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Publications : ILO Publications :
GETTING HIRED: A Guide for Job Seekers
Who Face Barriers to Employment 7. Interviewing for a Job
Ethiopian proverb The purpose of every step in the job-seeking process is to get a job interview. In the interview, you have a chance to sell yourself to the employer and to learn more about the job. In this section, you will
Preparing for a Job Interview Job interviews can be formal or casual, long or brief. Being prepared will help you make a better impression and will reduce your nervousness, no matter what type of job interview you have. Here are some ways to prepare:
The Job Interview Process The start of a job interview is similar to a telephone conversation or contacting an employer in person. (You may want to reread Section 6, "Finding and Responding to Job Openings.") Here are the first steps:
The employer may begin by asking friendly questions (e.g., about where you are from, the weather, etc.) or by talking about the job right away. During the beginning of the interview, let the employer talk or ask you questions about your abilities and qualifications. If necessary, you can ask questions to clarify what is being said or to clarify the job duties. For example: "Could you tell about the machines you use?" "What software packages do you use?" You should wait until the employer stops discussing the job or questioning you before you ask about hours, salary and benefits. It's best to ask about salary and benefits last; you don't want to appear too concerned about money. If you have a disability and a special need (e.g., working on the first floor, a particular piece of equipment, etc.) discuss it after you have fully explained your qualifications. Some people wait until a job offer is made; they do not want their special needs to influence the chance of an offer. Whatever you decide, do not ask for more than is required for you to do the job. At the end of the interview, ask when a hiring decision will be made and how you will be notified. Find out if you should call back or come by for the results. Thank the interviewer and express your interest in the job before you leave. You could send a brief thank you note after the interview. Job Interview Questions There are many questions an employer could ask. Some include
Listen carefully. Give yourself time to think before answering. Give direct and honest responses. Speak in a clear voice that can be heard. Don't chew gum, smoke or gesture in ways that are distracting. Stressing the Positive Side, Even When It's Difficult In some cultures, people are taught to be modest. On a job interview, however, it is important to speak positively about yourself. You need to stress your abilities and skills, not what you can't do or don't know. Even negative experiences from your past can be an opportunity to say something positive about yourself. If you have made mistakes in the past (e.g., committed a criminal offence), a good approach is to admit to it, explain what you learned from the experience and stress that you now are ready to work. If you have had some problems that affected your work (e.g., family, emotional or substance abuse), you need to explain that the problem is behind you or under control and then add positive statements about yourself. Here are some ways to deal with tough interview questions or an employer's concerns about your qualifications or ability to do the job:
Dealing with Disability and Difference Many people feel uncomfortable talking about a disability. If you have a visible disability or one that will affect your job performance, you should bring it up in the job interview. Don't wait for the employer. Once you introduce the topic, he or she will be more likely to ask questions or express concerns. It is important that the employer's concerns are addressed. You do not want to miss a job opportunity because the employer assumed you could not do the job or had concerns that he or she did not feel comfortable discussing. Here are some tips for raising the issue of disability:
Here are some examples: "Since I use a wheelchair, you may wonder how I would get to work every day. The bus stops near where I live and people help me on and off. My wheelchair goes on the luggage rack. I will have no problem getting here or moving around the factory." "Since I am blind, you may wonder how I will do this job. I have been trained at the rehabilitation centre to operate this equipment. May I show you"? (Later) "Do you have any other concerns about my being blind?" "Although I am unable to use my legs, I can still weld. I like to work on the floor and need only a low workbench." "On my last job, my employer wrote up brief work orders every day for the necessary repairs, even though I can read lips." "Many people think that people who are deaf cannot read or write. I can read as well as anyone who has completed secondary school." "It may take me longer than most people to learn how to do a job, but once I learn, I will not forget." "I know sometimes that people have concerns about hiring a person with a disability. Do you have any questions about my disability? I would be glad to answer them." You could handle other differences, such as age or gender, in a similar manner. For example, "I notice that most of your workers are male. You may wonder how a female will get along in the plant. In my last job, I was the only female operator and worked well with the men." "I know I am older than most of the people on the job, but I get along with people of any age. Because of my past experience, I will be able to learn this job quickly. I have worked for many years and know what it means to do a good job." Exercise 7.1: A Job Interview Role Play The best way to learn to handle common and difficult questions is to role play job interviews and to go on as many interviews as possible. Here's how to set up a role play:
(You have just learned how to interview for a job.
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Updated 2004-12-07 |
