Interview

Job Interviews 求职面试 Dialogue 1 A: Hello Mr. Jones, please have a seat. Thank you for coming in today. I have read your resume. You completed University in England?

B: Yes, I went to Cambridge. After graduation, I started right away into the advertising industry. Later, I made a bit of a switch to focus on marketing research. A: So, what experience do you have?

B: I have ten years marketing experience. This includes both entry level and management positions. In my last position, I worked my way up to being director of the marketing department.

A: I can see that from your resume. Your last position was marketing director for a pharmaceutical company, is that right? Later, why did you decide to leave your former post? B: I felt after five years in one place, I was ready for something new. I would like to have a job that is challenging, something that I can see and do new things every day. I loved many things about my former job, and I left with amiable feelings on both sides. I was just ready for something new.

A: I see. Do you want to work full-time or part-time? B: I would rather work full-time.

A: I'll make note of that. Now, what are your salary expectations? B: I am willing to negotiate, but I expect at least $40, 000 a year.

Dialogue 2 A: Thanks for coming in on such short notice. Did you find our studio okay? B: Oh, yes, it was very easy to find with the directions you gave me.

A: Good. Well, let's get right into your interview. We're looking for someone who will be able to work on a part-time basis only.

B: That's no problem. I can work either part-time or full-time, but I actually prefer something part-time.

A: Tell me a litter bit about your qualifications. We've already had over fifty applicants for this position. What sets you apart from all the other candidates?

B: I think something I can offer that is different from everyone else is that I can speak several languages fluently. I have experience in intercultural communication, and I can help your station to reach a wider audience. A: Have you ever worked in broadcasting before?

B: I have done some work in print media, but this will be the first time to do broadcast media. Even though it is new for me, I learn really quickly. I have confidence I can get the

hang of things in no time at all.

A: Would you mind giving us a demo right now? B: No problem! I'd be happy to.

Common questions:

Why are you interested in working for our company? Because your company has a good sales record.

Because your operations are global, so I feel I can gain the most from working in this kind of environment.

Because I think my major is suitable for this position.

Because I can learn new things in your company, at the same time I can offer my services to you.

Because I'm very interested in your company's training program.

Why did you leave your former company? Because I'm working in a small company where a further promotion is impossible. Because I'm capable of more responsibilities, so I decided to change my job. Because that company didn't have a good future, so I needed to consider my future.

Because I want to change my working environment, I'd like to find a job which is more challenging.

Because I had some private reasons, some family things.

What are your great strengths? I'm a good team player.

I'm a hard-working, persistent person.

I'm a fast-learner.

I can work under pressure and get along with my colleagues. I have strong organizational skills.

In what specific ways will our company benefit from hiring you? I think that my technical background is helpful for you.

I have enough knowledge to market the products of your company.

I'm very familiar with this market and have many customers. I think your company will benefit from it.

Your company will benefit from gaining a young energetic, bright, person. I know I am the right person for this job. What are your salary expectations?

I would expect the standard rate of pay at your company for a person with my experiences and educational background. Shall we discuss my responsibilities with your company first? I think salary is closely related to the responsibilities of the job.

I hope you'll consider my experience and training and will offer me a salary higher than the junior secretary's salary.

I expect to be paid according to my abilities.

With my experiences, I'd like to start at RMB4000 a month.

Dialogue 1: A: Tell me a little bit about yourself.

B: My name is David and I live in Shanghai, I was born in 1980. My major was electrical engineering.

A: What kind of personality do you think you have?

B: Well, I approach things very enthusiastically, I think, and I don't like to leave things half-done. I'm very organized and extremely capable. A: What would you say are your weaknesses and strengths?

B: Well, I'm afraid I'm a poor speaker, however I'm fully aware of this, so I've been studying how to speak in public. I suppose my strengths are I'm persistent and a fast-learner. A: Do you have any licenses or certificates?

