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List of Modules

No. MODULE
MODULE TITLE
CODE

1. The Secretary OP 102-1

2 Personal Effectiveness OP 102-2

3 Standard Secretarial References OP 102-3

4 Use of Outside Sources OP 102-4

5 Job Seeking OP 102-5

6 Job Success OP 102-6

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Computer Secretarial June 2020 Page 73 of 86
Polytechnic Date Revised:
Office Practicum (On the College July 2020
Job Training)
Document No. Developed by:
OP 102 Revision # 02
50-OP 102 Lucille M. Serrano
JOB SUCCESS

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Polytechnic Date Revised:
Office Practicum (On the College July 2020
Job Training)
Document No. Developed by:
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50-OP 102 Lucille M. Serrano
MODULE CONTENT

COURSE TITLE: Office Practicum (ON THE JOB TRAINING)


MODULE TITLE Job Success
NOMINAL DURATION: 7 HRS (NO. of Hours per topic)
SPECIFIC LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

At the end of this module you MUST be able to:


1. Develop interview skills;
2. Analyze potentials for job success.

SUB TOPIC:
1. Do’s and Don’ts in preparing for an interview
1.1 Negative factors to be avoided during actual interview
2. How to stay in the Job

ASSESSMENT METHOD/S:
1. Interview

REFERENCE/S:
http://csc.gov.ph/2014-02-21-08-28-23/pdf-files/category/861-personal-data-sheet-
revised-2017.html
https://www.thebalancecareers.com/
https://spinter.lt
https://hbr.org/1964/01/strategies-of-effective-interviewing

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Polytechnic Date Revised:
Office Practicum (On the College July 2020
Job Training)
Document No. Developed by:
OP 102 Revision # 02
50-OP 102 Lucille M. Serrano
Information Sheet OP 102-6
Job Success

Learning Objectives:
After reading this INFORMATION SHEET, YOU MUST be able to:
1. Develop interview skills;
2. Analyze potentials for job success.

The executive engaged in the normal conduct of business devotes much of his
time to interviewing. However, there is an appalling lack of effort given to
systematic attempts at building improvements into this age-old process.
Interviewing remains one of those activities which we think we know all about
merely because we have been doing it so long; we have been lulled by habit. It
seems apparent that a modest effort aimed at an analysis of our interviewing
techniques would yield generous returns.
In the broad sense, interviewing is the process whereby individuals (usually two)
exchange information. The individuals may be concerned with a job opening, a
promotion, a special assignment, a product sale, information for intelligence
purposes, a proposed merger, or other questions. The information exchanged
need not be limited to facts. In business, particularly, such products of an
interview as meaning and understanding are oftentimes more significant than
objective factual statements.
Interviewing in the contemporary business setting invariably takes place in an
atmosphere filled with a sense of urgency. The time allocated to the interview is
necessarily limited. Consequently, a nondirective approach finds little
application; it is necessary to use the guided interview in the vast majority of
situations. This inherent time constraint sometimes brings about dysfunctional
consequences: the interviewer is so preoccupied with budgeting his time that the
content and the purpose of the interview are vitiated. Hence, we must define
what we mean by an effective interview. For the purposes of this module, an
effective interview is one that optimizes the perceived communication objectives
of the individuals involved, with time as the principal constraint.

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Polytechnic Date Revised:
Office Practicum (On the College July 2020
Job Training)
Document No. Developed by:
OP 102 Revision # 02
50-OP 102 Lucille M. Serrano
DEVELOP INTERVIEW SKILLS
Interview Techniques
✓ Definition for interview
✓ Types of interview
✓ Preparation for interviews
✓ Performance during and after interviews
✓ Some Tips for interviews
✓ Do’s and Don’ts
✓ Interview questions
WHAT IS AN INTERVIEW?
➢ A meeting of minimum two expert- candidate
➢ Arranged to examine the suitability of the candidate
➢ Tested for subject knowledge, skills and desired behavior in a very limited
time
TYPES OF INTERVIEW
1. Panel interview
➢ three or more experts sit across table from the candidate.
➢ is a job interview in which an applicant answers questions from a group
of people who then make the hiring decision?
➢ Hiring managers use panel interviews to gain perspective from other
people in the organization and occasionally those outside the organization.

Panel interviews reduce the risk of making a bad hire. The panel’s goal is to
make the best hiring decision possible given the information available about the
position and the finalists.

