XIII. Interview a) interviewing A skillful interviewer avoids asking questions like these: Have you written many reports and letters in English? (yes/no) Are you an aggressive person? (yes/no) but instead asks questions like these: Can you tell me about your experience in writing English? What kind of person would you say you were?
If a candidate has more chance to speak, the interviewer has more time to listen to what he or she says and can form a better impression. If you want a questions to sound more friendly and less aggressive or if you want to play for time while you think of another good question to ask you can use expressions like these: could you tell me; I wonder if you could tell me; would you mind telling me; Id also like to know; Id like to know; do you happen to now
b) being interviewed:
Remember that successful job interviews are like a good theatrical performance. If you convincingly act confident, enthusiastic, and prepared for those tricky questions, theres a good chance youll be called back for an encore! Imagine being prepared for just about every possible question a job interviewer could throw at you! Not only would you be more relaxed and confident in the interview, but youd have a chance to prepare dynamic and well thought-out answers to those job interview questions.
You can give yourself a little time to think before you answer a difficult questions by using these expressions: let me see; thats a very good question; Im not sure about that; oh, let me think; Ive no idea, Im afraid; Im afraid I dont know.
XIV.Work in small groups. Here is some advice that might be given to an inexperienced interviewer. Which of the points do you agree with entirely or party? Give your reasons.
ü Make sure you are not interrupted or phoned during the interview.
ü Read the candidates CV and application before the interview begins.
ü Ask the candidate to explain why he or she keeps changing jobs.
ü Make sure you have a clear picture of the scope of job.
ü Ask each candidate the same questions.
ü Decide on a maximum of four key qualities required for the job.
ü Make sure the candidate has an uncomfortable, low chair.
ü Ask the candidate about his political and religious beliefs.
ü Trust only a candidate who looks straight in the face.
ü Trust your first impressions.
ü Never let the candidate feel relaxed.
ü Avoid talking too much yourself.
ü Avoid open questions that can be answered with Yes or No.
ü Find out the candidates opinions on a variety of topics.
ü Encourage the candidate to ask you about fringe benefits, the pension scheme and promotion prospects.
ü Tell the candidate about the status of the job and its terms and conditions.
ü Interview groups of candidates, rather than one by one.
ü Tell the candidate when he or she may expect to hear your decision.
XV. Imagine that a young friend of yours is about to attend an interview. Note down at least ten pieces of advice that you would give to him or her. Here are a few suggestions:
ü Wear smart, formal clothes.
ü Dont smoke.
ü Sit up straight.
ü Arrive on time.
XVI. Choose one of the jobs you like most and work in groups of three. You will be taking part in three interviews as an interviewer, as an interviewee and as an observer. The observers role is to make notes and give advice to the other two on their performance in the interview.
If you are the observer: as you listen to the interview, make notes on these points:
ü What impression did each person give?
ü If they were nervous, how did this affect their performance?
ü Were there too many Yes/No questions?
ü Which questions did they answer badly?
ü Which questions did they answer well?
ü What advice would you give them for their next real interview?
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