LESSON 1:IMPORTANCE AND RELEVANCE OF ENGLISH IN BUSINESS

COMMUNICATION

7 Arguments for the Importance of Good English in Business

Good English skills are like a one-way ticket to business success.

They can take you all over the world or just to the job you want.

If you are a non-native speaker of the language or just someone who has difficulties with it,
you may be wondering, “Why should I put time and energy into perfecting my English for
business? Why must I give it greater importance than any other language I know? Why is it a
standard of judging whether someone is fit for a job or not?”
Why Is English So Important in Business?
Deciding whether English is important for business is not a question of giving the language
greater importance in general. It is simply a question of survival and successful
communication.
Face the facts.

The Importance of Good English in Business: 7 Big Benefits

Here are seven ways having good English skills can help you succeed in business.

1. It shows your willingness to go beyond basic business standards.

Back in the early days of pre-globalization, knowing English was a plus. Like it or not, it was a
mark of superior knowledge and sophistication. It made you look impressive to people.
Now, regardless of your background and upbringing, many bosses will automatically
expect you to know the language. Even if you received education in a different
language or come from a place where English is barely spoken. Today you
are expected to know English.
This means that in order to impress your interviewer or boss now, you have to show
that you are extremely fluent and competent in both speaking and writing the language.

2. It will help you to communicate better with your colleagues.

Working in an office means teamwork and collaboration. Even if you are an introvert
(someone who prefers to spend more time alone), you will have to interact with your
colleagues. And that will be difficult if you don’t know the language they speak very well. In a
worst-case scenario, it may even lead to misunderstandings that might put your job at stake.
Similarly, you need to know the right people to get the best job or a promotion at work. For
that you need superior networking skills. Learning business English helps you to develop both
your language and interpersonal (communication) skills.
Ultimately, it will help you to adequately express and represent yourself in front of other
people.
The best way to learn better English communication is to speak the language often,
preferably with a study partner in person or online, via Skype.

3. It is important for delivering presentations and speeches.

As mentioned before, business English is important for effective communication. You cannot
deliver a presentation to your team or be in charge of a board meeting if you speak in your
native tongue and if no one else in that room speaks that language. So you need to speak the
“common tongue” well, so you can translate your thoughts and ideas into coherent (clear and
logical) sentences that everyone can understand and respond to.
Just having a great idea isn’t enough. You have to successively express it to your audience.

4. Good pronunciation always makes a good first impression.

Speaking and writing business English are two different skills—you may write well, but unless
you can speak clearly and fluently, you are unlikely to make an impact in the workplace.
People do judge you by the way you speak. Also, the type of English that is spoken differs
from place to place. American English isn’t the same as British English. There are in fact
notable differences in accents and pronunciation. Similarly, in India it is acceptable to mix
words from Indian languages with English to communicate something, leading to the
formation of a “hybrid” (combined) language.
So wherever you work, it is best to research the type of language that is spoken there, and try
matching your accent more closely to the native one, to better blend in. If your interviewer
gets the impression that you are at home with the language, you are already halfway to
getting the job.
The best way to improve your pronunciation is, of course, to listen to good
pronunciation.

5. It allows you to travel.

If you have always dreamed of working for an international company or traveling around the
world for business, English is the most likely language to help you communicate with
strangers.
After all, you don’t want to get into a situation where you are in a foreign country and no one
can understand what you are saying, right?

6. It gives you an edge in other jobs as well.

If you have a full-time job or run your own business, but also do night shifts or part-time jobs
to supplement your income, you probably already know that your English proficiency will give
you an edge over other applications. Whether it is waiting tables, babysitting, being a shop
assistant, helping with events or even walking someone’s pet dog, your knowledge of the
English language may come in handy.

7. Finally, it allows you to express yourself in a language that everyone understands.

As I mentioned before, English is the “lingua franca” of the world due to Westernization and
globalization. So being fluent in English is essentially a survival strategy in today’s competitive
world. It automatically improves your chances of climbing the corporate ladder.
LESSON 2: BASIC FORMS OF BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATION
3 Forms of Communication in an Organization
Organizational communication is the exchange of information, ideas, and views within and
outside the organization.
Organizational communication indicates communication not only in business but also in
hospitals, churches, government agencies, military organization, and academic institutions.
Every organization whether business or non-business has some specific goals and
stakeholders.

Attainment of those goals depends on successful communication with the respective

stakeholder groups.
Therefore, communication is considered as the part and parcel of any organization.

