Unit 6: Communication in the Workplace

Unit 6: Communication in the Workplace

Introduction

Communication is something that we do involuntarily -- like breathing.

We communicate with our superior, colleagues, and friends without giving much
thought to how we are doing it.

It might seem easy, but communicating effectively actually takes quite a bit of
grace and refinement. Choosing the right expressions to utter, writing the best
words to express meaning, listening with our minds instead of just our ears, and
getting our message across are skills that we all need to work on.

In this unit, the concepts of effective communication in the workplace will be

discussed. It also tackles the communication skills that recruiters and hiring
managers want to see in you as future employees. You will learn some of the
good things that communication has to bring in the workplace.

This unit of the module likewise gives you information that will guide you
through the process of writing a cover letter and resume. If you follow these steps,
you'll have a better chance of securing job interviews and of landing a job in the
future.

Furthermore, this unit introduces you to one of the communication modes in a

company-the memorandum. The types and tips on how to effectively write a
memorandum is discussed in this unit.

Finally, this learning module unit provides you tips in your job search journey in
the future– the job interview. As a future professional, it is always a good idea to
brush up on the basics of interview etiquette. To help you land easily in your
future job, this module was designed to help you.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this unit, you are expected to:

1. converse about the components of communication in the workplace

2. develop a cover letter and a resume incorporating the standards of writing
3. distinguish the types and parts of a memorandum
4. employ the do’s and don’ts in the conduct of an interview

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Activating Prior Learning

Fill in the grid expressing your ideas in a word, phrase or a sentence on the given
concepts.

What do you know about What do you want to know

these concepts? about these concepts?
Workplace
Communication

Cover letter vs
Resume

Memorandum

Job Interview

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Topic 1: Effective Workplace Communication

Learning Objectives

At the end of the lesson, you are expected to:

1. discuss the concepts of workplace communication;
2. distinguish the components of communication in the workplace;
3. explain the skills needed for workplace success; and
4. demonstrate effective communication in the workplace based from a
developed script.

Presentation of Content

Workplace Communication

Workplace communication is the process of exchanging information and ideas,

both verbal and non-verbal, within an organization. An organization may consist
of employees from different parts of the society. These employees may have
different cultures and backgrounds, and to unite activities of all employees and
restrain from any missed activity that could affect the company negatively,
communication has to be given consideration.

Effective workplace communication ensures that all the organizational objectives

are achieved. Workplace communication is tremendously important to
organizations because it increases productivity and efficiency. Ineffective
workplace communication leads to communication gaps between employees,
which causes confusion, wastes time, and reduces productivity.

Misunderstandings that cause friction between people can be avoided by effective

workplace communication. Effective communication, also called open
communication, prevents barriers from forming among individuals within
companies that might impede progress in striving to reach a common goal.

For agencies or companies to function as desired, managers and lower-level

employees must be able to interact clearly and effectively with each other through
verbal communication and non-verbal communication to achieve particular goals.
Effective communication with clients plays a vital role in the development and
success of any organization.

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Communication Skills for Workplace Success

The ability to communicate effectively with superiors, colleagues, and staff is
very important, no matter what agency or company you work in. Workers in the
digital age must know how to effectively convey and receive messages in person
as well as via cell phone, telephone, email, and social media. Furthermore,
good communication skills will help you get hired, land promotions, and be
successful in your career.
The following are the communication skills that would lead you the way to
success. Just remember the mnemonics PORN FACCCE

 Positive Feedback:  Giving feedback involves giving praise as well –

something as simple as saying "good job" or "thanks for taking care of
that" to an employee can greatly increase motivation.

 Open-Mindedness: A good communicator should enter into any

conversation with a flexible, open mind. Be open to listening to and
understanding the other person's point of view, rather than simply getting
your message across.

 Respect for people and their ideas: People will be more open to

communicating with you if you convey respect for them and their ideas.

 Nonverbal Communication: Your body language, eye contact, hand

gestures, and tone of voice all color the message you are trying to
convey. A relaxed and a friendly tone will make you appear approachable
and will encourage others to speak openly with you.

