Deck 14: Interviewing and Following up

Question 1

Researching an Organization
An important part of your preparation for an interview is finding out about the target company.
Your Task. Select an organization where you would like to be employed. Assume you have been selected for an interview. Using resources described in this chapter, locate information about the organizations leaders and their business philosophies. Find out about the organization's accomplishments, setbacks, finances, products, customers, competition, and advertising. Prepare a summary report documenting your findings.

Answer 1

Considering from an individual's point of view it would include the following
• An individual would like to be employed in Google, Inc.
• The individual would have been selected for an interview in Google, Inc.
As recruiters are always impressed with job seekers who take the interview seriously and who have complete knowledge of their organization, therefore the individual will find extensive information about the leaders of the organization and their business philosophies.
Organization leaders of Google, Inc. and their business philosophies
Larry Page (CEO)
He was the first chief executive officer of the company until 2001 and is responsible for its daily operations. He co-founded Google Inc. with Sergey Brin in 1998 while he was pursuing a Ph.D. at Stanford University. He was the president of products. He expanded Google Inc. to approximately 200 employees.
According to his philosophy, he focuses on completely transforming products and services and not on the competition.
Eric E. Schmidt (executive chairman)
Eric E. Schmidt is executive chairman of Google Inc. He looks after the external matters of the company. Under his leadership, the company has intensely improved its infrastructure and expanded its offerings of products while preserving a strong culture of revolution.
He is intelligent with extraordinary forward-thinking abilities. He combines sound practices of business, a bit of predictive futurism, and visionary leadership. Schmidt's flexibility is also apparent. He seems to understand how business will change in the future and how technology can change customers. He visualizes those private devices similar to mobile phones will act as true personal assistants.
Organization's Accomplishments
Google's search engine accounts for more than 75 percent of the Web search market. The company started as a research company but became a leading player and the dominant search engine.
Setbacks
Google Inc. has a very flat management structure. In such a company, a person has a lot more leadership and also a lot more impact than he/she would have in a similar role at another company.
Finances
Google Inc. has significantly benefited by increasing users to 2.2 billion people around the globe. The stock of the company has experienced immense growth, from $85 in 2004 to around $509.25 to date. Revenues of the company have also increased to $23.651 billion in 2009, and total assets have increased to $40.487 billion.
Products
The list of Google products includes major mobile, desktop, and online products either acquired or released by the company. Other tools are search tools, advertising services, communication and publishing tools, development resources, map-related products, and statistical tools.
Customers
The number of Internet users has grown significantly. The number increased more than 1,802,330,457 in 2009, recording a 26.6% Internet penetration. Google does not have a face for customers. As the surfing culture has become entrenched in the world, the company has delivered a search engine desired by most people, with a market share of around 78.4% in the world and around 63.2% in the United States.
Competition
The company has a high degree of competition in the industry. Google's main rivals include MSN Search, Yahoo!, eBay, Amazon's A9, Ask Jeeves, and many more. But Google currently surpasses these rivals.
Advertising
Google has been able to appeal to a large number of consumers despite being a latecomer in the market. Nevertheless, customers have retained strong buying power due to the availability of additional search engines. Customers use bids for placing advertisements, which means they have the opportunity to go to other search engines.

Question 2

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,

Answer 2

842 New Durham Rd.
Edison, NJ 08817
June 4, 200x
Mr. Frederick M. Edgar
Human Resources Department
Marketing and sales Pros
1050 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10036
Dear Mr. Edgar:
I would really welcome 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 you and learning more about marketing and sales pros, you have a fine staff and a sophisticated approach to marketing.
Your organization appears to be growing in a directional manner that parallels my interests and career goals. The interview with you and your staff yesterday confirmed my initial positive impressions of marketing and sales pros and I want to reiterate my strong interest in working with you. My prior retail sales experience as a sales associate with The Gap along with 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 consideration. In the event that you need any additional information from me, all you have to do is to call me at [phone].
Sincerely yours,

Question 3

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.

