you
are interviewing via a video platform remember that there will be a slight time delay, avoid rushing to answer a question in case your
interviewer hasn't finished speaking.
4. Don’t assume it isn’t an interview
Regardless of what interview stage you are at or who you are meeting - it may be over a coffee, a few drinks or just labelled a final
chat - it is still used as an opportunity to assess your suitability for the potential role.
5. Don’t let any past rejections infringe on future ones
Finding a new job can be taxing, make sure you approach every interview as a new opportunity and learn from past interview
mistakes. If you have several interviews lined up, try to leave some space between them to ensure you are at your best.
Exercise for Module 7: Assume that you are an applicant applying for a job, prepare an application letter and resumé. Your
application letter should be addressed to me, MARY DONNELI C. ALCOSER, assume that I am your employer. The
application letter and resume should be encoded. In encoding your application letters and resume, please use the font style
Arial, font size 11, with single spacing. You will bring your application letter and resumé during your Mock Interview.
Exercise for Module 8: Bring your application letter and resumé during your Mock Interview. Wear proper attire for an
Interview. You will be scheduled by batch. I will post the schedule once it is approved by the President. Your Mock Interview
will probably be next week.
References:
Madrunio, Marilu R., and Martin, Isabel P. Purposive Communication,2018.
Uychoco, Marikit Tara A. and Santos, Maria Lorena. Communication for Society Purposive Communication, 2018.
[Link]