B: I have a driver's license, and I am a CPA (Certified Public Accountant). A: How do you relate to others?

B: I'm very co-operative and have good teamwork spirit.

Dialogue 2: A: I see by your resume that you have been working?

B: Yes, I have worked for two years with an American Company. A: Tell me what you know about our company please.

B: Well, the company was founded in New York in 1950 by Mark Ward, who was the first president. It has 1 billion dollars in capital; it employs 5,000 people, and it is the largest company in its field in the States.

A: What do you know about our major products and our share of the market? B: Your company's products are mostly marketed in Europe and the United States, but particularly has sold very well here in China. So I think in the future you'll find China to be a profitable market as well.

A: What made you decide to change your job?

B: I would like to get a job in which I can further develop my career.

A: May I ask you why you left the former company?

B: Because I want to change my working environment and seek new challenges. Self-introduction 1. Tell me about you!

Keep your answer to one or two minutes; don't ramble. Use your resume summary as a base to start.

2. What do you know about our company?

Do your homework before the interview! Spend some time online or at the library researching the company. Find out as much as you can, including products, size, income, reputation, image, management talent, people, skills, history and philosophy. Project an informed interest; let the interviewer tell you about the company. 3. Why do you want to work for us?

Don't talk about what you want; first, talk about their needs: You would like to be part of a specific company project; you would like to solve a company problem; you can make a definite contribution to specific company goals.

4. What would you do for us? What can you do for us that someone else can't? Relate past experiences that show you've had success in solving previous employer problem(s) that may be similar to those of the prospective employer.

5. What about the job offered do you find the most attractive? Least attractive? List three or more attractive factors and only one minor unattractive factor. 6. Why should we hire you?

Because of your knowledge, experience, abilities and skills. 7. What do you look for in a job?

An opportunity to use your skills, to perform and be recognized.

8. Please give me your definition of a .... (the position for which you are being interviewed). Keep it brief -- give an action- and results-oriented definition.

9. How long would it take you to make a meaningful contribution to our firm? Not long at all -- you expect only a brief period of adjustment to the learning curve. 10. How long would you stay with us?

As long as we both feel I'm contributing, achieving, growing, etc.

Q： Can you sell yourself in two minutes？ Go for it.

A： With my qualifications and experience, I feel I am hardworking, responsible and diligent in any project I undertake. Your organization could benefit from my analytical and interpersonal skills.

Q：Give me a summary of your current job description.

A：I have been working as a computer programmer for five years. To be specific, I do system analysis, trouble shooting and provide software support.

Q：Why did you leave your last job？

A： Well, I am hoping to get an offer of a better position. If opportunity knocks, I will take it. A：I feel I have reached the \"glass ceiling\" in my current job. / I feel there is no opportunity for advancement.

Q：How do you rate yourself as a professional？

A： With my strong academic background, I am capable and competent.

A：With my teaching experience, I am confident that I can relate to students very well. Q： What contribution did you make to your current (previous) organization？

A： I have finished three new projects, and I am sure I can apply my experience to this position.

Q：What do you think you are worth to us？

A：I feel I can make some positive contributions to your company in the future. Q：What make you think you would be a success in this position？

A：My graduate school training combined with my internship should qualify me for this particular job. I am sure I will be successful. Q：Are you a multi-tasked individual？ or

Do you work well under stress or pressure？ A：Yes, I think so.

A：The trait is needed in my current（or previous) position and I know I can handle it well. Q：What is your strongest trait(s)？ A：Helpfulness and caring. A：Adaptability and sense of humor. A：Cheerfulness and friendliness.

Q： How would your friends or colleagues describe you？

A： (pause a few seconds) (稍等几秒钟再答，表示慎重考虑。) They say Mr. Chen is an honest, hardworking and responsible man who deeply cares for his family and friends. A：They say Mr. Chen is a friendly, sensitive, caring and determined person.