Forms of Organizational Communication

From a broader perspective, organizational communication takes three different forms such
as:

1. Internal operational communication,

2. External operational communication, and
3. Personal communication.

These three forms of organizational communication are highlighted below:

Internal Operational Communication
Communication that occurs for carrying out operations of the organization is known as
internal operational communication.
Internal members of the organization such as workers, managers, the board of directors,
members of trade unions etc. are the participants of internal communication. This type of
organizational communication takes the form of oral and written.
Oral communication occurs through face-to-face conversation,
telephone, meeting, speech etc.
Written communication is done through orders, instructions, reports, memos, letters etc. In
modem time, many organizations provide intranet facility for internal electronic
communication.
This enhances the speed and reduces the cost and time length of communication.
Moreover, internal communication occurs in various patterns depending on the flow of
information such as horizontal communication and vertical communication.
Horizontal communication occurs when information is exchanged between two people holding
the same ranks and positions in the organization hierarchy.
In vertical communication, information flows between superiors and subordinates. Vertical
communication is mainly of two types, such as downward communication and upward
communication.
Downward communication occurs when superiors send instructions, orders, and advice to the
subordinates.
On the other side, when subordinates convey their attitudes, opinions, suggestions etc. to the
superiors, it is called upward communication.
External Operational Communication
Communication with the external parties or groups is known as external operational
communication.
External parties include customers, suppliers, government agencies, regulatory authority,
local community, special interest group and the general public.
Without communicating with these external parties, it is not possible to achieve organizational
goals.
Personal Communication
Communication that occurs for exchanging personal information, ideas and feelings rather
than business related information are termed as personal communication. Not all
communication that occurs in business is personal.
Whenever people come in contact with each other, they engage in personal communication.
Personal communication is a crucial part of organizational communication. Although such
form of communication does not deal with operational plans, it influences the attitudes of the
employees regarding those operational plans.
Therefore, every organization must recognize personal communication as part of its overall
organizational communication.
Organizational communication is a process which involves the transmission and accurate
replication of ideas ensured by feedback for the purpose of eliciting actions which will
accomplish organizational goals.
LESSON 3: FORMAL AND INFORMAL COMMUNICATION

Difference Between Formal and Informal Communication

Someone said correctly “The very attempt of, not to speak, speaks a lot.”Communication
plays a crucial role in our life, as people interchange their ideas, information, feelings,
opinions by communicating. Formal communication is one that passes through predefined
channels of communication throughout the organization. On the contrary, Informal
communication refers to the form of communication which flows in every direction, i.e. it
moves freely in the organization.

Communication could be verbal – spoken or written, or non-verbal i.e. using sign language,
body movements, facial expressions, gestures, eye contact or even with the tone of voice.

In an organization, there are two channels of communication – formal communication and

informal communication. People often confuse between these two channels, so here we have
presented an article which explains the difference between formal and informal
communication network.

Comparison Chart

BASIS FOR
FORMAL COMMUNICATION INFORMAL COMMUNICATION
COMPARISON

Meaning A type of verbal communication A type of verbal communication

in which the interchange of in which the interchange of
information is done through the information does not follow any
pre-defined channels is known channels i.e. the communication
as formal communication. stretches in all directions.
 BASIS FOR
FORMAL COMMUNICATION INFORMAL COMMUNICATION
COMPARISON

Another Name Official Communication Grapevine communication

Reliability More Comparatively less

Speed Slow Very Fast

Evidence As the communication is No documentary evidence.

generally written, documentary
evidence is present.

Time Yes No
Consuming

Advantage Effective due to timely and Efficient because employees can

systematic flow of information. discuss work related problems,
this saves time and cost of the
organization.

Disadvantage Distortion due to long chain of Spread of rumors

communication.

Secrecy Full secrecy is maintained. It is difficult to maintain the

secrecy.

Flow of Only through predefined Can move freely.

Information channels.

Definition of Formal Communication

The communication in which the flow of information is already defined is termed as Formal
Communication. The communication follows a hierarchical chain of command which is
established by the organisation itself. In general, this type of communication is used
exclusively in the workplace, and the employees are bound to follow it while performing their
duties.
 Organizational Structure

Example: Requests, commands, orders, reports etc.

The formal communication is of four types:

 Upward or Bottom-up: The communication in which the flow of information goes from
subordinate to superior authority.
 Downward or Top-down: The communication in which the flow of information goes
from superior to subordinate.
 Horizontal or Lateral: The communication between two employees of different
departments working at the same level.
 Crosswise or Diagonal: The communication between the employees of two different
departments working at different levels.

