JOB INTERVIEW

 

A. How to handle a job interview

After graduating from a vocational high school and you want to apply to get a job, you will have a job interview. So you have to prepare for a job interview and here you will find some steps that may help you to get success on your interview:

1. Before the interview: Prepare yourself for the interview. Mentally and physically.

2. Research the company. It is very important to do previous research and be updated of their current situation and latest news. Knowing about the vision and the mission. They can ask you all types questions related with the business.

 3. Having a clear understanding of the role/job for which you are applying for. Before the interview, try to match the skills and the requirements of the job description with yours. It will be easier to explain the interviewer why you are interested in this job and why you must be the chosen candidate.  

4. Dress with proper clothes. The appearance is the first thing the interviewer will judge. The first impression has to be always good. It is important to dress up properly (an example of inappropriate clothing could be broken pants, miniskirts or shiny heels).

5. Be on time. Give yourself enough time to reach the destination, especially if you do not know the place or you are unfamiliar with the area. Neither go too early, the interviewer may think you have no other job and it might harm you later in terms of salary negotiations. 

6. Occupy yourself while waiting. Once you arrive at the place (the perfect time of arrival would be 10-15 min before), get serious but at the same time smile and be always kind. Present yourself to the receptionist and say that all you need is a place to sit down. A good option could be reading the newspaper while waiting.

7. During the interview: Remain calm and confident. Tie your answers to issues the company or the interviewer is facing. Show always interest with your answers and ask questions.

8. Take care of your body position. The gestures may help you to illustrate your speech. Relaxed gestures are important to prevent phrases like “eh”, “no?” Or “mmm”. Avoid gestures such as touching your hair, rubbing your hands or touching your face (they are signs of nervousness or insecurity). Do not make yourself small (do not sit with your legs crossed and your arms closed to the body). 

9. After the interview: Before you leave, get a sense of what will happen next. Ask them questions in order to get an idea of what will happen with the process or what to expect (perhaps they will tell you that information so you do not need to ask).

10. Have a strong close at the end. Saying: “I am very interested in this position and I sincerely thank you for your time and insights today.” This shows you are hungry for more.

If you think the interview went well and you could be the chosen candidate, it is always good to send them an e-mail re-emphasizing the points you made, plus any other things that might have occurred since that time.

11. NOW YOU ARE READY, GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR INTERVIEWS! 

B. Common questions in a job interview

1. Could you please introduce yourself?

Yes, of course. My name is Karina Darmawan. You can call me Rina. I’m 23 years old and I’ve just graduated from Gadjah Mada University, majoring in English Literature. My current daily activity right now is writing on my English-Learning Blog. I consider myself as a creative person who loves new challenges every day. Thank you.

2. What department do you apply and why do you interested on it?

I’m really interested in writing so that I applied for the Content Writer position. It is all because I’m really into writing and I’d like to spread good news to the world through my writings.

3. Why did you leave your previous job?

To be honest, my last job was quite pleasing. However, I have to leave it because I want to face more challenge and I need new experiences for the sake of my future.

4. When it comes to your work, when were you most satisfied with it?

I don’t think I get satisfied too easily. However, I do consider completing my job properly, with all my best, and on time as a satisfying experience. 

5. You have strengths, don’t you? Could you please mention three of them?

I’d like to think that my creativity, my passion to learn new things, and my friendly personality as my strength.

6. And now how about your weaknesses? Could you please mention three of them as well?

 As a human being, I’m sure I have more than three weaknesses. However, I won’t let them stand on my way and bring me down. I think my biggest weaknesses are including my inability to focus when I have too many distractions, the fact that I get bored too easily, and my inability to cope easily with failure.

7. Why should we hire you?

 I believe I’m the one to fill the position because I’m experienced and I personally have my own passion in this field. I’m sure I can give my best to this position if I’m chosen.

8. How much salary you expect to receive every month?

I am expecting my salary to be around three million rupiahs every month. I do realize that I have a lot to prove to this company. If I can prove myself in a good way in the next couple of months, I believe my salary is going to adjust itself.

9. Do you have any strategies to increase our business income?

Yes, I do have some excellent, fresh ideas to increase the income of the company. It is including the idea of enhancing the social media usage to promote the business.

