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Ex. 17. Here are some common questions you are likely to be asked at an employment interview. Look through the sample answer to some of them and write your own version of a good answer to each of the questions:

1. Tell me about yourself.

Give a brief answer: no more than a minute. Tell something about yourself that relates to the job.

2. Why do you want to work for us?

We suggest a sincere answer: “My personal goals and the company goals and values are the same, and I want to be a part of it.”

3. What would you do for us?

Don’t presume to tell the interviewer exactly what you would do because you don’t know their problems. It’s better to know enough about the organization to relate an experience of yours which represents successful decision making.

4. What are your strong points?

It’s a good idea to relate your good points to the company when possible.

5. What is your biggest weakness? (A look-for-the-reaction type question.)

When you are asked such a provoking question, you have to appear mortal! The good idea here would be to give a weakness, which from the point of view isn’t much of a weakness. “Well, I really don’t feel I have a weakness which affects my working ability. I think at times I have a tendency to be impatient and push people too hard to get a job done. Patience isn’t my strongest point.”

6. Tell me about one of your working achievements.

It’s time to take a pride in your major accomplishment at previous work. But be careful. Don’t boast!

7. What did you like least about your previous job?

Here you should be very careful. Be reserved and polite when speaking about your previous job.

8. Why did you leave your last job?

The reason should be positive. Don’t be negative not to be looked like a quarrelsome person.

9.How long will it take you to make a contribution to our firm?

Don’t promise exactly as you do not know the future environment.

10.What salary would you desire?

You should be realistic but have a right opinion of yourself.

11.Do you have any objections to a psychological evaluation?

Be sincere: “Why? I have nothing to keep from you!”

12.Do you have any questions?

This is a good time to ask when a hiring decision will be made: “When might I be hearing from you?... If I miss your call, I would like to call you.” Remember to ask for their business card, thank them for the interview.

Mind that your answers depend on many factors: the type of a company, its corporate culture, the position you are trying to obtain etc. Don’t rely on ready answers you picked out of books. Prepare for the particular interview well.

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Ex. 18. Here are some tips to prepare for the interview in the best way.

Before the interview:

Find out what you can about the company, read the company literature. Make sure that you know what the job involves.

Find out the interviewer’s name, phone number.

Seek advice of what to wear to the interview.

Attend to such details of your appearance as nails, shoes, etc. Be sure of your references, CV and the letter of application. Know why you want to work for the company.

Just before:

Go to the interview alone.

Arrive early, allow some extra time for slow traffic. Phone if you are held up. Remain calm until you are asked to enter.

Forget to smoke.

Overcome nervousness or shortness of breath.

Take two copies of CV/resume: one for you, one for the interviewer. Check your appearance.

At the interview:

Approach the employer(s) with dignity.

Don’t panic, even if you are faced more than one person.

Be positive in your attitude – smile! Be polite and enthusiastic.

State your qualifications and interests.

Indicate your flexibility and readiness to learn the new job. Talk and think about the future rather than the past.

Think before answering: it’s all right to pause and reflect on the response.

Be yourself, but be professional.

Ex. 19. Work in pairs (Student A and Student B).

Student A:

You are a Personnel Manager of the company. You are going to interview Student B who is applying for the post in your company. First read the Student’s B CV and letter of application and prepare questions you would like to ask. Then conduct the interview and complete evaluation sheet for Student B. Would you employ him/her? Why? Why not?

Student B:

You are applying for the post in Student’s A company. First give your CV and application letter to Student A. Then prepare for the interview: think about the questions you are likely to be asked and plan your replies and questions you would like to ask about the position.

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EVALUATION SHEET

Position:_______________________________________________________

Name of candidate:_______________________________________________

CONCLUSION

Suitability of the candidate:________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

Action to be taken:_______________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

Exchange the results with all the rest of your group. Analyse if you have been successful at the interview. Discuss your strengths and weaknesses.

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UNIT II. JOB SATISFACTION

Topics for discussion:

1.“Happiness is having one’s passion for one’s profession”. Do you agree or disagree? Why?

2.Satisfying and dissatisfying factors at work. What might you change the job?

3.Perks and fringe benefits – meanings, examples.

4.Job titles – are they of any importance?

Ex. 1. Read the text and think about factors that make people happy and unhappy at work. Use the key words. Discuss the statement written by Stendhal.

“Happiness is having one’s passion for one’s profession” wrote the French novelist (and management thinker) Stendhal. The number of people in this fortunate position is limited, but there are all sorts of aspects of office and factory work that can make it enjoyable. It was founded that things such as salary and working conditions are not in themselves enough to make employees satisfied with their work, but that they can cause dissatisfaction if they are not good enough. Relations with colleagues can be satisfying and congenial. People may find great pleasure in working in a team. Conversely, bad relations with colleagues can be extremely unpleasant, and lead to great dissatisfaction and distress. Where some employees may like being given responsibilities, for others it is a source of stress. People talk more about the need for work that gives them quality of life, the work-life balance and the avoidance of stress. Others argue that challenge involves a reasonable and inevitable degree of stress if people are to have the feeling of achievement, a necessary outcome of work if it is to give satisfaction. They complain that a stress industry is emerging, with its stress counselors and stress therapists, when levels are in reality no higher today than they were before.

From Market Leader

Ex. 2. Which of the following would motivate you to work harder? Choose your top five and rank them in order of priority. Explain your choice.

Ex. 3. In groups discuss the following questions.

1.A recent US survey showed children preferred parents to go out and earn money rather than spend more time with them. What does this show in your opinion?

2.Would you prefer a male or female boss? Why?

3.For what reason might you change jobs? How often would you do so in your life?