Strategies for a successful job interview in English

1. Conferencia TEC:
“What to Say and What to do During a Job Interview”,
Cartago, August 26th
, 2014
Icebreaker: Bad_Job_Interview_interview_gone_wrong_-_CREWGASM – 5,00
Useful language:
John-Doe Sample resumé: generic CV
Fire somebody: opposite of hire
Former employer: previous boss
Steal: take something that is not yours
Stocks: the supply of goods available for sale in a store
Introduction: What do employers want? - 2,44
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5FWXgFOiFUU
I. Before your job interview
How_To_Prepare_For_An_Interview_-
_5_Ways_You_Should_Be_Preparing_For_An_Interview – 00,00-02,24
• Read the company's website or Facebook profile well in advance. Read their
background information including company history, locations, divisions, and
a mission statement, normally available in an "About Us" section on most
company websites.
• Prepare a “sales pitch”: brainstorm and list your main strengths. What
makes you the best candidate for the target position? Rehearse how you are
going to “sell yourself”.
• Write down and practice in advance your answers to the most common and
most difficult questions interviewers use.
• “Dress for the job”: depending on the position or company, you may need
to dress in forma clothes (suit and tie), or just in casual clothes (a nice shirt
or blouse)
• Don't put too much perfume, cologne, or make-up.
• Turn off your cellphone before coming into the building. Forget about it
when you enter the office. If it rings, apologize, turn it off immediately and

2. don't look at who called or texted you.
• Don't come in with food, drinks, or chewing gum.
• Be on time. Arriving late will most probably eliminate you from their list of
candidates. If you are going to be late, show that you are respectful of the
interviewer's time. Call to let them know when to expect you.
• Enter the building not earlier than 10 minutes before your appointment's
time.
• Go to the restroom cool down your hands and wrists with water. This will
prevent sweaty palms. Check your appearance one more time.
• Announce yourself to the receptionist in a professional manner (Don't
underestimate the receptionist's opinion).
II. During the job interview
• In order to get the job, they need to like you more than simply consider you
the “perfect candidate”.
• You need to appear professional, confident, and capable.
• They will judge you not only for your ability to do the job, but also on how
well you can get along with your potential coworkers.
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Normally, hiring managers observe your communication skills and manners to
predict if you will work well with others or not.
Therefore, poor social skills and manners may give the hiring manager a wrong
impression, like:
• You might not perform well under certain work conditions, such as dealing
with customers, or office work teams.
• You don't respect, value, or care much about other people.
• You can act with rudeness or ignorance.
How should you behave during your job interview?
Video: How to Ace a Job Interview - 3,38 (body language)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XlE0jL44qsc
• Sit when you are asked to sit, not before.
• Stand and greet your interviewer and everybody you meet with a hearty

3. (not bone crusher or limp) handshake.
• Smile and look into the interviewer's eyes long enough to note what colour
they are. Keep eye contact natural (like when you're talking to a friend).
• Thank the interviewer for taking the time to meet with you, both at the
beginning of the interview and again at the end.
• Place your small, loose items on the floor next to your seat, in your lap, or
on the side table, or in front of you at a conference table. Don't put them on
the interviewer's desk unless it is offered to you. Your briefcase or bag
should be at your feet, not on a chair or table.
• Be as enthusiastic as you can but keeping a relaxed, natural attitude;
bringing energy and spontaneity to the interview will help both the
interviewer and you.
• Try to focus on the points you have prepared without being too rehearsed or
rigid.
• Relax and enjoy the conversation. Keep a positive and friendly attitude.
• Ask questions and listen, not only to what they say, but also trying to read
between the lines.
• At the end of the interview, thank the interviewer again for his/her time and
find out what the next step will be.
II. a. Tone of Voice
Quite often, your tone of voice says more than your own words. You can claim
that you know how to perform the job duties, but if you're not convincing, you
won't inspire much confidence in the interviewer:

4. Source: http://www.gcflearnfree.org/interviewingskills/3.3
II. b. Body Language
• Research has proven that body language tells more about yourself
than the actual words you say.
• Your true thoughts and attitude can be reflected in the body language you
use.
• The more positive you feel about the interview and your own abilities, the
more likely this will be expressed through your body language.
How can you improve your body language?
• Video record yourself during a practice interview in order to observe your
body language.
• You may also practice with a friend or use a web conferencing tool like
Skype which allows you to see a mirror view of yourself while you are
talking to another person.
• Pay attention to any nervous, unconscious or unattractive movements you
may have.

5. • Keep a positive attitude during the interview: you will naturally relax and
smile more. This will make you appear more confident and interesting.
II. c. Answering Questions Well
Once you have sat down and started the interview, most of the time will be spent
answering questions.
Here, many of the answers you prepared and rehearsed in advance will help you
sound professional and confident.
As they say, “nothing beats preparation”.
--------------
“SEVEN SIMPLE RULES for Answering any Interview Question “
(adapted from http://www.gcflearnfree.org/interviewingskills/3.5)
1. Ask for clarification, if needed. An interviewer won't be upset by your
questions. Actually, they may be impressed because you show interest by asking.
2. Be honest. Never exagerate your past professional accomplishments or claim
that you have an ability you don't. If you think that you lack a critical skill, tell
the interviewer that you haven't had the opportunity to use that skill yet, but that
you are very interested in learning it.
3. Stay true to your message. Remember the “sales pitch” you prepared in
advance in order to promote yourself? Refer to the main points again, and focus
on the reasons why they should hire you. What skills and qualifications do you
have that are applicable, that is, that can be put to good use by this company?
4. Always answer questions with your audience in mind. If you are
interviewing for a job in a different field than you have previously worked in, the
interviewer may not understand some of the technical terms you use. Explain any
words that could be confusing or too technical for your interviewer.
5. Avoid the topics that may get you into trouble. These typically include
things in your personal life: your marital status, age, religion, or political beliefs,
for instance.
6. Use clear and concise language. Speak slowly and carefully to make sure
that your words are understood. If necessary, rephrase your ideas or answers.
7. Seek feedback. Ask the interviewer if you have provided enough details to
fully answer his/her questions.

