CEL 2106

COMMUNICATION FOR PROFESSIONAL

DEVELOPMENT

SEMESTER 2, 2018/19

MATERIAL 6 (WEEK 10-12):

PREPARING FOR AN
INTERVIEW
Introduction

Congratulate yourself if you are called for an interview, but be reminded that the job
application process has not ended. Your last task is to ace the interview session.

Securing the job / scholarship is the ultimate goal of a job interview. Therefore, it is
important that you put as much thought, planning and diligence in it as you did in writing
your resume and cover letter.

Adapting to Different Interview Styles

Every employer has a preferred style of obtaining the information they need for their
hiring decision. These are some basic types of interview styles you may encounter.
Some employers may choose to utilize a combination of different styles, but as long as
you've prepared well for your interview, you'll be able to adapt to the situation they
present.

Activity 1

With a partner, discuss the features of the following types of interview in the table
below.

Types of Interview Features

Structured

Unstructured

Stress

Social Gathering
 Phone Screening

Video

Casual

Group

Test Run

Anticipating Popular Interview Questions and Answers

There are some interview questions that are guaranteed to come up in most of your
interviews — regardless of your industry, your experience level, and job type.

At the top of this list is the universal and much-dreaded classic: “Tell me about yourself.”

Since it’s often the first question to be asked in an interview, it’s your big chance to
make a good first impression.

“Tell Me about Yourself” Interview Question

Open-ended questions like “Tell me about yourself” are frequently asked at the
beginning of in-person or video interviews to get the conversation started. Other
examples include “Walk me through your resume,” “Tell me something about yourself
that’s not on your resume” and “How would you describe yourself?”
How to Answer “Tell Me about Yourself” Interview Question – Brainstorming &
Answering

A) Brainstorming
 What qualities make you a great fit for this position?
 Why are you interested in the role?
 Why are you interested in the company or the industry?
 What is a positive trait or characteristic that I have had for a long time that
will serve me well in this role?

B) Answering
 Mention past experiences and proven successes as they relate to the
position.
 Consider how your current job relates to the job you’re applying for.
 Focus on strengths and abilities that you can support with examples.
 Highlight your personality to break the ice.

Activity 2

Construct your answer to “Tell me about yourself” interview question. Get

feedback from your instructor.

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Activity 3

Based on your findings in THT, what are the things to avoid in answering “Tell Me
about Yourself” interview question?

No. Things to Avoid Justification

1.

2.

3.

4.

Types of Interview Questions

Next, a job interview candidate needs to be fully prepared to answer various kinds of
questions. Generally, there are eight types of job interview questions.
Activity 4
Define the purpose of each type of questions and provide sample question for
each type of questions respectively. You may use google to get the definition
precisely. Exchange your questions with another pair to be answered.

1. Credential verification question

Purpose
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Question
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Answer
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2. Experience verification question

Purpose
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Question
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Answer
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3. Opinion question

Purpose
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Question
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Answer
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4. Behavioral question

Purpose
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Question
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Answer
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5. Competency question

Purpose
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Question
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Answer
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6. Brainteaser question

Purpose
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Question
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Answer
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7. Case question

Purpose
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Question
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Answer
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8. Meaningless question

Purpose
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Question
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Answer
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Common Interview Questions

In the earlier part, we have discussed about the types of question in interview. Here are
some examples of common or frequently asked questions in interview.

1. What can you tell me about yourself?

2. Can you list your strengths?

3. What weaknesses do you have?

4. Why should I consider hiring you?

5. Where do you see yourself five years from now?

6. Why do you want to work here?

7. What is your salary expectation?

8. What motivates you?

9. What makes a good team player?

10. Is there anything that you would like to ask me?

Activity 5

Conduct a role-play of an interview using the questions above with a partner.

Take turns in asking and answering questions.

Questions to Ask to the Interviewers

As your job interview comes to a close, one of the final questions you may be asked is,
"What can I answer for you?" or "Do you have any questions for me?"

Your interviewer will expect you to have some inquiries. Not asking any questions could
make you seem unprepared or disinterested, so take the time to have some questions
of your own ready to ask the interviewer.

Plan ahead and have interview questions of your own ready to ask. You are not simply
trying to get this job, but you are also interviewing the employer to assess whether this
company and the position are a good fit for you. Plus, you are encouraged to do some
groundwork about the company and the position you are applying.
Activity 6

List 3 possible questions to ask the interviewers.

1. ________________________________________________________________

2. ________________________________________________________________

3. ________________________________________________________________
Scholarship Interview

If you are applying for a prestigious scholarship, you may need to complete an interview
as part of the application process. This is especially true for university-sponsored full
ride scholarships. The university wants to ensure that they are investing in a dedicated
student. Every interview is different, but they usually touch on the same set of core
topics.

Common Scholarship Interview Questions

Here are some examples of common scholarship interview questions:

1. Tell us about yourself

2. How will you use your scholarship money?
3. Tell us about your greatest strength.
4. What is your greatest weakness?
5. Where do you yourself in ten years?
6. Why should you be the one to receive this scholarship?
7. Who is your role model?
8. Tell us about your leadership experience.
9. Tell us about a personal achievement that makes you proud.
10. Why did you choose this university/institution?

Activity 7

Write your answers to the given scholarship questions. Share your answers with
the class. Choose any questions above for the remaining two empty boxes.

No. Questions Answers

How will you use the
1. scholarship money?

Why should you be the one

2. to receive this scholarship?

Where do you see yourself

3. in ten years?
 4.

5.

Professional Grooming and Job Interview Etiquette

A sharp appearance shows that you are poised, polished and prepared. Your
prospective employer should see that you take the interview seriously and that you have
taken care to look your best.

Activity 8

With a partner, discuss what is appropriate to be worn for interview. Share your
findings with the class.

Parts Male Female

Hair

Face

Clothes

Shoe

Others
Job Interview Etiquette

Knowing proper job interview etiquette is an important part of successful interviewing.

How you dress, what you bring to a job interview, how you greet the interviewer, and
how you communicate can all make a big difference in the outcome of the interview.

Activity 9

Based on your findings in THT, discuss the etiquettes in job interview.

1. ____________________________________________________________
2. ____________________________________________________________
3. ____________________________________________________________
4. ____________________________________________________________
5. ____________________________________________________________

Mock Interview

Activity 10

Conducting a mock interview

Follow the instructions below.

1. Divide yourselves to four or six groups with equal numbers.

2. Each group prepares a set of interview questions to ask.
3. Find a pair group to conduct this activity.
4. In every pair group, take turn of which group should be interviewing or
interviewed first.
5. Choose the best candidate that you would likely hire from your pair group after
the interview. Provide justifications of choosing him or her.
6. Consider the candidates’ etiquettes as well apart from their answers.
7. Instructor gives overall comments after the activity.