Page 57 - Communication in Organizations Basic Skills and Conversation Models

Communication in organizations 46

Questions that can be expected
The questions that can be expected usually cover several subjects: motivation,
education, work experience, social background, personal characteristics, life experience,
insight into the organization. Nine frequently asked questions are:
1 What attracts you about this position?
2 Why are you applying to us specifically?
3 What are your strong and your weak points?
4 How do you think you can compensate for your lack of experience?
5 What did you do after you finished your education?
6 How has the rest of your career been?
7 Why did you choose that type of education?
8 How would you solve a difference of opinion with your direct supervisor?
9 What is your style of leadership?
The answers to these questions should be logical and clear: good arguments are
absolutely necessary.
At the end of the interview the selection committee often asks whether applicants have
any questions of their own. It is important to have something to ask at this specific
moment. By asking your own questions you show that you have thought about the job
and clearly demonstrate your motivation and interest.

Skills in the job application interview

We now discuss several skills that can be used during an application interview. First, we
will discuss the entry, listening, nonverbal skills and paralinguistic skills. Then we deal
with a number of important verbal skills: arguing, positive formulation, thinking aloud,
assertiveness, asking questions, and closing the interview.

The entry
The first blow is half the battle (Chaplin, Phillips, Brown, Clanton, & Stein, 2000): how
you enter as an applicant is of great significance to the rest of the interview. The entry is
so important because the first impressions of the selector/selection committee are often
very influential (Dickson, Hargie, & Morrow, 1997; Millar & Gallagher, 1997; Whetzel
& McDaniel, 1999). Whether an applicant will be chosen or not is often decided
(sometimes unconsciously) early on in the interview. In the beginning phase an image is
built of the applicant that will only change slightly during the remaining conversation.
Reconsideration is not excluded, but selectors are inclined to look for facts to support
their initial impressions. With this in mind it is clear why extra attention needs to be paid
to the entry and essential factors include:
• neat grooming/clothing
• being there on time (not too early, certainly not too late)