Definition of Informal Communication

The communication which does not follow any pre-defined channel for the transmission of
information is known as informal communication. This type of communication moves freely in
all directions, and thus, it is very quick and rapid. In any organization, this type
of communication is very natural as people interact with each other about their professional
life, personal life, and other matter.

Example: Sharing of feelings, casual discussion, gossips, etc.

The informal communication is of four types:

 Single Strand Chain: The communication in which one person tell something to
another, who again says something to some other person and the process goes on.
 Single Strand Chain

 Cluster Chain: The communication in which one person tells something to some of its
most trusted people, and then they tells them to their trustworthy friends and the
communication continues.

Cluster Chain

 Probability Chain: The communication happens when a person randomly chooses

some persons to pass on the information which is of little interest but not important.

Probability Chain
 Gossip Chain: The communication starts when a person tells something to a group of
people, and then they pass on the information to some more people and in this way the
information is passed on to everyone.

Gossip Chain
LESSON 4:ADVANTAGES AND GOALS OF BUSINESS COMMUNICATION
The goal of business communication is to inform employees, shareholders, departments
and customers about a company's goals, financial status and products, respectively. Thus,
the goal of business communication varies depending on whether it is transferred inside or
outside the company. Additionally, communication goals can be transferred via email,
reports, oral communication or advertising. The proper channel of communication is
important for ensuring the effectiveness of communication.

Training

One internal goal of communication is to train employees. Most companies have training
manuals or policy guides that teach employees what is expected of them on their jobs.
Additionally, some training programs include classroom instruction from professional
trainers. Managers of a restaurant, for example, may meet for a week to learn about
company management strategies. Experienced employees may communicate with new
employees on how to work various equipment. For example, a shift manager may teach a
new retail store cashier how to operate the store's cash register.

Supervisor-Employee Communication

Supervisors use both written and oral communication to manage, instruct and assign tasks
and projects to employees. For example, executives dictate letters to secretaries or ask
them to set up meetings. Communication between supervisors and employees is often
frequent. Supervisors must keep their employees on schedule with various tasks so they
can meet project deadlines. Many supervisors use project logs, or lists of projects and due
dates, to keep employees apprised of the status of projects. Supervisors also use
communication to reprimand employees of inappropriate activity or behavior.

Inter-Departmental Communication

Various departments communicate with each other to keep their companies operating as a
unit. For example, marketing departments keep finance departments apprised of projects for
budgetary purposes. Similarly, business development or engineering departments seek
input from marketing departments on product features that customers desire. Companies
that introduce new products often work in teams. For example, a consumer products
company may have brand, finance, advertising and production managers working together
to introduce a new soap product to the market. Inter-departmental communication keeps all
managers and employees working toward the same goals. Otherwise, departments may
pursue divergent goals, which could be costly to their company. For example, the
advertising and marketing research departments of a small restaurant company may both
track the company's advertising, which wastes resources.

External Communication

Companies must advertise their products and services to attract the interest of customers.
External communications can include newspaper and magazine advertisements, direct mail,
radio and television commercials or email marketing. Companies often use the AIDA
(attention, interest, desire, action) formula when advertising their products, according to
marketing expert Dave Dolak. In addition to attracting attention, advertisements are
designed to build the consumers' interest and desire until they are compelled to act or buy
products. Companies must also communicate information to suppliers and government
agencies when necessary.
LESSON 5: PROFESSIONAL SKILLS EMPLOYERS ARE LOOKING FOR

Employability skills are the skills, qualities and attitudes that employers say are essential for their
workplace.

1. Positive attitude
Having a positive attitude is like showing up to your team’s game ready to give it your best, excited and
ready to go even if the chances of winning are low and it’s going to be hard work.

2. Communication
You have good communication skills if you can listen well, you don’t swear at work or have a bad
attitude, you can ask for what you want clearly and you’re not afraid to ask if you don’t understand
something.

3. Teamwork
Teamwork is just like when you’re playing netball or performing in your band. You help each other to
get what you want, you make sure you do your part, you get on with everyone and you respect your
coach or manager.

4. Self-management
When you manage yourself you are in control of what you do and say in a way that doesn’t harm
yourself or others. You turn up to school or work on time, in the right clothes and ready to start, and
people can rely on you.

