Applying and Interviewing
for Employment
© Prentice Hall, 2007
Business Communication Essentials, 3e
Chapter 14 - 1
Employment Messages
Résumé Support Documents
Applications
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Inquiries
Business Communication Essentials, 3e
Follow-Ups
Chapter 14 - 2
Tips for Application Letters
Be Clear and Specific
Show You Are Informed
Avoid Discussing Salary
Keep the Letter Short
Show Some Personality
Aim for High Quality
© Prentice Hall, 2007
Business Communication Essentials, 3e
Chapter 14 - 3
Types of Application Letters
Getting Attention
Building Interest
Solicited
Unsolicited
Increasing Desire
Motivating Action
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Business Communication Essentials, 3e
Chapter 14 - 4
Application Follow-Ups
Update Application
Demonstrate Interest
Show Persistence
Underscore Commitment
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Business Communication Essentials, 3e
Chapter 14 - 5
Employment Interviews
Organization’s
Main Objective
Match Applicants
with the Organization
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Applicant’s
Main Objective
Match Goals and
Capabilities with the Job
Business Communication Essentials, 3e
Chapter 14 - 6
Typical Interview Sequence
Employer’s
Objectives
The Interview
Process
Screening
Stage
Selection
Stage
Final Stage
Hiring
Decision
Applicant’s
Objectives
© Prentice Hall, 2007
Business Communication Essentials, 3e
Chapter 14 - 7
Common Interview Types
Structured
Stress
Open-Ended
Video
Group
Situational
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Business Communication Essentials, 3e
Chapter 14 - 8
What Do Employers Seek?
Organization Fit
Qualifications
Personality
Knowledge
Background
Skills
Style
Abilities
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Business Communication Essentials, 3e
Chapter 14 - 9
Preemployment Testing
Job Skills
Integrity Tests
Substance Tests
Personality Profiles
Background Checks
© Prentice Hall, 2007
Business Communication Essentials, 3e
Chapter 14 - 10
Interview Preparation
Conduct preliminary research
Think ahead about questions
Build your confidence
Polish your interview style
Plan to look your best
Be ready when you arrive
© Prentice Hall, 2007
Business Communication Essentials, 3e
Chapter 14 - 11
Conduct
Preliminary Research
The Organization
The Opportunity
1. Corporate name
1. Job Title
2. Age and location
2. Job Functions
3. Products or services
3. Job Qualifications
4. Industry Position
4. Career Path
5. Earnings and Growth
5. Salary Range
6. Overall Structure
6. Travel and relocation
© Prentice Hall, 2007
Business Communication Essentials, 3e
Chapter 14 - 12
Plan for Questions
Skills
Interests
Goals
Attitudes
Achievements
Relationships
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Business Communication Essentials, 3e
Chapter 14 - 13
Prepare Some Questions
• Do I like these people?
• Will I enjoy the work?
• Do I want this job?
• Does the job pay well?
• Who will supervise me?
• What about my future?
© Prentice Hall, 2007
Business Communication Essentials, 3e
Chapter 14 - 14
Build Your Confidence
Minimize Weaknesses
Maximize Strengths
Manage Apprehension
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Business Communication Essentials, 3e
Chapter 14 - 15
Polish Your Style
Mock Interviews
Nonverbal Skills
Voice Training
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Business Communication Essentials, 3e
Chapter 14 - 16
Plan to Look Good
Business Clothing
Good Grooming
Appropriate Behavior
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Business Communication Essentials, 3e
Chapter 14 - 17
Arrive Prepared
Paperwork
Travel Time
Waiting Time
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Business Communication Essentials, 3e
Chapter 14 - 18
Interviewing for Success
Screening
Interview
Selection
Interview
Final
Interview
Differentiate Yourself
Stress Strengths
Reveal Motivations
Stress a Key Aspect
Sell Qualifications
Discuss Values
Demonstrate Skills
Obtain information
Get the Job
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Business Communication Essentials, 3e
Chapter 14 - 19
The Interview Process
Warm-Up Phase
Question-Answer Stage
The Closing Phase
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Business Communication Essentials, 3e
Chapter 14 - 20
The Warm-Up Phase
First Impressions
Nonverbal Cues
Business Etiquette
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Business Communication Essentials, 3e
Chapter 14 - 21
Dealing with Questions
Give Thoughtful Answers
Ask Intelligent Questions
Pay Careful Attention
Respond to Discrimination
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Business Communication Essentials, 3e
Chapter 14 - 22
Close of the Interview
Concluding Gracefully
Discussing Salary
Reviewing Notes
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Business Communication Essentials, 3e
Chapter 14 - 23
Following Up
After the Interview
Thank-You
Messages
Inquiry
Messages
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Business Communication Essentials, 3e
Chapter 14 - 24
More Follow-Up Messages
Requesting
More Time
Accepting
Job Offers
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Business Communication Essentials, 3e
Chapter 14 - 25
More Follow-Up Messages
Declining
Job Offers
Resignation
Letters
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Business Communication Essentials, 3e
Chapter 14 - 26
Reviewing Key Points
• Writing employment messages
• Understanding the interview process
• Preparing for a job interview
• Interviewing for success
• Following up after the interview
© Prentice Hall, 2007
Business Communication Essentials, 3e
Chapter 14 - 27