•  
  •  
 

Abstract

Increasingly, new labor market entrants must understand and be adequately prepared to engage in the interview process. This exploratory, descriptive case study examined the naïve and informed perceptions of disadvantaged youths in Hong Kong who participated in a job-seeking skills workshop on job interviewing. Qualitative data was coded using an emergent design, through multiple phases of coding to develop thematic findings. Pre- and post- survey data were compared to illustrate changes as a result of the workshop intervention. Participants identified five main themes or groups of questions as being important in a job interview. Two themes were deemed most critical; (a) reasons for being interested in the job and (b) reasons to hire the interviewee. Post-workshop perceptions about interview questions appeared to be less externally-oriented than those obtained before the workshop. Personal traits and work-related skills were perceived as the most important information to relate to potential employers. Workshop participants were better able to identify important elements of the job interview and articulate ways to present personal skills and qualities in appropriate ways. This exploratory study contributes to the discourse on job-seeking youth by highlighting potential areas for further study, as well as potential targeting and improving of job-seeking skills through focused workshop interventions.

Share

COinS

Tell us how this article helped you.