1
COMM 202
Career Fundamentals
T02, T07, & T17
Lyndan Lam
Nothing to hand in but
nametags out!
2
Employment Interviews
Interview Q&A
Action Items
Final Messages
Course Timeline
3
1. Course Timeline
4
5
Week 12
(today)
Week 13 Week 15
• Tutorial: Interview Questions
• What’s due: Mock Interview
Sign Ups by Nov 22nd @
11:59PM
• Optional: Interview Stream
due Nov 26th @ 11:59PM
• Lecture: “When you’ve got
the job!” (Friday lecture is
cancelled, attend Monday or
Wednesday section*)
• What’s due: Employment
Interviews (20%) on
Nov 27th, 28th, or 30th
• What’s due: Informational
Interview Report (15%)
due Dec 15th @ 11:59PM on
Turnitin
Our last
tutorial
6
2. Employment Interviews
7
• You should have access to the time slots on COOL by now
• If you need to change your interview time, do it within COOL
Failure to book a time before Nov 22nd at
11:59PM will be automatically assigned a
time, and get 25% deducted from
interview mark
8
When: Nov 27th, 28th, 30th
Mandatory items to print:
Resume (PRINT)
Cover Letter (PRINT)
Job Posting (PRINT)
Optional items:
Padfolio (keep it simple)
Pen
Research notes
*We have a seating area to put your bags,
but do so at your own risk*
No print-outs of the
mandatory items
= Automatic 0
20%
of your grade!
9
Be EARLY! – Ideally by about 10 minutes. If you’re not
there by your scheduled interview time, you will receive an
automatic 0!
• Check in with the ”reception” in Birmingham (It is the student’s responsibility to
find the check-in desk. There will be signs everywhere so it will be very
obvious)
• Interview will be exactly 20 minutes with one BCC coach/external
consultant/COMM 202 TA
(15 minutes interview time + 5 minutes feedback)
• Make sure you have your PRINTED documents (resume, cover letter, job
posting)
10
• Inappropriate physical
contact
• Inappropriate questions
• Late for interview
• Not checking in at
reception
• Missing documents
(resume, cover letter
and job posing)
11
Dress Code:
Business Formal
*We’ve seen students wear fancy
sneakers - this is NOT acceptable
12
3. Interview Q&A
13
What’s the point?
• Most common question you’ll get asked during an interview
• Can be asked in several different ways
• “Tell me about yourself”
• “Who is ____?”
• “Walk me through your resume”
• PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE! (with Interview Stream)
• Keep it between 90 - 120 sec
• Brand yourself – give them something to
remember you by
• Sound natural – don’t sound like you’re
reading off a script
• Skills & accomplishments – briefly touch
on these aspects
• Show your passion & authenticity
• Provide a well-rounded picture of who
you are as a person
14
A common theme to try:
The
Beginning The Spark
Growing
Interest
The Future Why Are
You Here?
Introduction Realization
that this is the
right career
for you
Your formula
and how it
has helped
lead you to
this role
Where do you
see yourself
in the future
(in 5 years, in
10 years, etc.)
How this
position ties
into it all
GOAL: Tell them a story that no one else can replicate and
impress them in the first 2 minutes
15
I’ve tried a bit of
everything
Not-for-profit, startup,
CPG (2 diff functions),
retal – all able to make
impact either social or
by driving results for
large scope projects
Community
Involvement
Children, women
empowerment, education
Junior Achievement
volunteer
Taking it to the next
level
Personal growth
Cross-functional
Business owner – own
global brands
“Creating an impact”
16
• Remember to tailor your TMAY to the job
• This is one of my least favourite questions, and it will take you time to
come up with a TMAY that you’re happy with!
Keep working at it
17
Your Turn!
18
What’s the point?
• A way to see if you really know yourself
• May also be asked in different ways (listen carefully)
• “What can you bring to the table?”
• ”Why should I pick you over other candidates?”
• “What would your colleagues/friends say about you?”
• Around 90 sec
• Mention 2-3 (but prep 4-5 in case)
• Provide a bit of proof but don’t go too
much into detail
• Tactfully relevant to the job you’re
applying for
(look at the job description!)
19
• Look for a blend of quantitative and qualitative traits
(refer to your skills matrix and/or StrengthsFinder if you need to)
20
What’s the point?
• A way for the interviewer to see if you are able to identify
weaknesses and have a plan in place to improve them
• Assess self-awareness and spot red flags
• Around 90 sec – 120 sec
• Mention 1 (but prep 2-3 in case)
• Best to give an example
• Talk about weaknesses that would
not hugely impair you from doing the
job you are applying for
21
PSA!!!!!!
