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Overseas: Overseas Service Provider Toolkit

TOPIC: EMPLOYMENT - Selling Yourself (ICMC/Zagreb)

Activity: Selling Yourself (Self-Confidence and Interviewing)

Introduction

In the U.S., the purpose of the job interview is to select the best candidate for the position.

In this activity, participants will practice promoting their skills and abilities.

Objective

Given a job title, participants will be able to formulate a list of appropriate interview questions to the extent that they can choose the five most important questions.

Materials

Job titles and a sheet of paper for each group. Handouts with sample questions and ways to state your skills.

Procedure

  1. Divide the class into 3 groups. Give each group the same job title.
  2. Each group prepares a job description for the job title and prepares a list of questions that they think an employer would ask a "candidate" during an interview.
  3. One person from each group is chosen to do a mock interview. While the facilitator interviews each "candidate," the other candidates wait outside.
  4. After completing all interviews, each group decides which candidate performed best during the interview. They cite examples to support their decisions.

Debrief

Focus on recalling what questions were asked and the purpose of the questions. Establish general principles for preparing for and answering interview questions, including non-verbal communication. The participants establish the five most important interview questions. If there is time, ask the participants to select the one that they think is most difficult to answer. Allow them one minute to think of the answer, and then ask each participant to state it aloud.

Variations

If there are fewer than ten participants in your class, ask each one to answer one of the questions. Instead of the class deciding who gets the job, the facilitator decides, and the class has to guess the reasons for his/her decision.

EMPLOYMENT– Handout for Interviewing Skills

Why should I give you the job? SELL YOURSELF!

Because I am…

  • Courteous/Polite

  • Assertive

  • Honest

  • A Team Player

  • Easy Going

  • On Time/Punctual

  • Imaginative/Creative

  • Thorough

  • Reliable/Dependable

  • Good With People

  • Disciplined

  • Capable

  • Organized

  • Resourceful

  • Responsible

  • Ambitious

  • Patient

  • A Self-Starter

  • Enthusiastic

  • Cheerful

  • Friendly

  • Determined

 

Age Related Qualities

Because I am…

Over 30

  • Stable

  • Mature

  • Experienced

  • Responsible

  • Married

  • Serious

  • Long Term Employee

Under 30

  • Flexible

  • Enthusiastic

  • Strong

  • Fast Learner

  • Single

  • Open

  • Willing To Accept A Short-Term Position


Because I can…

  

  • use (name of tool)

  • operate
    (name of machinery, vehicle, office equipment)

  • speak (name of language/s)

  • read (name of language/s)

  • write (name of language/s)

  • work all shifts

  • work over-time

  • work every day

  • work on weekends

  • work on holidays

  • handle money

  • draw

  • cook

  • sew

  • (other skills ………)

 

Because I…

  • love work
  • want to be a part of your team
  • speak English well

There is no second prize in a job interview.
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