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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Create a Script

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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.

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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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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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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?

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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

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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!

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