Module 6 - PRESENTING YOURSELF WITH CONVINCING POWER

Learning Outcomes:
At the end of this chapter the learner should be able to:
 understand the purpose of an interview.
 prepare themselves physically, intellectuality, and emotionally for their job
interview.
 speak confidently and able to express themselves to the interviewer.

It is a big opportunity to be considered as a shortlisted candidate meaning

you meet the essential criteria they are looking for the position. The next level of your
job application is an invitation for a face to face interview. This is your chance to
outshine your competitors and sell yourself to your potential employer.

What is the purpose of an interview?

[Link] employer wants to find out whether you can support what has been written on
your application.

2. The employer wants to find out how well you can do and fit for the job and with
their team and organization.

3. It also provides some information to the candidate what is expected to do and find
out more about their future work environment.

How does interview conduct?

Job interviews are commonly conducted by face to face meetings, but with
the help of the latest technology, job interviews can be done through on-line (Sykpe,
Zoom, and other social media platforms).

Job interviews usually last only from 45 to 60 minutes. The number of panel
interviewers may also depend on the type of job you applied, and the seniority role.

Your behavior, physical appearance and the manner you answer their
questions are crucial on this stage. Whether you will get the job offer or not, good
preparation will bring a great advantage of presenting yourself.
Your interview can make or break you. Preparation is the key to have a successful
job interview.

Before the Interview:

1. Conduct your research about the organization, and the qualification needed for
that job you are applying. It is recommended to check their websites, what is
important to them, how do they appear online, the employees, and customers'
reviews.

2. Review your resume and application form, check the details of your skills,
abilities, and attributes to ensure that these match the employer's needs.

[Link] your referees. You must give them prior notice that they may receive a
call or e-mail to which they need to respond promptly.

4. Think about the interview from their perspective. Some of the things you will
need to answer:
 What are the employers looking for?
 How can you convince them that you are suited for the job?
 Do I have some evidence to support the job qualification?

5. Practice and have someone give you a mock interview.

Dress to Impress
Dress appropriately to create an impressive impact on your physical appearance;
Personal hygiene matters a lot; be neat everything from head to toes; Make sure
everything is clean and presentable; Have an appropriate haircut and color, shave,
check your nails, shoes, as much as possible avoid body piercing and big tattoos;
Dress smartly to create a professional look.

Your hair and make-up - do's and don'ts

 Your hair should be neatly combed and styled. Avoid a style that allows you
to fiddle with your hair - this makes you appear nervous and unsure.
  Do keep you hair off your face. You don't want to be constantly flicking your
hair out of the way during the interview.

 Sunglasses pushed up into your hair is a definite no! It looks messy and
unprofessional.

 Do wear understated makeup in natural tones.

 Don't wear too much makeup. Overdone eye shadow, heavy eyeliner and
brightly-colored lipstick make you appear frivolous and unprofessional.

 Do ensure your nails are clean and manicured and only wear neutral polish.

 Unless the job is in a very informal environment men should have a traditional
haircut and shave before the interview. A clean shave makes the right
impression. If you really want to retain your facial hair make sure it is neatly
trimmed.

Keep it professional - interview clothing do's and don'ts

 Your hemline should fall just above or on your knee.

  Short and split skirts are difficult to sit comfortably in - you have to continually
tug your skirt down during the interview.

 Hiring managers complain about candidates who wear short skirts and sexy
outfits to job interviews. It is unprofessional and detracts from the purpose of
the interview - which is to assess your job skills.

 Job interview clothes should fit properly and not be too tight.

 Low neck-lines, transparent fabric and bra straps on display should be

avoided. Good tips on job interview attire for women.

 Men should avoid wearing baggy interview clothes. Sweats and clothes that
are too big create an impression of untidiness.

 Pants pulled down around your hips look unprofessional. Advice on what men
should wear to an interview.

Your shoes - interview attire do's and don'ts

 Wear closed-toe, medium to low-heeled shoes such as a pair of black pumps.

 You should be able to walk comfortably in your shoes and appear confident
and at ease.

 Very high-heeled shoes are unsuitable.

 Avoid brightly colored and trendy shoes - you are not there to make a fashion
statement.

Invest in a pair of smart business-wear shoes. You will get a lot of wear out of a pair
of black or dark brown shoes. Make sure your shoes are clean and well shined.
Scruffy and scuffed shoes ruin the smartest job interview clothes.
Carry a smart bag

 Carry a small briefcase or similar bag in place of a purse to your job interview.
This provides an easy way of carrying a tablet or laptop, if you need to take
one with you to the interview, as well as all your documents.

 If you feel you need a purse, a small structured one is preferable to a large
floppy bag. Avoid canvas, denim and straw, these look very unprofessional.

Your accessories - do's and don'ts when dressing for an interview

 Do wear understated jewelry. Ostentatious, in-your-face jewelry is a big

distraction and gives the impression of flashiness.

 For men a classic watch and one simple ring per hand are acceptable. Avoid
necklaces and bracelets.

 Big, dangling earrings and jangling bracelets are particularly distracting on

women candidates as they bounce about as you talk and move your hands.

 Anklets can make your feet a focal point. You want the interviewer to
concentrate on your face and what you have to say.

Select your job interview clothes the day before

Take time to prepare beforehand and select your interview clothes carefully. Pay
attention to detail. All interview clothes should be clean, tidy and neatly pressed.
Check for dangling threads, hems starting to come undone, stains etc.

