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>>NARRATOR: "As the Tommie Searches: Episode 5, Mock Interview Inspiration."
>>NARRATOR: When we had last left Tommie, he had blown his first phone interview.
After getting some advice from his roommate, he considered the possibility of making an
appointment with the Career Development Center to receive interview tips as well as practicing
his skills with a mock interview.
Today, we join him as he finally decides to call the Career Development Center.
>>TOMMIE: [Dials the number into his phone] (651) 962-6761.
[Pauses while phone rings]
Hi! I’d like to make an appointment with one of your Career Development Center counselors.
Do you have anything open for tomorrow?
[Pauses]
Ten a.m. ? Sounds good Thanks!
[Hangs up]
>>NARRATOR: The day passes by slowly for Tommie, the appointment with the Career Development
Center always being on his mind.
We join him again the next day as he makes his way to Murray-Herrick Campus Center and
finds himself inside the office of one of the friendly counselors.
>>COUNSELOR: So you must be Tommie!
What can I help you with today?
>>TOMMIE: Well, I’ve got an interview coming up for an internship and I want to do a mock
interview with you.
I’ve read some of your online sources, so I think the mock interview is a great way
to prepare.
I even brought copies of my resume and cover letter along, like the website recommends.
>>COUNSELOR: That sounds great!
Before we start, let me give you a few pointers so you can try to use them in the mock interview.
>>TOMMIE: Okay, sounds great!
>>COUNSELOR: Often in interviews, an employer will ask a question that encourages the candidate
to tell a story about a past accomplishment.
By doing this, it gives them an idea of the possibility of the candidates’ future success.
One of the techniques you want for this type of questioning to use is CAR.
C, A, R, which stands for Context, Action, and Result.
Before you even go to the interview, you want to identify three-to-five skills that you
have that would be valuable for the position, and think of relevant experiences you’ve
had that use those skills.
When you’re in the interview and this type of question is asked, you want to briefly
give them the context of the situation, the action you took, and what the results were.
It doesn’t have to be something amazing--even a story about how you contributed during a
group project can become a strong CAR story!
>>TOMMIE: That sounds awesome! I’ll try it out!
>>COUNSELOR: Good! Then let’s begin the interview.
Go out of my office and come back in, as if you were meeting me for the first time.
>>NARRATOR: Tommie enters the counselor-turned-interviewer’s office, beginning his mock interview.
He remembers to firmly shake the interviewer’s hand and maintain eye contact, but stumbles
over his answers a few times during the interview.
After the mock interview ends, the counselor gives Tommie some more advice.
>>COUNSELOR: This is why it’s good to practice!
You did a good job with shaking my hand and greeting me, but you were clearly nervous
and had trouble answering a few times.
I’d recommend working on your CAR technique and getting a few stories ready for it before
your next interview.
>>TOMMIE: Yeah, it was kind of hard coming up with all of that on the spot.
>>COUNSELOR: You also need to sound confident, even if you’re nervous.
That impresses employers a lot. So, remember: CAR and confidence.
Oh, and one more thing: to make a better impression on the interviewer, write a thank you note
to him or her as a follow-up to the interview.
That’ll make a strong impression that you’re serious and interested in the position.
>>TOMMIE: Oh man, thanks! This is really going to help!
>>COUNSELOR: Good luck, Tommie!
>>NARRATOR: Will Tommie stay confident and make it through the real interview?
Will he remember the valuable tips given to him by the counselor, including the CAR technique?
Find out next time on "As the Tommie Searches"
brought to you by the University of St. Thomas Career Development Center.