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Job Training)
Document No. Developed by:
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50-OP 102 Lucille M. Serrano
2. Face-to-Face Interviews
➢ one interviewer one candidate.
➢ is a data collection method when the
interviewer directly communicates with
the respondent in accordance with the
prepared questionnaire.

➢ This method enables to acquire factual


information, consumer evaluations, attitudes,
preferences and other information coming out
during the conversation with the
respondent.
➢ face-to-face interview method ensures the
quality of the obtained data and increases
the response rate.

Which comes first when preparing for an interview?

1. Analyze the Job


An important part of interview preparation is to take the time to analyze the job
posting, if you have it. As you review the job description, consider what the
company is seeking in a candidate.

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Job Training)
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Make a list of the skills, knowledge, and professional and personal qualities that
are required by the employer and are critical for success in the job.
2. Research the Company
Before you go on a job interview, it's important to find out as much as you can
about not only the job, but also the company. Company research is a critical
part of interview preparation. It will help you prepare to answer interview
questions about the company and to ask the interviewer questions about the
company. You will also be able to find out whether the company and the
company culture are a good fit for you.
3. Practice Interviewing
Take the time to practice answering interview questions you will probably be
asked during a job interview. This will help give you a chance to prepare and
practice answers, and will also help calm your nerves because you won't be
scrambling for an answer while you're in the interview hot seat.
Practice interviewing with a friend or family member ahead of time and it will be
much easier when you're actually in a job interview.
Try to conduct the practice interview in the same format as the real interview.
For example, if it is a phone interview, ask a friend to call you to practice
answering questions over the phone. If it is a panel interview, ask a couple of
friends to pretend to be a panel.

Review common job interview


question and answers and think
about how you will respond so you
are prepared to answer.
You don't need to memorize an
answer, but do take the time to
consider how you'll respond. The
more you prepare, the more
confident you'll feel during a job
interview.

The Most Frequently Asked Interview Questions


These are the top ten most commonly asked interview questions, with examples
of the best answers. Also review job-specific interview questions for many
different positions to get ideas for framing your own interview responses.

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Polytechnic Date Revised:
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Job Training)
Document No. Developed by:
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50-OP 102 Lucille M. Serrano
Questions About You
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. These
are open-ended questions which will give you the opportunity to show the
employer that you're well-qualified for the position.
Tell me about yourself.
What is your greatest strength?
What is your greatest weakness?
What makes you unique?
Tell me about something that's not on your resume.
How will your greatest strength help you perform?
How do you handle failure?
How do you handle success?
Do you consider yourself successful? Why?
How do you handle stress and pressure?
How would you describe yourself?
Describe a typical work week.
Are you lucky?
Are you nice?
Are you willing to fail?
Are you willing to relocate?
Describe your work ethic.
Describe your work style.
Do you work well with other people?
Do you take work home with you?
How are you different from the competition?
How do you view yourself? Whom do you compare yourself to?
How does this job fit in with your career aspirations?
How many hours a week do you normally work?
How well do you assimilate into a new environment?
How would you adjust to working for a new company?
How would you describe the pace at which you work?
How would your co-workers describe your personality?
How would a professor describe you?
Is there anything else we should know about you?
What motivates you?
Are you a self-motivator?
What do you find are the most difficult decisions to make?
What has been the greatest disappointment in your life?
What are you passionate about?
What are your hobbies?
What are your pet peeves?
What is your dream job?
What is the worst thing you've gotten away with?
What will you miss most about your last job?
What won’t you miss about your last job?
Would you rather be liked or respected?
Why should I take a risk on you?
If you could relive the last ten years of your life, what would you do differently?

4. Get Your Interview Clothes Ready


Don't wait until the last minute to make sure your interview clothes are ready.
Have an interview outfit ready to wear at all times, so you don't have to think

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about what you're going to wear while you're scrambling to get ready for a job
interview.
Regardless of the type of job you're interviewing for, that first impression should
be a great one. When dressing for an interview for a professional position, dress
accordingly in business attire.
If you're applying for a job in a more casual environment, such as a store or
restaurant, it's still important to be neat, tidy, and well-groomed, and to present
a positive image to the employer.
It is also important to think about your makeup and accessories when dressing
for an interview.

