Transcript File

Chapter 14
Interviewing and Following Up
Essentials of
Business
Communication 9e
Mary Ellen Guffey & Dana Loewy
© 2013 Cengage Learning ● All Rights Reserved
So, you want
to get your
dream job?
© 2013 Cengage Learning ● All Rights Reserved
Mary Ellen Guffey & Dana Loewy, Essentials of Business Communication, 9th Edition
Chapter 13, Slide 2
Types of Employment Interviews
Screening
© 2013 Cengage Learning ● All Rights Reserved
To weed out
unqualified candidates.
Often conducted by
telephone or online.
Goal
Hiring/
placement
To learn whether a
candidate is a good fit for
the organization. Usually
conducted in person.
Mary Ellen Guffey & Dana Loewy, Essentials of Business Communication, 9th Edition
Chapter 14, Slide 3
Types of Employment Interviews
 One-on-one
 Panel
© 2013 Cengage Learning ● All Rights Reserved
Hiring/
placement
 Group
 Sequential
 Stress
 Online
Mary Ellen Guffey & Dana Loewy, Essentials of Business Communication, 9th Edition
Chapter 14, Slide 4
Interview Success
© 2013 Cengage Learning ● All Rights Reserved
Before
the
interview
During
the
interview
Mary Ellen Guffey & Dana Loewy, Essentials of Business Communication, 9th Edition
After
the
interview
Chapter 14, Slide 5
Professional Phone Techniques
Before
During
After
 Remember that anytime the phone rings,
© 2013 Cengage Learning ● All Rights Reserved
it could be a potential employer.
 Invest in a good answering machine or
voice mail service.
 Create a concise, professional outgoing
message in your own voice; include your
full name.
Mary Ellen Guffey & Dana Loewy, Essentials of Business Communication, 9th Edition
Chapter 14, Slide 6
Professional Phone Techniques
Before
During
After
 Alert those who may answer your phone;
© 2013 Cengage Learning ● All Rights Reserved
don’t let children answer.
 Beware of answering
cell calls.
 Use voice mail to
screen calls.
Mary Ellen Guffey & Dana Loewy, Essentials of Business Communication, 9th Edition
Chapter 14, Slide 7
An Impressive First Conversation
Before
During
After
© 2013 Cengage Learning ● All Rights Reserved
Keep the following near your phone:
 Your résumé
 List of positions for
which you have applied
 List of references
 Calendar
 Notepad and pen
Mary Ellen Guffey & Dana Loewy, Essentials of Business Communication, 9th Edition
Chapter 14, Slide 8
An Impressive First Conversation
Before
During
After
 Treat any call from an
© 2013 Cengage Learning ● All Rights Reserved
employer like an interview.
 If caught off-guard, ask
whether you can call back.
 Be prepared for a
screening interview.
Mary Ellen Guffey & Dana Loewy, Essentials of Business Communication, 9th Edition
Chapter 14, Slide 9
An Impressive First Conversation
Before
During
After
© 2013 Cengage Learning ● All Rights Reserved
 Take good notes.
 Get accurate directions.
 Verify spelling of
interviewer’s name.
 Before you hang up,
reconfirm date and time of interview.
Mary Ellen Guffey & Dana Loewy, Essentials of Business Communication, 9th Edition
Chapter 14, Slide 10
Researching the Company
Before
During
After
© 2013 Cengage Learning ● All Rights Reserved
 Never enter an interview cold!
 Learn all you can about the target
company.
 Employers are impressed
by candidates who have
done their homework.
Mary Ellen Guffey & Dana Loewy, Essentials of Business Communication, 9th Edition
Chapter 14, Slide 11
Researching the Company
What should you look for?
Field, service, or
product
Mission and goals
Size/Geographic
Location(s)
© 2013 Cengage Learning ● All Rights Reserved
Number of employees Customers
Competitors
Culture
Management
structure
Names of leaders
History
Reputation in
community
Financial condition
Strengths and
weaknesses
Recent news articles
Future plans
Mary Ellen Guffey & Dana Loewy, Essentials of Business Communication, 9th Edition
Chapter 14, Slide 12
Researching the Company
Where should you look?
