Деловой английский язык. А. Бабашев

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      UNIT 2

      INTERVIEW TECHNIQUE

      Making the Most of Your Experience

      How many times have you been asked the question, «What do you do for living? » There is a tendency for people to answer this question by saying, for example, «I'm a secretary» or «I'm a salesgirl» In everyday conversations these answers are acceptable, but in an interview the interviewer will be more interested in your skills than in your former titles. On your resume you must try to put more emphasis on things you can do and have done rather than on what you are or were called while doing those things.

      At job interviews an applicant is expected to explain past work experience clearly. A good applicant is prepared to speak specifically about skills as well as experience.

      For example: «I worked for eight months as an assistant to the manager at WXYZ radio. I learned to keep records carefully, to file rapidly, and to take information over the phone accurately». The fact that the work was unpaid and part-time is of secondary importance. What counts most are the skills acquired. It almost always pays to explain work experience in this way. Beginning with basic questions such as your own abilities, interests, and needs is a very different plan than taking the first available job. Choice of occupation is one of the biggest decisions we ever make. It pays to make it carefully.

      Kinds of Interviews

      There are many different kinds of employment interviews, but generally there are two basic types: the screening interview and the selection interview. A screening interview is often based on an employment application. In a screening interview, a personnel clerk or a staff person may review the company's application form you filled out to make sure that you have provided all essential information. Questions will usually require you to provide yes/no questions or give short answers providing specific information. Generally the screening interview is meant to be a check to make sure that all applicants meet minimal requirements before further interviewing is done. In a selection interview you may be interviewed by one or even four or five individuals. These may include a personnel manager or supervisory staff from the section for which you are applying. Questions in a selection interview may ask for specific information or may be open ended. The more experience you have in analyzing different styles of interviewing, the more flexible and adaptable you will be in dealing with actual interviews.

      Interview Technique

      Every interviewer is different; each has his or her own style. Some are professionally trained, but many are not. In general, however, interviewing styles fall into two broad types: directive and nondirective. An interviewer with a directive style will generally ask a number of pointed questions that are aimed at getting specific information. In a nondirective style interview, the interviewer tends to ask questions that allow the interviewees the opportunity to express themselves more openly.

      An interview may be compared to a dance in which the interviewer is supposed to be the lead partner and the interviewee is supposed to be a follower. Most of the time the trick is to adjust yourself to the pace and style set up by the interviewer. If the style is directive, you should try to provide concise, accurate information without going on and on. If you have been asked a simple question, try to stick to it rather than trying to provide your whole life СКАЧАТЬ