As a group, collect recent job advertisements from newspapers and Internet sites. Establish the necessary criteria and the desirable criteria based on one or more of the advertisements and record these on a whiteboard.
Divide the group into three equal groups of interviewers, applicants and observers. The interviewers should write interview questions. The applicants should write a covering letter and short résumé (use the examples given in Exhibits 12.2 and 12.3 as a model) and submit it to the interviewers. Make sure that the letter and résumé cover the criteria outlined in the job advertisement.
Applicants: Work out what skills you could contribute to the position in line with the specific requirements. If you are asked why you applied, give an answer that demonstrates your enthusiasm and relevant skills. At the end of the interview, restate your interest in the position.
Interviewers: Choose a chairperson for the panel and assign each specific questions. Work out the order of the questions. Conduct the employment interviews and have the interviewers rank the applicants and make a decision. Be sure to include a couple of tricky questions.
Observers: Use Exhibits 9.2 and 9.3 as guides and make notes on how the interviewers:
• Created rapport
• Asked and answered questions
• Listened actively by paying attention
• Used non-verbal communication to convey a good impression
• Concluded the interview to establish a satisfactory ending for all.
Report the findings to the whole group.
a. Why do you want this job?
b. Tell me something about yourself.
c. What are your key strengths?
d. What are your weaknesses?
e. Why did you leave your last job?
f. Tell me about a difficult situation at work and how you dealt with it?
g. Tell me about an achievement of which you are proud?
h. What are your career goals?
i. What are your salary expectations?
j. What do you know about our organisation?