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Company’s Web site
General Web search
Annual reports
Catalogs or brochures Current employees
Blogs/Social Network
Sites
Newspaper articles
Library
Informal visit
Mary Ellen Guffey & Dana Loewy, Essentials of Business Communication, 9th Edition
Chapter 14, Slide 13
Prepare and Practice
Before
During
After
© 2013 Cengage Learning ● All Rights Reserved
 How do your qualifications fit the job
description?
 Rehearse success stories.
 Practice answers to typical
interview questions.
 Prepare to explain résumé problem areas.
Mary Ellen Guffey & Dana Loewy, Essentials of Business Communication, 9th Edition
Chapter 14, Slide 14
Prepare and Practice
Before
During
After
© 2013 Cengage Learning ● All Rights Reserved
 Clean up any digital dirt.
 Decide how to dress professionally.
 Gather items to bring:
Copies of your résumé
Reference list
Notebook and pen
Money
Work samples
Mary Ellen Guffey & Dana Loewy, Essentials of Business Communication, 9th Edition
Chapter 14, Slide 15
Cleaning Up “Digital Dirt”
 Remove questionable content:
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Inappropriate photos
Provocative statements
Content about alcohol or drugs
Discriminatory comments
Anything that demonstrates poor communication
 Stay positive—don’t
complain about your
professional or personal
life online.
Mary Ellen Guffey & Dana Loewy, Essentials of Business Communication, 9th Edition
Chapter 14, Slide 16
Cleaning Up “Digital Dirt”
 Be selective about your list of friends.
 Avoid joining negative groups or “liking”
negative pages.
© 2013 Cengage Learning ● All Rights Reserved
 If you are employed, don’t discuss your job
search online.
 Set up a professional social
networking page or Web site.
Mary Ellen Guffey & Dana Loewy, Essentials of Business Communication, 9th Edition
Chapter 14, Slide 17
Traveling to Your Interview
Before
During
After
© 2013 Cengage Learning ● All Rights Reserved
 Give yourself plenty of time to groom and
dress.
 Leave early enough so that you’ll arrive on
time.
 Don’t smoke, eat messy or smelly foods, or
overdo the perfume or cologne.
 If you are delayed, call immediately!
Mary Ellen Guffey & Dana Loewy, Essentials of Business Communication, 9th Edition
Chapter 14, Slide 18
Arriving at Your Interview
Before
During
After
© 2013 Cengage Learning ● All Rights Reserved
 Arrive on time or a little early.
 When you enter, be courteous and congenial
to everyone.
 Great the receptionist and wait for an
invitation to sit.
 Greet the interviewer confidently; don’t be
afraid to initiate a handshake.
Mary Ellen Guffey & Dana Loewy, Essentials of Business Communication, 9th Edition
Chapter 14, Slide 19
The Basics of a Good Handshake
© 2013 Cengage Learning ● All Rights Reserved
 Hold the person’s hand
firmly.
 Pump hand
approximately three or
four times.
 Maintain eye contact.
 Smile!
A strong handshake conveys power,
professionalism, and confidence!
Mary Ellen Guffey & Dana Loewy, Essentials of Business Communication, 9th Edition
Chapter 14, Slide 20
Fighting Fear
Before
During
After
© 2013 Cengage Learning ● All Rights Reserved
 Practice interviewing as much as you can,
particularly with real companies.
 Prepare thoroughly:
Research the position.
Practice answering questions.
Prepare and rehearse success stories.
Review the job posting.
Mary Ellen Guffey & Dana Loewy, Essentials of Business Communication, 9th Edition
Chapter 14, Slide 21
Fighting Fear
Before
During
After
© 2013 Cengage Learning ● All Rights Reserved
 Dress professionally.
