Business Communication

JTW106E/JUW106E
Chapter 19
Applying and Interviewing for
Employment

by
Dr. Wan Afezah
Fb: DrAfezah Pjj
 Cover Letter
1. Introduces you to the employer.
2. Supports your resume.
3. Highlights key information from the resume.
4. The link between your resume and the job.
5. Opportunity for you to stand out from the crowd.
6. Persuade the recruiter to put you through to the next
round.
 Application Letter
1. Solicited application letter
 In response to a job opening/advertisement.
 You will know what qualifications the organization is
seeking.
2. Unsolicited application letter
 A prospecting letter to an organization that has not
announced an opening.
 Have to do some research to identify the requirements
the position is likely to have.
 Writing Application Letters
1. Should include cover letter.
2. Write a very good application letter as good as resume.
3. Opportunity to show writing skills.
4. Understand the company and its marketplace.
5. Keep it short, no more than 3 paragraphs.
6. Show some personality, while maintaining a business
appropriate tone.

*Application letter –message that accompanies a resume to let readers know what you’re
sending, why you’re sending it, and how they can benefit from reading it.
 Writing Application Letters
1. Avoid using gimmicky words.
2. Address the letter to a specific person.
3. Be clear about the kind of opportunity you seek.
4. Show that you understand the company and the position.
 Writing Application Letters
How to get attention from the prospective
employer/s?
 Use AIDA approach (Attention, Interest, Desire, Action).
Two important tasks in getting the attention:
a. Clearly stating your reason for writing
b. Give the recipient a reason to be interested and keep
reading.
 AIDA Approach
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQFXm0
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1.21
 Writing Application Letters
Build interest and Increase desire
• Present your strongest selling points (benefit to the
organization) - middle section of application.
• Create desire for them to interview you.
• Also highlight personal characteristics.
 Following Up After Submitting a
Resume
1. Wait a week or so after the dateline.
2. Can share additional information that links your
qualification to the position.
3. Maintain professional behavior every step of the way.
4. If you get the job, don’t give up. Try again in the next
opening.
 The Follow Up
1. Make a Positive Impression
 Don’t say or do anything to leave a negative impression.
2. Follow Employer Instructions
 If a job posting says “no calls,” for example, don’t call.
3. Refer to Job-Posting Dates
 If the job posting lists a close date, don’t call or write
before the close date.
 Understanding the Interviewing
Process
1. Employment interview is a formal meeting
between a candidate and a prospective employer.
2. The objective is to find the best talent to fill the
available job openings.
 Understanding the Interviewing
Process
Process of interviews, 3 stages:
1. Screening stage (filter out who qualified or not).
2. Selection stage (identify the top candidates from
those who qualify).
3. Final stage-to sell the advantages/benefit of
joining the organization.
 Understanding the Interviewing
Process
Common types of interviews
1. Structured vs Unstructured Interviews
2. Panel and Group Interviews
3. Behavioral, Situational, Working, and
Stress Interviews
 Understanding the Interviewing
Process
Structured vs Unstructured Interviews:
a. Structured (a series of questions in a
predetermined order).
b. Unstructured/open-ended interview (interviewer
adapt the questions based on the answer you
give, more toward conversation).
 Understanding the Interviewing
Process
Panel and Group Interviews
a. Panel interview-meet several interviewers at once.
b. Group interview-one or two interviewers meet
several candidates simultaneously (to observe
how the candidates interact with potential peers.
 Understanding the Interviewing Process
Behavioral, Situational, Working and Stress Interviews
a. Behavioral interview-describe how you handled situations
from your past.
b. Situational interview- focus on how you would handle
various hypothetical/theoretical situations on the job.
c. Working interview- the most realistic type of interview.
Perform a job-related activity during the interview such as
brainstorming session, solve a problem, and make a
presentation.
d. Stress Interview-ask questions to pressure/unsettle,
criticism, interruptions.
 Understanding the Interviewing
Process
Interview Media
a. Through telephone, e-mail, instant messaging (IM), Skype,
virtual online systems, and video conferencing.
b. Treat as in in-person interview.
c. Be prepared with a copy of materials you sent to them,
resume plus any correspondence.
d. Prepare note cards with key points.
 Understanding the Interviewing Process
Pre-employment testing and background checks
a. Integrity tests (to measure trustworthy)
b. Personality tests (attitudes, interested, dependability,
managerial potential, commitment, and motivation).
c. Cognitive tests (analyzing, problem solving, decision
making).
d. Job knowledge and job skills tests (knowledge, skills).
e. Substance tests (drug/alcohol testing).
f. Background checks (credit record, criminal history)
 Preparing for a Job Interview
1. Learn about the organization and the interviewers.
2. Thinking ahead about possible questions.
a) Planning for the employer’s questions (examples: What
is the hardest decision you have ever had to make?).
b) Planning questions of your own.
3. Bolstering(support) your confidence (focus on your
strengths/values).
4. Polish the interview style (poise, good manner).
5. Present a professional image.
6. Be ready.
 Interview for Success
3 stages:
1. The warm-up
2. The question and answer session
3. The close
 Interview for Success
The warm-up
a. The most important part of interview.
b. Body language is crucial at this stage.
c. Repeat the interviewer’s name during the
introduction.
d. Wait until you are asked to be seated or the
interviewer has taken a seat.
 Interview for Success
The question and answer session
a. Consume the greatest part of interview.
b. Ask about qualifications, experience, things
mentioned in resume etc.
c. Never interrupt.
d. Pay attention to the questions.
 Interview for Success
The close
a. It’s brief but important.
b. Last opportunity to emphasize your value to
organization.
c. Thanks the interviewer for the opportunity.
d. Express your interest in the organization.
e. Ask some time to consider –if you are offered a
job.
 Follow up After the Interview
1. Stay in contact with the prospective employer.
2. Write a thank-you message two days after the
interview. Be brief and positive.
3. Might make inquiry after two weeks.
4. Reply within five days after accepting a job offer.
 Key Term to Remember
1. Application letter
2. Group interview
 5 ways to study for exam
1. Make a study schedule. Time management is key to
studying for a test or tests.
2. Start as soon as possible. Read the textbook
assignments, do the homework, and go to class.
3. Get some sleep.
4. Eat right.
5. Avoid the last minute cram session. Studying the night
before the test will make it even more difficult (your mind
will not be firing on all pistons).

http://www.wikihow.com/Study-for-a-Test
 FINAL EXAM
1. Final exam 60%.
2. Chapter 10 -18.
3. 100 questions, multiple choices.
4. Questions in English and BM.
5. 3hours.
Questions and Answers
 Final says…..
• Be nice to each other.
• Do good deeds.
• Study smart.
• Get ready early.
• I wish you all the best.
• Good luck! Make your family proud.
- Dr. Afezah 