 Friendliness:  It is important to be nice and polite in all your workplace

communications. This is important in both face-to-face and written
communication.

 Active Listening: Being a good listener is one of the best ways to be a

good communicator. Take the time to practice active listening. Active
listening involves paying close attention to what the other person is
saying, asking clarifying questions, and rephrasing what the person says
to ensure understanding.

 Clarity and Conciseness: Good verbal communication means saying just

enough – don’t talk too much or too little. Say what you want clearly and
directly, whether you're speaking to someone in person, on the phone, or
via email.

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 Confidence: It is important to be confident in your interactions with

others. Confidence shows your coworkers that you believe in what you
are saying and will follow through.
 Choosing the Right Medium: An important communication skill is to
simply know what form of communication to use.

 Empathy: Using phrases as simple as "I understand where you are

coming from" demonstrate that you have been listening to the other
person and respect their opinions.

The Power of Good Communication in the Workplace 

Good communication is an important skill in any environment with human

interactions. However, when it comes to communication in the workplace, good
communication is an integral element to business success.

1. Good Communication Mitigates Conflict

One of the times an organization is most likely to seek communication training is

when there’s clear tension or conflict in the workplace. Regardless of the conflict,
communication is usually an underlying factor.

2. Good Communication Increases Employee Engagement

Communicating is more than just talking. It is about connecting with people. One

of the most powerful benefits of better communication in the workplace is more
engaged employees.

3. Good Communication Creates Better Client Relationships

When your employees are trained to communicate more effectively and to

connect with others, they can better: a.) mitigate and resolve conflict, b)
understand needs, c.) help the customer feel understood, and d.) present new
information in a way in which the client will be more receptive 

4. Good Communication Results in a More Productive & Talented Workforce

Employee engagement is a significant factor in the productivity of a workforce.

Besides, contributing to increased employee engagement, communication skills
can also help foster a more productive and talented workforce in many other
ways:

a. Understanding team talents & skills.

b. Achieving more buy-in. 
c. Innovation and creative thought. 

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d. More strategic team building. 

Tips for Effective Workplace Communication

1. Make work fun. Making work fun will keep workers motivated and productive.
2. Don't just hear. Listen.
3. Take your emotions out of the equation. You can't be professional if you're
angry at your employees. Learn to react stoically.
4. Make employees feel like owners.
5. Trust your people. If you want to keep morale, make sure they know you trust
their instincts.
6. Give employees what they want.
Motivators for employees:
*the desire for compensation and material things
*the need to bond with others and feel as though they belong
*the need to make sense of their environment
*the desire to defend their accomplishments

7. Give good feedback. If you like your employees' work, let them know it.
8. Respect cultural differences.
9. Revive the great lost art of conversation. Even in our modern world, face-to-
face communication can work wonders for morale.
10. Handle conflicts with diplomacy.

Application

A. Group yourselves into 5. Develop a script on one of the following situations.

Then, perform to class in 3 to 5 minutes to illustrate effective communication in
the workplace.

1. A manager meeting his/her subordinates to solicit their opinions regarding the

conduct of the1st year anniversary of the company.

2. Parents attending a quarterly meeting which was presided by the classroom

adviser.

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3. A client complaining to the head regarding the indecent behavior of a newly-

hired employee in the company.

4. A department head explaining to the employees the new policies of the

organization.

5. A police officer meeting his men to decide on how they are to carry out a
police operation in the different barangays in the town.

B. Express your agreement or disagreement on these statements. Defend your

stand.

1. Even when you disagree with an employer, coworker, or employee, it is

important for you to understand and respect their point of view.

2. Think about what you want to say before you say it.

3. You should think about the person with whom you wish to speak, if they are a
very busy person (such as your boss, perhaps), you might want to convey your
message through email.

