SYLLABUS

UNIT 4

INTERVIEW SKILLS: Purpose of an interview, Do’s and Don’ts of an Interview

GIVING PRESENTATIONS: Dealing with Fears, Planning Your Presentations, Structuring

Your Presentation, Techniques of Delivery

INTERVIEW SKILLS are essential for creating a positive impression during job interviews
and effectively communicating your qualifications, experience, and potential to prospective
employers.

PURPOSE OF AN INTERVIEW

The purpose of an interview is a two-way process that allows both the interviewer and the
candidate to assess each other. It serves as a platform to evaluate the candidate’s qualifications,
skills, and cultural fit, while also allowing the candidate to determine if the role and organization
align with their goals and values.

From the Interviewer’s Perspective:

1. Assess Skills and Competencies

o Evaluate the candidate’s technical skills, knowledge, and abilities relevant to the
role.
o Identify if the candidate meets the job requirements and has the potential to
perform effectively.
2. Understand Work Experience
o Learn about the candidate’s past roles, responsibilities, and achievements.
o Determine how their experience aligns with the job description.
3. Evaluate Cultural Fit
o Assess whether the candidate’s values, work style, and personality align with the
company’s culture.
o Gauge how well they would integrate into the team.
4. Clarify Ambiguities
o Ask questions to clarify information on the candidate’s resume or application.
o Explore gaps in employment, career transitions, or unexplained details.
5. Test Problem-Solving and Communication Skills
o Observe how the candidate handles situational or behavioral questions.
o Evaluate their ability to articulate ideas, solve problems, and think critically.

From the Candidate’s Perspective:

1. Understand the Role

 o Gain a clear understanding of job responsibilities, expectations, and required
skills.
o Ask questions about day-to-day tasks and long-term goals for the role.
2. Learn About the Company
o Explore the organization’s culture, mission, and values.
o Assess if the company’s goals and direction align with personal and professional
aspirations.
3. Showcase Skills and Value
o Highlight qualifications, achievements, and unique strengths that make them the
best fit for the role.
o Demonstrate enthusiasm and interest in contributing to the company’s success.
4. Determine Growth Opportunities
o Ask about career development, training, and advancement opportunities.
o Assess how the role fits into long-term career plans.
5. Evaluate Fit
o Determine if the company’s work environment, team dynamics, and leadership
style are a good match.
o Ensure the role aligns with personal preferences, such as work-life balance,
flexibility, and location.

DO’S OF AN INTERVIEW

Before the Interview:

1. Research the Company

o Learn about the company’s mission, values, culture, and recent accomplishments.
o Familiarize yourself with the job description to understand the role’s expectations.
2. Prepare Answers
o Practice responding to common interview questions (e.g., "Tell me about
yourself," "What are your strengths?").
o Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions.
3. Dress Appropriately
o Choose professional attire that aligns with the company’s culture.
o Ensure your clothing is clean, ironed, and well-fitted.
4. Plan Ahead
o Know the interview location or set up the virtual platform in advance.
o Arrive 10–15 minutes early or log in a few minutes before the scheduled time.
5. Bring Essentials
o Carry extra copies of your resume, a list of references, and a notebook for notes.
o Bring a portfolio of work samples if applicable.

During the Interview:

1. Greet Warmly
o Begin with a firm handshake, a smile, and a polite greeting (e.g., “Thank you for
having me.”).
 2. Listen Actively
o Pay attention to the interviewer’s questions and avoid interrupting.
o Show engagement through nodding and maintaining eye contact.
3. Communicate Clearly
o Speak confidently and articulate your thoughts clearly.
o Use concise answers, providing specific examples to support your points.
4. Show Enthusiasm
o Express genuine interest in the role and the company.
o Highlight your passion for contributing to their success.
5. Ask Questions
o Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, team, or company (e.g., “What does
success look like in this position?”).
o This demonstrates your interest and helps you determine if the job is a good fit.
6. Highlight Your Strengths
o Emphasize how your skills, experience, and values align with the role and
company.
o Use specific examples to showcase your achievements.
7. Be Honest
o Answer questions truthfully and avoid exaggerating your qualifications.
o If you don’t know an answer, admit it while expressing a willingness to learn.
8. Maintain Professionalism
o Stay respectful and courteous throughout the conversation.
o Keep your tone positive, even when discussing past challenges or employers.

After the Interview:

1. Ask About Next Steps

o Politely inquire about the timeline for decision-making (e.g., “What are the next
steps in the hiring process?”).
2. Thank the Interviewer
o Express gratitude for the opportunity at the end of the interview.
3. Follow Up
o Send a thank-you email within 24 hours, reiterating your interest in the role and
summarizing key points discussed.

DON’TS OF AN INTERVIEW

Before the Interview:

1. Don’t Go Unprepared
o Avoid showing up without researching the company or understanding the job
description.
o Not practicing answers to common questions can make you seem unsure or
unprepared.
2. Don’t Arrive Late
 o Arriving late gives the impression of poor time management and lack of respect
for the interviewer’s time.
3. Don’t Forget Essentials
o Don’t come without a copy of your resume, portfolio, or any other requested
documents.
4. Don’t Ignore Instructions
o Failing to follow specific instructions, like dress code or submission requirements,
can reflect poorly on you.