Answer 3

The correct sentences are as follows.
1) 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 long run.
2) c. We understand that you may be downsizing or moving into new markets, and we want to help you make a seamless transition.
3) b. When the batteries are fully charged, unplug the battery chargers to save 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.
5) c. Banks compete with the nontraditional rivals that can provide extensive financial services.
6) b. The president worked with environmental concerns; the vice president focused on customer support.
7) b. The following employees are eligible for bonuses: Robin, Jeff, Bill, and Jose.
8) a. The Independent Web workers' schedules tend to be very flexible.
9) c. The following engineers were approved: J. W. Ellis, civil; Dr. Thomas Lee, structural; and W. R. Verey, mechanical.
10) b. We have scheduled an inspection tour on Tuesday, March 5, at 4 pm.

Question 4

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

Question 5

Let's Talk Money: Negotiating a Salary
When to talk about salary causes many job applicants concern. The important thing to remember is that almost all salaries are negotiable. Research conducted by the Society for Human Resource Management and CareerJournaI.com shows that approximately 90 percent of human resources professionals say salaries are negotiable, and 78 percent of employees report negotiating salary. It you have proved your worth throughout the interview process, employers will want to negotiate with you. To discuss compensation effectively, though, you must be prepared for salary questions, and you should know what you are worth. You also need to know basic negotiation strategies. As negotiation expert Chester L. Karrass said, "In business, you don't get what you deserve, you get what you negotiate." The following negotiating rules, recommended by various career experts, can guide you to a better beginning salary.
Rule No. 1 : Avoid discussing salary for as long as possible in the interview process.
The longer you delay salary discussion, the more time you will have to convince the employer that you are worth what you are asking for. Ideally, you should try to avoid discussing salary until you know for sure that the interviewing company is making a job offer. The best time for you to negotiate your salary is between the time you are offered the position and the time you accept it. Wait for the employer to bring salary up first. If salary comes up and you are not sure whether the job is being offered to you, it is time for you to be blunt. Here are some things you could say:
Are you making me a job offer?
What salary range do you pay for positions with similar requirements?
I'm very interested in the position, and my salary would be negotiable.
Tell me what you have in mind for the salary range.
Rule No. 2: Know in advance the probable salary range for similar jobs in similar organizations.
Many job-search Web sites provide salary information. But it is probably better for you to call around in your area to learn what similar jobs are paying. The important thing here is to think in terms of a wide range. Let's say you are hoping to start at between $45,000 and $50,000. To an interviewer, you might say, I was looking for a salary in the high forties to the low fifties. This technique is called bracketing. In addition, stating your salary range in an annual dollar amount sounds more professional than asking for an hourly wage. Be sure to consider such things as geographic location, employer size, industry standards, the strength of the economy and other factors to make sure that the range you come up with is realistic.
Rule No. 3: When negotiating, focus on what you are worth, not on what you need.
Throughout the interview and negotiation process, focus continually on your strengths. Make sure that the employer knows everything of value that you will bring to the organization. You have to prove that you are worth what you are asking for. Employers pay salaries based on what you will accomplish on the job and contribute to the organization. When discussing your salary, focus on how the company will benefit from these contributions. Don't bring personal issues into the negotiation process. No employer will be willing to pay you more because you have bills to pay, mouths to feed, or debt to get out of.
Rule No. 4: Never say no to a job before it is offered.
Why would anyone refuse a job offer before it is made? It happens all the time. Let's say you were hoping for a salary of, say, $45,000. The interviewer tells you that the salary scheduled for this job is $40,000. You respond, Oh, that is out of the question! Before you were offered the job, you have, in effect, refused it. Instead, wait for the job offer; then start negotiating your salary.
Rule No. 5: Ask for a higher salary first, and consider benefits.
Within reason, always try to ask for a higher salary first. This will leave room for this amount to decrease during negotiations until it is closer to your original expectations. Remember to consider the entire compensation package when negotiating. You may be willing to accept a lower salary if benefits such as insurance, flexible hours, time off, and retirement are attractive.
Rule No. 6: Be ready to bargain if offered a low starting salary.
Many salaries are negotiable. Companies are often willing to pay more for someone who interviews well and fits their culture, if the company seems right to you and you are pleased with the sound of the open position but you have been offered a low salary, say, That is somewhat lower than I had hoped but this position does sound exciting. If I were to consider this, what sorts of things could I do to quickly become more valuable to this organization? Also discuss such things as bonuses based on performance or a shorter review period. You could say something like, Thanks for the offer. The position is very much what I wanted in many ways, and I am delighted at your interest, If I start at this salary, may I be reviewed within six months with the goal vi raising the salary to _______?
Another possibility is to ask for more time to think about the low offer. Tell the interviewer that this is an important decision, and you need some time to consider the offer. The next day you can call and say, I am flattered by your offer, but ¡ cannot accept because the salary is lower than I would like. Perhaps you could reconsider your offer or keep me in mind for future openings.
Rule No. 7: Be honest.
Be honest throughout the entire negotiation process. Don't inflate the salaries of your previous positions to try to get more money. Don't tell an employer that you have received other job offers unless it is true. These lies can be grounds for being fired later on.
Rule No. 8: Get the final offer in writing.
Once you have agreed on a salary and compensation package, get the offer in writing. You should also follow up with a position acceptance letter, as discussed earlier in the chapter.
Career Application. You have just passed the screening interview and have been asked to come in for a personal interview with the human resources representative and the hiring manager of a company for which you are very eager to work. Although you are delighted with the company, you have promised yourself that you will not accept any position that pays less than $45,000 to start..
Your Task
In teams of two, role-play the position of interviewer and interviewee. The interviewer sets the scene by discussing preliminaries and offers a salary of $42,500. The interviewee responds to preliminary questions and to the salary offer of $42,500. Then, reverse roles so that the interviewee becomes the interviewer, and repeat the scenario.

