ENGLISH

JOB INTERVIEW

By:
GROUP
CLASS : 4 KC

AQIILAH
MELIA
RALLY ARTINDAH
SAMAPTA PROBOWISNU
SITI RAHAYU
SITI KHODIJAH

LECTURER` : Dra. RISNAWATI, M.Pd.

CHEMICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

STATE POLYTECHNIC OF SRIWIJAYA
2016

Before Job Interview

1. Research the company's profile and background. Start by looking into their future
goals and plans. Conducting the interview with this in mind will make you seem like a
good long-term investment. You should also be ready to talk in depth about the industry,
the organization, and the position you are applying for.
o Learn your interviewers name and job position before going to the interview. You
may need to call the company to find out.
o Talk to current employees. Show initiative while getting a feel for the office
environment. Learn as much as you can about the company from people who
work there.
o Know as much about the company as possible. You can't change your
employment history or your qualifications, but you can work harder than every
other applicant by being supremely knowledgeable about the company. Use the
company's website, their annual report, and newspaper/business magazine articles
to gather as much information as possible.

2. Think of questions to ask your interviewer. Participating actively during the interview
gives a good impression of your level of interest in the job. It's a good idea to come
prepared with at least three thought-provoking questions to ask your interviewer. (Avoid
asking anything that could be easily answered through a quick internet search, or you will
simply come across as lazy.)
o Ask questions that reflect your interest in future prospects. Which are new
markets the company is planning to explore in next couple of years? or What
are the chances for professional growth in this job opportunity? Both show that
you want to be on the same page as the people youll be working for.
o Ask questions to bond with the interviewer and project your enthusiasm. Inquire
about his/her position and background or how long (s)he has been with the
company.
o Ask questions about what is discussed during the interview itself. Though you
may be tempted to respond to everything with an Absolutely! or a Sure thing!
to show how competent you are, this will actually make it look like youre not
listening. Show that you are paying attention by asking for more details whenever

something isnt clear. (Avoid asking questions for the sake of asking, though, or
itll seem like you cant keep up.)

3. Practice with a friend. If you have a friend who is also preparing for an interview,
consider preparing together. Not only will this give you a way to structure your
preparation, but it will also help you get comfortable with giving answers, telling
anecdotes, and using appropriate terminology. Practice giving concise, complete answers
and maintaining eye contact with the interviewer(s) while you give them. Make sure you
aren't speaking too slow or too fast and that your answers are stated with confidence.
o Get feedback from a friend. Even if you think their feedback isn't on the mark, it's
something to consider: We don't always know how we come off to other people,
and the actual interviewer could share some of the same concerns.
o Know basically what you want to talk about before the interview. If you're
stumbling and fumbling for an answer on a very basic question, you're not putting
your best foot forward. Have your very basic answers down pat, and anticipate
some of the tougher questions before you step into the interview.

4. Anticipate questions from the interviewer. Its best to prepare for a wide variety of
questions by thinking about your own career goals, long-term plans, past successes, and
work strengths, but you should also brace yourself for the deceptively simple questions
that most employers like to throw at their interviewees.
o Whats your biggest weakness? is a classic canned interview question that many
people dread. Answering this question is a bit of a tightrope walk: While you
dont want to be too honest (I have a really hard time staying motivated), you
wont fool anyone by trying to spin an obviously good quality into a weakness (I
just cant bear to do less-than-outstanding work!). Instead, think of a genuine
issue you have as well as ways you have managed to work with/around it (Im
not naturally a very organized thinker, but Ive become very organized on paper
and in my personal space as a result).
o Where do you see yourself in five years? is another common question that can
take you off guard if you dont see it coming. Your panicked reaction might be to
blurt out, Working diligently for you, of course! but unless you are actually
trying to get a job in your chosen career, this probably isnt a good strategy. If

youre going after what will clearly be a short-term job or even one that lasts
only several years be honest about what your greater aspirations are (ex. going
back to school, starting your own business); ambition is a very desirable trait in an
employee to say nothing of honesty.
o Why do you want this job? is so straightforward it can throw you for a loop. If
youre going into a field you care about, you will have a much easier time
answering this. However, if, like many people, youre just trying to make ends
meet, you can answer the question by using it as a way of highlighting your skills
(I shine in fast-paced, high-pressure situations and would love to have the
opportunity to cultivate my talents here).
o Why did you leave your last job? is a common question that shouldnt be hard
to answer provided that you didnt have a major blowout with your previous
employer. If you did, be honest (without being bitter or laying blame, as this will
make you look ungracious and hard to work with) and try to put a positive spin on
things.
o Don't be afraid to admit that you don't know something. While you definitely
want to seem knowledgeable, don't lie to make it seem like you know something
you don't. You probably won't fool your interviewer, and admitting to not
knowing something is much more impressive than lying during your interview. If
need be, just acknowledge that you do not know the answer but will find out more
about it and let them know afterwards.