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Feedback

Enumerate and discuss the communication skills that would lead you to
workplace success.
Rubric: 2 points each: 1 point for the correctness of information, and 1 point for
the mechanics and clarity of thought.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

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Topic 2: Communication for Employment (The Cover

Letter and the Resume)

Learning Objectives

At the end of the lesson, you are expected to:

1. differentiate a cover letter from a resume
2. write a cover letter integrating the standards of writing
3. discuss the features of an effective resume
4. contrast the different resume formats
5. develop a resume incorporating the principles of resume writing

Presentation of Content

Cover Letter

Is writing a cover letter necessary when you apply for a job? You may feel like
this document is not important since you are already providing a resume with
various information. But, to tell you…A cover letter serves a vital purpose: it
presents the case for why you should be hired and distinguishes you from other
candidates. Your cover letter is where you can show your passion for the position
and the company, and highlights your most relevant qualifications.

Many employers require cover letters as part of the job application process.
However, even when an employer does not explicitly ask for a cover letter, you
should send one. A strong cover letter can make your application stand out from
the others.  Remember to:

Highlight Your Relevant Qualifications

Customize your Letter

Explain Anything

Edit Your Cover Letter

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Cover Letter Writing Tips

1. Include a salutation. The greeting you choose depends on how much

information you have about the company.
How to Address your Cover Letter
Figure out the name of the hiring manager. This detail makes a huge difference. It
makes your letter a picture perfect, and shows the hiring manager that you care
about this opportunity enough to figure out to write to.
Look up for the company’s employee roster to make an educated guess as to who
will be reading your cover letter. Even if you are incorrect, it is better than using
“To whom it may concern” or “Dear Hiring Manager”.
Use “Dear” and their formal title. Make sure to use the hiring manager’s proper
title like Mr., Ms., or Dr. If you cannot tell from their name what the manager’s
gender is, address it to their full name.
Ending the salutation with a comma is typically all right, but if you want your
letter to be more formal, use a semi-colon.
2. Write the first paragraph of your letter. This is where you will mention the job
for which you are applying and how you found the job listing. It only needs to be
1 to 2 sentences in length.
3. Write the body paragraphs of your letter. Most cover letters will only have 1 or
2 body paragraphs. You don't want to overwhelm the hiring manager or use up a
great deal of their time.
Make sure to talk about…
Why you are a qualified candidate for the position.
What work experience you have that fits the listed job requirements.
Why you want to work for that company specifically.
What tangible actions and improvements you could make in this role.
4. Write the final paragraph of your letter. This is where you wrap up and discuss
how you proceed with the application. You may emphasize why you would be
great in this position. You may also talk about how you proceed with your
application before thanking the manager for their time.
5. Wrapping up the Cover Letter. Reiterate why you are a perfect fit. Sum your
qualifications up in one compact sentence to remind the manager why you are the
best person to hire.

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Discuss what you will do next. If you plan on following up with the hiring
manager in a week or two, include a specific date. Otherwise, just say that you
look forward to interviewing for the position and discussing your qualifications
further.
Give your contact information. Include your email address and phone number to
make sure the manager can get in touch with you.
Mention any attachments you have included.
Thank the person for their time and consideration. Say something like. “Thank
you very much for you time and I look forward to speaking with you soon.”
6. End your cover letter with a respectful closing statement. “Best” or “Sincerely”
are both classic options. Then, type your full name and affix your signature.

Resume

A résumé or resume is a document used and created by a person to present

his/her background, skills, and accomplishments. Résumés can be used for a
variety of reasons, but most often they are used to secure new employment.

A typical résumé contains a "summary" of relevant job experience and education.

The résumé is usually one of the first items, along with a cover letter and
sometimes an application for employment, which a potential employer sees
regarding the job seeker and is typically used to screen applicants, often followed
by an interview.

The curriculum vitae (CV) used for employment purposes in the UK (and in other

European countries) is more akin to the résumé—a shorter, summary version of
one's education and experience—than to the longer and more detailed CV that is
expected in U.S. academic circles. In South Asian countries such as India,
Pakistan, and Bangladesh, biodata is often used in place of a résumé.

In many contexts, a résumé is typically limited to one or two pages of

size A4 or letter-size, highlighting only those experiences and qualifications that
the applicant considers most relevant to the desired position. Many résumés
contain keywords or skills that potential employers are looking for via applicant
tracking systems. Acronyms and credentials after the applicant's name should be
spelled out fully in the appropriate section of the résumé, greater chance of being
found in a computerized keyword scan.