5. Willingness to learn
Willingness to learn is showing that you’re happy to learn new things and what you need to know to do
your job. It also means that when, for example, your coach says that you need to work on your passes,
or your kapa haka teacher says you need to improve your poi actions, you don’t get too upset, but take
it calmly and try hard to do better.

6. Thinking skills (problem solving and decision making)

Using thinking skills means that if you see a problem, you don’t wait for someone else, you find a way to
fix it. When you make a decision, such as what to do when you leave school, you think carefully about
all your choices and ask for advice.
7. Resilience
Maybe you’ve worked really hard on that NCEA project and got a Not Achieved and feel like giving up?
Or your family moves to a new town, away from your friends? Resilience is accepting that life does get
hard at times and does change. It’s about being able to change, ask for help and keep going.
LESSON 6: CV vs. Resume: The Difference and When to Use Which

Ever wondered why a Brit applies with a CV and an American with a resume? And why does
an Aussie apply with both? There are a few differences between the two types of application
documents and this article will straighten out your queries as well as tell you where in the
world you are likely to use which document. Let me kick off the bonanza by introducing the
contender in the blue corner…

CV:

A CV (Curriculum Vitæ, which means course of life in Latin) is an in-depth document that
can be laid out over two or more pages and it contains a high level of detail about your
achievements, a great deal more than just a career biography. The CV covers your
education as well as any other accomplishments like publications, awards, honours etc.

The document tends to be organised chronologically and should make it easy to get an
overview of an individual’s full working career. A CV is static and doesn’t change for
different positions, the difference would be in the cover letter.

Resume:

A resume, or résumé, is a concise document typically not longer than one page as the
intended the reader will not dwell on your document for very long. The goal of a resume is to
make an individual stand out from the competition.

The job seeker should adapt the resume to every position they apply for. It is in the
applicant’s interest to change the resume from one job application to another and to tailor it
to the needs of the specific post. A resume doesn’t have to be ordered chronologically,
doesn’t have to cover your whole career like and is a highly customisable document.

Differences:

As stated, three major differences between CVs and resumes are the length, the purpose
and the layout. A resume is a brief summary of your skills and experience over one or two
pages, a CV is more detailed and can stretch well beyond two pages. The resume will be
tailored to each position whereas the CV will stay put and any changes will be in the cover
letter.

A CV has a clear chronological order listing the whole career of the individual whereas a
resume’s information can be shuffled around to best suit the applicant. I would say the main
difference between a resume and a CV is that a CV is intended to be a full record of your
career history and a resume is a brief, targeted list of skills and achievements.

Let’s revise:

CV – long, covers your entire career, static

Resume – short, no particular format rule, highly customisable

Usage around the world:

A resume is the preferred application document in the US and Canada. Americans and
Canadians would only use a CV when applying for a job abroad or if searching for an
academic or research oriented position.

In the UK, Ireland and New Zealand, a CV is used in all contexts and resumes aren’t used
at all. The CV prevails in mainland Europe and there is even a European Union CV
format available for download.

In Germany, the CV is more commonly known as a Lebenslauf (true to the latin origins) and
is only one of many application document the poor German job seekers must produce to get
an interview.

In Australia, India and South Africa, the terms resume and CV are used interchangeably.
The term resume is used more for jobs in the private sector and CV is more commonplace
when applying for public service positions.
LESSON 7: COVER LETTER/APPLICATION LETTER

A cover letter is a single-page letter that you include with your job application.

You should always include a cover letter, unless the job advertisement clearly says not to.

The purpose of a cover letter

When writing a cover letter, you should:

 introduce yourself
 mention the job (or kind of job) you're applying for (or looking for)
 show that your skills and experience match the skills and experience needed to do the
job
 encourage the reader to read your resume
 finish with a call to action (for example, asking for an interview or a meeting).

How long should a cover letter be?

Keep it short. A cover letter is meant to be a summary of your resume, so don’t write more
than one page.

Matching your cover letter to the job

Use a different cover letter for each job you apply for. Your cover letter needs to show that
you know what the job involves, and what the employer is looking for.

To do this, be specific about your skills and qualities. You also need to show how they match
the needs of the job or the organisation.

Here are three simple ways to make your cover letter as specific as possible:

1. Find out who to address it to

Try not to address your letter ‘To whom it may concern’. Find out the name of the person who
will read your application. This might take a little effort, but it's worth it.

If you found the job in an advertisement, it will probably name a person to send the
application to. If it doesn’t, call the employer or advertiser and ask who to send the application
to. Telephone is best, but email them if you can’t find a contact phone number.

