Oral Strategies For Employment Interview
Oral Strategies For Employment Interview
Employment Interview
P R E PA R E D B Y: M S . I D Y L L R U T H V. B A S I Ñ O , L P T
All company desires to have
communicably competent
employees. These valuable
oral skills and strategies will
be practically useful when
you try to gain employment
as you try to speak
persuasively about your skills
and potential.
MAKING THE MOST OF THE INTERVIEW
Professional hairstyle
● Neutral-colored pantyhose
● Light makeup and a limited amount of perfume
● Clean, neatly manicured nails
● Portfolio or briefcase
Interview tips:
Question 1: Tell me about yourself.
Instead of talking about your professional abilities, say something fascinating that the
interviewer can relate to. You might talk about your interests or a recent big life event that
was particularly intriguing to you. Don't forget to add volunteer work and other hobbies.
It's advantageous if you can demonstrate how you've turned your passions into relevant
professional abilities. Your oil painting hobby, for example, might translate to excellent
attention to detail.
Interview tips:
Question 2: What are your greatest strengths?
This is your chance to shine and match your abilities to the demands of the business.
Before your interview, write out your response to this question. Make a list of your assets
and then choose which are the most important. Make a list of your replies. Then read
what you've written as if you're a recruiting manager. What would your reaction be if you
were given the answers you just gave? Are there any warning signs? Adjust accordingly.
Interview tips:
Question 3: What are your weaknesses?
It’s like the interviewer is saying, “Tell us why we shouldn’t hire you.” How do you respond?
If you don't have a plan in place to fix any weaknesses, don't disclose them. If you admit to being
disorganized, tell the interviewer you've begun utilizing some great new applications to keep you on
track. Don't be scared to be vulnerable—knowing and recognizing your shortcomings demonstrates
that you prioritize self-reflection and personal development.
Interview tips:
Question 4: Tell me about an achievement you’re proud of.
Just as when you’re writing a resume, remember that “show, don’t tell” is the golden rule.
Here’s a tip: Use the STAR method! First, describe the situation that led up to your accomplishment
and the Task you were required to tackle. Then describe the Action you took to address the
problem. Finally, share the impressive results.
Interview tips:
Question 5: Why are you leaving your current job?
Make sure you keep your answer to this question short and positive. This isn’t the time to badmouth
your current or previous employer. Rather than saying something like “There wasn’t enough
opportunity for growth” you could say “I’m looking to expand my horizons and move into a more
hands-on developmental role, which is where I know I’d excel.”
Interview tips:
Question 6: What brought you to [Company]?
Here’s where your research skills are going to shine! Before interviewing, a savvy job-seeker will
have spent time on the company’s website and read articles about the company and its key players
to develop a feel for its brand presence and culture.
If you see terms like innovative or competitive, you can use them in your answer: “I’ve been eager
to join a team that’s innovating in a way that keeps them competitive in this space.”
Interview tips:
Question 7: Tell me about a time when a customer or colleague disagreed with you. What
did you do?
Here’s your chance to prove that you are so chill. Someone disagreed with you, but you kept your
cool and worked through it. You could certainly talk about how you were able to persuade someone
to see your point of view, especially if the role you’re applying for values that ability.
It’s all about the story. Pick one that shows conflict with a good outcome and makes a positive
statement about your ability to collaborate and grow.
Interview tips:
Question 8: What would your boss and colleagues say about you?
The key to a great interview is to emphasize your strengths while demonstrating an ability to learn
and grow from your weaknesses. Be specific and give examples. It may be true that your
colleagues would say you’re a hard worker, but without a story to back that up, you’re just tossing
out a cliché the interviewer has probably heard hundreds of times. Instead, tell a story about a time
you put in extra effort and your colleagues and friends congratulated you on your hard work.
Look at past performance reviews if you’re having a hard time coming up with a specific example.
It’s perfectly okay to quote from a positive review:
“In my last performance evaluation, my boss praised me for my creativity in putting together a new
content strategy.”
Interview tips:
Question 9: Where do you see yourself in five years?
Rather than saying “I see myself as Director of Marketing,” say “My goal is to be in a position where
I can take on new challenges. I’d like to take on more management responsibilities, so I’m on the
lookout for opportunities to develop my skills in that area.”
Interview tips:
Question 10: Why should we hire you?
Rather than reiterating a laundry list of talents and qualities, consider restating what you know
about the company's needs and the position, and then demonstrating why you're a suitable fit.
Here’s an example of that strategy in action from Forbes:
“From what I understand about the job, it’s a position that requires a lot of fast activity during the
day, and that’s the kind of job I thrive in. I love to stay busy and wear a lot of hats. Is my
assessment of the environment on target?”
Dress for the job you want, smile
confidently, and offer a firm
handshake, but remember to do a