Avoid clichés
“I work too much”
“I’m such a perfectionist”
Flipping strengths
into weaknesses
“I’m TOO detail-oriented”
22
23
What’s the point?
• To test if you have the necessary skills/experience for the job
• To look for your thought process in given situations
• Around 2 mins
• Demonstrates the skill with the
right answer
• Doesn’t re-use the same
experience too many times
• Clear & concise
Review Skills Matrix
Examine job posting
24
S
T
A
R
L
What position and where were you?
What was the challenge you faced?
What did YOU do and HOW did you solve
the problem?
What was the accomplishment and the impact?
Link back to the job and why the story is relevant!
Another PSA: BE SUCCINCT.
Some interviewers will cut you off.
25
26
What’s the point?
• Could be industry/job specific… or a surprise!
• Random questions that you cannot prepare for
• To test how you react under pressure & deal with uncertainty
• To see how you think your way through a problem
• Tell them what you’re going to do, do
it, then tell them what you just did
• If it’s a joke question, take it easy
and be personable
• Stay professional
• Don’t panic!
27
28
29
Always prepare at least 2 questions
(per person)!
• Avoid asking questions that can easily be found on Google
• Do not asking something that has already been addressed in the
interview – unless it’s a specific follow-up questions
• Always safe to get them talking about themselves – maybe ask
something directly related to their job/industry
• Example: “What specific traits and qualities do you look for in a
successful candidate?”
• Another example: “What do you think about the xyz trends in the
industry? Do you think they’re just a fad?”
*Expected in the employment interviews
next week!
30
• Thank them for their time
• Reiterate your interest
• End with a FIRM handshake
Ask how you can best follow up
• Use their name
31
• Thank them for their time
• Reiterate your interest
• End with a FIRM handshake
Ask how you can best follow up
• Use their name
No floppy fish handshakes!!!
32
• Send an email or handwritten card
• Reference the interview –
something you want to emphasize or
something unsaid that you want them
to know
• Reiterate your interest in the position
• Thank them for the opportunity
• Reference an answer or insight
they gave you during the question
period
• If you interviewed with multiple
people, make sure the follow-up is
personalized to each person
* Remember the 24 hour rule!
****On the day of the mock interviews:
We will give you ‘fake’ thank-you
cards AFTER your interview. DO NOT
expect this in real life!
DO NOT send a real email to you mock
interviewer
33
• Listen to what they’re asking
Stay alert, don’t be afraid to ask them to clarify
• Answer the question
Do not beat around the bush
• Take your time if you need to
“That’s a good question – may I have a quick minute to collect my thoughts?”
• Smile & keep up the energy – they’re human too 
They want you to do well, so show your personality!
• Use a spreadsheet to write down your answers, practice with your
friends, utilize Interview Stream
• Interview ends when the interviewer says “thank you” and wraps it up. Mock
interview ends when you send in your thank-you card!
34
Pop Quiz!
35
What are the 5 ways
you can automatically
fail the mock
interviews?
36
If you don’t bring your printed documents (resume, cover letter, AND
job posting)
If you are late (try to arrive 10 minutes early!)
Inappropriate behaviour
Inappropriate questions
If you don’t check in at reception (before your interview!)
37
4. Action Items
38
1. Prep and show up for the
employment interview
(optional Interview Stream
assignment)
2. Informational interview
reflection due Dec 15th by
11:59PM on Turnitin
3. Next week: final lecture!
39
Canada’s Next Top Ad Exec Info Session
Thursday, November 23rd at 12:30PM in HA 254
40
5. Final Messages
41
You all were so great
#crying #tears
#youcanaddmeonfbnow
#ifyoudonthatemenow
#sorryifyoufailedresume&cl
42
Questions for TA
comm202.6@sauder.ubc.ca
General Questions
comm202@sauder.ubc.ca
QUESTIONS?
Call me
maybe?
43
THANK YOU &
SEE YOU NEXT WEEK!
(at lecture, but no longer tutorials)

Tutorial 7 - Lyndan

  • 1.
    1 COMM 202 Career Fundamentals T02,T07, & T17 Lyndan Lam Nothing to hand in but nametags out!
  • 2.
    2 Employment Interviews Interview Q&A ActionItems Final Messages Course Timeline
  • 3.
  • 4.
  • 5.
    5 Week 12 (today) Week 13Week 15 • Tutorial: Interview Questions • What’s due: Mock Interview Sign Ups by Nov 22nd @ 11:59PM • Optional: Interview Stream due Nov 26th @ 11:59PM • Lecture: “When you’ve got the job!” (Friday lecture is cancelled, attend Monday or Wednesday section*) • What’s due: Employment Interviews (20%) on Nov 27th, 28th, or 30th • What’s due: Informational Interview Report (15%) due Dec 15th @ 11:59PM on Turnitin Our last tutorial
  • 6.
