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

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, Career Counselor

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

3. C P C C C A R E E R S E R V I C E S Before the Interview • Learn everything you can about the company and position • Revisit your resume • Practice interview questions

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

5. C P C C C A R E E R S E R V I C E S More Than Words Your messages are: • 55% non-verbal • 38% tone of voice • 7% words

6. C P C C C A R E E R S E R V I C E S Qualities employers rate as most important Source: NACE Research: Job Outlook 2007

7. C P C C C A R E E R S E R V I C E S 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”

8. C P C C C A R E E R S E R V I C E S Create a Script

9. 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.

10. 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?

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

12. 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?

13. C P C C C A R E E R S E R V I C E S 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…”

14. 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

15. 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

16. C P C C C A R E E R S E R V I C E S After the Interview Employers 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

17. C P C C C A R E E R S E R V I C E S Not Getting Any Offers? Not qualified or over qualified Lack enthusiasm Target your answers to the position. Emphasize how your skills fit Emphasize your excitement about the opportunity Did not address employer’s needs Tie your skills and expertise to the company & position Unclear goals Clarify your short and long-term goals prior to the interview Negativity about previous employer Stay positive and focus on growth Personal appearance Dress conservatively. Be mindful of non-verbal communication

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

19. C P C C C A R E E R S E R V I C E S Online Resources

20. C P C C C A R E E R S E R V I C E S Please Note! • Additional assistance for our community members is available with affordable fees through CPCC Career Transitions Serviceswww.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