Question 6

Learning What Jobs Are Really About Through Blogs
Blogs are becoming an important tool in the employment search process. By accessing blogs, job seekers can learn more 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. Prepare a short report that summarizes what you learned about the company through reading the blog postings. Include a statement of whether this information would be valuable during your job search.

Question 7

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

Question 8

Taking a Look at Corporate Web Videos
Would you like to know what it is like to work for the company that interests you? Check out Web videos posted by companies on their career pages, job boards, and even YouTube. Currently about 7,000 corporate videos await you on Jobing, a job board that lists openings in specific geographic regions.
Your Task. Search company recruiting Web sites, YouTube, or Jobing for videos featuring two or three companies in your chosen industry. Compare how the employers introduce themselves, which aspects they emphasize about their organizations, how they present their employees, what they offer potential applicants, and so forth. Write a short report addressed to your instructor comparing and contrasting the corporate Web videos you examined.

Question 9

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 10

Building Interview Skills
Successful interviews require diligent preparation and repeated practice. To be well prepared, you need to know what skills are required for your targeted position. In addition to computer and communication skills, employers generally want to know whether a candidate works well with a team, accepts responsibility, solves problems, is efficient, meets deadlines, shows leadership, saves time and money, and is a hard worker.
Your Task. Consider a position for which you are eligible now or one for which you will be eligible when you complete your education. Identify the skills and traits necessary for this position. If you prepared a résumé in Chapter 13, be sure that it addresses these targeted areas. Now prepare interview worksheets listing at least ten technical and other skills or traits you think a recruiter will want to discuss in an interview for your targeted position.