The Day of the Job Interview

1. Dress-for-work. In any workplace, your wardrobe is a sign of your professionalism and
is sometimes used to gauge your level of competence. When your coworkers and
customers look at you, they should immediately feel comfortable working with you. It's
easy to rule yourself out of a job just because you didn't take care of your appearance. As
a rule of thumb, you should dress for the interview the way you would for the job itself. If
the job is unusually casual, however, you might want to show up in business-casual
clothes, but it's always better to be formal. Both men and women should choose subdued
colors (blues, browns, grays, black) which make a professional impression. Make sure
that your clothes are lint- and wrinkle-free. Avoid wearing perfume, after-shave, or
scented lotion (but do wear deodorant).
2. For women. Dressing professionally means wearing a smart knee-length skirt suit in a
dark color, along with sheer, non-patterned hosiery, closed toe shoes and subtle makeup.

3. For men. Choose a white shirt, dark-colored suit and tie and dark-colored shoes.[1]]
o Applicants in the service sector may sometimes be invited to wear business casual
to an interview, although business formal is optional and usually best. For women,
this means a simple, knee length dress with conservative shoes (no jeans). For
men, this means dark or khaki pants with a collared button-up and leather shoes.[1]
o If you're unsure of the customary interview clothing expected by the company,
simply ask the HR rep or interview liaison. There's no shame in it. There is shame
in feeling horribly under-dressed when you show up for an interview.

4. Show up in the best possible shape. Make sure you know exactly how to get there and,
if you drive, just where to park so that you can arrive 15 to 20 minutes before the
scheduled interview time. Go to bed early the day (or the days) before the interview so
that you look rested and healthy on the big day. Bring an extra copy of your resume, CV,
and/or references in case your interviewer wants to go over any points with you or
neglects to bring their own copy.
o If the interview is in the morning, be sure to eat a healthy breakfast. This is not
just an empty suggestion. A breakfast high in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty
acids,and foods high in vitamin E, such as nuts and seeds, will help improve brain
function and leave you feeling more alert and invigorated.[2]
o Consider exercising before the interview to annihilate stress and increase blood
flow.[3] If you're generally nervous or fidgety before an interview, it might be a
good idea to work out before your interview. Go hard for an hour, and give your
body at least another hour to calm down. Shower after exercising.

5. Show courtesy to everyone during the interview. This means everyone from the
reception staff to the interviewer herself. You never know who has input in the hiring
process, and you can only make a first impression once.
o Look everyone in the eye and smile. Looking people in the eye will telegraph
alertness, and smiling will signal friendliness.

o Speak clearly and say "please" and "thank you." Make sure the people you talk to
during the interview can make out what you're saying. Talking audibly, with good
enunciation, tells people you're confident, while good manners tells them you're
considerate of other people.
o Don't noodle around on your phone or electronic device while waiting. In fact,
leave it in your car. Even though it's practically acceptable, playing around on
your phone can communicate boredom and frivolousness (even if that's not the
case). Stick with a book or review your notes while waiting.

6. Be honest. Many people think that an interview is the perfect time to embellish. While
you want to structure your answers so that your best, most qualified aspects take center
stage, you don't want to deceive or outright lie. Companies do perform background
checks, and lying about your experience is simply not worth it.
o In a pinch, take a cue from politicians. When a politician hears a question they
don't like, they simply answer a different question. You don't want to do this all
the time, but you can do it in a pinch.