If you find out the person's name, don't use their first name. Use either ‘Mr’ or ‘Ms’ and their
last name instead.

2. Find out more about the job

When finding out who to address your application to, you could also try to contact that person
so you can ask questions. This can help you match your cover letter (and resume) to the job.
You could ask:

 Does the job involve working as part of a team?

 Who would I be reporting to if I got the job?
 Can you tell me more about the kind of person you're looking for?
 Is there a position description I can look at? (Only ask this if the job
advertisementdoesn’t mention a position description.)

Note down the answers to these questions as they can be used in your cover letter

3. Find out more about the company

Find out more about the company so you can tailor your cover letter for the job. Here are
some tips:

 If you know the name of the company, look for information online.
 If the company has a website, visit it (especially their ‘About us’ page).
 If the company name isn't in the advertisement, call the recruitment agency or
advertiser and ask who the employer is.

What to include in your cover letter

Here's a list of things you should include in your cover letter.

Your name and contact details

Put your name and contact details at the top of your cover letter. You don't have to give your
postal address, but you do need to include your email and phone number.

Your email address should create a professional impression. Don't use an email address
like [email protected].

If you don't have a professional email address, you can make one with a free email provider.
Make it simple – something that includes your first name and your last name is a good way to
go.

Their name and contact details

Under your own name and contact details, you should include:

 the name of the person you're writing to

 their position or the name of their company
 their contact details.

If you're having trouble finding this information, you can call the company to ask who you
should address your application to.

You can also use ‘To whom it may concern’, but it’s best to only use this as a last resort.
The name of the job you're going for

At the start of your cover letter you need to say which job you're applying for.

You can do this on a line by itself (for example, ‘Regarding: Application for Stock Controller
position’).

You can also do this in the opening paragraph (for example, ‘I am writing to apply for the
recently advertised Stock Controller position’.)

A list of your relevant skills

Include a brief summary about how your skills and experiences match the job description. A
short bullet list is fine.

If you're answering a job advertisement, there may be a position description that lists
essential skills and experiences. It may also have a list of ‘desirable’ skills and experience.
Your cover letter needs to respond to all of the items on the ‘essential’ list. You should also
respond to as many items as you can on the ‘desirable’ list.

Remember that if you say you have a skill or experience, you need to show how you've used
it or how you got it (for example, if you say you've got child-minding skills, mention some jobs
where you've used them).

A summary of why you're right for the job

After listing your skills and experience, you should explain why these mean you're suited to
the job (for example, ‘My ability to get along with anyone and my experience in solving
customer problems in a retail setting make me ideally suited for this job.’)

Speak their language

Using the same language as people who do a particular job shows that you understand the
industry or field that the employer works in.

Find out what the employer does, and how they talk about themselves. Use this language in
your cover letter.

For example, if there's a tool or software or skill the job requires, like machining tools or cash
handling, mention it in your cover letter (but make sure you mention it correctly!).

Read what to research before a job interview page to find more ways to research an
employer.

Ask them to contact you

Your cover letter should finish by asking the employer to read your resume. It should also ask
them to contact you about an interview.
Try something simple like, ‘I have attached a copy of my resume. I look forward to hearing
from you about this job’.

What you shouldn’t include in your cover letter

There are some things that should never be in your cover letter. Here are some things to
watch out for.

Typos or mistakes

Always spellcheck your cover letter. It's even better to get someone else to read it and point
out any mistakes or confusing things.

People you could ask to read your cover letter include friends, family members, your careers
teacher or a careers counsellor at your university or TAFE.

Double-check everything in your cover letter. If you mention a company's name, make sure
you spell it right. If you mention places you've worked before, make sure you spell their
names right, too.

Including your whole resume in your cover letter

Don't cut and paste your resume into your cover letter. Try to re-word the information in your
resume, rather than just repeating it. Keep your cover letter short and let your resume tell the
whole story.

Using ‘I’ too much

Try not to over use phrases like ‘I believe’, ‘I have’ and ‘I am’. Remember, it’s not about you –
it’s about how you can help the employer.

Once you've written your letter, read over it, and try to take out or rewrite as many sentences
that start with ‘I’ as you can.

Don't mention your other job applications

You're probably applying for more than one job at a time. However, it’s best not to mention
other job applications. Your letter should aim to convince the employer that you really want
this job.

