Final Presentation Career Center Interview Paper.
Many types of communication are encountered in interviews. Interpersonal communication is the cornerstone of a job interview because of the objectives that the participants share. The job seekers ultimate goal is to get the job. Begin with a plan (Plantier, 1994). Through a preparation process that starts before applying to the position, the job seeker insures a thorough self-presentation that is proficient and offers the potential employer the candidature required for the job. Though the potential employers interviewer prepares to acquire additional information from the job seeker, he, or she is presenting the position and organization as a job seekers primary choice for a job.
In addition to interpersonal communication, the job seeker may be required to meet with other people to complete the interview process. This common practice may be done in a group or individually. Some of the individuals that may be involved in the hiring process include human resources representatives, departmental managers, and supervisors. Each individual plays an integral part in the screening process. As a team, following procedures and maintaining clear communication is important to arrive at a consensus of who will be offered the position. There also may be other requirements such as skill evaluations, surveys, background screening, and drug panel testing. Most organizations partner with third party companies utilizing todays technology to complete these tasks in-house, via extranet portals, to remain efficient during the screening process. This is in addition to online tools used to search for candidates, such as career planning websites and job banks.
The job seeker should become familiar with the potential employer by researching the organizations website or company profile in a business journal. Learning the background on how the organization was founded may provide broad insight on the value system and business culture that it operates by. Whether a company operates strictly by the guidance of its executive officers or a companywide inclusive philosophy, is important for a job seeker to know in order to make an informed decision if a job offer is extended. During the interview, if the conversation entertains facets of the organizations background, the job seeker is able to participate in the discussion in a seamless manner. Such planning is vital if the organization is located outside of the country. This includes adjusting to customs of a different culture or learning some of the language. An interviewer is impressed by such forethought and display of respect.
For many job seekers its not just the economy that is costing them the job they want. Its bad preparation, even after two, three, four years of college (Stuart, 2008). When preparing for an interviewer, the job seeker should consider the possibilities of how the interview may be conducted. The primary interviewer can occur by phone or video conference. Video conference is often to include visual presentation or interactive tasks. Either could also occur later during the interview process, so a job seeker is strongly encouraged to be prepared to conform to the interviewers format.
At the time of the interview, the job seeker should be at his, or her, most observant. When meeting with the company interviewer, consider his, or her, manner of approach. Is the demeanor pleasant, subdued, or high-pitched with eagerness If greeted by an interviewer that is in a subdued manner, it is best not to come on too strong, or gruff. Reciprocate by shaking hands, maintaining eye contact, confident posture and smile. This exchange of nonverbal communication sets the tone of the interview.
Listening and the exchange of oral communication are paramount during the interview. The job seeker may be asked questions about his, or her, academic career, internships, as well as past employment experiences. Along with people who can work with the new technology, newspapers are also crying for people who can report on it (Carfagno, 1998). Discussing achievements journalism and technological skills related to job, such as desktop publishing or imaging editing in college are significant points that the interviewer will want to hear. Other skills in technology can be a plus for the seeker. Organizations are pleased to see an applicant with several technology skills to enhance the position to be filled.
The job seeker should ask pertinent questions about the responsibilities to show interest in the job.
While an interview is going well, it is not uncommon for the conversation to change course or a question catches the job seeker off guard. If a question cannot be answered, saying so is appropriate. If you dont understand a question, ask for it to be repeated or rephrased (Yaseen, Girvin, 1999). The variety of questions will provide insight to the job seekers communication skills and how well they may apply to the position and interacting with others. Different scenarios may be presented regarding strict editing deadlines or availability. Keeping in mind that the interviewer requires this information should be encouraging for the applicant to remain attentive.
Practicing the interview is a good ease any nervousness and also can help to correct negative nonverbal communication. Many times an individual is not unaware of small habits that may draw attention. The job seeker must maintain awareness of his, or her, facial expressions and body movements during the interview. Avoid grimacing, thumb twiddling, or any other negative nonverbal expressions. This could give the interviewer the impression that a potential candidate has not been interviewed. Practicing on tape is another way to improve the presentation of nonverbal communication.
Succeeding in an interview begins with preparing efficiently. On-line job hunting is fast becoming the coolest way to find jobs and make valuable connections (Melkonian, 1996). Presenting a well-constructed resume and cover letter is the first impression of the job seeker. These documents, and e-mail communications, will be the deciding factor whether or not an interview will be granted. Technology provides resources for filing and storing several copies of this information for good organization. Copies of story clips included in a current portfolio should also be prepared. Have your portfolio ready at all times (Lake, 2002).
Technology also allows the job seeker to post his, or her, credentials on a job website. This increases the chances of being contacted for an interview. Social networking is another technological channel used in todays job search. Job hopefuls network and make new connections in the business world. This is a good platform to use good technology and interpersonal skills to foster solid professional relationships. Organizations also use social networking for recruiting purposes in addition to career websites. Social networking allows an organization to present a good image. This is appealing to job seekers.
Online tools are also available to assist with resume and cover letter creation. The job seeker can choose from a variety of templates, such as basic, chronological, or professional. The layout of a professional resume tends to highlight the career qualifications. These resources also suggest to the job seeker specific words and phrases that should be included to make the document rise above the competition, making it more appealing to the potential employer.
Career counseling services can also be found online if job seekers choose to have one-on-one coaching during the job search. Some services can be accessed online, such as webinars, tutorials, and live coaching sessions. Many individuals find this type of service to be invaluable when entering the professional world after graduation.
The scope of journalism jobs has broadened to allow the job seeker greater access to technological advances. Job seekers can look forward to using these resources to provide high quality material with a competitive edge throughout his, or her, career.
Categories:
0 comments:
Post a Comment