GETTING INFORMATION

Why do we need to get information?

What kind of information

that you usually want

to get?

Where can you find the information?

How can you get the

information?

Listen to the dialog1. What is a “box office?

2. Who are the two speakers? Do they know each other?

3. Why did Jennifer call the box office?

4. What words does Jennifer use to ask for information?

5. What is the misunderstanding about?

6. What is “double feature?”

7. What words show that this is a polite conversation?

Listen again…

In most cases….◦if you need information, you can ask someone directly. However, there are some topics considered personal and private such as salary, age, weight, and political or religions beliefs, or the cost of particular items.

◦On the other hand, people are quite free with information about their children, their health, friends and neighbors.

◦You can “soften” direct questions by asking indirect questions to show interest and to gain information

◦Examples:◦How much do you make a year? About how much does a secretary

make?◦How much was that bag? What are they getting for such a

modern bag these day?

What is it?

Why should you conduct it?

Whom should you interview?

`difficult' questions that you might hear during a job interview:◦How would you describe yourself?

◦What influenced you to choose a career in ...?

◦ Tell me about your current job. What have you been doing?

◦How would you describe yourself in terms of your ability to work as a member of a team?

◦ Tell me about a major problem you recently handled. Were you successful in resolving it?

◦How do you handle pressure?

◦Why do you want to work for this company?

◦What would you say has been your most rewarding accomplishment?

◦What personal weakness has caused you the greatest difficulty on the job?

◦What are your goals for the future?

Another questions..

◦How has your university education prepared you for a job in ...?

◦What do you feel you have to offer this company?

◦What do you think you'll be doing in five years' time?

Interviewer:◦Practice -- prepare a list of interview questions in advance. Rehearse, try lines,

mock-interview friends. Memorize your questions. Plan ahead the location and ways to make the ambient more comfortable.

◦Small-talk -- never begin an interview cold. Try to put your interviewee at ease and establish rapport.

◦Be natural -- even if you rehearsed your interview time and time again and have all your questions memorized, make it sound and feel like you're coming up with them right there.

◦Look sharp -- dress appropriately to the ambient you're in and to the kind of person you're interviewing. Generally you're safe with business attire, but adapt to your audience. Arrive on time if you are conducting the interview in person.

◦Listen -- present yourself aware and interested. If your interviewee says something funny, smile. If it's something sad, look sad. React to what you hear.

◦Keep your goals in mind -- remember that what you want is to obtain information. Keep the interview on track, don't digress too much. Keep the conversation focused on your questions. Be considerate of your interviewee's limited time.

◦Don't take "yes/no" answers -- monosyllabic answers don't offer much information. Ask for an elaboration, probe, ask why. Silence may also yield information. Ask the interviewee to clarify anything you do not understand

◦Respect -- make interviewees feel like their answers are very important to you (they are supposed to be!) and be respectful for the time they're donating to help you.

Interviewing:◦Determine what you want to know

◦Discuss the kinds of questions you want to ask (open ended: How do you feel about...) or (close ended: Which do you like better: A or B?)

◦Draft your interview questions

◦Determine who you'd like to interview (samples) Train your interviewers so they will all ask the same questions the same way

◦Contact the people you want to interview

◦Make appointments and follow up on them unless you are soliciting people on the street or in a mall, for instance

◦Collect and analyze the data

Interviewee:1. Do your research :you must know the company you plan to work with very well: salary, deciding on what to wear etc.

2. Understand your job profile : This will help you assess the kind of work you will be expected to perform and the salary you can accept.

3. Know your CV : memorized. Any questions related to CV should be answered correctly with immense confidence.

4. Prepare your answers : Prepare answers to commonly asked questions and practice them in front of a mirror or even better, ask a friend for help. Ensure you speak clearly and look out for body language and posture.

5. Decide what you are wearing : Dress according to the kind of job and post you’re applying for. It is better to be overdressed than to be underdressed for an interview.

6. Make sure your clothes are washed and ironed : lay your clothes out the previous night and ensure they’re in good condition, washed and ironed.

7. Make your travel arrangements :Plan what time you want to leave and what form of transportation you’re taking.

8. Carry resume / certificates / briefcase : Before leaving, check your briefcase for all essential documents and carry multiple copies of the same.

9. Reach before time : It allows you to remain stress free and calm and check your appearance and compose yourself before the interview.

10. Switch off your cell phone or turn it on silent mode before entering the room:

◦In pairs, interview each other for a job of your choice. Use questions/expressions from this lesson and any others that you may need. Would you give your partner the job? Why/why not?

◦In pairs, one acts as journalist and one as an idol who just won a singing contest. Ask the idol about his/her feeling or about anything.◦Report it to the class

◦ http://www.englishleap.com/career-resources/interview-tips-2

◦ http://englishlingua.com

◦ Tillitt, B. & Bruder, M. N. 1985. Speaking Naturally. Press Syndicate. Cambridge University Press. UK