CAREER SERVICES Interviewing

Prepare for each phase of the interview process Compose a one minute commercial or elevator speech Answer behavioral interview questions using the STAR method CAREER SERVICES Students will learn how to © CPCC Career Services 2010

CPCC CAREER SERVICES Interviewing Tips Practice Makes Perfect! Research the company –Use the Connections Employer Directory, the company’s website, etc. Practice interview questions –Sample interview questions are available online and in the Career Guide © CPCC Career Services 2010

CPCC CAREER SERVICES What Employers are Looking for © CPCC Career Services 2010 Communication skills (verbal and written)Honesty/integrityInterpersonal SkillsMotivation/initiativeStrong work ethicTeamwork skills

Avoid these Common Mistakes C P C C C A R E E R S E R V I C E S Lack enthusiasmEmphasize your excitement about the opportunity Not addressing employer’s needsFocus on your skills that relate to the position and the company Unclear goalsDefine your short and long term goals before the interview. Practice talking about them. Negativity about previous employer Stay positive and discuss what you learned in that job Personal appearanceDress conservatively and be mindful of non-verbal communication © CPCC Career Services 2010

More Than Words Dress Facial Expression Posture Eye Contact Handshake Non-Verbal Communication Tone and volume are important Show confidence Tone of Voice © CPCC Career Services 2010 CPCC CAREER SERVICES

What to Wear Dress conservativelyWell-groomed hair and nails No excessive piercings or visible tattoos Minimal makeup Minimal jewelry Minimal perfume/cologne Less is more! © CPCC Career Services 2010

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 Elevator Speech Statement of basic introduction Who you are What you are seeking 5 things you want the employer to know about you © CPCC Career Services 2010

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 Used to answer Tell me a little bit about yourself. Why should I hire you?Why do you want this job? © CPCC Career Services 2010

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 Behavioral Interviewing A common type of interviewing for employers who believe that past behavior predicts future behavior. –Gather important details about your work style –Honesty and preparation are crucial © CPCC Career Services 2010

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 Sample Behavioral Questions Give an example of a situation in which you had to make a decision quickly. Provide an example when your people or coping skills were put to the test. Elaborate on an experience when you performed beyond the call of duty to get a job done. © CPCC Career Services 2010

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? © CPCC Career Services 2010

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 What Do I Do Now? © CPCC Career Services 2010 Don’t understand questionMind goes blankNo experienceQuestions about salaryIllegal questions

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 © CPCC Career Services 2010

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 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 © CPCC Career Services 2010

CAREER SERVICES VISIT CAREER SERVICES Central High Rm Get a Career Guide with interview tips and practice questions Practice interviewing with a career counselor Do a practice interview online with Perfect Interview software