Manickam Academy

INTERVIEWING AND NETWORKING

Lesson 1: You can prepare for and ace different types of interviews by using some tips and techniques, such as:

·       Researching the employer and the job: You can learn more about the company, its mission, vision, values, culture, and goals, as well as the job description, requirements, expectations, and challenges. This can help you show your interest and fit, and prepare relevant and specific questions and answers.

·       Practicing common and specific questions: You can anticipate and rehearse the questions that you are likely to be asked, such as your strengths, weaknesses, achievements, failures, and motivations. You can also practice the questions that are specific to the type of interview, such as behavioral, situational, or technical questions. This can help you demonstrate your skills and abilities, and provide evidence and examples of your value and potential.

·       Dressing appropriately: You can dress in a way that matches the dress code and the culture of the company and the job, and that makes you feel comfortable and confident. You can also pay attention to your grooming, hygiene, and accessories. This can help you create a positive and professional first impression, and avoid any distractions or discomforts.

·       Following up after the interview: You can follow up with the interviewer or the hiring manager, by sending a thank-you note, a reminder, or a query, depending on the situation and the timing. This can help you show your appreciation and enthusiasm, reinforce your qualifications and fit, and maintain a positive and professional relationship with the employer.

Lesson 2: You can use critical thinking skills in answering interview questions, such as analysis, evaluation, synthesis, and problem-solving, by using some examples and frameworks, such as:

·       Analysis: You can use analysis to break down complex or ambiguous questions into simpler or clearer parts, and to identify the main idea, the assumptions, and the implications of the questions. For example, you can use the 5W1H framework (Who, What, When, Where, Why, How) to analyze the questions and to structure your answers.

·       Evaluation: You can use evaluation to assess the quality, reliability, relevance, and sufficiency of the information and evidence that you have or need to answer the questions, and to use them to support or refute claims and arguments. For example, you can use the STAR framework (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to evaluate your past experiences and achievements, and to provide specific and measurable examples of your skills and abilities.

·       Synthesis: You can use synthesis to integrate and organize the information and evidence that you have or need from various sources and perspectives into a coherent and meaningful whole, and to create new insights and knowledge. For example, you can use the SOAR framework (Situation, Obstacles, Actions, Results) to synthesize your current or future goals and plans, and to provide a clear and concise summary of your value and potential.

·       Problem-solving: You can use problem-solving to define and frame problems, generate and compare possible solutions, implement and monitor the chosen solution, and reflect and learn from the results and feedback. For example, you can use the IDEAL framework (Identify, Define, Explore, Act, Look) to solve problems and overcome challenges, and to provide a logical and systematic approach to your decision-making and actions.

Lesson 3: You can build and maintain professional relationships and networks by using some tips and strategies, such as:

·       Attending and participating in networking events and activities: You can attend and participate in various networking events and activities, such as conferences, workshops, seminars, webinars, or social gatherings, that are related to your field, industry, or interest. You can also prepare and practice your introduction, your elevator pitch, and your business card. This can help you meet and connect with people who share your goals and values, and who can offer you information, advice, or opportunities.

·       Communicating and following up with your contacts: You can communicate and follow up with your contacts, such as your friends, family, mentors, or referrals, by using different methods and platforms, such as phone, email, social media, or messaging apps. You can also express your gratitude, appreciation, and interest, and offer your help, support, or feedback. This can help you maintain and strengthen your relationships and networks, and build trust and rapport with your contacts.

·       Seeking and giving referrals and recommendations: You can seek and give referrals and recommendations, such as introducing or endorsing your contacts to other people or organizations, or writing or requesting testimonials or endorsements for your contacts. You can also be specific, relevant, and honest in your referrals and recommendations, and respect the privacy and preferences of your contacts. This can help you expand and diversify your relationships and networks, and increase your visibility and credibility with your contacts.

Lesson 4: You can use networking strategies and tools for career development by using some benefits and examples, such as:

·       Learning and developing new skills and knowledge: You can use networking to learn and develop new skills and knowledge, such as technical, interpersonal, or transferable skills, or industry, market, or trend knowledge, by attending or hosting workshops, webinars, or podcasts, or by joining or creating online courses, groups, or communities. This can help you improve and enhance your qualifications and potential, and keep up with the changing needs and expectations of employers and the labor market.