5. Decide What to Do With Your Hair


How you style your hair for a job interview is almost as important as the interview
clothes you wear. After all, the interviewer is going to notice everything about
you, including your interview attire, hairstyle, and makeup, and you only have
seconds to make a great impression.
6. Get Directions
It's important to know where you need to go for your job interview – ahead of
time. That way, you'll avoid running late to the interview. Use Google Maps or
another app to get directions if you're not sure where you are going.
7. Practice Interview Etiquette
Proper interview etiquette is important. Remember to greet the receptionist, your
interviewer, and everyone else you meet politely, pleasantly, and
enthusiastically.
During the interview, watch your body language; shake hands firmly and make
eye contact as you articulate your points. Pay attention, be attentive, and look
interested. This is something you can work on in your practice interviews.
The more positive an impression you make, the better you'll do during the job
interview. These job interview etiquette tips will help you make the best
impression on the hiring manager.

8. Listen and Ask Questions


During a job interview, listening is just as important as answering questions. If
you're not paying attention, you're not going to be able to give a good response.
It's important to listen to the interviewer, pay attention, and take time, if you
need it, to compose an appropriate answer. It's also important to discuss your
qualifications in a way that will impress the interviewer.

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Also, be ready to engage the interviewer. You want there to be a give and take in
the conversation, so you're building a relationship with the interviewer rather
than just providing rote responses to questions. Have questions of your own
ready to ask the interviewer.
Towards the end of the interview, let the recruiter know that you believe the job
is an excellent fit and that you are highly interested.

9. Follow Up With a Thank You Note


Follow up a job interview with a thank you note reiterating your interest in the
job.
Consider you thank you letter as a follow-up "sales" letter. Restate why you want
the job, what your qualifications are, how you might make significant
contributions, and so on.
This thank you letter is also the perfect opportunity to discuss anything of
importance that your interviewer neglected to ask or that you neglected to
answer as thoroughly, or as well, as you would have liked.

DURING AN INTERVIEW THE EMPLOYER EVALUATES:


Self Confidence – you should be confident while appearing for interview
Interpersonal skills – fluency in English, listen attentively and answer to
the questions asked by the interviewer.
Be honest – While answering in the interview, even if you don’t know the
answer for certain question, be honest in answer to the interviewer.
Posture: sit erect without learning on the desk or slouching in the chair,
but don’t be stiff and tense.
Always make eye contact when you speak, but avoid continuous staring.
Don’t use too many hand movements and frequent change of facial
expressions not in relation to words you have expressed.
Dress formally and well groomed.
DO’S
❖ Do take a practice run to the location where you are having the interview.
❖ If presented with a job application, do fill it out neatly, completely and
accurately.
❖ Do bring extra resumes to the interview.
❖ Do greet the interviewer & do shake hands firmly.

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Polytechnic Date Revised:
Office Practicum (On the College July 2020
Job Training)
Document No. Developed by:
OP 102 Revision # 02
50-OP 102 Lucille M. Serrano
❖ Do wait until you are offered a chair before sitting.
❖ Do make good eye contact with your interviewer(s)
❖ Do show enthusiasm in the position and the company.
❖ Do make sure that your good points come across to the interviewer in a
factual sincere manner.
❖ Do stress your achievements

DON’TS
❖ Do avoid controversial topics.
❖ Don’t ever lie. Answer questions truthfully, frankly and succinctly.
❖ Don’t say anything negative about former colleagues, supervisors, or
employers.
❖ Don’t answer questions with a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’. Explain whenever
possible. Describe those things about yourself that showcase your talents,
skills and determination. Give examples.
❖ Don’t inquire about salary, vacations, bonuses, retirement, or other
benefits until after you’ve received an offer.
❖ Don’t bring up or discuss personal issues or family problems.

