Effective Writing Interview Skills
Objective
At the end of this session, students will be able to:
• Comprehend the reason for written interview skills
• Exhibit effective writing skills
• Differentiate types of written interview
• Compile relevant information required to prepare a cover letter and resume
• Write a cover letter and a resume
Effective Writing Interview Skills
Effective writing skills and spoken skills are highly sought after by most employers.
Whether crafting short emails or lengthy annual reports, employees need to demonstrate effective writing skills.
Written interviews act as a vetting tool for assessing writing skills of the candidate.
There are two types of written documents used for interview:
• Pre interview documents
• During interview documents
Types of Written documents
Pre Interview Documents are:
• Cover letter
• Resume
During Interview documents can be:
• Comprehensions
• Essays
These are the most commonly used documents for conducting preliminary round of written interview.
It is very common for potential employers to administer various written tests and assessments during a job interview. While the nature of these exercises will vary from job to job and employer to employer.
In general they seek to assess the skills and knowledge of a job applicant in a “real world” setting in which they must rely on their own abilities under deadline pressure.
So the different types of assessment could be:
• Communications Skills Tests
• Job Knowledge Tests
• Personality Tests
Assessments
Communication skill assessment:
Vocabulary, reading & language skills are checked in the written test to measure your effectiveness in communication. Besides the articulation skills logical and analytical thinking is also assessed.
Aptitude tests:
Aptitude Tests are designed to test a candidate on a specific set of skills. Most companies try to assess a candidate on analytical and decision-making skills.
Basic mathematical skills, with problems that focus on applying simple concepts in relatively complex situations, are tested in order to judge your analytical skills.
Technical tests:
Core companies conduct technical tests as a part of their selection procedure. These tests include technical questions on particular areas of the student’s specialization such as electronics, mechanical, civil, etc. These tests measure your technical skills and subject knowledge. Individuals with a firm grounding in the fundamentals of their subjects perform well on these tests.
Psychometric tests:
Recently, an additional test type that has been introduced by some companies, particularly IT companies, is the Psychometric Test. This test type works as a filter and helps the human resource department of companies to select the most suitable candidates for their company. When you answer the questions honestly, the company is able to build your psychological profile and establish the work and profile that suits you best.
Cover Letter
A cover letter is sent with and explains the contents of a resume.
The purposes of a cover letter is to:
• Affirm interest in the position applied for
• Provide a summary of qualifications
• Compel the interviewer to read your resume
• Request an interview
Attributes of a Cover Letter
A cover letter should:
• Contain one page
• Address to the concerned designation /department
• Mention the designation applied for in the subject header
• Include applicant’s name and contact details
• Comprise the gist of relevant skills
• Conclude with an action point (for example, requesting an interview or asking for a personal interview).
Note: Use different cover letter for different job applications
Sample Cover Letter
Date:
From:
<Your Name>
<Your Address>
<Your contact number>
<Your Email id>
To:
<The concerned designation/department>
<Company Name>
<Address>
SUBJECT:
Application for the post of <Designation>.
Dear Sir,
It is with great pleasure that I am writing this to you. I seek a position as a <Designation> in your <Organization>. This is in response to the advertisement posted in the <Name of the newspaper>, dated <Date>.
I have completed my B. Pharmacy with <Mention your Grade> in the <year>, from <college name>. I have excellent communication skills and have a profound knowledge of my subject.
Please revert, if you find my profile suitable for the above position. I will strive to perform to the best of my capabilities. Waiting to hear from you.
Warm regards,
<Your name>
Enclosed:
<List all documents attached>
Resume
A resume is a written compilation of education, work experience, credentials, and accomplishments.
Resume contains:
• Name and contact information
• Career objective
• Education
• Training
• Experiences
• Skills
• Activities
Sample of a Resume
<Your name>
<Your address>
<Your email>
Professional Summary
Hardworking pharmacy student seeking an entry-level Chemist position based on accumulated academic and hands-on experience. Demonstrated proficiencies in analyzing lab samples updating database entries conducting complex testing with accuracy and maintaining lab equipment. Commitment to becoming a valuable team member by applying natural communication and leadership abilities.
Core Qualification
Chemical analysis
Titration methods
Wet chemistry
Laboratory safety
Instrument calibration
Data collection
Time management
Given the opportunity to perform chemical analysis tasks with minimal supervision earning praise for accuracy of results.
Received positive performance evaluations that noted a proven ability to quickly learn and apply new concepts.
Education
Bachelor of Pharmacy, 2017
<Institute name>
CPR Certification
First Aid Training
Written Interview Tests
Written interview tests are conducted at the beginning of the recruitment process. They have multifold agendas.
Personality Tests
• Measures characteristics required to be job-fit
• Are carefully designed to foil those who try to put down what they think the employer wants.
Integrity Tests
• Assess a candidate’s honesty, reliability and pro-social tendencies.
• Measures the ability for ethical decision-making
Aptitude Tests
• Determines if the applicant has the general knowledge and desire to do a specific job
• IQ tests are considered part of this
Skills or Job Knowledge Tests
• Measures specific skills required to do the job
• The objective is to ensure fairness in the hiring system
Summary
• The purpose of a cover letter is to declare a interest in the position applied for and to provide a summary of your qualifications
• A cover letter should ideally be of one page and consist your contact details, the job applied for and a list of your relevant skills
• A resume is a written compilation of your education, work experience, credentials, and accomplishments
• The key elements of a resume are your contact details, educational qualification, training skills and experiences
• The different types of written interviews are personality tests, integrity tests, aptitude tests and skills/job knowledge tests
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