·       Finding and exploring new opportunities and paths: You can use networking to find and explore new opportunities and paths, such as jobs, internships, projects, or collaborations, by attending or hosting career fairs, networking events, or social gatherings, or by joining or creating online platforms, databases, or forums. This can help you discover and access more potential employers and opportunities, and increase your chances of finding and applying for jobs that match your qualifications and goals.

·       Seeking and receiving feedback and advice: You can use networking to seek and receive feedback and advice, such as comments, suggestions, or recommendations, on your resume, cover letter, portfolio, or interview, by attending or hosting mock interviews, resume reviews, or portfolio critiques, or by joining or creating online feedback, review, or critique platforms, groups, or communities. This can help you improve and enhance your job search and application skills and strategies, and identify areas for improvement and adjustment.

 

QUIZZ:

1. What are some tips and techniques to help you with your interview preparation and performance, such as researching the employer and the job, practicing common and specific questions, dressing appropriately, and following up after the interview?

– A) They help you prepare for and ace different types of interviews, such as phone, video, panel, or behavioral interviews.

– B) They help you use critical thinking skills in answering interview questions, such as analysis, evaluation, synthesis, and problem-solving.

– C) They help you build and maintain professional relationships and networks, such as attending and participating in networking events and activities, communicating and following up with your contacts, and seeking and giving referrals and recommendations.

– D) They help you use networking strategies and tools for career development, such as learning and developing new skills and knowledge, finding and exploring new opportunities and paths, and seeking and receiving feedback and advice.

– Answer: A

 

2. What are some examples and frameworks to help you with your critical thinking skills in answering interview questions, such as analysis, evaluation, synthesis, and problem-solving, such as the 5W1H, the STAR, the SOAR, and the IDEAL frameworks?

– A) They help you prepare for and ace different types of interviews, such as phone, video, panel, or behavioral interviews.

– B) They help you use critical thinking skills in answering interview questions, such as analysis, evaluation, synthesis, and problem-solving.

– C) They help you build and maintain professional relationships and networks, such as attending and participating in networking events and activities, communicating and following up with your contacts, and seeking and giving referrals and recommendations.

– D) They help you use networking strategies and tools for career development, such as learning and developing new skills and knowledge, finding and exploring new opportunities and paths, and seeking and receiving feedback and advice.

– Answer: B

 

3. What are some tips and strategies to help you build and maintain professional relationships and networks, such as attending and participating in networking events and activities, communicating and following up with your contacts, and seeking and giving referrals and recommendations?

– A) They help you prepare for and ace different types of interviews, such as phone, video, panel, or behavioral interviews.

– B) They help you use critical thinking skills in answering interview questions, such as analysis, evaluation, synthesis, and problem-solving.

– C) They help you build and maintain professional relationships and networks, such as attending and participating in networking events and activities, communicating and following up with your contacts, and seeking and giving referrals and recommendations.

– D) They help you use networking strategies and tools for career development, such as learning and developing new skills and knowledge, finding and exploring new opportunities and paths, and seeking and receiving feedback and advice.

– Answer: C

 

4. What are some benefits and examples of using networking strategies and tools for career development, such as learning and developing new skills and knowledge, finding and exploring new opportunities and paths, and seeking and receiving feedback and advice?

– A) They help you prepare for and ace different types of interviews, such as phone, video, panel, or behavioral interviews.

– B) They help you use critical thinking skills in answering interview questions, such as analysis, evaluation, synthesis, and problem-solving.

– C) They help you build and maintain professional relationships and networks, such as attending and participating in networking events and activities, communicating and following up with your contacts, and seeking and giving referrals and recommendations.

– D) They help you use networking strategies and tools for career development, such as learning and developing new skills and knowledge, finding and exploring new opportunities and paths, and seeking and receiving feedback and advice.

– Answer: D

 

5. What are some types of interviews that you may encounter in your job search and application, such as phone, video, panel, or behavioral interviews?

– A) They are different methods and tools to find and apply for jobs that match your qualifications and goals, such as job boards, career fairs, networking events, and referrals.

– B) They are different ways to showcase your skills and achievements, and to tailor them to different jobs and employers, such as resumes, cover letters, portfolios, or presentations.

– C) They are different ways to create and maintain a professional online presence and reputation, and to showcase your skills and achievements, such as online platforms, social media, or blogs.

– D) They are different ways to assess your suitability and compatibility with the job and the employer, and to demonstrate your skills and abilities, such as questions, scenarios, or tasks.

– Answer: D

 

 

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