career services interviewing. prepare for each phase of the interview process compose a one minute...

CAREER SERVICES

Interviewing

CAREER SERVICES

Students will learn how to

© CPCC Career Services 2010

CPCC CAREER SERVICES

Interviewing TipsInterviewing TipsPractice Makes Perfect!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

www.cpcc.edu/career/studentsgrads/guide

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CPCC CAREER SERVICES

What Employers are What Employers are Looking forLooking for

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Avoid these Common MistakesAvoid these Common Mistakes

C P C C C A R E E R S E R V I C E S

Lack enthusiasm Emphasize your excitement about the opportunity

Not addressing employer’s needs Focus on your skills that relate to the position and the company

Unclear goals Define 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 appearance Dress conservatively and be mindful of non-verbal communication

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More Than WordsMore Than Words

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CPCC CAREER SERVICES

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What to WearWhat to Wear

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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

Elevator Speech

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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

Used to answer

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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

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

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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

Sample Behavioral Questions

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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 MethodSTAR 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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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?What Do I Do Now?

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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

You Ask the QuestionsYou Ask the Questions

• An interview is a “two-way street”

• Employers expect you to ask questions

• Be ready with multiple questions

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After the InterviewAfter 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•Email 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 SERVICESVISIT CAREER SERVICES

Central High Rm. 122

704-330-6551

career.services@cpcc.edu

www.cpcc.edu/career

• 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