Deck 14: Business Presentations

Question 1

You may be familiar with LinkedIn, the social network devoted to all things career. Perhaps you have a profile on LinkedIn. However, did you know that Glassdoor is another superb source of job-search information, postings, and reviews? In anonymous posts, Glassdoor dishes on company reviews, salary comparisons, CEO approval ratings, interviews, and more. If you want authentic insider data about job interviews and other invaluable information, check out Glassdoor.
Let's say you wish to know what LinkedIn is like as an employer and how happy applicants are with LinkedIn's interview process. You would search by company and could refine your search by targeting a specific job title and location. You would see that at 4.6, the career network has a high rating overall and that its CEO Jeff Weiner has achieved a stellar 98 percent approval rating.
Your Task. At the Glassdoor site, search for your dream employer. You can select from industries or search for companies by name. Examine the reviews and the interview modalities. How happy are interviewees and current workers with their employer? Share your results with the class and, if asked, report your findings in a document-a memo, e-mail, or informal report.

Answer 1

I have completed my bachelor's degree (B. Tech) in computer science from the University of California. This year I have taken the NCEES Professional Engineer exam and hope to get good grades. I have been shortlisted for the interview, as I am eligible for the position of software engineer at Google, Inc.
I have prepared a resume that highlights my skills and career aims.
The necessary technical skills and personal traits that recruiters want in the applicant are as follows.
Technical skills
• Basic skills in computer science : A software engineer must have these skills. Reading comprehension, knowledge of library functions, research aptitude, as well as the ability to understand design patterns and computing problems are a few other skills.
• Passion for code : Programming is only for those who are interested. A person must have a passion for code that he/she develops from scientific skills and transforms into an art. Developing a code is similar to developing a sculpture.
• Developing quality : Skilled engineers understand the value of testing in developing a working system. A good engineer knows not to waste time writing redundant tests; instead, he/she focusses on testing the most important parts of each and every component.
• Has the ability to code multiple languages : Similar to a person speaking different languages, an engineer who thinks differently from the crowd is the most desirable person for the job. To become a good software engineer, a person must have a desire to learn new languages, new techniques of developing systems, and innovative libraries.
• Willingness to leverage existing codes : Reusing the existing infrastructure, leveraging services of the web scale, and using third-party libraries are signs of a brilliant software engineer.
Personal traits
• Attention to detail : Sloppy deployment, bad installation packages, and misspelled names of the column could topple entire systems. A good engineer must be obsessive about details.
• Business acumen : If a person does not know why a software development plan is so essential to the client, then one must consider various success stories related to the software development program. A person must have the ability to understand the reason why coding is performed, as it is essential for the client.
• Curiosity : A skilled software engineer is always curious about things done the other way round, and also has the ability of being objective regarding various solutions. The thrill that makes something work always keeps a person moving ahead positively in life.
• Patience : Glitches in a design are pretty normal. Bugs are also normal. Patience is an essential quality for a software engineer.
• Teamwork : Successful engineers should also be good communicators. Working as team at school as well as in college helps people develop as a team.

Question 2

Situational interview questions can vary widely from position to position. You should know enough about a position to understand some of the typical situations you would encounter regularly.
Your Task. Use your favorite search tool to locate typical job descriptions of a position in which you are interested. Based on these descriptions, develop a list of six to eight typical situations someone in this position would face; then write situational interview questions for each of these scenarios. In pairs, role-play interviewer and interviewee, alternating with each question.

Answer 2

Even if the interviewer would ask illegal questions whether knowingly or unknowingly, I will be patient and intelligent enough to answer them.
In the present scenario, I had started college at an early age, and hence, have completed my graduation early. If the interviewer doubts that I am too young to hold the position, then I would remind him of the things I have accomplished so early in my life. I would tell him that it's not the age that matters but the talent. My zeal for working with Google and my interest in computer science have been fortified during the interview. I believe my experience and education is appropriate for the job requirements. If this position is offered to me, then I will definitely make a considerable addition to the team.

Question 3

Why is it important to ask one's own questions of the interviewer?

Answer 3

It is important to ask one's own questions of the interviewer as it makes the interviewee prepared of the typical questions asked in the interview. Before going for the interview the interviewee must rehearse so as to practice the obvious questions that will be asked in the interview.
Job interviews when rehearsed result in improved actual interviews. Practice here cannot make someone perfect, but it assures to make him/her better.

Question 4

Should you be candid with an interviewer when asked about your weaknesses?

