Practice Makes Perfect: Hone Your Interview Skills

As the spring semester comes to a close many of you are likely looking for summer jobs, internships, or full-time positions. The key to landing a position, after having a stellar resume and cover letter, is standing out in the interview. There are several different ways the Career Development Center can help you practice your interview skills:

Perfect Interview

This interactive interview experience allows you to practice and develop your interview skills at home with your webcam. The sessions are customizable and provide “positive modeling” to help you answer standard interview questions. By utilizing video capture during your interview you are able to see how you look and sound.

To access Perfect Interview at home visit Career Link (www.myinterfase.com/seminolecc/student) and select “Other Resources” on the bar at the top of the page.  If you don’t have a webcam at home, you can make an appointment to use Perfect Interview in a private room at the Career Development Center. In Career Link, click on “Make Appointment” in the green bar on the left-hand side of the page and select “Practice Video Interview”.

 In-Person Mock Interviews

Want to practice your interview skills with a live person? Meet with a Career Counselor for a face-to-face mock interview. You should come prepared in proper interview attire and bring your resume. The CDC staff member will conduct the interview as an employer then provide feedback.

To schedule an appointment for this service visit Career Link and click on “Make Appointment” in the green bar on the left-hand side of the page and select “Practice In-Person Interview”.

Mock Interview Days

Mock Interview Days offer you an opportunity to practice interview skills with a real hiring manager. The interviews typically last approximately 20 minutes, followed by 10  minutes of feedback. While these events have already occurred for the spring semester, be on the look out for fall mock interview day dates. Space is limited so advance sign up is required.

Treat any of your mock interview experiences just like you would a real interview; preparation is key. Start by looking your best. Visit our Pinterest page (https://www.pinterest.com/semstatecdc/) for interview tips and examples of professional interview attire. Not sure what kind of questions you might be asked? Visit Ready Prep Interview (www.readyprepinterview.com) for sample interview questions specific to the job you are interviewing for.

It’s also essential that you ask questions at the end of your  interview even in a mock interview scenario. This shows the    interviewer that you are serious about the position and you have done your homework on the company (or practice company). What should you ask? Visit: http://www.quintcareers.com/asking_interview_questions.html for some great examples. Remember to NEVER ask questions about salary, benefits, or vacation time. These questions leave a negative impact on the interviewer by showing your priorities are not in the right place.

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