10. What do you think about working in a team and working under pressure? Can you do it?

I like working with other people in a team. Personally, I think working in team is more fun because the job can be done quicker. About the pressure, I don’t think I crumble under pressure as long as I stay calm and focus.

11. What do you know about our company?

 I know quite a lot of things about your company. Your company is basically a company that engaged in digital services. It is one of the largest ones in this city and makes huge benefits every year. I think it is an honor for anyone to work in a fine company like this.

12. Why do you want to work in our company?

As I said, working in this company is an honor to everyone. Your company has a good reputation and more importantly seems to be a good place to have an excellent working career in the future. That’s why I’m sure working here is what I want.

13. What are your goals?

 Professionally, my goal is to become a better person so that I can give better influence to the people around me, especially at work.

14. Do you have any ambitions in your life that you want to archive?

 I do have a lot of ambitions that I want to achieve in this life. However, one of the most important ones right now is getting this job. I am ambitious to get this job because I have the feeling that this job is the right one for me and I can bring the best out of me for this job.

15. Do you have working experience in this position before?

 I do have quite a lot of experiences when it comes to writing. I have my own blog and I wrote for a lot of magazines and newspapers when I was in college.

C. Example of job interview dialogue.

Dialogue I

A: “Good morning, I am here for my interview.”

B: “Hello, nice to meet you. I am Mr. William. Have any trouble finding the place?”

A: “No problem.”

B: “So why don’t you tell me why you are interested in changing positions?”

A: “Unfortunately, our company is shutting down due to the economy.”

B: “What would you consider your strengths?”

A: “I am probably best at researching for marketing purposes.”

B: “What is your biggest weakness?”

A: “I tend to get bored easily and so love to keep myself challenged.”

B: “We have a position where that could work out well.”

A: “Great!”

Dialogue II

Mr. Tom : Good morning.

Dylan : Good morning, Sir.

Mr. Tom : So, you’ve applied for the marketing position, right?

Dylan : Yes, I have Sir.

Mr. Tom : Please tell me about yourself.

Dylan : Alright Sir. My name is Dylan Permana. I am from Denpasar and currently I live on Teuku Umar Street. I am 26 years old.

Mr. Tom : What experience do you have?

Dylan : I had worked for 2 years as a sales and marketing in a furniture company, Sir.

Mr. Tom : Oh, that’s good. Why did you resign from your last job?

Dylan : The reason why I left my last job because my salary was not worth my responsibility. Besides, I also want to work in a bigger company in order to improve my skills.

Mr. Tom : Why do you want to work for this company?

Dylan : Because your company is one of big companies in Bali Sir. Therefore, I am really interested to work here.

Mr. Tom : Do you have any computer skills?

Dylan : Yes, Sir. I can operate Ms. Office and also Adobe Photoshop.

Mr. Tom : Okay, can you tell me your strengths and weaknesses?

Dylan : Hmmm, I think my strength is I can work well both individually and within a team. For the weakness, I think sometimes I cannot control my emotion Sir when I fell under pressure.

Mr. Tom : Alright, I’ve noted it. What is your salary expectation?

Dylan : For the salary, I hope I can get more than my previous job, Sir. I think above 4 million Rupiah.

Mr. Tom : Well, we will consider it. When can you start to work?

Dylan : I am available anytime Sir.

Mr. Tom : Good then, just kindly waiting my confirmation via email or phone call. Thank you for coming to the interview.

Dylan : Sure Sir, I will wait for the confirmation. I also would like to say thank you for giving me a chance to come for an interview.

Answer the question based on the dialogue II above.

1.     Who are Mr. Tom and Dylan?

2.     What position does Dylan apply for?

3.     Where does Dylan's address?

4.     How long had Dylan worked for his previous company?

5.     What Dylan's character can you infer from his statement?

6.     What does Dylan probably do after getting interview?

7.     What will Mr. Tom do if he wants to give confirmation to Dylan?

8.     Can Dylan do his job after getting interview directly?

Sources:

http://www.nordicjobsworldwide.com/how-to-handle-a-job-interview-successfully/  

https://mamikos.com/info/pertanyaan-interview-bahasa-inggris-dan-artinya/

https://www.englishcafe.co.id/contoh-percakapan-bahasa-inggris-tentang-tes-wawancara-interview/