Applications, Interviews, and Follow-Up Messages

1. CHAPTER 9 Applications, Interviews, and Follow-Up Messages

2. Learning Objectives • Complete an application neatly and accurately. • Identify and discuss successful interview techniques. • Use the Internet to locate information that pertains to employment applications, interviews, and follow-up messages. • Implement the CBO approach, apply the appropriate message strategy, and incorporate the six Cs of effective messages to plan and complete effective follow-up messages. Effective Communication for Colleges, 9th ed. by Brantley and Miller

3. Information Requested on Employment Applications • Personal information • Employment desired • Education • Previous employment • References Effective Communication for Colleges, 9th ed. by Brantley and Miller

4. Guidelines for Completing Employment Applications • Be prepared. • Ask for two copies, and read the entire form before you begin. • Print or type as instructed. • Complete each section. Use N/A when a section does not apply. • List the specific position you seek. • Provide a brief explanation for leaving your job. Continued on next slide. Effective Communication for Colleges, 9th ed. by Brantley and Miller

5. Continued Guidelines for Completing Employment Applications • Indicate that salary is negotiable. • Use references that pertain to your past employment. • Answer truthfully, and treat every question seriously. • Check for completeness. • Make any corrections neatly and carefully. • Sign and date the application. Effective Communication for Colleges, 9th ed. by Brantley and Miller

6. Employment Interviews • Face-to-face interviews • Informational interviews • Telephone interviews Effective Communication for Colleges, 9th ed. by Brantley and Miller

7. Interview Preparation • Review personal information. • Determine salary range. • Review employer information. • Assemble interview materials. • Confirm interview appointment. • Choose interview wardrobe. Effective Communication for Colleges, 9th ed. by Brantley and Miller

8. The Interview • Project positive body language. • Be prepared to answer and ask appropriate interview questions. • Typical interview questions • Inappropriate interview questions Effective Communication for Colleges, 9th ed. by Brantley and Miller

9. Examples of Illegal Interview Questions • How old are you? • Where were you born? • Where do you go to church? • Are you married, divorced, or single? • Do you have any children? • Are you pregnant? • What are your political affiliations? Effective Communication for Colleges, 9th ed. by Brantley and Miller

10. Interview Closing • Watch for signs that the interview is ending. • Request a commitment for notification. • Clarify follow-up activities. • If you are interested in the job, say so. • Use the interviewer’s name as you thank him or her for the interview. Effective Communication for Colleges, 9th ed. by Brantley and Miller

11. Important Messages in the Employment Process • Follow-up letter • Thank-you letter • Acceptance letter • Refusal letter • Resignation letter Effective Communication for Colleges, 9th ed. by Brantley and Miller

12. Plan a Message Using the CBO Approach • Identify the objective. • Visualize the audience. • Gather supporting information. • Organize the information. Effective Communication for Colleges, 9th ed. by Brantley and Miller

13. Compose a Draft Using the CBO Approach • Use direct pattern and good news strategy for: • Follow-up inquiries. • Thank-you letters. • Acceptance letters. • Resignation letters. • Use indirect pattern and bad news strategy for refusal letters. Effective Communication for Colleges, 9th ed. by Brantley and Miller

14. Complete a Message • Proofread. • Edit. • Revise. • Finalize. Effective Communication for Colleges, 9th ed. by Brantley and Miller

15. Follow-Up Inquiry • Begin with the main idea—the inquiry. • Explain your interest in the position. • Request an interview. Effective Communication for Colleges, 9th ed. by Brantley and Miller

16. Thank-You Letter • Begin with the main idea—a thank you. • Extend appreciation to anyone who was involved during the interview. • Offer to provide additional information. • End by expressing appreciation and your interest in the position. Effective Communication for Colleges, 9th ed. by Brantley and Miller

17. Acceptance Letter • Begin with the main idea—the acceptance. • Provide goodwill statements. • End courteously. Effective Communication for Colleges, 9th ed. by Brantley and Miller

18. Refusal Letter • Begin with a buffer—a thank you, a compliment, or some other neutral statement. • Provide an orderly explanation that prepares the receiver. • Imply or state your decision—the refusal. • Provide additional information to neutralize the unfavorable news. • End by restating your appreciation or by adding a goodwill statement. Effective Communication for Colleges, 9th ed. by Brantley and Miller

19. Resignation Letter • Begin with a confirmation of your resignation. • Provide a brief rationale, the resignation date, and other pertinent details. • End with an expression of appreciation for your work experience at the company. Effective Communication for Colleges, 9th ed. by Brantley and Miller