 Remember that interviewing
is a two-way street. You are
also evaluating the interviewer
and the organization.
Let this give you confidence!
Mary Ellen Guffey & Dana Loewy, Essentials of Business Communication, 9th Edition
Chapter 14, Slide 22
During the Interview
Before
During
After
Being and Looking Professional
© 2013 Cengage Learning ● All Rights Reserved
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



Control your body movements.
Exhibit good posture.
Practice appropriate eye contact.
Use gestures effectively.
Smile enough to convey a positive attitude.
Mary Ellen Guffey & Dana Loewy, Essentials of Business Communication, 9th Edition
Chapter 14, Slide 23
During the Interview
Before
During
After
Being and Looking Professional
© 2013 Cengage Learning ● All Rights Reserved
 Listen attentively.
 Turn off your cell phone and other
electronic devices—completely!
 Sound enthusiastic and interested—but
sincere.
Mary Ellen Guffey & Dana Loewy, Essentials of Business Communication, 9th Edition
Chapter 14, Slide 24
During the Interview
Before
During
After
Being and Looking Professional
© 2013 Cengage Learning ● All Rights Reserved
 Don’t chew gum.
 Avoid empty words (um, uh, like, you
know, basically).
 Be confident, but not cocky.
Mary Ellen Guffey & Dana Loewy, Essentials of Business Communication, 9th Edition
Chapter 14, Slide 25
During the Interview
Before
During
After
Answering Questions Effectively
© 2013 Cengage Learning ● All Rights Reserved
 Use the interviewer’s name occasionally.
Pronounce it correctly!
 Be sure you understand the question
asked. If necessary, clarify vague
questions, such as By ____ do you mean
_____?
Mary Ellen Guffey & Dana Loewy, Essentials of Business Communication, 9th Edition
Chapter 14, Slide 26
During the Interview
Before
During
After
Answering Questions Effectively
© 2013 Cengage Learning ● All Rights Reserved
Aim your answers at key requirements for the
job and at characteristics that interviewers
seek:
Expertise
Competence
Initiative
Motivation
Communication skills
Enthusiasm for the job
Decision-making skills
Pleasing personality
Mary Ellen Guffey & Dana Loewy, Essentials of Business Communication, 9th Edition
Chapter 14, Slide 27
During the Interview
Before
During
After
© 2013 Cengage Learning ● All Rights Reserved
Answering Questions Effectively
 Don’t answer with a simple yes or no—
elaborate!
 Be positive—don’t criticize anyone or
anything.
 Stay focused on your strengths.
 Use good English and enunciate clearly.
 Never lie!
Mary Ellen Guffey & Dana Loewy, Essentials of Business Communication, 9th Edition
Chapter 14, Slide 28
During the Interview
Before
During
After
Answering Questions Effectively
© 2013 Cengage Learning ● All Rights Reserved
 Don’t bring up salary, vacation, and
benefits first—let the employer do it.
 Don’t be overbearing, overly aggressive,
or conceited.
 Show what you can do for the company.
 Make yourself shine!
Mary Ellen Guffey & Dana Loewy, Essentials of Business Communication, 9th Edition
Chapter 14, Slide 29
Communication skills: How well do
you present yourself and your ideas?
Attitude: Do you have a positive attitude
about yourself and your career?
© 2013 Cengage Learning ● All Rights Reserved
Five
Important
Areas
Employers
Will
Probe
Aptitude: Do your educational training and
general life experiences qualify you for this
position?
Potential: How do your attitude and
aptitude combine to contribute to this
company?
Motivation: What are your short- and
long-term career goals? Why do you want
this job with this company?