6. II. d. Five Toughest Interview Questions:
Job Interview Tips - Job Interview Questions and Answers – 4,28
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epcc9X1aS7o
• These questions help employers eliminate bad candidates
• Candidates must demonstrate working skills, fast thinking, and self-control
under pressure.
• Practice will help you give professional answers and also project an
outstanding image.
• Practise, practise, practise! Ask a friend, a relative, use a mirror or a video
camera.
--------------------- P.20?
Here's some advice to start preparing your answers to the Five Toughest
Interview Questions:
1.Could you tell me a little about yourself?
• Most interviewers use this question not only to gather information, but also
to evaluate your communication abilities.
• Don't start talking about your childhood, school, and hobbies. Instead, cite
in a brief manner the recent personal and professional work experiences
that relate to the position you're applying for and that support your
credentials.
• Moreover, prepare a personal statement, your “sales pitch”, that
effectively describes who you are and what you can bring to the company.
2.Why did you leave your previous employer, or why are you leaving
your present job?
• Economic crisis and managerial decisions related to downsizing the
company's staff are valid reasons for leaving your previous job. Don't be
afraid to say so.
• If you were fired for performance issues, it's best to say that you "parted
ways" and refocus the discussion on how your skills match the target
position.
• If you currently have a job, elaborate on the fact that you're interested in
greater opportunities or new challenges and responsibilities. on why you're

7. seeking greater opportunity, challenges or responsibility.
• If you're moving on to a new industry or field, discuss why you're making
the transition and connect that to the new job responsibilities (you will need
to reinforce your skills in this sense. References may help you also).
3.What are your weaknesses?
• Be aware that this is not a real question: interviewers don't expect you to
talk about your personal or intellectual defects.
• Turn this question around and present a personal weakness as a
professional strength.
• For example: You're obssessive with details, a workaholic and that you
neglect friends and family when you worki on important projects. You can
turn these low points around by expressing that you're very meticulous and
remain involved in projects until you've eliminated every little problem,
even if that means staying after hours or working on the weekends.
• Another strategy is to analyze an area where you want to improve, and
then mention the steps you're taking to meet that goal: night or online
courses, new certifications, etc.
4.What can you tell me about our company?
• Do your homework! Check out the company website and their "About Us"
section. Most public companies include Investor Information with their
Management Teams, Board of Directors and past financial performance.
• Write down a few key points that you can cite when they ask you.
• This way you will show interviewers that you're interested in more than just
a job.
5.Where do you hope to be in five years?
• This is one of the questions that recent universty graduates get during an
interview.
• Avoid saying things like “I want to be president of the company”, or “I
would like to have your job.”
• Instead, talk about what motivates you, but especially, what will motivate
you on this job and what you hope to have accomplished by that moment in
the future.
Final Advice:

8. • Keep a positive, relaxed attitude and practise your answers in advance
• Show your good disposition to start learning and working as soon as
possible
• Sound convincing, that will leave a good impression on the interviewer
III. After the job interview
• As soon as possible after leaving the building, write down your thoughs and
feelings about the job interview. Let it all flow and then put it away. The
interview is over. Move on.
• Later that day, or the following day, read your notes and try to evaluate
how you did in the interview. Try to be constructive and learn from the
experience: What you will do differently next time? – What worked and
what didn't?
• Take the time and write a follow-up letter. Thank the interviewers for the
opportunity they gave you, remind them of the qualities you would bring to
this position, and address any concerns or issues that may have come up
during the interview. This is another chance for you to sell yourself!
To Summarize:
Interview Dos and Don'ts - 4,15
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1ucmfPOBV8
Sources:
http://jobsearch.about.com/od/interviewsnetworking/a/interviewblund.htm
http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2010/08/17/job-interview-what-to-do/
http://www.gcflearnfree.org/interviewingskills/3
http://www.wikihow.com/Have-a-Good-Job-Interview
http://www.forbes.com/pictures/eklm45mekd/why-should-i-hire-you/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWBJDyB0YlQ

9. Interview Dos and Don'ts: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1ucmfPOBV8
http://career-advice.monster.com/job-interview/interview-questions/difficult-interview-
questions/article.aspx
http://www.careercast.com/career-news/10-toughest-interview-questions-%E2%80%93-
and-how-answer-them
Improve Your Interview Appearance and Body Language:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLJz16e3XLs
How to Ace a Job Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XlE0jL44qsc

10. Interview Dos and Don'ts: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1ucmfPOBV8
http://career-advice.monster.com/job-interview/interview-questions/difficult-interview-
questions/article.aspx
http://www.careercast.com/career-news/10-toughest-interview-questions-%E2%80%93-
and-how-answer-them
Improve Your Interview Appearance and Body Language:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLJz16e3XLs
How to Ace a Job Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XlE0jL44qsc