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Résumés may be organized in different ways. The following are some of the more
common résumé formats:

1. Reverse chronological résumé

 A résumé that lists a candidate's job experiences in chronological order,

generally covering the previous 10 to 15 years. Positions are listed with
starting and ending dates. Current positions on a résumé typically list the
starting date to the present.

 This is most commonly used by professionals who are taking

advancements in the same vertical. In using this format, the main body of
the document becomes the Professional Experience section, starting from
the most recent experience and moving chronologically backwards
through a succession of previous experience.

 This works to build credibility through experience gained, while

illustrating career growth over time and filling all gaps in a career
trajectory. A chronological résumé is not recommended to job seekers
with gaps in their career summaries.

2. Functional résumé

 A résumé that lists work experience and skills sorted by skill area or job
function.

 This is used to focus on skills that are specific to the type of position being
sought. This format directly emphasizes specific professional capabilities
and utilizes experience summaries as its primary means of communicating
professional competency.

 This works well for those making a career change, having a varied work
history or with little work experience. A functional résumé is also
preferred for applications to jobs that require very specific skills or clearly
defined personality traits.

 This is a good method for highlighting particular skills or experiences,

especially when those particular skills or experiences may have derived
from a role which was held some time ago.

3. Combination résumé

As the term suggests, this combines the features of the first two kinds of
resume. As such, this highlights job history as well as capabilities.

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Although there is no hard and fast rule regarding resume layout or content, the
contents should include the following:

a. Personal Information
b. Educational Qualifications
c. Employment Records
d. Summary of Skills and Abilities
e. Membership/Officership in Professional Organizations
f. Character References

4. Online résumés

The search for employment has become more electronic, Nowadays, it is common
for employers to only accept résumés electronically, either out of practicality or
preference. This has changed much about the manner in which résumés are
written, read, and processed. Some career experts are pointing out that today a
paper-based résumé is an exception rather than the rule.

Many employers now find candidates' résumés through search engines, which

makes it more important for candidates to use appropriate keywords when writing
a résumé. Larger employers use Applicant Tracking Systems to search, filter, and
manage high volumes of résumés. Job ads may direct applicants to email a résumé
to a company or visit its website and submit a résumé in an electronic format.

Many employers, and recruitment agencies working on their behalf, insist on

receiving résumés in a particular file format.

One advantage for employers to online résumés is the significant cost saving
compared to traditional hiring methods. Another is that potential employers no
longer have to sort through massive stacks of paper.

5. Infographic, video and website résumés

As the Internet becomes more driven by multimedia, job-seekers have sought to

take advantage of the trend by moving their résumés away from the traditional
paper and email media to website résumés or e-résumés.

Video, infographic, and even Vine résumés have gained popularity, though

mainly in the creative and media industries.

This trend has attracted criticism from human resources

management professionals, who warn that this may be a passing fad and point out
that multimedia-based résumés may be overlooked by recruiters
whose workflow is designed only to accommodate a traditional résumé format.

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Reminders in Writing Resume

1. Do not write the word RESUME in the heading.

2. Arrange the parts of the resume according to your purpose.
3. Keep sentences brief yet informative.
4. Check the contents to avoid errors.
5. Edit you work for clarity of thought and correctness of grammar
6. Avoid the first person pronouns “I, me or my”…
7. Try not to have “character references available upon request”
8. Be emphatic by using more than one font type, but never overuse them.
9. Use appealing font style with readable size.
10. Properly format headings, margin and spacing.
11. Affix your signature to authenticate its content.
12. Include your latest photo.
13. Use high quality paper for printing.

Application

Write your ideas briefly but intelligently. Look for a partner and discuss these
questions with him/her. Come up with a common response. Then, share to the
whole class the result of your discussion.
1. Are application letters considered cover letters? Why or why not?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
2. Can you assign someone to make a resume for you? Justify your answer.
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
3. What do you think is the most important part of a resume?

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__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________

4. How is a resume different from that of a cover letter?

__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
5. Why do we need to ask permission from you character references?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
B. Bring to class samples of cover letter and resume.
Let your classmates comment/critic on the cover letter brought to class. They are
to give the good points and the points for improvement of the cover letter
presented to class. Of the resumes brought to class, they are to identify the format
adopted by the applicant.

