1. 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, MHS, LPC, CRC CPCC Career Services

2. Today we will: Discuss what to do before, during, and after the interview Develop an “Elevator Speech” Discuss behavioral questions and how to answer them Talk about 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 © 2009 CPCC Career Services

3. Before the Interview What do you think it takes to be successful in this career? Why do you want to work in this industry? What do you know about our company? Why are you interested in our company? C P C C C A R E E R S E R V I C E S © 2009 CPCC Career Services Learn everything you can about the company and position. Preparation should focus on what you could be asked: Hansen, K., Hansen, R. S. (2007). The Quintessential Guide to Job Interview Preparation. Deland, FL: Quintessential Careers Press. Retrieved May 8, 2009, from http://www.quintcareers.com/Quintessential_Careers_Press/Job-Interview- Preparation

4. Before the Interview Revisit your resume Practice interview questions Dress Location C P C C C A R E E R S E R V I C E S © 2009 CPCC Career Services

5. More Than Words Non-Verbal Communication Dress Facial Expression Posture Voice Tone & Volume Eye Contact Handshake Tone of Voice Convey confidence C P C C C A R E E R S E R V I C E S © 2009 CPCC Career Services

6. During the Interview A two-way conversation Focus on what is relevant to the company and position Market yourself Maintain a positive attitude C P C C C A R E E R S E R V I C E S © 2009 CPCC Career Services

7. Qualities Employers Rate As Most Important C P C C C A R E E R S E R V I C E S NACE Research: Job Outlook 2007 © 2009 CPCC Career Services

8. Interviewing in a Recession Demonstrate how you can build value for a company. 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 © 2009 CPCC Career Services

9. 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 Do You Have any Questions? ALWAYS have questions Employer expectation Be prepared with multiple questions AVOID Questions about compensation Vacation Salary © 2009 CPCC Career Services

10. 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, email is okay Customize and 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 © 2009 CPCC Career Services

11. Elevator Speech A short verbal presentation: Should advertise your skills and expertise 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 © 2009 CPCC Career Services

12. When to Use It? Interviews Networking events Career fairs Information interviews Cold calls to employers C P C C C A R E E R S E R V I C E S © 2009 CPCC Career Services

13. Create a Script C P C C C A R E E R S E R V I C E S © 2009 CPCC Career Services I.Qualifications: i.Education ii.Experience iii.Skills iv.What you enjoy! II.Hook: i.Ask for something: recruiter’s business card, opportunity for an informational interview, etc. ii.Explain why you are interested in company/position

14. Sally Smith C P C C C A R E E R S E R V I C E S © 2009 CPCC Career Services Qualifications EducationBachelor Degree in Business Administration Experience14 years in telecommunications Skills/StrengthsManagement Sales Developing relationships Training EnjoysMeeting clients’ needs & building relationships Hook: Values innovation and believes it can be found at this company

15. C P C C C A R E E R S E R V I C E S I have a bachelor degree in business administration and have been in the telecommunications industry for 14 years. 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. © 2009 CPCC Career Services

16. 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? © 2009 CPCC Career Services

17. Behavioral Interviewing Past behavior predicts future performance Interviewer will probe further to find how you thought/performed C P C C C A R E E R S E R V I C E S © 2009 CPCC Career Services

18. 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 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? © 2009 CPCC Career Services

19. Not Getting Any Offers? Avoid These Common Mistakes C P C C C A R E E R S E R V I C E S © 2009 CPCC Career Services Over qualified Lack enthusiasm Did not address employer’s needs Negativity about previous employer Personal appearance

20. 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? Why do you want to work here? What are your salary requirements? Are you interviewing at any other companies ? © 2009 CPCC Career Services

21. C P C C C A R E E R S E R V I C E S WebsiteURL CPCC Career Services Community Resources www.cpcc.edu/career/community WSJ Article: Getting Feedback After Interview http://blogs.wsj.com/laidoff/2009/05/19/advice-how-to- get-feedback-from-an-interview/tab/print/ Quint Careers Interview Question Database www.quintcareers.com/interview_question_database/ JobDig.com Advice for Job Seekers www.jobdig.com/article-categories/1- Job_Seekers.html The Toughest Question in the Interview article www.allbusiness.com/human-resources/careers-job- interview/1605-1.html Job Hunting Tips in a Recession http://www.vault.com/nr/newsmain.jsp?nr_page=3&ch_ id=421&article_id=31865139&cat_id=3094 Company Information: Reference USA www.referenceusa.com Job Interview Tips – Monster.com http://career-advice.monster.com/interview- tips/home.aspx © 2009 CPCC Career Services

22. Visit Career Transitions website to view this presentation. Additional assistance available for affordable fees through CPCC Career Transitions Services www.cpcc.edu/transitions www.cpcc.edu/transitions The next Career Exploration Group is scheduled for June 3rd and 10th. Email beth.smedley@cpcc.edu for more informationbeth.smedley@cpcc.edu To access valuable job search information: www.cpcc.edu/careerwww.cpcc.edu/career Please Note! C P C C C A R E E R S E R V I C E S