These slides will help you preparing for an interview. Following up after a job interview is an important, yet often overlooked, part of the job search process. It allows you to thank the interviewer for his or her time while also reiterating your interest in the job and your potential to positively contribute to the company. However, following-up can be a delicate process and going about it the wrong way can actually hurt your chances. This article will address the most appropriate way to follow-up after a job interview to help you stand out from the other job applicants. If the interviewer does not offer a timeline for their decision-making process, you are perfectly entitled to ask for one. Find out when they expect to let candidates know their decision, who in the company will be contacting the candidates (interviewer, HR manager), and through what means - email, phone call or letter. This will give you the person’s correct contact information, including name, title, mailing address and email address, which will save you time when you are sending your thank you note and letter.You should do this as soon after the interview as possible, from your smartphone on the way out of the building, as soon as you get home, or at least the same evening as the interview. This shows the interviewer that you are both enthusiastic and organized and ensures that they will not forget you as a candidate.

1. Interviewing and
Follow-Up Messages
Ch.
14–1

2. SUCCEEDING IN A TELEPHONE
SCREENING INTERVIEW
 Gather supporting material (your résumé, telephone
numbers of possible references, other numbers, and a
calendar).
 Know your strengths and weaknesses.
 Know the keys to the job–what the job description calls
for and how you meet those requirements.
Ch.
14–2

3. SUCCEEDING IN A TELEPHONE
SCREENING INTERVIEW
 Have your schedule for the next few weeks in front of
you.
 If caught off guard, ask if you can call back from the
telephone in your office.
 Be prepared to ask your own questions.
 Remember that you should be talking about 80 percent
of the time.
 Stand as you talk; you'll sound more energetic.
Ch.
14–3

4. PREPARING FOR A HIRING/
PLACEMENT JOB INTERVIEW
 Investigate the target organization. Know the leaders,
company products, finances, goals, competition,
accomplishments, setbacks.
 Study the job description. How do your skills and
accomplishments fit the position?
Ch.
14–4

5. PREPARING FOR A HIRING/
PLACEMENT JOB INTERVIEW
 Practice answers to typical interview questions. Get your
best responses down pat.
 Expect to explain problem areas on your résumé.
 Build interviewing experience with less important jobs
first.
Ch.
14–5

6. PREPARING FOR A HIRING/
PLACEMENT JOB INTERVIEW
 Videotape or tape record a practice session to see how
you come across.
Ch.
14–6

7. SENDING POSITIVE
NONVERBAL MESSAGES
 Arrive on time or a little early.
 Be courteous and congenial to everyone.
 Introduce yourself to the receptionist and wait to
be seated.
 Dress professionally.
 Greet the interviewer confidently.
 Wait for the interviewer to offer you a chair.
Ch.
14–7

8. SENDING POSITIVE
NONVERBAL MESSAGES
 Control your body movements.
 Make frequent eye contact but don't get into a
staring contest.
 Smile enough to convey a positive attitude.
 Sound enthusiastic and interested–but sincere.
Ch.
14–8

9. FIGHTING JOB INTERVIEW FEARS
 Practice interviewing as often as you can, particularly with
real companies.
 Prepare 110 percent.
 Know how you will answer the most frequently asked
questions.
 Be ready with your success stories.
 Rehearse your closing statement.
Ch.
14–9

10. FIGHTING JOB INTERVIEW FEARS
 Take deep breaths, particularly before the interview.
 Remember that during some parts of the interview you
will be in charge.
 Remember that you are also evaluating the interviewer
and his or her organization.This should give you
confidence.
Ch.
14–10

11. FIVE IMPORTANT AREAS
EMPLOYERS WILL PROBE
 Communication skills. How well do you present yourself and your
ideas?
 Attitude. Do you have a positive attitude about yourself and your
career?
 Aptitude. Do your educational training and general life experiences
qualify you for this position?
Ch.
14–11

12. FIVE IMPORTANT AREAS
EMPLOYERS WILL PROBE
 Potential. How do your attitude and aptitude combine to
contribute to this company?
 Motivation.What are your short- and long-term career
goals? Why do you want this job?
Ch.
14–12

13. ANSWERING INTERVIEW
QUESTIONS EFFECTIVELY
 Use the interviewer's name occasionally.
 Be sure you understand the question asked. If
necessary, clarify vague questions by asking questions
of your own, such as "By _ _ _ _ do you mean _ _ _ _?"
 Use good English and enunciate clearly.
 Avoid answering with a simple "yes" or "no."
Ch.
14–13

14. ANSWERING INTERVIEW
QUESTIONS EFFECTIVELY
 Aim your answers at key requirements for the job
and at characteristics that interviewers seek:
expertise, competence, communication skills, and
enthusiasm for the job.
 Do not lie.
 Don't be a "know-it-all." Don't be overbearing, overly
aggressive, or conceited.
Ch.
14–14

15. ANSWERING INTERVIEW
QUESTIONS EFFECTIVELY
 Never make derogatory statements about your
present or former employers.
 Show what you can do for the company; avoid an
attitude of "What can you do for me?"
 Don't inquire about salary, vacations, and bonuses
until the interviewer raises the issue or until you are
offered the position.
Ch.
14–15

16. TEN STANDARD INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
 What would you like to tell me about yourself?
 Why do you want this job?
 What best qualifies you for this job?
 What are your key strengths?
 What are your weaknesses?
Ch.
14–16

17. TEN STANDARD INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
 What did you like and dislike about your last job?
 Do you consider yourself a team player?Why?
 What are your career goals?
 Where do you expect to be five years from now?
 What salary do you expect to receive?
Ch.
14–17

18. TEN GOOD QUESTIONS
FORYOU TO ASK
 What will my duties be?
 Do you have a written job description for this position?
 What is it like working here, in terms of the people,
management practices, work loads, expected
performance, and rewards?
Ch.
14–18

19. TEN GOOD QUESTIONS
FORYOU TO ASK
 What training programs does this organization offer?
 What are the possibilities for promotion?
 What is the first problem that needs the attention of the
person you will hire?
 What is the organizational structure, and where does this
position fit within it?
Ch.
14–19

20. TEN GOOD QUESTIONS
FORYOU TO ASK
 Who would be my immediate supervisor?
 What is the salary for this position?
 When will I hear from you regarding further action on my
application?
Ch.
14–20

21. CLOSING A JOB INTERVIEW AND
FOLLOWING UP
 When the interviewer signals the end of the
interview, stand up and shake hands.
 Find out what action will follow.Ask, "When can I
expect to hear from you?"
 After his or her reply, say "If I don't hear from you by
then, may I call you?"
 Thank the interviewer.
 Say goodbye to the receptionist.
Ch.
14–21

22. CLOSING A JOB INTERVIEW AND
FOLLOWING UP
 Take notes on the interview as soon as you leave.
 Alert your references that they might be called.
 Write a thank-you letter to the interviewer. Remind the
interviewer of your visit. Show that you really want the
job and that you are qualified for it.
Ch.
14–22

23. THANK YOU

Ch.
14–23