40 likes | 320 Views
Interviewing for a job/internship-making small talk. What you need to remember about small talk: It’s informal conversation about relatively unimportant and non-controversial (e.g., the weather or getting to the interview location) topics.
E N D
Interviewing for a job/internship-making small talk What you need to remember about small talk: • It’s informal conversation about relatively unimportant and non-controversial (e.g., the weather or getting to the interview location) topics. • Can be advantageous to you in professional situations, such as at the start of an interview, and in other circumstances • Small talk with a stranger (often while waiting) is just part of American culture.
Interviewing for a job/internship-making small talk-example Glenda: Mr. Williams, I’m Glenda Krall. I’m delighted to meet you. Ted: Glenda, I’m also happy to meet you. But, please call me Ted. Glenda: Thanks, Ted. By the way, I hope that Michael Jackson’s memorial service didn’t make it too difficult for you to get to work today. Ted: Well, guessing that the roads would be jammed, I came into the office at 6 a.m. But, that was fine with me. I’m a morning person.
Interviewing for a job/internship-making small talk-example-con’t. Glenda: Me, too. I love getting up early so that I can reply to my emails, especially those from China, have a cup of coffee, and read the newspaper. And when I have time, I even do the crossword puzzle. Ted: Now that’s something I really love. Glenda: I’m glad to meet another crossword enthusiast (a person who’s interested in something and spends a lot of time doing it). Ted: It’s a great way to enhance your language skills. Well, let’s start. You and I can chat further over lunch.
Interviewing for a job/internship-making small talk-example Step 1-Assessed her interviewer’s potential perspective; thought Ted would think she was qualified. Ted would want to get a sense of her “soft” skills (e.g., communication). Step 2-Knew her purpose: Glenda wanted to make the interview less formal/distant and, if possible, discover a connection between them. Step 3-Stated her main point: She asked whether Michael Jackson’s funeral interfered with Ted getting to work, and Ted let her know that he typically gets up early. Overall: Glenda used what Ted said to show that they’re both early risers and, in turn, also discovered another common interest, crossword puzzles.