Q：What personality traits do you admire？

A： (I admire a person who is）honest, flexible and easy-going. A： (I like) people who possess the \"can do\" spirit.

Q：What leadership qualities did you develop as an administrative personnel？ A：I feel that learning how to motivate people and to work together as a team will be the major goal of my leadership.

A：I have refined my management style by using an open-door policy. Q：How do you normally handle criticism？

A：Silence is golden. Just don\\'t say anything; otherwise the situation could become worse. I do, however, accept constructive criticism.

A：When we cool off, we will discuss it later.

Q：How do you handle your conflict with your colleagues in your work?

A：I will try to present my ideas in a more clear and civilized manner in order to get my points across.

Q：How do you handle your failure？

A： None of us was born \"perfect\". I am sure I will be given a second chance to correct my mistake.

Q：What provide you with a sense of accomplishment?

A：Doing my best job for your company. A：Finishing a project to the best of my ability.

Q：If you had a lot of money to donate, where would you donate it to？Why？

A：I would donate it to the medical research because I want to do something to help others. A：I prefer to donate it to educational institutions. Q：What is most important in your life right now？ A：To get a job in my field is most important to me. A：To secure employment hopefully with your company.

Q： How long would you like to stay with this company？

A： I will stay as long as I can continue to learn and to grow in my field. Q：Could you project what you would like to be doing five years from now？

A：As I have some administrative experience in my last job, I may use my organizational and planning skills in the future.

A：I hope to demonstrate my ability and talents in my field adequately. A：Perhaps, an opportunity at a management position would be exciting. 如果不愿正面回答，也可以说：

It would be premature for me to predict this. （ Q： What range of pay-scale are you interested in？

A： Money is important, but the responsibility that goes along with this job is what interests me the most.

A：To be frank and open with you, I like this job, but I have a family to support. Other Tips

Know something about the organization you are applying to.

Dress properly. Don\\'t shake hand with the interviewer until he/she extends his/her hand. Don't sit down until invited to do so by the interviewer. Make eye-contact with the interviewer during the interview. Listen actively and stay calm.

If invited to a meal, be especially careful about your table manners.

Don't talk with your mouth full. Don't make much noise while you eat.

Don't blow your nose or use the toothpick at table. Don't appear to be pushy or overly anxious to get a job. Be honest but not too modest.

Don’t put yourself down or cut yourself up.

Try to avoid discussing politics or religion with your interviewer.

Sample

A: Good afternoon, sir.

B: Good afternoon. Sit down, please. A: Thank you.

B: You are Mr. Zhang Xiaodong, aren't you? I am Henry Hudson. A: Yes. Nice to meet you, Mr. Hudson.

B: To start with, tell me about your education, please.

A: All right. I shall graduate from Guangdong University of Foreign Studies next year. I major in international trade.

B: Are you single or married?

A: I'm still single. Nowadays many young people in China are not in a hurry to get married. They'd rather secure their careers before they settle down in a family.

B: That's the kind of man we are looking for. Our promotion work entails much travel. So we need employees without family burdens yet. Now tell me if you have a good command of both written and spoken English.

A: When I was a sophomore, I passed Band 6 of College English Test. B: Why are you interested in this company?

A: I think working in this company would provide me with a good opportunity to use my knowledge. B: What do you know about this company?

A: This company is one of the biggest trading companies in the world. There are a lot of branches in all parts of the world with the head office in the U.S.A. Guangzhou Office was established four years ago. It deals in business machines. B: Do you know what PNTR stands for?

A: It stands for Permanent Normal Trade Relation. If one nation enjoys this kind of treatment, it is accessible to tariff preference for imported goods from another nation. B: By the way, would you describe yourself as extroverted or more introverted?

A: I think I am quite outgoing. I like cooperation with others, and getting the job done by working together. B: Good. I think you'd like to know about the remuneration. The starting salary for trading clerks in this company is RMB 3, 500 per month, and raise is given after six months according to your ability. We provide fringe benefits such as annual bonus, three-week paid vacation a year, and health insurance. Are these satisfactory? A: Yes, these are quite satisfactory. B: Do you have any questions about the job?