Feedback

Directions: Imagine you have already graduated from your present course/degree.
You wish to apply in a company/agency for a position/job related to your
educational preparation and qualification. Make a cover letter and a resume.
A. Cover letter

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B. Resume. (Select a Format you are most comfortable with)

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Topic 3: Communication within a Company (The

Memorandum)

Learning Objectives

At the end of this topic, you are expected to:

1. distinguish the parts of a memorandum
2. contrast the types of memorandum
3. write a memorandum from a given situation

Presentation of Content

Memorandum

A memorandum, more commonly known as a memo, is a short message or record

used for internal communication in a business. Once the primary form of internal
written communication, memorandums have declined in use since the
introduction of email and other forms of electronic messaging; however, being
able to write clear memos certainly can serve you well in writing internal business
emails, as they often serve the same purpose.

A memorandum may have a format specific to an office or institution.

Memos are a great way to communicate big decisions or policy changes to your
employees or colleagues. It’s important that you take the time to craft a good
memo so your message comes across how you want it to.

Memos can be used to quickly communicate with a wide audience something

brief but important, such as procedural changes, price increases, policy additions,
meeting schedules, reminders for teams, or summaries of agreement terms and the
like.

Memorandum can move horizontally and vertically in a company. Hence, they are
considered vital means of information dissemination which is very sure to be
received by everyone in the company.

Aside from this, they can also be considered written records or documents of the
company. It must be remembered that the key people in the organization, though
they are not mentioned in the memorandum, should be furnished with all
important memoranda to keep them abreast of what is happening in the agency.

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A memorandum is usually sent by a person occupying a high position to the

subordinates. However, there are instances when a memorandum is sent to
individuals having the sane rank with you, in this case “Memo for” instead of
“Memo to” should be used.
Types of Memorandum
1. Memorandum that requests. This document makes a favor. Because you are
asking for something, you should be courteous and respectful. Do not demand nor
dictate. Start immediately with the request and the reason for it. End your
document politely by stating the deadline for such request and the reason behind
the deadline.
2. Memorandum that responds. This used when there is a prior document that
needs a response. As such, you start with a summary of the previous document
followed by your responses arranged according to the order of the original
requests. To facilitate this, use boldface headings to emphasize or clarify
groupings. Close politely by making an assurance that you are willing to be of
service again.
3. Memorandum that informs. This is used to state, explain, or clarify a policy,
issue and others. As such, it should be concise and clear. To start with, summarize
the main idea and explain the reason behind it if necessary. Close by mentioning
the benefits.

Writing Effective Memos

An effective memo, wrote Barbara Diggs-Brown, is "short, concise, highly

organized, and never late. It should anticipate and answer all questions that a
reader might have. It never provides unnecessary or confusing information."
("The PR Styleguide," 2013)

Be clear, be focused, be brief yet complete. Take a professional tone and write as
if the world could read it—that is, do not include any information that is too
sensitive for everyone to see, especially in this age of "click and forward" copy
and paste age.

Format

Start with the basics: to whom the article is addressed, the date, and the subject
line. Start the body of the memo with a clear purpose, state what you need the
readers to know, and conclude with what you need readers to do, if necessary.
Remember that employees may just skim the memo upon receipt, so use short
paragraphs, subheads, and where you can, use lists. These are "points of entry" for
the eye so the reader can refer back easily to the part of the memo that he or she
needs.

