Effective Communication for Colleges, 10th ed., by Brantley & Miller, 2005©
Chapter 9
Chapter 9 – Slide 1
Applications, Interviews, and
Follow-up Messages
Effective Communication for Colleges, 10th ed., by Brantley & Miller, 2005©Chapter 9 – Slide 2
Complete a paper and an online application neatly and accurately.
Prepare for interviews by identifying and practicing successful interview techniques.
Learning Objectives
Effective Communication for Colleges, 10th ed., by Brantley & Miller, 2005©Chapter 9 – Slide 3
Learning Objectives (continued)
Use the Internet to locate information that pertains to employment applications, interviews, and follow-up messages.
Prepare effective employment follow-up messages by implementing the CBO approach and the appropriate message strategy.
Effective Communication for Colleges, 10th ed., by Brantley & Miller, 2005©Chapter 9 – Slide 4
Section 1: EMPLOYMENT APPLICATIONS
Guidelines for Completing Applications
Plan ahead by reading entire application before beginning.
Present employment and educational histories in reverse chronological order.
Complete all sections, and write N/A (not applicable) in sections that do not apply to you.
Effective Communication for Colleges, 10th ed., by Brantley & Miller, 2005©Chapter 9 – Slide 5
List the position you seek.
Check for completeness and accuracy.
Answer truthfully.
Sign and date the application.
Guidelines for Completing Applications (continued)
Effective Communication for Colleges, 10th ed., by Brantley & Miller, 2005©Chapter 9 – Slide 6
Guidelines for Completing Online Applications
If possible, print and study copy before completing.
Notify the employer if you experience technical difficulties.
Allot enough time to complete all sections.
Submit before closing date.
Effective Communication for Colleges, 10th ed., by Brantley & Miller, 2005©Chapter 9 – Slide 7
If possible, print and keep a copy of the application.
To ensure clarity, key information rather than copying and pasting from existing résumé.
Click the Submit or Send button once.
Guidelines for Completing Online Applications (continued)
Effective Communication for Colleges, 10th ed., by Brantley & Miller, 2005©Chapter 9 – Slide 8
Section 2: EMPLOYMENT INTERVIEWS
Before the Interview
Review personal information, and compare with job requirements.
Determine salary range.
Learn about prospective employer.
Anticipate interview questions, and practice positive responses.
Effective Communication for Colleges, 10th ed., by Brantley & Miller, 2005©Chapter 9 – Slide 9
Before the Interview (continued)
Consider illegal interview questions. What is your age? Are you married? How many children do you have? Where were you born? What religion are you?
Determine questions for interviewer.
Assemble interview materials.
Confirm interview appointment; choose interview attire.
Effective Communication for Colleges, 10th ed., by Brantley & Miller, 2005©Chapter 9 – Slide 10
During the Interview
Project positive body language.
Watch for signs that the interview is ending. Smile pleasantly and express appreciation (use
interviewer’s name). Ask about notification process. Clarify any follow-up activities. If you are interested in the job, say so.
Effective Communication for Colleges, 10th ed., by Brantley & Miller, 2005©Chapter 9 – Slide 11
Telephone Interview Preparation
Record a professional, concise message for your answering machine or voice mail.
Check messages two or three times daily.
Keep your interview materials within easy reach.
Conduct a mock telephone interview.
Smile while practicing responses in both sitting and standing positions.
Effective Communication for Colleges, 10th ed., by Brantley & Miller, 2005©Chapter 9 – Slide 12
Telephone Interview
Turn off the call waiting feature.
Answer the phone professionally and enthusiastically; never put an interviewer on hold.
Write down the name(s) of the interviewer(s).
Speak clearly, energetically, and courteously.
Allow the interviewer to lead the conversation.
Effective Communication for Colleges, 10th ed., by Brantley & Miller, 2005©Chapter 9 – Slide 13
Telephone Interview (continued)
Answer in short sentences.
Ask for clarification if you do not understand something the receiver said.
Request a few seconds to prepare a response to an unexpected question.
Effective Communication for Colleges, 10th ed., by Brantley & Miller, 2005©Chapter 9 – Slide 14
After the Interview
Send a personalized, concise thank-you note.
Fulfill any requests made during the interview.
File your interview notes for future reference.
Effective Communication for Colleges, 10th ed., by Brantley & Miller, 2005©Chapter 9 – Slide 15
Section 3: FOLLOW-UP MESSAGES
Plan, Draft, and Complete Follow-Up Messages
Follow-up inquiry
Thank-you letter
Acceptance letter
Refusal letter
Resignation letter
Effective Communication for Colleges, 10th ed., by Brantley & Miller, 2005©Chapter 9 – Slide 16
Organizational Patterns for Follow-up Messages
Use direct pattern and good news strategy: Follow-up inquiry Thank-you letter Acceptance letter Resignation letter
Use indirect pattern and bad news strategy for refusal letter.
Effective Communication for Colleges, 10th ed., by Brantley & Miller, 2005©Chapter 9 – Slide 17
Follow-up Inquiry
Begin with the main idea: inquiring about employment documents.
Explain your interest in the position.
Request an interview.
Effective Communication for Colleges, 10th ed., by Brantley & Miller, 2005©Chapter 9 – Slide 18
Thank-You Letter
Begin with the main idea: thanking the interviewer.
Briefly restate your qualifications.
End the message by expressing your interest in the position.
Effective Communication for Colleges, 10th ed., by Brantley & Miller, 2005©Chapter 9 – Slide 19
Acceptance Letter
Begin with the main idea: accepting the position.
Provide goodwill statements.
End courteously.
Effective Communication for Colleges, 10th ed., by Brantley & Miller, 2005©Chapter 9 – Slide 20
Refusal Letter
Begin with a buffer.
Provide explanation for your decision.
Imply or state the main idea: refusing the position.
Provide additional comments to neutralize refusal.
Maintain goodwill by restating your appreciation.
Effective Communication for Colleges, 10th ed., by Brantley & Miller, 2005©Chapter 9 – Slide 21
Resignation Letter
Begin with main idea: confirming your resignation.
If appropriate, provide a brief explanation for your decision including resignation date and other details.
Maintain goodwill by restating your appreciation for your work experience at the company.