Activity 2.2.13 The Interview Process (TIPs)

Purpose
To gain an understanding of interview expectations To build self-confidence
Materials
Handouts–
Time
2–3 hrs initially, and ongoing practise for one to two weeks
Method

Facilitators can explain the North American cultural norms that are important in job interviews. According to Judy Chau (1997), these may vary among other cultures and may be an obstacle to overcome. For example, in Chinese and Vietnamese cultures, direct eye contact in a formal situation is deemed disrespectful.

  1. Ask participants to list important qualities that a person should have for a successful interview. The facilitator can note these on the blackboard or flipchart.
  2. Explain or ask for their analysis on the importance of each point, e.g., good posture can tell you if a person is confident about themselves.
  3. Practise with participants the top selling points in an interview, i.e., eye contact, a firm handshake, poise, and voice tone.
  4. Distribute the handout Interview Techniques That Work, and discuss the points as outlined.
  5. Next, review and brainstorm with participants what would be required for an effective interview.
  6. Give participants the handout Effective Interviewing, and review the points as outlined.
  7. On a daily basis for the next week, instruct participants to walk into the class every morning and greet either another participant or the facilitator as though they were just asked to come in for an interview. The participants should extend their hands to initiate a handshake and introduce themselves, e.g., “Good morning, my name is ”.
  8. The recipient of the handshake should respond by acknowledging the person and say, “Good morning. Please have a seat.”
  9. Ask participants to analyze the eye contact and the confidence of the handshake, and give their feedback to the person.
  10. Participants can also add to the conversation by making small talk, e.g., “How are you?”–“I’m fine, thank you.”