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Writing the Heading of the Memo

1. Type “MEMORANDUM” at the top of the page. State that this document is a
memorandum at the outset. Label the page “MEMORANDUM” 1.5 inches
(3.8 cm) from the top of the page. Put the word in bold on the first line. You can
either center it on this line or left-align it. You might also choose to make the font
larger for this word.
*Double space between this line and the next line of the heading.
2. Address the recipient appropriately. A memo is a formal business
communication, and you should address the reader formally as well. Use a full
name and title of the person to whom you are sending the memo.
*If you are sending a memo to the entire staff, you might write: “TO: All
Employees.”
3. Add additional recipients in the CC line. The “CC” line indicates who will
receive a “Courtesy Copy” of the memo. This is not the person to whom the
memo is directed. Rather, this is someone who may need to stay informed about
policies or issues that you’re addressing in the memo.
4. Write your name in the “From” line. The heading needs to include who is
writing and sending the memo. Your full name and job title go in this line.
5. Include the date. Write the complete date, spelling out the month and including
the date and year. For example, write: “DATE: January 31, 2019” or “DATE: 31
January 2019.”
6. Choose a specific phrase for the subject line. The subject line gives the reader
an idea of what the memo is about. Be specific but concise.
7. Format the heading properly. The heading should be at the top of the page,
aligned to the left-hand side of the page. Capitalize the words “TO:”, “FROM:”,
“DATE:”, and “SUBJECT:”

A sample heading would look like:

TO: Name ad Job title of the recipient
FROM: You name and job title
DATE: Complete date when the memo was written
SUBJECT: (or RE:) What the memo is about (highlighted in some way)

*When constructing the heading, be sure to double space between sections and
align the text.

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*You may choose to add a line below the heading that goes all the way across the
page. This will separate the heading from the body of the memo.

Writing the Body of the Memo

1. Consider who the audience should be. In order to get people to read and
respond to the memo, it’s important to tailor the tone, length, and level of
formality of the memo to the audience who will be reading it. Doing this
effectively requires that you have a good idea of who the memo is intended for.
2. Skip a formal salutation. A memo does not begin with a salutation like “Dear
Mr. de la Cruz.” Instead, dive right into your opening segment that introduces the
matter you’re discussing in the memo.
3. Introduce the problem or issue in the first paragraph. Briefly give them the
context behind the action you wish them to take. This is somewhat like a thesis
statement, which introduces the topic and states why it matters. You might also
consider the introduction as an abstract, or a summary of the entire memo. As a
general guideline, the opening should take up about one paragraph.
5. Give context for the issue at hand. Your reader may need some background
information about the issue you’re addressing. Give some context, but be brief
and only state what is necessary.
6. Support your course of action in the discussion segment. Give a short summary
of the actions that will be implemented. Give evidence and logical reasons for the
solutions you propose. Start with the most important information, then move to
specific or supporting facts. State how the readers will benefit from taking the
action you recommend, or be disadvantaged through lack of action.
7. Suggest the actions that the reader should take. A memo is a call for action on a
particular issue, whether it is an announcement about a new company product,
new policies regarding expense reports, or a statement about how the company is
addressing a problem. Restate the action that the reader should take in the closing
paragraph or sentence.
8. Close the memo with a positive and warm summary. The memo’s final
paragraph should restate the next steps to address the issue at hand. It should also
include a warm note that reiterates the solidarity of the organization.

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Application

A. Explain the following:

1. Why is a memorandum written?
2. Contrast Memorandum To and Memorandum For?
3. Explain vertical and horizontal movement of a memorandum.
4. When do we say that the memorandum was effectively written?

B. Download samples of memos or bring to class copies of memorandum sent to

employees. In a group, identify what type of memos are the downloaded/brought
samples. Also, comment on the format of the sample memo focusing on the
heading and body of the memorandum. Write your observations in a sheet of
paper. Then, revise the original if you found out that the memo written was
erroneously written.

Feedback

Imagine that you are the head of a certain company/agency. Write a memorandum
to all department heads in your company/agency to attend a meeting with you.
Provide the other details needed in the memorandum.

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Topic 4: The JOB Interview

Learning Objectives
At the end of the lesson, you are expected to:
1. discuss the importance of job interview.
2. note the considerations in undergoing a job interview
3. answer intelligently sample job- interview questions
4. conduct a mock- interview

Presentation of Content

Job Interview

A job interview is a conversation between an applicant and a representative of

an employer  to assess whether the applicant should be hired.

It is one of the most popularly used devices for the selection of an employee.
Interviews depend on the extent to which the questions are structured, from
an unstructured and free-wheeling conversation, to a structured interview in
which an applicant is asked a pre-arranged list of questions in a specified order.
Structured interviews are usually more accurate predictors of which applicants
will make suitable employees, according to research studies.