Question 11

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

Question 12

Preparing Success Stories
You can best showcase your talents if you are ready with your own success Stories that show how you have developed the skills or traits required for your targeted position.
Your Task. Using the worksheets you prepared in Activity 14.4, prepare success stories that highlight the required skills or traits. Select three to five stories to develop into answers to potential interview questions. For example, here's a typical question: How does your background relate to the position we have open? A possible response: As you know, I have just completed an intensive training program in _________. In addition, I have over three years of part-time work experience in a variety of business settings. In one position I was selected to manage a small business in the absence of the owner. I developed responsibility and customer-service skills in filling orders efficiently, resolving shipping problems, and monitoring key accounts. I also inventoried and organized products worth over $200,000. When the owner returned from a vacation to Florida, I was commended for increasing sales and was given a bonus in recognition of my efforts. People relate to and remember stories. Try to shape your answers into memorable stories.

Question 13

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

Question 14

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 15

Name the main purposes of interviews-for job candidates as well as for employers.

Question 16

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 17

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

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

How can you address problem areas on your résumé such as lack of experience, getting fired, or earning low grades?

Question 20

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 21

You have scheduled an interview with a large local company. What kind of information should you seek about this company, and where could you expect to find it?

Question 22

Answering Puffball and Killer Questions in a Virtual Interview
Two Web sites offer excellent interview advice. At Monster Career Advice (http://career-advice.monster.com/interview.tips/home.aspx) you can improve your interviewing skills in virtual interviews. You will find questions, answers, and explanations for interviews in job fields ranging from administrative support to human resources to technology. At WetFeet ( http://www.wetfeet.com ) you can learn how to answer résumé-based questions and how to handle preinterview jitters, and see dozens of articles filled with helpful tips.
Your Task. Visit one or both of the targeted Web sites. If these URLs have been changed, use your favorite search tool to locate Monster Interviews and WetFeet interviews.

Question 23

Name at least six interviewing behaviors you can exhibit that send positive nonverbal messages.

Question 24

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 25

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?

Question 26

Handling Inappropriate and Illegal Interview Questions
Although some questions are considered illegal by the government, many interviewers will ask them anyway-whether intentionally or unknowingly. Being prepared is important.
Your Task. How would you respond ¡n the following scenario? 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 illegal, but you saw no harm in answering it. But then he asks how old you are. Because you started college early and graduated n three and a half years, you are worried that you may not be considered mature enough for this position. You have most of the qualifications required, and you are convinced you could succeed on the job. How should you answer this question?

Question 27

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

Question 28

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 29

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

Question 30

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 31

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

Question 32

Video Recording an Interview
Seeing how you look during an interview can help you improve your body language and presentation style. Your instructor may act as the interviewer, or an outside businessperson may be asked to conduct mock interviews in your classroom.
Your Task. Engage a student or campus specialist to videotape each interview. Review your performance, and critique it looking for ways to improve. Your instructor may ask class members to offer comments and suggestions on individual inter views. Alternatively, visit your campus career center and sign up for a mock interview. Ask if your session could be recorded for subsequent viewing.

Question 33

List various kinds of follow-up letters.

Question 34

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 35

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 36

Following Up After Submitting Your Résumé
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 letter that doesn't offend the reader or damage your chances of employment.

Question 37

Requesting a Reference
Your favorite professor has agreed to be one of your references. You have just arrived home from a job interview that went well, and you must ask your professor to write a letter of recommendation.
Your Task. Write to the professor requesting that a letter of recommendation be sent to the company where you interviewed. Explain that the interviewer asked that the letter be sent directly to him. Provide data about the job description and about yourself so that the professor can target its content.

Question 38

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 39

Searching for Advice
You can find wonderful, tree, and sometimes entertaining job-search strategies, career tips, and interview advice on the Web.
Your Task. Use an electronic database or search the Web to locate articles or links to job-search and résumé sites, Make a list of at least five good job search pointers-ones that were not covered in this chapter. Send an e-mail message to your instructor describing your findings, or post your findings to a class discussion board to share with your classmates.