2. Read and discuss the text : Prepare for the specific interview situation

Just as you conducted research to prepare for writing letters and making contacts, find out as much specific information about the company as you can.

Think about what company employees might ask you. Employers have an interest in your skills, your knowledge, and your achievements and how these have prepared you to contribute to what they do. Their interest is in how you can add value to what they do and how well you will fit in. From what you tell about yourself, potential employers will make decisions about hiring you or someone else. Plan ahead. Before the interview, plan general answer and approaches to the following questions often asked in interviews:

• What is your greatest achievement?

• What skills did you use on your last job?

• What areas of knowledge can you highlight?

Plan for the interviewers to ask questions in these three areas: Achievements, skills, and knowledge. Although the interviewer may ask the questions in different ways, these areas can give the interview focus and allow you to prepare. Know what features of your background you can highlight during the interview. Remember, you are the only one who knows your background, and effective answers demonstrate how you can contribute to what the company does.

You should also understand why interviewers very often look on interviewees unfavorably. Here are some reasons that employers give for rejecting employees because of interview performance. Study these reasons carefully, and make sure you do not give potential employers such reasons to reject you:

• Poor appearance

• Overbearing, aggressive, conceited, superior, or know-it-all attitude

• Inability to express self clearly – poor voice, diction, and grammar

• No apparent goals and objectives for career

• Lack of interest and enthusiasm – passive and indifferent

• Failure to participate in student activities

• Overemphasis on money and other fringe benefits

• Poor scholastic records – just got by

• Unwilling to start at the bottom – expects too much too soon

• Makes excuses, is evasive, and hedges on unfavorable factors in records

• Discourteous, poor manners

• Late for interview

• Sloppy resume and application letter

• Poor eye contact during interview

• Extreme nervousness

• Indefinite responses to questions, or talks too much

• Lack of confidence and poise

• Condemnation of previous employers or professors

• Timid, introverted, and lacks assertiveness

• Indecisive and lacks initiative

• Unwilling to relocate

• Questionable long-term potential for advancement

3. Which of the above listed reasons should you avoid first of all? Why? Give your reasons.

4. Read the following and say why it is important to be properly dressed. Say if there is anything in common in men’s and women’s dresses.

One reason why an employer may reject applicants is because of poor appearance. Interviewers will judge you during the first few seconds of looking at you, before you say anything. Your appearance should be attractive, professional, and businesslike. Here are some guidelines for what to wear to an interview: