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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 CompetitionChristy 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
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Before the Interview
• Learn everything you can about the company and position
• Revisit your resume
• Practice interview questions
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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
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More Than Words
Your messages are:•55% non-verbal• 38% tone of voice• 7% words
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Qualities employers rate as most important
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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”
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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
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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…”
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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
Situation or Task• Be specific• Give enough information
to provide context• Can be from previous
job/volunteer/related event
Action• Describe action you took• Focus on your
contribution
Results• 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 InterviewEmployers said sending a thank-you note:Always helped 35.8%Helped decide between candidates 42.4%Didn’t matter 18.8%
Some Guidelines•Send within 24 hours•If time is of the essence, email is okay, but handwritten is better•Send to each person in the interview
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Not Getting Any Offers?
Not qualified or over qualified
Lack enthusiasm
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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
C P C C C A R E E R S E R V I C E S
Online ResourcesWebsite URL
CPCC Career Services Additional Resources
www.cpcc.edu/career/community/additional
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
• Additional assistance for our community members is available with affordable fees through CPCC Career Transitions Services www.cpcc.edu/transitions
• 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 www.cpcc.edu/career
Please Note!
C P C C C A R E E R S E R V I C E S
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