NEGATIVE FACTORS TO BE AVOIDED DURING ACTUAL INTERVIEW


1. Arriving late
Poor time management decreases your ability to be punctual due to
unpredictable delays. Make sure you plan enough time for your journey.
Tardiness is very poor behaviour.
2. Unexcused absence
If illness, delayed train connections or car problems keep you from being on time,
all you need to do to protect yourself is apologise for your tardiness. Immediately
inform your contact person.
3. Too casual at greeting
Despite your excitement, an impolite greeting without eye contact is
unforgivable. This is one of the most common interview mistakes complained
about by supervisors. Make sure you have good manners.
4. A lack of interest in the employer
Insufficient information about the potential future employer is one of the biggest
mistakes in job interviews. Gather information prior to the interview. It may be

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Polytechnic Date Revised:
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Job Training)
Document No. Developed by:
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50-OP 102 Lucille M. Serrano
helpful to talk to a recruitment consultant who can help you thoroughly prepare
for your information and may even be able to provide you with insider
information.
5. Questionable documents?
Those without answers for gaps and missing information in their documents
embarrass themselves when asked about them. Under certain conditions, one of
the biggest interview mistakes could unbalance you and put other applicants
ahead of you.
6. Overtired appearance
Nothing is more negative than looking exhausted and yawning during an
interview. Avoid turning drinks into a stumbling block and postpone your party.
7. Lack of care
Dirty fingernails, food remains between your teeth, or worn-out clothing are a
small but uncomfortably grave lapse of judgement in a job interview. Carefully
check your appearance in the mirror.
8. Inappropriate clothing
You give a poor impression of yourself when wearing inappropriate clothing.
Avoid this job interview mistake and adapt your clothing to your (future)
workplace.
9. Bad manners
Those who straddle their chairs should not expect to be well received by their
interviewer. Show your interviewer respect.
10. Abrasive posture
Cigarettes and gum have no place in a job interview; the same applies to looking
bored or keeping an eye on the clock.
11. Intellectual absence
Those who pay more attention to their mobile phone, etc., than to the interviewer
have already lost. This interview mistake destroys all your chances.
12. Senseless chit chat
Be aware of the meaning and weight of your words and think for a moment before
you answer. Meaningless small talk comes across as unprofessional and
demonstrates an inability to concentrate on what's important.
13. Overestimation of your own abilities
Excessive ego is repulsive. Avoid this inappropriate interview behaviour and
provide advantageous yet objective information bout yourself.
14. Inability to take criticism

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Job Training)
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Those who answer angrily scare off their interviewer. Avoid such inappropriate
behaviour in your job interview and react calmly and professionally to critical
questions.
15. Presumptuous questions
Forcing the conditions of the job to the fore has proven to be a big mistake in
interviews. Hold back premature questions and wait for your interviewer's offer.

HOW TO STAY IN THE JOB


There are many tips for keeping your new job and maintaining a professional
image - Here are a few...
1. Understand Your Role & Expectations
➢ You may feel as though you are doing a fantastic job, but if your
expectations differ from those of your manager or boss, there is
going to be conflict. Have a good understanding of what is expected
of you.
➢ If you feel that the expectations are unrealistic, then you need to
approach your boss and explain the situation. One of the most
important aspects of maintaining a professional image is being a
good team player and contributing fairly to the team objectives. No
one likes a colleague who does not do their fair share of the work.

2. Expand Your Role & Keep Learning


➢ Be a team player and look to get involved in more areas of the business.
Be willing to share your expertise, but also be willing to learn new
skills.
➢ If your company offers training courses, put your hand up to get
involved.
➢ If your company doesn’t offer training courses, you can still take the
initiative and invest in your own growth and knowledge by paying for
these courses yourself.
3. Develop Positive Relationships
➢ With all of the time we spend at work, it’s important to develop positive
relationships with all of our co-workers, managers, and bosses. Good
relationships are based on trust. Keep commitments. If you promise
something, make sure you deliver on time.
➢ However, if you find yourself in a situation where something has
changed and you cannot keep that commitment, be honest, and

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communicate. Honest communication is the key to building a long-
lasting relationship.
4. Be Visible
➢ Leaving early every day and not attending social gatherings is definitely
not the right way to maintain a professional image. Being visible is part
of being a good team player.
➢ This does not mean you have to be best friends with every person you
work with, but there is no need to isolate yourself either.

5. Ask for Feedback and Learn from Your Boss


➢ Do not be afraid to ask for feedback. In order to grow and improve
ourselves, we need feedback on how we are performing in our jobs.
➢ Positive feedback is always fantastic, however don’t be put down by
negative feedback and certainly do not hold grudges. Learn from your
mistakes and strive to do better going forward.

Bulacan Date Developed:


Computer Secretarial June 2020 Page 86 of 86
Polytechnic Date Revised:
Office Practicum (On the College July 2020
Job Training)
Document No. Developed by:
OP 102 Revision # 02
50-OP 102 Lucille M. Serrano

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