Week 5

Master the Interview

CPS-2001 CAREER PLANNING SUCCESS NEXT

 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 NEXT
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

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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!

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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

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(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

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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

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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
1. Tell me about yourself and what
the class 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.
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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

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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
Where can you Look for This • Philosophy on training development & other
employee programs
Information?
• The work culture/environment
• Social responsibility programs
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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

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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
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 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

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Help the Employer by Standing
Out!
Imagine being an employer meeting
many potential candidates - allow
yourself to stand out so they
remember you!

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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
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
?
"I decided to go back to school
?
"I was determined to succeed
my biology course, but I got when I was 25 years old. I had so I hired a tutor, and I was
an A!" been out of high school for 7 diligent to do my homework
years. I was finding college and assignments thoroughly,
level biology after being a way and I put in whatever extra
from school for so long quite a time and energy I had to
challenge." succeed."
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?

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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

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VMock Elevator Pitch Assignment (10%)

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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
 Reminder!
Career Prep Team Video Assignment (15%)
Pre-Recorded Videos will be Presented In-Class Week 7

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