Mary Ellen Guffey & Dana Loewy, Essentials of Business Communication, 9th Edition
Chapter 14, Slide 30
10 Other Important Qualities
© 2013 Cengage Learning ● All Rights Reserved
1. Ability to work with
others
2. Alertness
3. Maturity
4. Initiative and drive
5. Leadership qualities
6. Manners
7. Organizational skills
8. Poise and selfconfidence
9. Preparation for
the interview
10. Professional
appearance
Mary Ellen Guffey & Dana Loewy, Essentials of Business Communication, 9th Edition
Chapter 14, Slide 31
Kinds of Interview Questions
© 2013 Cengage Learning ● All Rights Reserved
Think about how you might
respond most effectively to
these examples of the ten
most common types of
interview questions.
Mary Ellen Guffey & Dana Loewy, Essentials of Business Communication, 9th Edition
Chapter 14, Slide 32
Kinds of Interview Questions
Get
Acquainted
© 2013 Cengage Learning ● All Rights Reserved
 Tell me about yourself.
 What are your greatest
strengths?
Mary Ellen Guffey & Dana Loewy, Essentials of Business Communication, 9th Edition
Chapter 14, Slide 33
Kinds of Interview Questions
Gauging Your
Interest
© 2013 Cengage Learning ● All Rights Reserved
 Why do you want to work for
_______?
 Why are you interested in this
position?
Mary Ellen Guffey & Dana Loewy, Essentials of Business Communication, 9th Edition
Chapter 14, Slide 34
Kinds of Interview Questions
Your Experience
and Accomplishments
© 2013 Cengage Learning ● All Rights Reserved
 Why should we hire you when we
have applicants with more
experience or better credentials?
 How do your qualifications and
experience prepare you for this
position?
Mary Ellen Guffey & Dana Loewy, Essentials of Business Communication, 9th Edition
Chapter 14, Slide 35
Kinds of Interview Questions
The Future
© 2013 Cengage Learning ● All Rights Reserved
 Where do you expect to be five
years from now?
 What do you predict for the
future of the ________
industry?
Mary Ellen Guffey & Dana Loewy, Essentials of Business Communication, 9th Edition
Chapter 14, Slide 36
Kinds of Interview Questions
Challenging
© 2013 Cengage Learning ● All Rights Reserved
 What is your greatest weakness?
 How would your former
supervisor describe you as an
employee?
Mary Ellen Guffey & Dana Loewy, Essentials of Business Communication, 9th Edition
Chapter 14, Slide 37
Kinds of Interview Questions
Money
© 2013 Cengage Learning ● All Rights Reserved
 What are your salary
expectations?
 How much do you think you're
worth?
Mary Ellen Guffey & Dana Loewy, Essentials of Business Communication, 9th Edition
Chapter 14, Slide 38
Kinds of Interview Questions
Situational
© 2013 Cengage Learning ● All Rights Reserved
 If you were aware that a
coworker was falsifying data,
what would you do?
 If you had to handle an irate
customer, what would you do?
Mary Ellen Guffey & Dana Loewy, Essentials of Business Communication, 9th Edition
Chapter 14, Slide 39
Kinds of Interview Questions
Behavioral
© 2013 Cengage Learning ● All Rights Reserved
 Tell me about a time when you
solved a difficult problem.
 Describe a time when you
worked successfully as part of a
team.
Mary Ellen Guffey & Dana Loewy, Essentials of Business Communication, 9th Edition
Chapter 14, Slide 40
STAR Method: Behavioral Questions
© 2013 Cengage Learning ● All Rights Reserved
Behavioral interview questions
may begin with Tell me about
a time when you...
To answer effectively, use
the S T A R method.
Mary Ellen Guffey & Dana Loewy, Essentials of Business Communication, 9th Edition
Chapter 14, Slide 41
STAR Method: Behavioral Questions
What was the Situation?
What was the Task?
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What Action was taken?
What was the Result?
Mary Ellen Guffey & Dana Loewy, Essentials of Business Communication, 9th Edition
Chapter 14, Slide 42
Kinds of Interview Questions
Illegal and
Inappropriate
© 2013 Cengage Learning ● All Rights Reserved




What is your marital status?
Do you have any disabilities?
How old are you?