A job interview typically precedes the hiring decision. The interview is usually

preceded by the appraisal of submitted résumés from interested applicants,
possibly by examining job applications or reading many resumes. Next, after this
screening, a small number of candidates for interviews is selected.

An increasingly common initial interview approach is the telephone interview.

This is especially common when the candidates do not live near the employer and
has the advantage of keeping costs low for both sides. Since 2003, interviews
have been held through video conferencing software, such as Skype. Once all
candidates have been interviewed, the employer typically selects the most
desirable candidate(s) and begins the negotiation of a job offer.

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Job Interview Tips

You never get a second chance to make a great first impression during your job
interview, so knowing how to prepare for a job interview and having a well-
prepared plan is vitally important to increase your chances of landing that dream
job.

Interview preparation is the key to success and a well-polished presentation can

give you an edge over others whose credentials might just be better than yours.

 Read and review the job description

Read and review the job description very thoroughly and be sure to align your
competencies with the skills required for the job. You will consequently ready
yourself for questions around your previous experiences, performing similar
duties in other organizations.

 Research the Company

Organizations look to hire people with similar values to those of the company
culture. Researching the company before an interview will give you an insight
into the organization's future goals and plans and being able to discuss these
points will make you seem like a long-term investment to your future employer.
Research on the company’s financials, culture, executive team, and competitors.

 What to Wear in a Job Interview

Wearing the right clothes to the interview won’t get you the job, but wearing the
wrong clothes will drop any chances of impressing the interviewer. There is one
rule that stands above all. Dress professionally, a business attire that is appropriate
for the role while still making sure you feel comfortable.

 Plan your Journey to the Job Interview

Consider how you get there during the interview. A failure to plan is a plan to fail.
Prepare all the things you need a night before the interview. Make sure you arrive
on time. Ensure this by knowing the address and if you can, have a trial run a
couple of days before. Go to bed early the night before and wake up early to give
yourself plenty of time.

 How to Act in an Interview

Whether you get offered the job depends largely on how you perform during the
interview, so it is imperative to make a great first impression on your hiring
manager. It's not just what you do, it's also what you say, and how you say it.

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Read the job interview tips below.

Do’s and Don'ts in a Job Interview

What Should you Do:

Dress to impress - clean, ironed and presentable clothes.

Make eye contact, and begin with a strong handshake.
Sit still, with your feet firmly on the ground.
Remember your CV details particularly the experience most relevant to
the role you're interviewing for.
Make a note of your questions.

What should you not Do:

Turn up late to the interview. 

Dress inappropriately or sloppily.
Smoke before your interview. 
Volunteer your weaknesses or your shortfalls unless asked directly.
Criticize your current or previous employer.

Common Job Interview Questions

The most important part of preparing for an interview is practicing how to answer
interview questions you might be asked on the day. Knowing the most common
types of job interview questions is an advantage - that way, you can craft your
answers well in advance, and feel confident in your responses when the pressure
is on.

Below is a list of common interview questions that help you prepare for your job
interview in the next years.

Personal Qualities

Interviewers will ask questions about you to gain insight into your personality and
to determine whether you're a fit for both the job and the company.

Tell me about yourself.

What is your greatest strength/weakness?

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Tell me about something that's not on your resume.

Do you consider yourself successful? Why?
How do you handle stress and pressure?

Your Previous Job

Employers almost always ask about why you left, or why you are leaving your
current job. Be prepared with an explanation for why you're moving on. Do make
sure the reasons you give match what past employers will say about you if they
are contacted for a reference.

Why do you want to change jobs?

Why were you fired/laid-off?
Why did you quit your job?
Why did you resign?
Why have you been out of work so long?

Compensation

Some of the hardest questions to answer during a job interview are about
compensation. Here's what you will be asked. Questions about salary can be
tricky to answer, and, in some locations, employers aren't allowed to ask about
your salary history.

What were your starting and final levels of compensation?

What are your salary expectations?
What are your salary requirements?
Why would you take a job for less money?

