C E N T R A L P I E D M O N T C O M M U N I T Y C O L L E G E Interviewing Skills – Outshine the Competition Christy Curts, Career Counselor

Today we will discuss: What to do before, during, and after the interview Your 60-Second Commercial Common interview mistakes and how to avoid them C P C C C A R E E R S E R V I C E S

Before the Interview Learn everything you can about the company and position Revisit your resume Practice interview questions C P C C C A R E E R S E R V I C E S

During the Interview A two-way conversation about your qualifications Elaborate on your resume – focus on what is relevant to the position Maintain a positive attitude C P C C C A R E E R S E R V I C E S

More Than Words Your messages are: 55% non-verbal 38% tone of voice 7% words C P C C C A R E E R S E R V I C E S

Qualities employers rate as most important Communication skills (verbal and written)Honesty/integrityInterpersonal SkillsMotivation/initiativeStrong work ethicTeamwork skills C P C C C A R E E R S E R V I C E S Source: NACE Research: Job Outlook 2007

60-Second Commercial A short verbal presentation: Should advertise your skills and expertise Specific reasons to hire you What sets you apart? Demonstrate your enthusiasm and personal style Tailored to the position you are interviewing for Should have a “hook” C P C C C A R E E R S E R V I C E S

Create a Script Include services or features that you provideIdentify benefits the employer could derive from these servicesPrepare an opening sentence that will grab the listener’s attentionKeep it under 2 minutesFocus on work-related experience and accomplishmentsStay positive! C P C C C A R E E R S E R V I C E S

I have been in the telecommunications industry for 15 years, and have managed a team of eight sales executives for the past five. One reason I particularly enjoy this business is the opportunity to meet the Internet and communications needs of my business and commercial clients. In my last position, I demonstrated a consistent record of accomplishment in sales, and built strategic plans for sales team growth and development. My real strengths are in developing key relationships with clients at an executive level and mentoring, training, and developing high performance sales teams. What I am looking for now is a company that values innovation, where I can make a positive impact on customer retention and sales.

C P C C C A R E E R S E R V I C E S Practice! Read to friends/family members Practice in front of a mirror Record or videotape Do You: Sound confident? Sound natural? Emphasize how you can help the employer?

Other Times to Use It Networking events Career fairs Information interviews Cold calls to employers  Remember to ask for something! Business card A meeting Advice C P C C C A R E E R S E R V I C E S

C E N T R A L P I E D M O N T C O M M U N I T Y C O L L E G E Tough Questions Why should we hire you? What are your greatest strengths/weaknesses? What books and/or magazines do you read? Where do you plan to be in five years? Why do you want to work here? What are your salary requirements? Are you interviewing at any other companies ?

Behavioral Interviewing Past behavior predicts future performance Interviewer will probe further to find how you thought/performed Probably a behavioral question: “Tell me about a time…” “Describe a situation…” C P C C C A R E E R S E R V I C E S

C E N T R A L P I E D M O N T C O M M U N I T Y C O L L E G E STAR Method S ituation or T ask Be specific Give enough information to provide context Can be from previous job/volunteer/related event A ction Describe action you took Focus on your contribution R esults What did you learn or achieve? What was the outcome?

C E N T R A L P I E D M O N T C O M M U N I T Y C O L L E G E You Ask the Questions An interview is a “two-way street” Employers expect you to ask questions Be ready with multiple questions

After the Interview Employers said sending a thank-you note: Always helped 35.8% Helped decide between candidates42.4% Didn’t matter 18.8% Some Guidelines Send within 24 hours If time is of the essence, is okay, but handwritten is better Send to each person in the interview C P C C C A R E E R S E R V I C E S

Not Getting Any Offers? Not qualified or over qualified Lack enthusiasm C P C C C A R E E R S E R V I C E S Emphasize your excitement about the opportunity Target your answers to the position. Emphasize how your skills fit Did not address employer’s needs Unclear goals Negativity about previous employer Personal appearance Tie your skills and expertise to the company & position Clarify your short and long-term goals prior to the interview Stay positive and focus on growth Dress conservatively. Be mindful of non-verbal communication

Interviewing in a Recession Demonstrate how you can build value for a company. What’s in it for “them?” Don’t just sell skills, sell results Practice tough interview questions C P C C C A R E E R S E R V I C E S

Online Resources WebsiteURL CPCC Career Services Additional Resources Quint Careers Interview Question Database JobDig.com Advice for Job Seekers Job_Seekers.htmlwww.jobdig.com/article-categories/1- Job_Seekers.html The Toughest Question in the Interview article interview/ html Job Hunting Tips in a Recession id=421&article_id= &cat_id=3094 Company Information: Reference USA Job Interview Tips – Monster.com tips/home.aspx

Additional assistance for our community members is available with affordable fees through CPCC Career Transitions Services Plan to attend the CPCC Career Fair on Friday, March 6, 2009 Visit Career Services’ website to view this presentation, employers attending the career fair, and to access valuable job search information Please Note! C P C C C A R E E R S E R V I C E S