Where are you from? What is the
origin of your last name? What is
your native language?
Mary Ellen Guffey & Dana Loewy, Essentials of Business Communication, 9th Edition
Chapter 14, Slide 43
Asking Your Own Questions
Interviewee
Questions
© 2013 Cengage Learning ● All Rights Reserved
 What will my duties be?
 What is it like working here, in terms of
the people, management practices,
work loads, expected performance,
and rewards?
 What training programs does this
organization offer?
Mary Ellen Guffey & Dana Loewy, Essentials of Business Communication, 9th Edition
Chapter 14, Slide 44
Asking Your Own Questions
Interviewee
Questions
© 2013 Cengage Learning ● All Rights Reserved
 Who would be my immediate
supervisor?
 What is the organizational structure,
and where does this position fit in?
 How is performance evaluated?
Mary Ellen Guffey & Dana Loewy, Essentials of Business Communication, 9th Edition
Chapter 14, Slide 45
Asking Your Own Questions
Interviewee
Questions
© 2013 Cengage Learning ● All Rights Reserved
 What do you like best about working
for this organization?
 May I have a tour of the facilities?
 When do you expect to make a
decision?
Mary Ellen Guffey & Dana Loewy, Essentials of Business Communication, 9th Edition
Chapter 14, Slide 46
During the Interview
Before
During
After
© 2013 Cengage Learning ● All Rights Reserved
Ending Positively
 Wait for the interviewer to signal the end
of the interview.
 Summarize your strongest
qualifications.
 Demonstrate your interest
in the position.
 Don’t be afraid to say you want the job!
Mary Ellen Guffey & Dana Loewy, Essentials of Business Communication, 9th Edition
Chapter 14, Slide 47
During the Interview
Before
During
After
Ending Positively
© 2013 Cengage Learning ● All Rights Reserved

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


Find out what steps will follow.
Thank the interviewer.
Ask for a business card.
Shake hands confidently.
Thank the receptionist
on the way out.
Mary Ellen Guffey & Dana Loewy, Essentials of Business Communication, 9th Edition
Chapter 14, Slide 48
After the Interview
Before
During
After
© 2013 Cengage Learning ● All Rights Reserved
Make notes on the interview as soon as you
leave:
 Key points discussed
 Names of people you spoke with
 Strengths and weaknesses
during interview
 Follow-up plans
Mary Ellen Guffey & Dana Loewy, Essentials of Business Communication, 9th Edition
Chapter 14, Slide 49
After the Interview
Before
During
After
 Write a thank-you letter to the interviewer:
© 2013 Cengage Learning ● All Rights Reserved
Remind the interviewer of your visit.
Show that you really want the job.
Prove that you are qualified for it.
 Alert your references that they might be called.
 If you don’t hear from the interviewer within the
specified time, call or send and interview followup message.
Mary Ellen Guffey & Dana Loewy, Essentials of Business Communication, 9th Edition
Chapter 14, Slide 50
Thank-You Message
Dear Ms. Simmons:
Talking with you Thursday, May 27, about the graphic
designer position was both informative and interesting.
© 2013 Cengage Learning ● All Rights Reserved
Thanks for describing the position in such detail and for
introducing me to Ms. Anderson, the senior designer. Her
current project designing the annual report in four colors on
a Macintosh sounds fascinating as well as quite
challenging.
Now that I’ve learned in greater detail the specific tasks of
your graphic designers, I’m more than ever convinced that
Mary Ellen Guffey & Dana Loewy, Essentials of Business Communication, 9th Edition
Chapter 14, Slide 51
Thank-You Message
my computer and creative skills can make a genuine
contribution to your graphic productions. My training in
Macintosh design and layout ensures that I could be
immediately productive on your staff.
