Master the Interview

CPS-2001 CAREER PLANNING SUCCESS

 Module Objectives

Upon completion of this module you will be able to:

1.Review the purpose and importance of the interviewing process both for the candidate and the prospective employer
2.Review techniques of interview preparation, including information a candidate should know about the prospective employer
and the advertised position
3.Review the definition of behavioural based interviewing and why employers frequently use it
4.Demonstrate use of the STAR response to behavioural based interview questions
5.Develop appropriate questions to ask the employer in an interview
6.Demonstrate good posture, appropriate dress, voice projection, body language and effective listening skills during an
interview
7.Identify and discuss strategies for success during a remote interview (Skype, Teams, telephone)
8.Participate in a mock interview
DISCUSSION:
PURPOSE & IMPORTANCE
OF THE INTERVIEW
PROCESS FOR BOTH THE
EMPLOYER &
CANDIDATE
THE IMPORTANCE OF PREPARATION
• Review the job description carefully
• Understand your motivation for applying for this job (why?)
• Know the company and the role (conduct industry & company research)
• Prepare answers to common interview questions
• Understand the importance of body language and tone of voice
• Ask the right questions (be prepared with questions)
• Practice using mock interviews (access myCareer Centre for support)
• Review your resume (remember how you positioned yourself for this role, what makes you
the best candidate?
• Look the part - professional appearance
• Practice some more, you can never practice too much, and it builds confidence!
Look the Part!
• Dress conservatively in business attire
• Neat and clean hair
• Polished shoes
• Good personal hygiene
• Clean nails (avoid "loud" nail art)
• No perfume/cologne
• Modest makeup

(Forbes, 2019) https://www.forbes.com/sites/robinryan/2019/11/13/hr-reveals-what-you-should--and-shouldnt--wear-to-a-job-interview/?

sh=516e760c19fd
(Seattletimes, 2012) https://www.forbes.com/sites/robinryan/2019/11/13/hr-reveals-what-you-should--and-shouldnt--wear-to-a-job-interview/?sh=516e760c19fd
Common Interview Questions - Behavioural Based
CPS-1001 Reach back!
The interview module had you look at:
• Different types of interview
questions
• Common interview questions
• Identify illegal questions for
employers to ask
• Develop answers to behavioural
based questions using the STAR
method

(lucid, 2021) https://www.lucidchart.com/blog/star-interview

Let’s Practice – 10 minute in class activity
Activity Objective: Practice and develop effective answers to common interview questions using the STAR method

Instructions:
• You will be put into breakout rooms with a partner
• Take turns answering the questions provided and
give feedback to your partners responses
• Be prepared to share an answer with the class

1. Tell me about yourself and what you bring to this role.

2. Give me an example of when you set a goal and how you achieved it.
3. Tell me about a time when you worked well under pressure.
4. Explain a time when you took the initiative on a project.
Why Research a Company?
• Helps ensure you are interested in
applying for the job
• Develop better targeted cover letters and
resumes
• Better prepared and effective in an
interview
• Meet employers expectation of showing
interest in the organization
• Assists you in making informed
employment decisions
What Information Should I Research?
• Products & services
• All geographic locations
• Relative size, position in the industry & major
competitors
• Potential growth for the organization and
industry
• Annual sales & profits for the last few years
• Organizational structure & management style
• Corporate mission & vision
• Philosophy on training development & other
Where can you Look for This employee programs
• The work culture/environment
Information?
• Social responsibility programs
What to Bring for an Interview?
• Resume
• Transcripts
• Reference letters
• Portfolio (including samples of
work)
• Make sure to bring your
documents in a neat and
organized manner
Stages of the Interview (On Ground)
• Reception/Lobby (remember your interview has already started), be kind
to everyone
• Introduction (greeting)
• Small talk (brief)
• Discussion of the company
• Q&A
• Opportunity to ask questions about the position/company
• Provide a copy of your references
• FINAL "SELL"!!!!!! Restate your interest in the position and why you feel
you are the ideal candidate
• Thank the panel (interviewer) (in-person & by letter. CPS-1001 reach
back) Post Interview:
• Shake hands (firm) and SMILE! Send a follow-up thank you
Reflect on this interview (what went well, any surprises?)
If not successful, ask for feedback
Stay positive
 Discussion
How might a telephone or
an online (Skype, Teams)
interview differ?

What should we be aware

of?

Check out this resource and conduct additional research online

https://online.jwu.edu/blog/15-tips-acing-online-job-interview
Help the Employer by Standing Out!

Imagine being an employer meeting many

potential candidates - allow yourself to
stand out so they remember you!
Be a Storyteller!
All stories
End (Result)
have....

Middle Beginning
(Action) (Situation/Task)
• We remember stories
• Stories are engaging and draws us in
• Stories help paint a picture
• Stories provides insight
Which is Which?
Identify which of the 3 statements below below to the Situation/Task, the Action, and the Result part
of the STAR method

?
"As a result, I not only passed my
?
"I decided to go back to school
?
"I was determined to succeed so I
biology course, but I got an A!" when I was 25 years old. I had hired a tutor, and I was diligent to
been out of high school for 7 do my homework and
years. I was finding college level assignments thoroughly, and I put
biology after being a way from in whatever extra time and energy
school for so long quite a I had to succeed."
challenge."
Potential Employer Questions
How does the
When are you
position fit into the
looking to make a
organizational
decision?
structure

What are the Training or

primary task of this onboarding for new
position? employees?

What do you
perceive as the the Any required
biggest challenges travel?
of this position?
Interview Practice Support

Practice Practice using the VMock Elevator Pitch Module

https://www.vmock.com/lambtoncollege

Practice Practice with a friend

Practice Practice in the mirror

in

Schedule a mock interview appointment with a

Schedule Co-op Advisor prior to your first interview
 Introduction to this Week's Assignment
Due Week 4

VMock Elevator Pitch Assignment (10%)

VMock Elevator Pitch Assignment (10%)

Objective: Complete a mock interview within vMock’s Elevator Pitch Module

Instructions:
1.Login into VMock using your Lambton College credentials http://www.vmock.com/lambtoncollege
2.Click on ‘Elevator Pitch’ on the left of the navigation dashboard
3.Review Instructions
4.Select any one of the questions from the list of Behavioural Based Interview Questions
5.Click on ‘Start Calibration’ to calibrate your face and start the interview
6.Speak to the camera to answer the question as you would in an interview
7.After your interview, view the summary page and view the detailed feedback. Note the areas where
you can improve. Incorporate the feedback in your next interview practice.
8.You can keep practicing to improve your score
Submission Instructions: Upload a screenshot of your feedback with score provided from vMock in the
Elevator Pitch module – ensure your name is in the screenshot
Marking Criteria – the score you achieved within vMock will be your grade for the assignment
 Reminder!
Career Prep Team Video Assignment (15%)
Pre-Recorded Videos will be Presented In-Class Week 5
after the Final Exam