During the Job Interview: The top 10 interview question part 1

Our Agenda1. Agenda

2. Objectives3. Introductions 4. Activity 1: Vocabulary review5. Activity 2: Discussion 6. Activity 3: Dialogue7. Activity 4: meaning of 5 common interview questions

7. Activity 5: practise answering interview questions 7. Activity 6: Case studies7. Activity 7: Dictation

Workshop Objectives

1. To learn 8 new words related to job interviews2. To learn the meaning behind 5 common interview questions3. To learn how to answer 5 common interview questions

• What is your name?

• Where are you from?

Introductions

Vocabulary ReviewActivity 1

Activity one: Vocabulary Review

Member of a nationut

smoothly

without hesitation

On the spotPrepare in advance

attributes

Specificcandidates

Get ready early Say something in reply

without problems

without noticecharacteristics Clearly identified

Without pausing

A person trying to get a job

Respond

Activity two: Fill-in-the-blank

1. How you _________ to interview questions will determine if you get the job or not.

2. We should practice questions, so we can answer _________________________.

3. When you answer a without having to really think about it because you have practised it so much, you can say you answered the question _________________________.

4. If possible, it is best to _______________________ in advance.

5. If you practice, you will answer questions more ________________________ .

6. Be prepared to explain your personal ___________________ .

7. When you answer questions try to be as ____________________ as possible.

8. How many _____________________ showed up for job interviews today?

attributescandidates

specific on the spot

respond smoothly without hesitation

Prepare in advance

Group discussionActivity 2

• Have you ever gone for a job interview?

• What are some common interview questions you have heard?

Listen to a dialogue.

What important points did you hear?

Activity 3

Listen to a dialogue:

Johanna

Johanna

Alicia

Johanna

Alicia

Johanna

Alicia

AliciaSo, how is that job seminar going?

It is wonderful!

What is it all about again exactly?

It is about some common interview questions.

That sounds interesting. Tell me more!

Can you give me an example?

Sure. One of the more common questions is “What is your greatest strength?”

Sure! It was about some of the more common interview questions and what the interviewer really wants to know when he or she asks the question

Oh Yeah! I have heard this one a lot.Johanna

Alicia Of course. The interviewer really wants to know about your personal attributes that make you the best candidate for the job.

Listen to a dialogue:

Johanna

Alicia

Johanna

Alicia

Johanna

Alicia

Johanna

Alicia

Alicia Hey, one step at a time, eh?

I guess knowing what the interview really wants to when she asks the question will help you respond well, even when put on the spot.

Exactly. When the moment comes that the interviewer asks you that difficult question, you need to be able to answer without hesitation.

I suppose the seminar is really going to help you to be ready for your next job interview.

I don’t see why not. I’ve only been to 1 session. I think there are 4 more.

I’ll check into that for you. Maybe you can even get a discount for the session you missed.

Certainly, being prepared in advance is very important these days!

Hey, I wonder if I could attend that seminar with you?

Johanna That would be great if I could attend!

Thanks! I hope I’ll be answering interview questions as smoothly as you!

Let’s learn about 5 very common interview questions, and what they really mean!

Activity 4

1. What is your greatest strength?What attributes do you possess that set you apart from the other candidates?

1. What is your greatest strength?Tips to answer question: Write down skills mentioned in job posting Note your skills that match those listed Be ready to give examples

1. What is your greatest strength?

SAMPLE ANSWER:I have a strong work ethic. When I'm working on a particular project, I don't want just to meet deadlines. Instead, I prefer to complete my work well before the deadline. For example, Last year, I earned a bonus for completing a series of reports two weeks before the due date.

2. What is your greatest weakness?

Discuss non-essential skills!

Image by Festivio/ 8 images shared underCC0

2. What is your greatest weakness?

Image by Festivio/ 8 images shared underCC0

Tips to answer question: Write down skills mentioned in job posting. When you answer, mention a skill that is not listed in the posting. Show what you are doing to improve your weakness. Above all, always be honest!

2. What is your greatest weakness?

Image by Festivio/ 8 images shared underCC0

SAMPLE ANSWER:“As a university student, I used to leave assignments until the last minute, but with the workload of graduate school, I learned to schedule my time very effectively.”

3. Tell me about yourself.Talk about things about you- as they relate to the job.

Image by ladydudel /14 images shared under CCO

3. Tell me about yourself.

Image by ladydudel /14 images shared under CCO

Tips to answer question: Have a clear understanding of what you can offer the company. Make a list of 8-10 skills that you have that will help you do the job.

3. Tell me about yourself.

Image by ladydudel /14 images shared under CCO

SAMPLE ANSWER:“I'd really describe myself as a person with a wide variety of skills, a lot of integrity and a desire to go above and beyond what is asked of me.  Perhaps the best way to let you know what I'm about is to share with you a quick experience I once had …. 

4. Why should we hire you?Why are you the best person for the job?

4. Why should we hire you?Tips to answer question: Let the manager know you can do the job. Let the manager know you will fit in with the team. You have the skills and experience that make you the best candidate for the job.

4. Why should we hire you?SAMPLE ANSWER:“Your company provides many services that I have had experience with. I know this industry very well and I believe that I will be a good fit for this position.” 

5. What are your salaryexpectations?

This question is a little more difficult than it first appears!

Image by PublicDomainPictures / 18043 images Shared under CCO

5. What are your salaryexpectations?

Image by PublicDomainPictures / 18043 images Shared under CCO

Tips to answer question: Research the industry to find out the going wage for the position.

5. What are your salaryexpectations?

Image by PublicDomainPictures / 18043 images Shared under CCO

SAMPLE ANSWER:“I’m more interested in finding a position that’s a good fit for my skills and interests. I’m confident that you’re offering a salary that’s competitive in the current market.” 

Let’s practise.• Choose a question and practise how you would answer.

Activity 5

Case studies

Read the studies.• What is done well?

• What is not so well done?

Activity 6

Case Study 1 Manager: Tell me about yourself.

Candidate: “I like to go bowling with my friends every Sunday. My favourite show is Family Guy!

Case Study 2 Manager: What is your greatest weakness?

Candidate: “In the past, I had problems with deadlines, so I took a course in time management. The course really helped me to organize my time and now I never miss getting tasks done in a timely manner.”

Case Study 3 Manager: What are your salary expectations?

Candidate: “ Well, I am not sure. How much are you offering?”

Case Study 4 Manager: What is your greatest strength?

Candidate: “ I am very reliable. I have not missed a day of work in more than 3 years. I am also never late. I take my work very seriously.”

Case Study 5 Manager: Why should we hire you?

Candidate: “ I really need a job. I have been off work now for almost a year!”

Dictation

Write what you hear!

Activity 7

Dictation 1

What attributes do you possess that set you apart from the other candidates?

Dictation 2

Show what you are doing to improve your weakness.

Dictation 3

Have a clear understanding of what you can offer the company.

Dictation 4

Show what you are doing to improve your weakness.

Dictation 5

Research the industry to find out the going wage for the position.

Review: What did you learn today?• 8 new words related to job interview

questions• The meaning behind 5 common

interview questions• How to answer 5 common interview

questions

Thanks for attending.

See you next time!