A: I was told that some of your Chinese employees are sent to the United States to attend the training program provided by the head office. I'd like to know how you choose employees to attend the program.

B: Almost all Chinese employees are eligible to attend the training course, but as the number of trainees at one time is limited, we select them on their merits. Are you really interested? A: Sure. I'll do my utmost if I am employed by this company.

B: It has been pleasant talking with you, Mr. Zhang. We'll notify you of our final decision within one week.

A: Thank you, Mr. Hudson, for your interview with me. I hope to see you again. B: Good-bye.

面试要点

1. 在面试刚开始的时候不要过度彰显你的自信，而应该把所有的注意力集中在你的谦虚和礼貌上。彬彬有礼的态度和语气会给面试官留下很好的印象分。

2． 请确认你是否知道面试官的姓名（除非有好几个人参加对你的面试），通常情况下，你应该这样开头：Good morning/afternoon, Mr./Ms…….My name is……; thank you very much for considering my application and giving me the opportunity to meet you. 3． 常见英文面试问答：

①Q: What are your reasons for applying for this job? A: I’ve always been interested in …/I’ve always wanted to … ②Q: What are your reasons for wanting to work for our company?

A: Your company has an excellent reputation for …; I’m very impressed by … (Remarks: Mention something specific about the company – do your homework!)

③Q: What practical experience do you have which would help you in this job? A: I have worked for… as…to be responsible for… for…months/years. During this period, I have helped the company to solve… (Problems), and I learnt … (Skill/knowledge) which will be definitely be of use in this job I am applying now for.

④Q: What makes you feel that you’re the right person for this job?

A: I’m loyal and hard-working, and very good at … If I’m given the chance, I think I can contribute to the company’s growth and development by …

⑤Q: Well, thank you for coming in, Mr/Ms……; we’ll be in touch with you shortly.

A: Thank you again for giving me the chance to meet you. I’ll look forward to hearing from you in due course.

4．刚毕业的大学生，通常会因为没有什么工作经验而受到质疑，当面试官提出这样的问题时，你也不要为此过于紧张和担心。你应该巧妙地回避你的缺点、而着重挖掘你已有的能力，特别是你的个人学习能力。你也可以表明你的观点：积极、快速、自主地去学习各种知识来充实自己，从而达到个人发展和工作上的要求。你可以这样表达：I taught myself to use Photoshop and Excel by buying the manuals, and I’m pretty proficient.或者是When I was at university，I took the chance to study German as an extra subject, and reached a reasonable level. 5．Be Positive!——以正面的思维回答面试问题

6．最受雇主欢迎的十大技能：沟通技巧（口头和书面）、诚实/正直、人际社交能力（和他人关系良好）、团队协作能力（和他人合作融洽）、良好的职业道德、分析能力、主动性、灵活/适应能力、计算机应用能力、注重细节。

7．职业生涯规划步骤：了解自己、鉴别工作兴趣、确定如何才能实现目标。 8．成功的面试需要准备三个步骤：

步骤一是准备几个描述您实际成果的小故事； 步骤二是练习你的面试技巧；

步骤三是在您动身去面试之前让自己熟悉以下几点“要”和“不要” 要:

清楚面试的确切地点 保持微笑

回答问题要诚实，不要犹豫 表现自信

站在雇主的角度上谈谈您能为他做什么 真诚

确保身体或呼吸没有异味

比面试结束时询问下一个环节是什么 不要:

携带一个大提包或过重的公文包 对方示意后才入座 着装不洁或过于宽松 坐立不安或咀嚼口香糖 说话自相矛盾

领带过于艳丽或颜色杂乱 虚假信息

态度过于友好。（要保持正式、轻松的姿态）