© 2013 Cengage Learning ● All Rights Reserved
You will find me an enthusiastic and hard-working member
of any team effort. As you requested, I’m enclosing
additional samples of my work. I’m eager to join the
graphics staff at your Santa Barbara headquarters, and I
look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
Mary Ellen Guffey & Dana Loewy, Essentials of Business Communication, 9th Edition
Chapter 14, Slide 52
Contacting References
© 2013 Cengage Learning ● All Rights Reserved
 Alert your references.
 Tell what position you applied for,
the company, what to stress, etc.
 Send helpful information:
Résumé
Transcripts
Job description
Job posting
Mary Ellen Guffey & Dana Loewy, Essentials of Business Communication, 9th Edition
Chapter 14, Slide 53
Interview Follow-Up Message
Dear Ms. Jamison:
© 2013 Cengage Learning ● All Rights Reserved
I enjoyed my interview with you last Thursday for the
receptionist position. You should know that I’m very
interested in this opportunity with Coastal Enterprises.
Because you mentioned you might have an answer this
week, I’m eager to know how your decision process is
coming along. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Mary Ellen Guffey & Dana Loewy, Essentials of Business Communication, 9th Edition
Chapter 14, Slide 54
Application
form
Resignation
letter
Application or
résumé
follow-up
letter
© 2013 Cengage Learning ● All Rights Reserved
Other
Employment
Letters and
Documents
Job acceptance
and rejection
letters
Rejection
follow-up
letter
Mary Ellen Guffey & Dana Loewy, Essentials of Business Communication, 9th Edition
Chapter 14, Slide 55
Application Form
Carry a card summarizing your vital data:
© 2013 Cengage Learning ● All Rights Reserved
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



Graduation dates
Beginning and ending employment dates
Salary history
Full names and titles of previous supervisors
Full addresses and phone numbers of current
and present employers
 Complete data about your references
Mary Ellen Guffey & Dana Loewy, Essentials of Business Communication, 9th Edition
Chapter 14, Slide 56
Application Form
© 2013 Cengage Learning ● All Rights Reserved
 Look over all questions before starting.
 Print your answers neatly,
using blue or black ink.
 Answer all questions honestly.
Write Not applicable or
N/A if appropriate.
 Use accurate spelling, grammar,
capitalization, punctuation.
Mary Ellen Guffey & Dana Loewy, Essentials of Business Communication, 9th Edition
Chapter 14, Slide 57
Application Form
© 2013 Cengage Learning ● All Rights Reserved
 Give a specific job title if requested.
 Expect a salary question. Suggest a range or
write Negotiable or Open.
 Be ready to explain reasons for leaving previous
positions.
 Look over application before submitting
it to ensure completeness.
 Sign and date.
Mary Ellen Guffey & Dana Loewy, Essentials of Business Communication, 9th Edition
Chapter 14, Slide 58
Application or Résumé Follow-Up
© 2013 Cengage Learning ● All Rights Reserved
 Send a short follow-up message if your
application or résumé generates no response.
 Open by reminding the reader of your interest.
 In the body, review your strengths or add new
qualifications.
 Close by looking forward positively.
 Avoid accusations that make the reader
defensive.
Mary Ellen Guffey & Dana Loewy, Essentials of Business Communication, 9th Edition
Chapter 14, Slide 59
Application or Résumé Follow-Up
Dear Mr. Lopez:
Please know I am still interested in becoming an
administrative support specialist with Quad, Inc.
© 2013 Cengage Learning ● All Rights Reserved
Since I submitted an application [or résumé] in May, I
have completed my degree and have been employed as
a summer replacement for office workers in several
downtown offices. This experience has honed my word
processing and communication skills. It has also
introduced me to a wide range of office procedures.
Mary Ellen Guffey & Dana Loewy, Essentials of Business Communication, 9th Edition
Chapter 14, Slide 60
Application or Résumé Follow-Up
Please keep my application [or résumé] in your active
file and let me know when I may put my formal training,
technical skills, and practical experience to work for
you.
