Interview preparation (I)

Introduction

In this lesson and in the following lesson, we are going to do some interview preparation. There are numerous questions that the interviewer can ask in an interview but usually the inverviewer tailors the questions to the actual position.

In this lesson, we are also going to focus on specific interview techniques that you can adopt to hide nerves. Lasty, we are going to focus on what body language you should adopt during the interview.

Lest´s begin.

A. Answer the following questions out loud giving as much information as possible.

1. Why do employers hold interviews?
2. Why do you think it´s important to meet someone in person rather than over the phone?
3. Why do you think various people are interviewed for the same job?
4. How can you get noticed in an interview?

Listen to check your answer!

Sonido 1

Jobs Interview Quiz

How much do you know about job interviews? Take the following quiz to test your knowledge.

A. Decide whether the following statements are True (T) or FALSE (F)

(doble click para ver las respuestas; un click vuelve a la posición original)

B. Who could ask these questions during the interview, INTERVIEWER (IR) or INTERVIEWEE (IE)?

Interview Questions

A. Here are some questions that the interviewer might ask you. Put them into the correct order to make complete sentences.

B. Here are some model answers for the questions. Match the order of them

a) When I have had a stressful day, in order to relax l like to go to the gym, read a book or talk about my day with my family and friends. I usually find that this relaxes me.

b) Yes, I am. As a Personal Assistant, you need to be able to provide support to the CEO therefore, working in close contact with him is essential.

c) I think this job involves many different tasks. On a daily basis, I will have to provide support to the CEO. I will be in charge of organising events and functions, diary management and booking hotels and restaurants. In this role, it is important to be able to multi-task.

d) Yes, I have. Two years ago, I worked as a Personal Assistant in a firm. I was the PA to the CFO.

e) I think it is important to be organized. Every morning I like to plan my day by writing out a list of things that I need to do. I place them in order according to importance. I also factor in that as a PA you need to be fairly flexible so I am aware that I will not always complete my 'to do' list.

(doble click para ver las respuestas; un click vuelve a la posición original)

C. Here are some additional questions. Prepare your answers and then practice saying the answers out loud. Use the phrases below to help you.

1. Describe any previous administrative duties you have had referring previous work experience.
2. Are you comfortably working in close contact with the CEO?
3. How do organice your daily schedule?
4. How do you handle stress and pressure?
5. What training do you think you would need if you were offered this job?

Focus on skills

Often the interviewer will ask you to explain how you have the right skills to work in the position. With these types of questions, you need to think carefully and include in your answer some past work experience that has helped you to achieve the skills.

The more information you give the better.

A. Explain how your past work experience taught you the following:

1. How to be a team player

____________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

2. Able to work under pressure

____________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

3. Gain excellent communication skills

____________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

For example: When I worked as a waiter at Juan's Tapas Bar, it always busy and I had to deal with lots of different customers. This taught me how to work well under pressure.

Now write your answers!

Interview Tecniques

Sonido 2

A. You are going to listen to someone talk you through some important interview techniques. Look at the following techniques and decide whether or not they apply to before the interview (B), at the interview (AI) or after the interview (A)

Listen to check your answer.

B. Listen again and fill in the gaps.

(doble click para ver las respuestas; un click vuelve a la posición original)

Body languaje

A. You are going to watch a short video where your teacher gives you some advice about the importance of your body language. Watch the video and make notes on the following aspects.

(doble click para ver las respuestas; un click vuelve a la posición original)

Now practice answering the questions paying attention to your body language. 

Generic Interview Questions

Here are some additional generic interview questions wich are valid for most jobs. Choose the most important ones and prepare answers to the questions.