7. Keep things simple and short. Talking about yourself can be very difficult to do well:
You're trying to convince someone you don't know that you're qualified for a position
without sounding too cocky or pompous. Stick to what you know well, and keep things
short and sweet.
o Structure your answers so that you're talking in 30-90 second chunks. Any less
and you're likely to seem unqualified; any more and your interviewer is likely to
lose interest in what you're saying. In the "tell me about yourself" question,
highlight 2-3 illustrative examples about yourself before wrapping up. [4]
o Don't use slang or off-color humor during your interview. It's important not to say
"awesome" or "rad" during an interview, unless you're interviewing for the local
lifeguard position. It's also a good rule to avoid off-color humor; you never know
when someone might take offense, and it's best not to risk it.
o Talk about what other people think you do well. Don't add the preamble, "My
friends think I'm a competent social organizer." Just go out and say it with the
right touch of confidence and humility. Women tend to underestimate their overall

job performance,[5] so be aware of that before you second-guess or undercut

yourself, because it's unlikely to get you a job.
o Don't criticize your former employer. When you're talking about your past
experience, be courteous about your former places of employment. Be honest
about your experience what you liked and disliked but don't indict your
former boss unnecessarily. Your class and restraint will shine through.

8. Be personable. Try to come off as a genuinely likable person if you can. If you're
cynical, pessimistic, and absolutely disabused of any faith in humanity, try to tone it
down during the interview. Being personable is about getting the interviewer's emotional
side to like you and believe in you. Employers don't always hire the candidates most
qualified for the job, but rather the candidates they like the best.

After the Interview

1. Shake hands with the interviewer and exchange pleasantries. Try to invest some
feeling into the handshake and pleasantries, even if you think you bombed the interview.
The interviewer should give you a time frame for when to expect to get a callback, if
applicable.
o Hold your head high and keep your cool. Your emotions are probably teetering at
the highest of highs or the lowest of lows, but try to stay measured. Project a cool
confidence not cockiness and walk out of the interview with your head held
high.
o If the interviewer does not tell you when they will contact you if you're a good fit
for the position, it's appropriate to ask, "When can I expect to hear back from you
about the position?" This will prove important later on.

2. Send a thank-you letter to your interviewer and/or liaison. Now is a good time to
thank the person you interviewed with, even if it's just a formality. You can say something
like:
o "Dear [interviewer's name], Thank you for the opportunity to discuss my
qualifications with you. I remain very impressed by [interviewer's company], and
invite you to contact me if you have any further questions. I look forward to
hearing from you about this position."
o If you missed any important points in your interview you wanted to stress, you
may include one or two in the thank-you letter. Keep the points brief, and tie them
into a discussion point that you or the interviewer made during the interview.
o If you received any help in getting the interview, follow up with appropriate parts
of your network. Inform them that you received an interview, are grateful they
helped you in your career search, and would be eager to help them in the future.

3. Follow up with the interviewer at the appropriate time. You should have received
some information about when you could expect to hear back from the employer. The
standard time is about two weeks, but it can depend. If you've waited past the designated
callback date or the callback date wasn't set and it's been two weeks follow up with
the interviewer in a short email. You can say something like:
o "Dear [interviewer's name], I interviewed at your company [at such and such
date], and am still interested in the position if it hasn't yet been filled. I'd greatly
appreciate any information you might have about my candidacy. I look forward to
hearing from you."
o While you can't control your past experience or the way someone measures you
against someone else, you can control how much of your time you dedicate to
showing the interviewer you really want the position. Don't be needy, and don't be
greedy, but be persistent and courteous. You'll work harder than at least half the
other candidates, and it could be the decisive factor in getting a job offer.

Toughest Interview Questions and Answers

1. Why do you want to work in this industry?

Bad answer:
I love to shop. Even as a kid, I spent hours flipping through catalogues.
Dont just say you like it. Anyone can do that. Focus instead on your history with
that particular industry, and if you can, tell a success story.
Good answer:
Ive always loved shopping, but my interest in retail marketing really started when I
worked at a neighborhood boutique. I knew our clothes were amazing, but that we
werent marketing them properly. So I worked with management to come up with a
marketing strategy that increased our sales by 25% in a year. It was great to be able to
contribute positively to an industry I feel so passionate about, and to help promote a
product I really believed in.
2. Tell us about yourself.