© 2013 Cengage Learning ● All Rights Reserved
Sincerely,
Mary Ellen Guffey & Dana Loewy, Essentials of Business Communication, 9th Edition
Chapter 14, Slide 61
Rejection Follow-Up Message
© 2013 Cengage Learning ● All Rights Reserved
 Don't give up if you didn't get the job and
you think it's right for you.
 It’s okay to show your disappointment, but
do so politely.
 Emphasize your
continuing interest.
Mary Ellen Guffey & Dana Loewy, Essentials of Business Communication, 9th Edition
Chapter 14, Slide 62
Rejection Follow-Up Message
© 2013 Cengage Learning ● All Rights Reserved
 Express confidence in meeting the job
requirements.
 Refer to specifics of your interview.
 Close by taking the initiative;
tell when you will call for
an update.
 Be persistent but
not a pest!
Mary Ellen Guffey & Dana Loewy, Essentials of Business Communication, 9th Edition
Chapter 14, Slide 63
Rejection Follow-Up Message
Dear Mr. O’Neal:
© 2013 Cengage Learning ● All Rights Reserved
Although I’m disappointed that someone else was
selected for your accounting position, I appreciate your
promptness and courtesy in notifying me.
Because I firmly believe that I have the technical and
interpersonal skills needed to work in your fast-paced
environment, I hope you will keep my résumé in your
active file. My desire to become a productive member of
your Transamerica staff remains strong.
Mary Ellen Guffey & Dana Loewy, Essentials of Business Communication, 9th Edition
Chapter 14, Slide 64
Rejection Follow-Up Message
I enjoyed our interview, and I especially appreciate the
time you and Ms. Goldstein spent describing your
company’s expansion into international markets. To
enhance my qualifications, I’ve enrolled in a course in
International Accounting at CSU.
© 2013 Cengage Learning ● All Rights Reserved
Should you have an opening for which I am qualified,
you may reach me at (818) 719-3901. In the meantime,
I will call you in a month to discuss employment
possibilities.
Sincerely,
Mary Ellen Guffey & Dana Loewy, Essentials of Business Communication, 9th Edition
Chapter 14, Slide 65
Job Acceptance Message
© 2013 Cengage Learning ● All Rights Reserved
 After being offered a job, follow up with a
letter confirming the details and formalizing
your acceptance.
 Open by expressing
pleasure; confirm your
acceptance of the position
with enthusiasm.
Mary Ellen Guffey & Dana Loewy, Essentials of Business Communication, 9th Edition
Chapter 14, Slide 66
Job Acceptance Message
 Review salary and benefits in the body.
 Include the specific starting date.
 Close with thanks.
© 2013 Cengage Learning ● All Rights Reserved
Mary Ellen Guffey & Dana Loewy, Essentials of Business Communication, 9th Edition
Chapter 14, Slide 67
Job Acceptance Message
Dear Ms. Scarborough:
© 2013 Cengage Learning ● All Rights Reserved
It was a pleasure talking with you earlier today. As I
mentioned, I am delighted to accept the position of web
designer with Innovative Creations, Inc., in your Seattle
office. I look forward to becoming part of the IC team
and to starting work on a variety of exciting and
innovative projects.
As we agreed, my starting salary will be $46,000, with a
full benefits package including health and life insurance,
Mary Ellen Guffey & Dana Loewy, Essentials of Business Communication, 9th Edition
Chapter 14, Slide 68
Job Acceptance Message
retirement plan, stock options, and three weeks of
vacation per year.
© 2013 Cengage Learning ● All Rights Reserved
I look forward to starting my position with Innovative
Creations on September 15. Before that date I will send
you the completed tax and insurance forms you need.
Thanks again for everything, Ms. Scarborough.
Sincerely,
Mary Ellen Guffey & Dana Loewy, Essentials of Business Communication, 9th Edition
Chapter 14, Slide 69
Job Rejection Message
© 2013 Cengage Learning ● All Rights Reserved
 If you turn down a job, show professionalism
by writing a sincere letter.
 Thank the employer.