Question 5

Warren Buffett, the billionnaire investor and Berkshire Hathaway CEO, is a welcome speaker about career success. In a live stream video chat with a career advice site, Buffett gave advice often heard from successful businesspeople about finding one's passion and learning how to communicate effectively. He shared that, as a student, he had been terrified of public speaking, but that a Dale Carnegie class changed his life. Furthermore, Buffett recommended finding and associating with the right role models. He advised women to "stop holding yourself back" and to seek male mentors. Moreover, he recommended becoming involved with growing businesses because they offer more opportunities than established businesses do.
More remarkable perhaps is Buffett's advice not to work for someone who won't pay employees fairly and to "never give up searching for the job that you're passionate about." He added: "Forget about the pay. When you're associating with the people that you love, doing what you love, it doesn't get any better than that." Buffett says he reads six hours every day to grow intellectually.
Your Task. Evaluate this advice critically. Consider questions such as the following: How much of Buffett's advice can you apply immediately? What can you do in the medium or long term? Discuss the issues of fair pay and being passionate about work. Do many people genuinely love the work they do? Is it necessary to love one's work to do it well? If your instructor directs, you could interview friends and family using Buffett's tips to gather more views about success and happiness.

Question 6

When it is your turn to ask questions during the interview process, be ready.
Your Task. Decide on three to five questions that you would like to ask during an interview. Write these questions out and practice asking them to help you sound confident and sincere.

Question 7

Why should a job candidate write a thank-you letter after an interview?

Question 8

How should you respond to questions you feel are inappropriate or illegal?

Question 9

As you prepare for your interview by learning about the company and the industry, don't forget a key component of interview success: creating a favorable first impression by wearing appropriate business attire. Job seekers often have nebulous ideas about proper interview wear. Some wardrobe mishaps include choosing a conservative "power suit" but accessorizing it with beat-up casual shoes or a shabby bag. Grooming glitches include dandruff on dark suit fabric, dirty fingernails, and mothball odor. Women sometimes wrongly assume that any black clothing items are acceptable, even if they are too tight, revealing, sheer, or made of low-end fabrics. Most image consultants agree that workplace wardrobe falls into three main categories: business formal, business casual, and casual. Only business formal is considered proper interview apparel.
Your Task. To prepare for your big day, search the Web for descriptions and images of business formal. You may research business casual and casual styles, but for an interview, always dress on the side of caution-conservatively. Compare prices and look for suit sales to buy one or two attractive interview outfits. Share your findings (notes, images, and price range for suits, solid shoes, and accessories) with the class and your instructor.

Question 10

One of the best ways to understand interview dynamics and to develop confidence is to role-play the parts of interviewer and candidate in a mock interview.
Your Task. Choose a partner for this activity. Each partner makes a list of two interview questions for each of the eight interview question categories presented in this chapter. In team sessions you and your partner role-play an actual interview. One acts as interviewer; the other is the candidate. Prior to the interview, the candidate tells the interviewer the job he or she is applying for and the name of the company. For the interview, the interviewer and candidate should dress appropriately and sit in chairs facing each other. The interviewer greets the candidate and makes the candidate comfortable. The candidate gives the interviewer a copy of his or her résumé. The interviewer asks three (or more depending on your instructor's time schedule) questions from the candidate's list. The interviewer may also ask follow-up questions, if appropriate. When finished, the interviewer ends the meeting graciously. After one interview, partners reverse roles and repeat.

Question 11

What are situational and behavioral interview questions, and how can you craft responses that will make a favorable impression on the interviewer? (Obj. 3)

Question 12

List the steps you should take immediately following your job interview.

Question 13

Practice makes perfect in interviewing. The more often you rehearse responses to typical interview questions, the closer you are to getting the job.
Your Task. Select three questions from each of these question categories discussed in this chapter: questions to get acquainted, questions to gauge your interest, questions about your experience and accomplishments, questions about the future, and challenging questions. Write your answers to each set of questions. Try to incorporate skills and traits required for the targeted position, and include success stories where appropriate. Polish these answers and your delivery technique by practicing in front of a mirror or by making an audio or video recording. Your instructor may make this assignment a group activity in class.