Bad answer:
I graduated four years ago from the University of Michigan, with a Bachelors in Biology
but I decided that wasnt the right path for me. So I switched gears and got my first job,
working in sales for a startup. Then I went on to work in marketing for a law firm. After that, I
took a few months off to travel. Finally, I came back and worked in marketing again. And now,
here I am, looking for a more challenging marketing role.
Instead of giving a chronological work history, focus on your strengths and how
they pertain to the role. If possible, illustrate with examples.
Good answer:
Im really energetic, and a great communicator. Working in sales for two years helped me
build confidence, and taught me the importance of customer loyalty. Ive also got a track
record of success. In my last role, I launched a company newsletter, which helped us build on
our existing relationships and create new ones. Because of this, we ended up seeing a revenue
increase of 10% over two years. Im also really interested in how companies can use web tools
to better market themselves, and would be committed to building on your existing platform.
3. What do you think of your previous boss?

Bad answer:
He was completely incompetent, and a nightmare to work with, which is why Ive moved on
Remember: if you get the job, the person interviewing you will some day be your
previous boss. The last thing they want is to hire someone who they know is going to
badmouth them some day. Instead of trashing your former employer, stay positive, and
focus on what you learned from him (no matter how awful he really was).
Good answer:
My last boss taught me the importance of time management he didnt pull any punches,
and was extremely deadline-driven. His no-nonsense attitude pushed me to work harder,
and to meet deadlines I never even thought were possible.
4. Why are you leaving your current role?

Bad answer:
I cant stand my boss, or the work Im doing.
Again, stay away from badmouthing your job or employer. Focus on the positive.
Good answer: Ive learned a lot from my current role, but now Im looking for a new
challenge, to broaden my horizons and to gain a new skill-set all of which, I see the potential
for in this.
5. Where do you see yourself in five years?
Bad answer: Relaxing on a beach in Maui, or Doing your job.
Theres really no right answer to this question, but the interviewer wants to know that
youre ambitious, career-oriented, and committed to a future with the company. So instead
of sharing your dream for early retirement, or trying to be funny, give them an answer that
illustrates your drive and commitment.

Good answer: In five years Id like to have an even better understanding of this industry. Also,
I really love working with people. Ultimately, Id like to be in some type of managerial role at
this company, where I can use my people skills and industry knowledge to benefit the people
working for me, and the company as a whole."
6. Whats your greatest weakness?
Bad answer: I work too hard, or for the comedian, Blondes.
This question is a great opportunity to put a positive spin on something negative, but you
dont want your answer to be clich joking or not. Instead, try to use a real example of a
weakness you have learned to overcome.
Good answer: Ive never been very comfortable with public speaking which as you know,
can be a hindrance in the workplace. Realizing this was a problem, I asked my previous
employer if I could enroll in a speech workshop. He said yes. I took the class, and was able to
overcome my lifelong fear. Since then, Ive given lots of presentations to audiences of over a 100
high level executives I still dont love it, but no one else can tell!
7. What salary are you looking for?
Bad answer: In my last job I earned $35,000 so, now Im looking for $40,000
If you can avoid it, dont give an exact number. The first person to name a price in a salary
negotiation loses. Instead, re-iterate your commitment to the job itself. If you have to, give a
broad range based on research youve conducted on that particular role, in your particular
city.
Good answer: Im more interested in the role itself than the pay. That said, Id expect to be
paid the appropriate range for this role, based on my five years of experience. I also think a fair
salary would bear in mind the high cost of living here in New York City.

8. Why should I hire you?

Bad answer: Im the best candidate for the role.
A good answer will reiterate your qualifications, and will highlight what makes you unique.
Good answer: Ive been an Executive Assistant for the past ten years my boss has said time
and time again that without me, the organization would fall apart. Ive also taken the time to
educate myself on some of the software I regularly use (but didnt really understand the ins and
outs of). Im an Excel wiz now, which means I can work faster, and take over some of what my
boss would traditionally have had to do himself. Whats good enough for most people is never
really good enough for me.