If you are having to travel any distance to your job interview consider how wrinkled
your clothes may look after a couple of hours traveling. Select job interview clothes
that do not crease easily.
During the Interview

1. Relax and keep calm.

[Link] a confident smile and make eye contact.

3. Introduce yourself with a handshake if there is only one or two-panel members.

4. Sit upright, listen to the questions carefully, and answer them clearly and concisely,

5. Prepare also some challenging and aggressive line of questions that may affect
your state of mind and behavior.

6. Never say any negative comments about your previous employers.

7. Avoid talking about personal problems.

[Link] using slang or buzzwords.

[Link] questions at the end.

Common Job Interview Questions and Answers

Tell me more about yourself

The interviewer wants to know if you can speak well, and if you are qualified.

This question wants to find out how much you can offer for the job. You need to catch
the attention of your interviewer quickly and powerfully in 20 seconds.

 How do I tell others about myself?

01 Name
02 Objective
03 Qualifications and past experiences
04 Traits and personality

Example: "Hi. My name is Judy, and I am interested in the position of an event

coordinator. My 5 years of experience in planning special events provided my skills in
every aspect of events planning which includes selecting venues, arranging events
services, and monitoring client approval".
"I am capable of handling stressful situations, I am very particular about details, and I
value a good relationship with other people.”

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

The interviewer wants to know if you have goals and able to help the organization
grows.

This question provides information if you can fit for the organization, and have plans
to stay and grow in the company. This also allows you to state your life-long learning
and plans.

 Where will I be in the next 5 years?

Value & Gratitude
Visualize
Research

Example:
"I look forward to becoming a Chef De Cuisine in the future. My short-term goal is to
earn a certification from the American Culinary School and gain enough experience
in the next three years in a day to day work from this department which I know will
increase my knowledge, skills, talents, and leadership in the commercial kitchen."

Why should we hire you?

The interviewer wants to know if you stand out as a clear choice.

This question identifies your unique qualities and exceptional abilities.

 Identify value, strength and skills

 Give specific accomplishments
 Show results
 Match the value to the needs of the employer

Example:
"I am aware that I am lacking a career experience since I just graduated from college.
However, I know that holding various offices from different school organizations
cannot be measured by a traditional experience. I learned how to handle
responsibilities and able to work under pressure and have the ability to effectively
prioritize key elements of success. For example, I can preside over meetings in the
organization and maintains contact with advisers and alumni. I am confident that I
can handle the key responsibilities of the job in your company.''

What is your greatest weakness?

The interviewer wants to know if you are honest, and you have improved.

This question leads to identify if you are qualified for the job, and can handle new
challenges, and able to turn negative into a positive.

 Common weaknesses &none-essential skills

 Overcome weaknesses and skills that have improved.
 Turn negative to positive

Example:
"I was struggling with time management before, but I realized that scheduling in
advance and scheduling things allows me to prioritize tasks that are more
important and have rigid deadlines. Now, the quality of my work and life has
improved. I have more time with other important things like family and health."

Why do you want to work here?

The interviewer wants to know if you have done some research and if you have goals.

This question identifies if you strongly believe in the company's mission, and can
make a significant impact on the organization.

 Why do I want to work for this company?

01 Know yourself
02 Know the company
03 Know the position
04 Know the interviewer

Example:
"I understand that this company is engaged in community enhancement aside from
being among the top companies in the Philippines. I would like to work in an
organization that has the same advocacy as mine. If I will be given a chance to work
in this company I know I can contribute to the health and education of the adopted
community."

Why do you want to leave your current job?

The interviewer wants to be certain if your incoming position and new role are for the
right reasons and will not bring tension to their organization.

Make sure that your response is true and tactful. Your response should not give an
impression of negativity, and the reason for leaving your job is a career growth.

Acceptable Reasons for Leaving the Job

 Career growth
 New work environment
 Career change
 Improve work & life balance
 New learning
 Lessen the travel time
 Take more/less responsibility
 Gain new skills

Example:
"I have spent the last years building marketing projects and had contributed to the
growth of 56% in sales over the last 4 years. Apple Marketing achieved global
popularity in marketing and consumer products. I want to work for a global firm with
more diverse and iconic marketing projects. And I am ready to make a bigger leap in
terms of learning, career growth, and a new work environment. That is why I would
consider leaving my current job."

How much salary do you expect?

The interviewer will have the grasp if your expectation is reasonable.

Do some research - Check the current salary of similar position from the labor
market
Keep your options open - Give a range and not a number
Postpone your answer - Ask more about the job requirements.
Answer with a question - Ask to hear the interviewer's best offer.
Say you want a competitive package to let them know you have done some research,
then asks about the other job responsibilities.

Say: "A competitive package and other forms of benefits are of great importance but I
would like to know more about the job requirements first."

Answer with a question;

Say: "I am expecting that the salary corresponds with the current employees at the
same level. I am confident that my skills, expertise, and talents would greatly
contribute to this company, and if you agree, I would like to know your offer".

Show them that you have done your homework. Find out the common salary range
for that position and level of experience.

Say: "My expectation is something ranging from a monthly salary of 75,000 to 80,000
pesos. I supposed that is the salary range the companies pay for my level of
employment".

Remember: That your interview may or may not give you a positive response.
Regardless you get the job or not, you must gain experience from that
interview. Use their feedback constructively and do not feel bad about it. A
brief self-evaluation gives you better insights into your performance and help
you improve for future interviews.