 Briefly describe
the reason for
turning down the
job offer.
Mary Ellen Guffey & Dana Loewy, Essentials of Business Communication, 9th Edition
Chapter 14, Slide 70
Job Rejection Message
Dear Mr. Grinell:
© 2013 Cengage Learning ● All Rights Reserved
Thank you very much for offering me the position of sales
representative with Bendall Pharmaceuticals. It was a
difficult decision to make, but, I have accepted a position
with another company.
I appreciate your taking the time to interview me, and I
wish Bendall much success in the future.
Sincerely,
Mary Ellen Guffey & Dana Loewy, Essentials of Business Communication, 9th Edition
Chapter 14, Slide 71
Resignation Letter
© 2013 Cengage Learning ● All Rights Reserved
 If you must leave a position, depart gracefully
and tactfully with a resignation letter.
 Remember that many
resignation letters are
placed in personnel files.
Be careful and formal.
 Confirm the exact date
of your resignation.
Mary Ellen Guffey & Dana Loewy, Essentials of Business Communication, 9th Edition
Chapter 14, Slide 72
Resignation Letter
© 2013 Cengage Learning ● All Rights Reserved
 Remind your employer
of your contributions.
 Offer assistance to
prepare for your resignation.
 Offer thanks and end
with a forward-looking
statement.
Mary Ellen Guffey & Dana Loewy, Essentials of Business Communication, 9th Edition
Chapter 14, Slide 73
Resignation Letter
Dear Ms. Patrick:
© 2013 Cengage Learning ● All Rights Reserved
This letter serves as formal notice of my resignation from
Allied Corporation, effective Friday, August 15. I’ve
enjoyed serving as your office assistant for the past two
years, and I am grateful for everything I’ve learned and
accomplished during my employment with Allied.
Please let me know what I can do over the next two
weeks to help you prepare for my departure. I would be
happy to help with finding and training my replacement.
Mary Ellen Guffey & Dana Loewy, Essentials of Business Communication, 9th Edition
Chapter 14, Slide 74
Resignation Letter
Thanks again for providing such a positive employment
experience. I will long remember my time here and wish
Allied Corporation great success in the future.
© 2013 Cengage Learning ● All Rights Reserved
Sincerely,
Mary Ellen Guffey & Dana Loewy, Essentials of Business Communication, 9th Edition
Chapter 14, Slide 75
Interviews – The Dirty Dozen
According to recruiters, the following 12 things
will hurt your chances during an interview:
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1.
2.
3.
4.
Showing up late or too early
Treating the receptionist rudely
Having a poor handshake
Talking too much
Mary Ellen Guffey & Dana Loewy, Essentials of Business Communication, 9th Edition
Chapter 14, Slide 76
Interviews – The Dirty Dozen
© 2013 Cengage Learning ● All Rights Reserved
5. Dressing unprofessionally
6. Talking negatively about current
or past employers/managers/jobs
7. Asking about benefits,
vacation, or salary too soon
8. Not preparing for the
interview
Mary Ellen Guffey & Dana Loewy, Essentials of Business Communication, 9th Edition
Chapter 14, Slide 77
Interviews – The Dirty Dozen
© 2013 Cengage Learning ● All Rights Reserved
9. Appearing bored or overly
nervous
10. Not enough or too much
eye contact
11. Failure to match
communication
styles
12. Acting desperate
Mary Ellen Guffey & Dana Loewy, Essentials of Business Communication, 9th Edition
Chapter 14, Slide 78
“You’ve got to take the initiative and play
your game. In a decisive set, confidence
is the difference.”
© 2013 Cengage Learning ● All Rights Reserved
--Chris Evert
Tennis Champion
Mary Ellen Guffey & Dana Loewy, Essentials of Business Communication, 9th Edition
Chapter 14, Slide 79
END
Essentials of
Business
Communication 9e
Mary Ellen Guffey & Dana Loewy
© 2013 Cengage Learning ● All Rights Reserved