9. What is your greatest failure, and what did you learn from it?
Bad answer: I never finished law school and everything thats happened since has taught me
that giving up, just because the going gets tough, is a huge mistake.
You dont want to actually highlight a major regret especially one that exposes an overall
dissatisfaction with your life. Instead, focus on a smaller, but significant, mishap, and how
it has made you a better professional.
Good answer: When I was in college, I took an art class to supplement my curriculum. I didnt
take it very seriously, and assumed that, compared to my Engineering classes, it would be a walk
in the park. My failing grades at midterm showed me otherwise. Id even jeopardized my
scholarship status. I knew I had to get my act together. I spent the rest of the semester making up
for it, ended up getting a decent grade in the class. I learned that no matter what Im doing, I
should strive to do it to the best of my ability. Otherwise, its not worth doing at all.
10. How do you explain your gap in employment?
Bad answer: "I was so tired of working, and I needed a break, or I just cant find a job.
Employment gaps are always tough to explain. You dont want to come across as lazy or
unhireable. Find a way to make your extended unemployment seem like a choice you made,
based on the right reasons.
Good answer: My work is important to me, so I wont be satisfied with any old job. Instead of
rushing to accept the first thing that comes my way, Im taking my time and being selective to
make sure my next role is the right one."

11. When were you most satisfied in your job?

Bad answer: "I was most satisfied when I did well, and got praised for my work.
Dont give vague answers. Instead, think about something you did well and enjoyed that
will be relevant at this new job. This is an opportunity for you to share your interests, prove
that youre a great fit for the job and showcase your enthusiasm.
Good answer: Im a people person. I was always happiest and most satisfied when I was
interacting with customers, making sure I was able to meet their needs and giving them the best
possible customer experience. It was my favorite part of the job, and it showed I was rated as
Good or Excellent 95% of the time. Part of the reason Im interested in this job is that I know
Id have even more interaction with customers, on an even more critical level."

12. What did you like least about your last job?
Bad answer: "A lack of stability. I felt like the place could collapse around me at any time.
Try and stay away from anything that draws on the politics, culture or financial health of
your previous employer. No matter how true it might be, comments like these will be
construed as too negative. Also, you dont want to focus on a function that might be your
responsibility in the next role. So think of something you disliked in your last job, but that
you know for sure wont be part of this new role.
Good answer: There was nothing about my last job that I hated, but I guess there were some
things I liked less than others. My previous role involved traveling at least twice a month. While
I do love to travel, twice a month was a little exhausting I didnt like spending quite so much
time out of the office. Im happy to see that this role involves a lot less travel.
13. Describe a time when you did not get along with a co- worker.
Bad answer: "Im easy to get along with, so Ive never had any kind of discord with another
coworker.
Interviewers dont like these types of easy out answers. And besides, they know you are
probably not telling the truth. Think of a relatively benign (but significant) instance, and
spin it to be a positive learning experience.
Good answer: I used to lock heads with a fellow nurse in the INCU ward. We disagreed over a
lot of things from the care of patients to who got what shifts to how to speak with a childs
family. Our personalities just didnt mesh. After three months of arguing, I pulled her aside and
asked her to lunch. At lunch, we talked about our differences and why we werent getting along.
It turns out, it was all about communication. We communicated differently and once we knew
that, we began to work well together. I really believe that talking a problem through with
someone can help solve any issue.
14. What motivates you?
Bad answer: "Doing a good job and being rewarded for it.
Its not that this answer is wrong its just that it wastes an opportunity. This question is
practically begging you to highlight your positive attributes. So dont give a vague, generic
response it tells them very little about you. Instead, try and use this question as an
opportunity to give the interviewer some insight into your character, and use examples
where possible.
Good answer: Ive always been motivated by the challenge of meeting a tough deadline in
my last role, I was responsible for a 100% success rate in terms of delivering our products on
time and within budget. I know that this job is very fast- paced, and deadline-driven Im more
than up for the challenge. In fact, I thrive on it.

15. How would your friends describe you?

Bad answer: "Im a really good listener.
While being a good listener is a great personality trait, your employer probably doesnt
care all that much. Its unlikely that theyre hiring you to be a shoulder to cry on. Youll
want to keep your answer relevant to the job youre interviewing for and as specific as
possible. If you can, insert an example.
Good answer: My friends would probably say that Im extremely persistent Ive never been
afraid to keep going back until I get what I want. When I worked as a program developer,
recruiting keynote speakers for a major tech conference, I got one rejection after another this
was just the nature of the job. But I really wanted the big players so I wouldnt take no for an
answer. I kept going back to them every time there was a new company on board, or some new
value proposition. Eventually, many of them actually said yes the program turned out to be
so great that we doubled our attendees from the year before. A lot of people might have given up
after the first rejection, but its just not in my nature. If I know something is possible, I have to
keep trying until I get it.