During the Interview:

1. Don’t Interrupt the Interviewer

o Cutting off the interviewer mid-sentence can come across as rude or impatient.
2. Don’t Speak Negatively About Previous Employers
o Criticizing past employers or colleagues can make you seem unprofessional and
difficult to work with.
3. Don’t Lie or Exaggerate
o Dishonesty about your qualifications, experience, or skills can lead to issues later
and damage your credibility.
4. Don’t Ramble
o Long, unfocused answers can make you seem unprepared or unable to
communicate effectively.
o Stick to concise, relevant points.
5. Don’t Be Overly Casual
o Avoid using slang, inappropriate jokes, or overly familiar behavior, even if the
interviewer seems relaxed.
6. Don’t Fail to Listen
o Not paying attention to questions or interrupting can make you miss important
details.
7. Don’t Show Disinterest
o Avoid body language that signals boredom, like slouching, avoiding eye contact,
or fidgeting.
o Don’t forget to show enthusiasm and interest in the role.
8. Don’t Ask Irrelevant or Premature Questions
o Questions like "How much vacation time will I get?" or "What’s the salary?" too
early in the process can seem self-serving.
9. Don’t Overlook Body Language
o Avoid closed-off or defensive body language, like crossing your arms or avoiding
eye contact.

After the Interview:

1. Don’t Leave Without Asking Questions

o Failing to ask thoughtful questions can make you seem uninterested or
unprepared.
2. Don’t Forget to Say Thank You
 o Not expressing gratitude at the end of the interview can be seen as a lack of
courtesy.
3. Don’t Skip the Follow-Up
o Neglecting to send a thank-you email can make you seem disengaged or forgetful.

GIVING PRESENTATIONS

Prepare Your Content Thoroughly

 Know Your Topic: Research your subject in-depth so you can confidently answer
questions and provide detailed information.
 Structure Your Presentation: Organize your content logically, using a clear beginning,
middle, and end.
o Introduction: Capture attention with a hook, introduce yourself, and outline what
you’ll cover.
o Body: Present your main points, supported by evidence or examples.
o Conclusion: Summarize key takeaways, emphasize your main message, and end
with a call to action or thought-provoking statement.
 Keep It Focused: Avoid overwhelming your audience with too much information. Stick
to 3-5 main points to keep it digestible.

2. Know Your Audience

 Understand Their Interests and Needs: Tailor your content to what will resonate with
your audience, considering their level of knowledge and expectations.
 Adjust Your Tone and Language: Use language that fits the audience, whether formal,
technical, or conversational.

3. Practice, Practice, Practice

 Rehearse Multiple Times: Practice your presentation aloud, preferably in front of a

mirror or with a friend, to build confidence.
 Time Yourself: Make sure your presentation fits within the allocated time limit.
 Refine Your Delivery: Pay attention to your pacing, tone, and body language while
practicing.

4. Design Effective Visuals

 Keep Slides Simple: Use slides to highlight key points, not to present entire paragraphs
of text. Stick to bullet points, visuals, and graphs to convey information.
 Use High-Quality Images: Visuals like charts, diagrams, and pictures can enhance
understanding and engagement.
 Limit Text: Use concise text on slides. A general rule of thumb is no more than 6 words
per line and 6 lines per slide.
5. Engage the Audience

 Make Eye Contact: This helps establish rapport and keeps the audience engaged.
 Use Gestures and Movement: Be animated and use hand gestures to emphasize key
points. Don’t stand stiffly behind the podium.
 Ask Questions: Interact with your audience by asking questions, prompting discussion,
or using polls.
 Include Stories or Anecdotes: Personal stories or relatable examples can make your
presentation more memorable.

6. Manage Your Nervousness

 Breathe and Relax: Deep breathing can help reduce anxiety. Take a few moments to
compose yourself before starting.
 Visualize Success: Picture yourself giving a confident and successful presentation.
 Embrace Pauses: It’s okay to pause for a moment to gather your thoughts. It’s better
than rushing or filling silence with “um” or “uh.”

7. Use Effective Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication

 Speak Clearly and with Confidence: Project your voice so everyone can hear, but don’t
shout. Speak at a moderate pace, and vary your tone to avoid monotony.
 Use Pauses: Pauses can give the audience time to process information and add impact to
your points.
 Stay Positive: Use positive language and keep a calm, friendly demeanor.

8. Handle Questions Confidently

 Anticipate Questions: Prepare for potential questions in advance and rehearse your
answers.
 Listen Carefully: When someone asks a question, listen fully before responding. If you
don’t know the answer, be honest and offer to follow up later.
 Stay Calm and Professional: If faced with a challenging question or criticism, stay
composed and respond thoughtfully.

9. Use Technology Effectively

 Check Equipment Beforehand: Ensure your slides, microphone, and other tools work
before starting.
 Use a Remote Clicker: If possible, use a remote to change slides without being tethered
to your laptop.
 Be Prepared for Technical Issues: Have a backup plan (e.g., printed slides or notes) in
case of equipment failure.

10. Conclude Strongly

 Summarize Key Points: Recap your main takeaways to reinforce your message.
 End with a Call to Action: If appropriate, tell the audience what action you’d like them
to take next.
 Thank the Audience: Always thank them for their time and attention.