Recruitment and orientation – Part 2
COMPANIES USE various procedures when conducting employment interviews. The larger the company, the more formal the interview.
The following points must be kept in mind when preparing for an interview:
■ Research the company. Find out as much as you can about the company. Your research will help you form a picture of the company to help you to ask relevant questions during the interview.
■ Anticipate questions you will be asked during the interview. The employment interview is usually the first time you will be seen by a company representative. Remember, students, that first impressions are important.
■ Arrive on time. Plan your route.
■ Select appropriate attire. You should be well groomed.
A good interviewer will give you an overall explanation of the requirements of the job and of the policies and benefits of the company. You will be asked questions about yourself, and you will also be given the opportunity to ask questions. Some questions that you may be asked are:
■ Why did you choose to apply for this position?
■ What future professional or educational plans do you have?
■ What characteristics or traits do you have that you think make you the right person for this position?
■ Why did you leave your last position?
■ What do you think are your strengths and weaknesses?
■ Why should this company hire you?
The interviewer will assess the applicant according to the answers given to the questions.
In answering the interviewer, you should:
■ Look at the person who is conducting the interview and be courteous in giving replies.
■ Avoid one-word answers but try to be precise.
■ Give honest answers.
■ Show that you are willing to learn.
One of the most difficult questions to handle is the question of salary. Usually, the interviewer will tell you what the company expects to pay for the position. Occasionally, an interviewer will ask you what salary you expect. Be prepared for this question.
Very often an interviewee is invited to ask questions of the interviewer. Even when the invitation is not extended, it is usual to expect questions from the interviewee. Answers to the following questions provide valuable information:
■ Are there opportunities for training in the organisation?
■ Are there opportunities for promotion?
■ Is there a policy of promoting from within the organisation?
■ What are the working hours?
FOLLOWING UP ON THE INTERVIEW
You should send a short ‘thank you’ letter to the interviewer as a courtesy. Avoid calling or writing before the decision deadline to inquire about the status of your application. After the deadline, it is acceptable to call or write to ask when a decision will be made if you have not already been notified. This demonstrates that you are still interested in the job.
LETTER OF ACCEPTANCE
When an applicant is selected for the post, he/she is sent an offer of appointment along with the contract of employment. If the offer is accepted, the applicant is required to sign the contract and return one copy to the organisation.
The letter of acceptance should be brief and:
■ Thank the employer for his letter of offering you the job.
■ State that you are willing to accept the job.
■ Indicate that you are looking forward to working for the organisation and gaining new experiences.
■ Confirm that you will be able to commence work on the suggested date.
There are, however, times when a job offer has to be refused. The writer should, therefore:
■ Thank the employer for the offer of appointment.
■ Express regret at not being able to accept the offer.
Here are some short-answer questions based on the unit I have just completed.
1. What steps should you consider when you are searching for a job?
2. Describe the major sections of a résumé.
3. What important points should you keep in mind concerning the appearance of your résumé?
4. What is the purpose of a cover letter?
5. What major points should you keep in mind when preparing for an employment interview?
Until next week, remember the golden rule: STUDY, STUDY, STUDY. God bless you all.