Lesson 21 — Activity 2: Answering and Asking Questions

A job interview is usually your last chance to make a good impression on a potential employer. It is the employer's opportunity to see if the qualities he or she liked on your résumé or application form suggest you will fit in well in the workplace. To do well at a job interview, you must be prepared.

Some hints that may help you prepare for an interview are listed below.

1. Research and Plan Ahead

Some of the following ideas can help you to be ready for the questions you might be asked:

• Learn as much as you can about the business before the interview. You will be better prepared for the kinds of questions you might be asked and the kinds of answers the employer might be hoping to hear.

    

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• Review your résumé, application form, and cover letter so you understand what the employer knows about you already.
• Think about what skills the employer wants you to have for the job and examples of how you have demonstrated those skills.

• Think about typical situations that might come up in the workplace and how you might deal with those situations.

• Be prepared to explain why you are interested in the job and what your long-term plans for the job are.

Remember that you want to be positive about your skills and what you can offer to the employer.


2. Prepare Questions

• To be sure you understand the requirements of the job and to show the employer that you are very interested in the job, think of some questions of your own to ask during the interview. Your questions should be thoughtful and show the interviewer that you know quite a lot about the job already and that it is something you take seriously.

• Avoid asking questions about how much money you will make and how soon you can take holidays until after you are offered the job!

The most important thing during the job interview is to answer questions honestly and thoughtfully so that you present yourself as a good employee.

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