Seeking a Change

Sam Malone has been working at Ace Express for the past 6 years.

Ace is a shipping company based in Hong Kong.

It ships dangerous chemicals to all parts of the world.

Last year Sam was promotedto Vice President.

Along withthe promotion, he was givena beautiful office.

He was also given a 20% raise in salary.

What kind of company is Ace? It's a shipping company.

Sam is well respected within the company, and he likes his co-workers.

However, he wants to take on new challenges and is looking for a change.

If he stays at Ace, he doesn't see any chance of another promotion.

He is also beginning to worry about the company's future.

He thinks there is a high probability that the company will be acquired.

If that happens, he may lose his job.

Why does he want to find a new job? He is looking for a change.

If the company is acquired by another company, he may lose his job.

Last month he started looking for a new job.

According to his research, about 40% of jobs are found through acquaintance. 

So the first thing he did was to contact his closest friends.

He let them know that he was looking for something new.

Many of his friends and acquaintances are in the shipping business, but some have moved into other industries.

He also checked out several companies on the Internet and updated his resume.

How are many jobs found?  through friends and acquaintances

He says he is an acquaintance of mine, but I don’t remember him.

Preparing for an Interview

This morning Sam got a message from a company based in Japan.

It's a medical supply company that wants to expand its business in China.

They have a small office in Hong Kong and will be conducting interviews next week.

Sam is interested in learning more about the company, so he replied to their message and set up an interview.

Even if it doesn't work out, it will be a learning experience for him.

What kind of company has contacted him? It's a medical supply company.

In planning for the interview, Sam has made some notes about what to do at an interview.

First, he needs to be well prepared.

He needs to know as much as he can about the company, including its history.

He also needs to know how to present himself, including his appearance and body language.

It has been years since he was last interviewed, so he needs to be prepared to answer some questions about himself.

For example, he needs to be able to explain what's on his resume, including his strengths and skills.

What has Sam done to prepare for the interview? He has made some notes.

His body language includes such things as his handshake and how he sits in his chair.

It’s important that he wear the appropriate clothes to the interview.

In any interview situation, it's important to look right and behave appropriately.

He doesn't want to give a bad first impression.

For example, he should be careful not to talk too much.

That means he should stay focused and keep his comments short.

Throughout the interview he should observe their facial expressions and make eye contact.

It's going to be important to listen carefully to what they say, and keep things as relaxed as possible.

What can give a bad first impression? Talking too much.

During the interview he should observe their expressions and body language.

To give a good impression means to get them to feel like he is someone they can work with.

He needs to remind himself that he is also interviewing them.

He may find that their company isn't right for him.

Therefore, he should be ready to ask them questions, especially about their expectations.

In an interview like this, both sides have the same concern.

They don't want to make the wrong choice.

What are both sides concern with? making the right choice

The job may not meet his expectations.

Even if they want to hire him, the job may not be what he is looking for.

Throughout the interview he should observe their expressions to see how they are responding.