Even though most employers will assume you're applying for more than one job, you don’t
need to mention it.
LESSON 8: JOB INTERVIEW

7 Interview Tips That Will Help You Get the Job

Here are some job interview tips that can help you interview effectively. Proper preparation
will help alleviate some of the stress involved in job interviews and position you for a positive
and successful interviewing experience.

1. Practice and Prepare

Review the typical job interview questions employers ask and practice your answers. Strong
answers are those that are specific but concise, drawing on concrete examples that highlight
your skills and back up your resume. Your answers should also emphasize the skills that are
most important to the employer and relevant to the position. Be sure to review the job listing,
make a list of the requirements, and match them to your experience.

Note that even the most well-prepared response will fall short if it does not answer the exact
question you are being asked. While it’s important to familiarize yourself with best answers,
it’s equally important to listen carefully during your interview in order to ensure your
responses give the interviewer the information they are looking for.

Also, have a list of your own questions to ask the employer ready. In almost every interview,
you’ll be asked if you have any questions for the interviewer. It is important to have at least
one or two questions prepared in order to demonstrate your interest in the organization.
Otherwise, you might come across as apathetic, which is a major turnoff for hiring managers.

2. Develop a Connection With the Interviewer

In addition to indicating what you know about the company, you should also try to develop a
connection with your interviewer. Know the interviewer's name, and use it during the job
interview. (If you're not sure of the name, call and ask prior to the interview. And, listen very
carefully during introductions. If you’re prone to forgetting names, jot it down somewhere
discreet, like in small letters at the bottom of your notepad.)

Ultimately, building rapport and making a personal connection with your interviewercan up
your chances of getting hired. People tend to hire candidates they like and who seems to be a
good fit for the company's culture.

3. Research the Company, and Show What You Know

Do your homework and research the employer and the industry, so you are ready for the
interview question, "What do you know about this company?" If this question is not asked, you
should try to demonstrate what you know about the company on your own.

You can do this by tying what you’ve learned about the company into your responses. For
example, you might say, “I noticed that when you implemented a new software system last
year, your customer satisfaction ratings improved dramatically. I am well-versed in the latest
technologies from my experience with developing software at ABC, and appreciate a
company who strives to be a leader in its industry.”

You should be able to find out a lot of information about the company’s history, mission and
values, staff, culture, and recent successes on its website. If the company has a blog and a
social media presence, they can be useful places to look, too.

4. Get Ready Ahead of Time

Don't wait until the last minute to pick out an interview outfit, print extra copies of your resume,
or find a notepad and pen. Have one good interview outfit ready, so you can interview on
short notice without having to worry about what to wear. When you have an interview lined
up, get everything ready the night before.

Not only will planning out everything (from what shoes you will wear, to how you’ll style your
hair, to what time you will leave and how you’ll get there) buy you time in the morning, it
can help reduce job search anxiety, and it will also save you from having to make decisions,
which means you can use that brain power for your interview.

Make sure your interview attire is neat, tidy, and appropriate for the type of firm you are
interviewing with. Bring a nice portfolio with extra copies of your resume. Include a pen and
paper for note-taking.

5. Be on Time (That Means Early)

Be on time for the interview. On time means five to ten minutes early. If need be, drive to the
interview location ahead of time so you know exactly where you are going and how long it will
take to get there. Take into account the time of your interview so you can adjust for local
traffic patterns at that time. Give yourself a few extra minutes to visit the restroom, check your
outfit, and calm your nerves.
6. Try to Stay Calm

During the job interview, try to relax and stay as calm as possible. Remember that your body
language says as much about you as your answers to the questions. Proper preparation will
allow you to exude confidence.

As you answer questions, maintain eye contact with the interviewer. Be sure to pay attention
to the question so that you don’t forget it, and listen to the entire question (using active
listening) before you answer, so you know exactly what the interviewer is asking. Avoid
cutting off the interviewer at all costs, especially when he or she is asking questions. If you
need to take a moment to think about your answer, that’s totally fine, and is a better option
than starting out with multiple “ums” or “uhs.”

Check out these tips on avoiding job interview stress to help keep your nerves calm. If the
thought of a job interview puts you in panic mode, reviewing these interview tips for
introverts will be a great place to start.

7. Follow-Up After the Interview

Always follow up with a thank-you note reiterating your interest in the position. You can also
include any details you may have forgotten to mention during your interview. If you interview
with multiple people from the same company, send each one a personal note. Send your
thank-you email within 24 hours of your interview.