Question 14

Although some questions are considered inappropriate and potentially illegal by the government, many interviewers ask them anyway-whether intentionally or unknowingly. Being prepared is important.
Your Task. Assume you are being interviewed at one of the top companies on your list of potential employers. The interviewing committee consists of a human resources manager and the supervising manager of the department where you would work. At various times during the interview, the supervising manager asks questions that make you feel uncomfortable. For example, he asks whether you are married. You know this question is inappropriate, but you see no harm in answering it. Then, however, he asks how old you are. Because you started college early and graduated in three and a half years, you are worried that you may not be considered mature enough for this position. However, you have most of the other qualifications required, and you are convinced you could succeed on the job. How should you answer this question?

Question 15

Briefly describe the types of hiring/placement interviews candidates may encounter. (Obj. 1)

Question 16

List various kinds of follow-up letters.

Question 17

Group interviews are not for the fainthearted, and opinions on the practice are mixed. "Cattle-call" interviews can be stressful, shocking, even demeaning, some participants feel. One interviewee for an executive-level public relations position described being herded into a room with 200 other applicants where interviewers started bellowing questions at participants. Employers who like this tool say that cattle-call interviews are fair and efficient because they allow the quick ranking of candidates in categories such as teamwork, leadership, and stress management.
Your Task. To deepen your understanding of group interviews, search the Web for articles and blogs using the keywords group job interviews or cattle-call interviews. Job-search advice sites offer tips on coping with the anxiety of group interviewing. Collect the advice and report your insights in class or in a written document as determined by your instructor.

Question 18

Situational interview questions can vary widely from position to position. You should know enough about a position to understand some of the typical situations you would encounter regularly.
Your Task. Use your favorite search tool to locate typical job descriptions of a position in which you are interested. Based on these descriptions, develop a list of six to eight typical situations someone in this position would face; then write situational interview questions for each of these scenarios. In pairs, role-play interviewer and interviewee, alternating with each question.

Question 19

You have just completed an exciting employment interview, and you want the interviewer to remember you.
Your Task. Write a follow-up thank-you letter to Ronald T. Ranson, Human Resources Development, Electronic Data Sources, 1328 Peachtree Plaza, Atlanta, GA 30314 (or a company of your choice). Make up any details needed.

Question 20

The following letter has faults in grammar, punctuation, spelling, capitalization, wordiness, and other problems. Correct the errors with standard proofreading marks (see Appendix B) or revise the message online at www.meguffey.com.
842 New Durham Rd.
Edison, NJ 08817
June 4, 200x
Mr. Frederick M. Eadgar
Human Resources Department
Marketing and Sales Pros
1050 Avenue cl the Americas
New York, NY 10036
Dear Mr. Edgar:
I would really wellcome the opportunity to work for you. I appreciated the interview yesterday for the newly-listed Position of Sales Trainee. It was really a pleasure meeting yourself and learning more about
Marketing and Sales Pros, you have a fine staff and a sophisticated approach to marketing.
You are organization appears to be growing in a directional manner that parralels my interests and career goals. The interview with yourself and your staff yesterday confirmed my initale positive impressions of Marketing and Sales Pros and I want to reiterate my strong interest in working with and for you. My prior Retail sales experience as a sales associate with The Gap; plus my recent training in Microsoft Word and Excel would enable me to make progress steadily through your programs of training and become a productive member of your sales team in no time at all.
Again, thank-you for your kind and gracius consideration. In the event that you need any additional information from me, all you have to do is give me a jingle at [phone].
Sincerly yours,

Question 21

How can you help your references provide the best possible recommendation? (Obj. 4)

Question 22

After an excellent interview with Electronic Data Sources (or a company of your choice), you are disappointed to learn that someone else was hired. However, you really want to work for EDS.
Your Task. Write a follow-up message to Ronald T. Ranson, Human Resources Development, Electronic Data Sources, 1328 Peachtree Plaza, Atlanta, GA 30314 (or a company of your choice). Indicate that you are disappointed but still interested.