  • 7.
    7 • You shouldhave access to the time slots on COOL by now • If you need to change your interview time, do it within COOL Failure to book a time before Nov 22nd at 11:59PM will be automatically assigned a time, and get 25% deducted from interview mark
  • 8.
    8 When: Nov 27th,28th, 30th Mandatory items to print: Resume (PRINT) Cover Letter (PRINT) Job Posting (PRINT) Optional items: Padfolio (keep it simple) Pen Research notes *We have a seating area to put your bags, but do so at your own risk* No print-outs of the mandatory items = Automatic 0 20% of your grade!
  • 9.
    9 Be EARLY! –Ideally by about 10 minutes. If you’re not there by your scheduled interview time, you will receive an automatic 0! • Check in with the ”reception” in Birmingham (It is the student’s responsibility to find the check-in desk. There will be signs everywhere so it will be very obvious) • Interview will be exactly 20 minutes with one BCC coach/external consultant/COMM 202 TA (15 minutes interview time + 5 minutes feedback) • Make sure you have your PRINTED documents (resume, cover letter, job posting)
  • 10.
    10 • Inappropriate physical contact •Inappropriate questions • Late for interview • Not checking in at reception • Missing documents (resume, cover letter and job posing)
  • 11.
    11 Dress Code: Business Formal *We’veseen students wear fancy sneakers - this is NOT acceptable
  • 12.
  • 13.
    13 What’s the point? •Most common question you’ll get asked during an interview • Can be asked in several different ways • “Tell me about yourself” • “Who is ____?” • “Walk me through your resume” • PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE! (with Interview Stream) • Keep it between 90 - 120 sec • Brand yourself – give them something to remember you by • Sound natural – don’t sound like you’re reading off a script • Skills & accomplishments – briefly touch on these aspects • Show your passion & authenticity • Provide a well-rounded picture of who you are as a person
  • 14.
    14 A common themeto try: The Beginning The Spark Growing Interest The Future Why Are You Here? Introduction Realization that this is the right career for you Your formula and how it has helped lead you to this role Where do you see yourself in the future (in 5 years, in 10 years, etc.) How this position ties into it all GOAL: Tell them a story that no one else can replicate and impress them in the first 2 minutes
  • 15.
    15 I’ve tried abit of everything Not-for-profit, startup, CPG (2 diff functions), retal – all able to make impact either social or by driving results for large scope projects Community Involvement Children, women empowerment, education Junior Achievement volunteer Taking it to the next level Personal growth Cross-functional Business owner – own global brands “Creating an impact”
  • 16.
    16 • Remember totailor your TMAY to the job • This is one of my least favourite questions, and it will take you time to come up with a TMAY that you’re happy with! Keep working at it
  • 17.
  • 18.
    18 What’s the point? •A way to see if you really know yourself • May also be asked in different ways (listen carefully) • “What can you bring to the table?” • ”Why should I pick you over other candidates?” • “What would your colleagues/friends say about you?” • Around 90 sec • Mention 2-3 (but prep 4-5 in case) • Provide a bit of proof but don’t go too much into detail • Tactfully relevant to the job you’re applying for (look at the job description!)
  • 19.
    19 • Look fora blend of quantitative and qualitative traits (refer to your skills matrix and/or StrengthsFinder if you need to)
  • 20.
    20 What’s the point? •A way for the interviewer to see if you are able to identify weaknesses and have a plan in place to improve them • Assess self-awareness and spot red flags • Around 90 sec – 120 sec • Mention 1 (but prep 2-3 in case) • Best to give an example • Talk about weaknesses that would not hugely impair you from doing the job you are applying for
  • 21.
    21 PSA!!!!!! Avoid clichés “I worktoo much” “I’m such a perfectionist” Flipping strengths into weaknesses “I’m TOO detail-oriented”
  • 22.
  • 23.
    23 What’s the point? •To test if you have the necessary skills/experience for the job • To look for your thought process in given situations • Around 2 mins • Demonstrates the skill with the right answer • Doesn’t re-use the same experience too many times • Clear & concise Review Skills Matrix Examine job posting
  • 24.
    24 S T A R L What position andwhere were you? What was the challenge you faced? What did YOU do and HOW did you solve the problem? What was the accomplishment and the impact? Link back to the job and why the story is relevant! Another PSA: BE SUCCINCT. Some interviewers will cut you off.
  • 25.
  • 26.
