Foundation interview skills in Second Life/Follow up self assessment



Following an interview, take a few moments to sit down and review the conversation you have just had with an interviewer. Write notes to yourself about the interview in order to make improvements the next time you are interviewed. Ask yourself these questions:

•	Did I ask the interviewer when the hiring decision will be made concerning the job, and how to contact them to follow up?

•	What questions did I have difficulty answering? For those questions, explore why you had difficulty. Which specific areas need further preparation?

•	What questions did I answer well? Why?

•	What questions made me feel uncomfortable? Why?

•	Each employer is looking for that specific someone to fill a position. Do I have the skills and ability to fill that niche? If not, what areas of training or education would I need to fulfil those requirements?

•	Did I learn enough about the job?

•	Have I examined my strengths and weaknesses honestly? Did the questions the interviewer asked show that I need more skills or training?

•	Is my CV accurate? In what areas can I improve it? Did the interviewer ask questions that I should have indicated on the CV?

•	In what areas do I need further preparation of the next interview? Here are some tips for practise:

Here are some typical reasons people do not get hired:

•	A poor personal appearance

•	Being overly aggressive

•	An inability to express information clearly – poor communication skills

•	Lack of interest, enthusiasm, tact, or courtesy

•	Lack of planning for a career - no purpose or goal

•	Nervousness, lack of confidence and poise

•	Overemphasis on money

•	Unwillingness to start at the bottom of a company and work upwards

•	Lack of maturity

•	Negative attitude about past employers

•	No genuine interest in the employer or job

•	No eye contact with the interviewer

•	Incomplete or sloppy application form

•	No sense of humour

•	Arriving late for the interview

•	Failure to express appreciation for the interviewer's time

•	Failure to ask questions about the job

•	Vague responses given to questions

•	No follow-up with thank you note or phone call

Sample Thank You Letter

2233 First Street

MANUREWA 1234

September 20, 2009

Mr. James Business

Human Resources Manager

ABC Company

111 Employment Way

AUCKLAND 5555

Dear Mr. Business

Thank you for the opportunity this morning to discuss the secretarial position. Our conversation gave me a better understanding of ABC Company and the requirements of the job. The additional information from Max and Katherine was helpful in gaining a better perspective of the position. My strong office and interpersonal skills will definitely make a contribution to your company. I am proficient in all the computer software packages you use, and I feel I possess the customer service experience you want.

I enjoyed meeting the office staff and touring the facility. This is clearly a quality organisation with an emphasis on efficiency and a dedication to teamwork. I would consider it a privilege to join your team and will contact you next week to inquire about the hiring decision.

Again, thank you for your time and consideration.

Yours sincerely