Question 23

Punctuation Review
Review Sections 1.17 and 2.01-2.29 ¡n the Grammar/Mechanics Handbook. Study the following groups of sentences. In the space provided write the letter of the one that is correctly punctuated. When you finish, compare your responses with those at the end of the book. If your responses differ, study carefully the principles in parentheses..
1. a. Our products will not be ready for the first month of the holiday shopping season, therefore we must hire additional seasonal workers.
b. We know that the extra staff will cut into our slim profit margin; however) not delivering the goods on time could hurt us more in the longer term.
c. Our company could pick up the slack by instituting extra shifts in our flagship plant, or by subcontracting at least part of the lot to our Mexican partner plant.
2. a. Our accounting team makes a point of analyzing your business operations, and getting to know what's working for you and what's not.
b. We are dedicated to understanding your business needs over the long term, and taking an active role when it comes to creating solutions.
c. We understand that you may be downsizing or moving into new markets, and we want to help you make a seamless transition.
3 a. If you decide to use throwaway batteries, or fear the high upfront cost of incandescent lamps, you can still be somewhat "green" by disposing of hazardous waste safely.
b. When the batteries are fully charged, unplug the battery chargers to save power.
c. Although they are switched off many office appliances continue to draw a small amount of power.
4. a. There is a direct relationship between fuel economy and carbon dioxide emissions; therefore, a car that produces less carbon dioxide will cost less to fill up.
b. Although tangible advantages exist; the decision to buy a hybrid vehicle is not easy or clear-cut.
C. Efforts to clean up automotive emissions started as an attempt to cut smog, and also to slow global warming.
5. a. One of the reasons we are decreasing the number of our ATMs, is that two thirds of the bank's customers depend on tellers for transactions.
b. We are looking for an article titled, "Online Banking."
c. Banks are at this time competing with nontraditional rivals that can provide extensive financial services.
6. a. We care deeply about the environment; but we also care about safety and good customer service.
b. The president worked with environmental concerns; the vice president focused on customer support.
c. Our Web site increases our productivity, it also improves customer service.
7. a. Employees who will be receiving salary increases are: Terri, Mark, Rob, and Ellen.
b. The following employees are eligible for bonuses: Robin, Jeff, Bill, and Jose.
c. Our consulting firm is proud to offer Web services for: site design, market analysis, e-commerce, and hosting.
8. a. Independent Web workers' schedules tend to be very flexible.
b. The two supervisors irresponsibility caused injury on the shop floor.
c. Several smaller suppliers trucks and passenger vans are running on CNG to substitute for expensive gasoline.
9. a. Our committee considered convention sites in Scottsdale, Arizona, Palm Springs, California; and Dallas, Texas.
b. Serena was from Columbus, Ohio; Josh was from Denver, Colorado, and Rachel was from Seattle, Wahington.
c. The following engineers were approved: J. W. Ellis, civil; Dr. Thomas Lee, structural; and W. R. Verey, mechanical.
10. a. The package from Albany, New York was never delivered.
b. We have scheduled an inspection tour on Tuesday, March 5, at 4 p.m.
c. Send the check to M. E. Williams, 320 Summit Ridge, Ogden, Utah 84404 before the last mail pickup.

Question 24

Behavioral interview questions are increasingly popular, and you will need a little practice before you can answer them easily.
Your Task. Use your favorite search tool to locate lists of behavioral questions on the Web. Select five skills areas such as communication, teamwork, and decision making. For each skill area, find three behavioral questions that you think would be effective in an interview. In pairs, role-play interviewer and interviewee, alternating with each question. You goal is to answer effectively in one or two minutes. Remember to use the STAR method when answering.

Question 25

The adage Practice makes perfect is especially true for interviewing. The more you confront your fears in mock or real interviews, the calmer and more confident you will be when your dream job is on the line. Short of undergoing your own interview, you can also learn from observation. YouTube and other video sites offer countless video clips showing examples of excellent, and poor, interviewing techniques.
Your Task. Visit YouTube or search the Internet for interview videos. Select a clip that you find particularly entertaining or informative. Watch it multiple times and jot down your observations. Then summarize the scenario in a paragraph or two. Provide examples of interview strategies that worked and those that didn't, applying the information you learned in this chapter. If required, share your insights about the video with the class.

Question 26

How can recruiters and job seekers connect on the Web, and what are the advantages and potential disadvantages of doing so?

Question 27

If you receive a job offer, why is it important to write an acceptance message, and what should it include? (Obj. 5)

Question 28

Although they are less likely for entry-level candidates, interviews over business meals are a popular means to size up the social skills of a job seeker, especially in second and subsequent interviews. Candidates coveting jobs with a lot of face-to-face contact with the public may be subjected to the ultimate test: table manners. Interviews are nerve-racking and intimidating enough, but imagine having to juggle silverware, wrangle potentially messy food, and keep your clothing stain free-all this while listening carefully to what is being said around the table and giving thoughtful, confident answers.
Your Task. Researching tips can help you avoid the most common pitfalls associated with interviews over meals. Use your favorite search engine and try queries such as interview dining tips, interviewing over meals, and so forth. Consider the credibility of your sources. Are they authorities on the subject? Compile your list of tips and jot down your sources. Share the list with your peers. If you instructor directs, discuss the categories of advice provided. Then, as a class assemble a list of the most common interview tips.