Academic Qualifications and Preparation

The most important thing for interviewers to determine is whether you're qualified
for the job. Here's what they will ask to find out. When responding, be specific.

Are you overqualified for this job? Why?

Tell me about your educational background.
What can you do better for us than the other candidates for the job?
What part of the job will be the least/most challenging for you?

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What philosophy guides your work?

Job Performance

How you performed in previous tasks can indicate how you will perform in the
job for which you're applying. Be prepared to answer questions about what you
did well - and what you didn't. As with questions about qualifications, be sure to
relate your performance to the employer's requirements.

What do people most often criticize about you?

What problems have you encountered at work?
Why weren't you promoted at your last job?
Tell me about something you would have done differently at work.
If the people who know you were asked why you should be hired, what
would they say?

Work History

Is your work history stable, or do you have any gaps in your employment history
that the company should be concerned about? If not, prepare to answer questions
about what you were doing when you weren't in the workforce.

What were your expectations for the job and to what extent were they
met?
What were your responsibilities?
What major challenges and problems did you face? How did you handle
them?
What did you like or dislike about your previous job?
What was the biggest accomplishment/failure in this position?

Management and Teamwork

Do you work well with others? Do you prefer to work in a solitary environment or
as part of a team? Your work style, and how you get along with others, including
co-workers, managers, and customers or clients is important to all employers.
Here are some questions employers ask about getting along at work.

Describe your ideal boss/manager.

What do you expect from a supervisor?

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Have you ever had difficulty working with a manager?

Describe how you managed a problem employee.
Do you prefer to work independently or on a team?

Outstanding Characteristics

Why should you be hired over the other applicants? What makes you the best
candidate for the job? Here's when you'll have the opportunity to make a case for
getting a job offer, and the chance to sell yourself to the interviewer.

Why should we hire you?

Why shouldn't we hire you?
What can you contribute to this company?

Knowledge on the New Job and the Company

What do you know about the company, why do you want the job, and what would
you do if you were to be hired, are just some of the questions you'll be asked
about the position and employer. Take the time to research the employer prior to
the interview, so that you can ask informed questions about the job and company.

How is our company better than your current employer?

What interests you about this job?
What do you know about this company?
Why do you want to work here?
What challenges are you looking for in a position?

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Looking Ahead

The question on whether you are you going to stick around if you're hired is
something most employers want to know. All these questions will gauge your
interest in making a commitment.

Tell me about the trends in your profession and industry.

What are you looking for in your next job? What is important to you?
What is your professional development plan?
Where do you see yourself five years from now?
What will you do if you don't get this position?

One Last Question

The last question you'll most likely be asked is whether you have any questions.

Do you have any questions for me?

Application

A. Using the grid, fill in the needed information.

What three learnings you What two information you What one question you
have had from the module? want to know more about have regarding the lesson
the topic? discussed in the module?
1. 1. 1.

2. 2. 2.

3.

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B. Go out in the community and look for a successful professional. Prepare

interview guide. Interview that professional and record the interview. Present to
class the transcript or the result of the interview.

Feedback

Students look for a partner. They decide who shall be the interviewer and the
interviewee. The interviewer assumes the role of a hiring manager who shall be
ready with the interview questions. The interviewee or the applicant answers the
questions extemporaneously. Each pair has to present in 5 to 7 minutes. They
come to class in a semi-formal/professional attire.

Summary
Workplace communication is the process of exchanging information and ideas,
verbally and non-verbally within an organization. One who has a communication
skill will help one get hired, land promotions, and be a success throughout his/her
career. Good communication in the workplace is an integral element to business
success.

A résumé and a cover letter are documents used and created by an applicant to
present his/her background, skills, and accomplishments and highlights his/her
most relevant qualifications in order to get hired in a company.

A memorandum is a short message or record used for internal communication in

an agency or a company. A memorandum basically informs, requests, and
responds.

A job interview is a conversation between an applicant and a representative of

an employer  to assess whether the applicant should be hired. One has to prepare
for it because it gives one an edge over others whose credentials might just be
better than yours.

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Reflection

What information have you learned in this unit? How might

you use these learnings in your life, chosen field or future
career?

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