Question 29

What turns off hiring managers who browse candidates' social media sites? A Harris Interactive/CareerBuilder study shows employers' pet peeves about applicants' social media presence. The research also reveals recruiters' favorite findings that may improve a candidate's job prospects. Here is an overview of how employers responded:
Conversely, social media behavior that impresses recruiters includes the following positive impressions: creative (48 percent), got a good feel for candidate's personality (43 percent), great communication skills (42 percent), well rounded/wide range of interests (41 percent), and conveyed a professional image (38 percent).
Your Task. Conduct a social media audit in your course. Armed with the knowledge acquired in this chapter and the information in this activity, critically evaluate fellow students' social media sites, whether Facebook, Instagram, Google+, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc. In pairs or larger groups, look for positive attributes as well as negative criteria that may repel hiring managers. Report your findings orally or compile them in an e-mail or memo. If you identify negative behavior, discuss remedies-how to remove offensive material.

Question 30

As you prepare for your interview by learning about the company and the industry, don't forget a key component of interview success: creating a favorable first impression by wearing appropriate business attire. Job seekers often have nebulous ideas about proper interview wear. Some wardrobe mishaps include choosing a conservative "power suit" but accessorizing it with beat-up casual shoes or a shabby bag. Grooming glitches include dandruff on dark suit fabric, dirty fingernails, and mothball odor. Women sometimes wrongly assume that any black clothing items are acceptable, even if they are too tight, revealing, sheer, or made of low-end fabrics. Most image consultants agree that workplace wardrobe falls into three main categories: business formal, business casual, and casual. Only business formal is considered proper interview apparel.
Your Task. To prepare for your big day, search the Web for descriptions and images of business formal. You may research business casual and casual styles, but for an interview, always dress on the side of caution-conservatively. Compare prices and look for suit sales to buy one or two attractive interview outfits. Share your findings (notes, images, and price range for suits, solid shoes, and accessories) with the class and your instructor.

Question 31

Your dream has come true: you have just been offered an excellent position. Although you accepted the position on the phone, you want to send a formal acceptance letter.
Your Task. Write a job acceptance letter to an employer of your choice. Include the specific job title, your starting date, and details about your compensation package. Make up any necessary details.

Question 32

What can you do to improve the first impression you make at an interview?

Question 33

Is it a good idea to follow up after a job rejection? Why or why not? (Obj. 5)

Question 34

A month has passed since you sent your résumé and cover letter in response to a job advertisement. You are still interested in the position and would like to find out whether you still have a chance.
Your Task. Write a follow-up e-mail or letter to an employer of your choice that does not offend the reader or damage your chances of employment.

Question 35

Blogs and social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter are becoming important tools in the job-search process. By accessing blogs, company Facebook pages, and Twitter feeds, job seekers can locate much insider information about a company's culture and day-to-day activities.
Your Task. Using the Web, locate a blog that is maintained by an employee of a company where you would like to work. Monitor the blog for at least a week. Also, access the company's Facebook page and monitor Twitter feeds for at least a week. Prepare a short report summarizing what you learned about the company through reading the blog postings, status updates, and tweets. Include a statement of whether this information would be valuable during your job search.

Question 36

Even the best-rehearsed applicants sometimes forget to ask the questions they prepared, or they fail to stress their major accomplishments in job interviews. Sometimes applicants are so rattled they even forget the interviewer's name. To help you keep your wits during an interview, make a cheat sheet-whether paper or digital-that summarizes key facts, answers, and questions. Review it before the interview and again as the interview is ending to be sure you have covered everything that is critical.
Your Task. Prepare a cheat sheet with the following information:
Day and time of interview:
Meeting with (name[s] of interviewer[s], title, company, city, state, zip, telephone, cell, fax, e-mail):
Major accomplishments (four to six):
Management or work style (four to six):
Things you need to know about me (three or four items):
Reason I left my last job:
Answers to difficult questions (four or five answers):
Questions to ask interviewer:
Things I can do for you:

Question 37

In employment interviews, do you think that behavioral questions (such as Tell me about a business problem you have had find how you solved it ) are more effective than traditional questions (such as Tell me what you are good at )? Why?

Question 38

What is your greatest fear of what you might do or what might happen to you during an employment interview? How can you overcome your fears?