    26 What’s the point? •Could be industry/job specific… or a surprise! • Random questions that you cannot prepare for • To test how you react under pressure & deal with uncertainty • To see how you think your way through a problem • Tell them what you’re going to do, do it, then tell them what you just did • If it’s a joke question, take it easy and be personable • Stay professional • Don’t panic!
  • 27.
  • 28.
  • 29.
    29 Always prepare atleast 2 questions (per person)! • Avoid asking questions that can easily be found on Google • Do not asking something that has already been addressed in the interview – unless it’s a specific follow-up questions • Always safe to get them talking about themselves – maybe ask something directly related to their job/industry • Example: “What specific traits and qualities do you look for in a successful candidate?” • Another example: “What do you think about the xyz trends in the industry? Do you think they’re just a fad?” *Expected in the employment interviews next week!
  • 30.
    30 • Thank themfor their time • Reiterate your interest • End with a FIRM handshake Ask how you can best follow up • Use their name
  • 31.
    31 • Thank themfor their time • Reiterate your interest • End with a FIRM handshake Ask how you can best follow up • Use their name No floppy fish handshakes!!!
  • 32.
    32 • Send anemail or handwritten card • Reference the interview – something you want to emphasize or something unsaid that you want them to know • Reiterate your interest in the position • Thank them for the opportunity • Reference an answer or insight they gave you during the question period • If you interviewed with multiple people, make sure the follow-up is personalized to each person * Remember the 24 hour rule! ****On the day of the mock interviews: We will give you ‘fake’ thank-you cards AFTER your interview. DO NOT expect this in real life! DO NOT send a real email to you mock interviewer
  • 33.
    33 • Listen towhat they’re asking Stay alert, don’t be afraid to ask them to clarify • Answer the question Do not beat around the bush • Take your time if you need to “That’s a good question – may I have a quick minute to collect my thoughts?” • Smile & keep up the energy – they’re human too  They want you to do well, so show your personality! • Use a spreadsheet to write down your answers, practice with your friends, utilize Interview Stream • Interview ends when the interviewer says “thank you” and wraps it up. Mock interview ends when you send in your thank-you card!
  • 34.
  • 35.
    35 What are the5 ways you can automatically fail the mock interviews?
  • 36.
    36 If you don’tbring your printed documents (resume, cover letter, AND job posting) If you are late (try to arrive 10 minutes early!) Inappropriate behaviour Inappropriate questions If you don’t check in at reception (before your interview!)
  • 37.
  • 38.
    38 1. Prep andshow up for the employment interview (optional Interview Stream assignment) 2. Informational interview reflection due Dec 15th by 11:59PM on Turnitin 3. Next week: final lecture!
  • 39.
    39 Canada’s Next TopAd Exec Info Session Thursday, November 23rd at 12:30PM in HA 254
  • 40.
  • 41.
    41 You all wereso great #crying #tears #youcanaddmeonfbnow #ifyoudonthatemenow #sorryifyoufailedresume&cl
  • 42.
    42 Questions for TA comm202.6@sauder.ubc.ca GeneralQuestions comm202@sauder.ubc.ca QUESTIONS? Call me maybe?
  • 43.
    43 THANK YOU & SEEYOU NEXT WEEK! (at lecture, but no longer tutorials)

Editor's Notes

  • #8 If a student needs to change time, they can do it within COOL *Failure to book a time will result in (include in email)
  • #9 if you have bags, we have a seating area for you to put your bags there. If you want to put your bags there it's at your own risk - As long as it's not Hello Kitty
  • #10 When you walk into Birmingham, it's REALLY obvious!!!! 2 tables in an L shape with signs saying "Reception" and there will be signs going to breakout rooms 20 MINUTES EXACTLY - 15 MINS INTERVIEW TIME, 5 MINS FEEDBACK SESSION
  • #11 SCIENCESPO - NO KISSY KISSY
  • #12 Sometimes you might interview companies that are casual, but err on the formal side Mention not to have fancy trainers on (black sneakers) are not allowed Iron their clothes Wear a tie Guide that we had for the networking session No club wear
  • #14 How to practice - Interview Stream Tell students to keep their mouth shut after 2 minutes (90 secs) Some interviewers tell you to stop talking
  • #18 Grab a partner and swap TMAY stories Allocate 2.5 minutes for story-telling & 1 min feedback Goal is to convey the story’s elements in a logical way and experiment with finding your formula
  • #19 90 seconds
  • #21 *Assess
  • #25 Give an example of how you would answer the question - keep it succinct Regardless - need to have elements
  • #28 * Ask whatever you want during the interviews
  • #33 *They don't need to bring their own cards, we will provide you some *Don't send us an email for this (this is a general slide for the future) * How this translates into your mock interview: they get a card AFTER interview with a table for paper and pens - don't actually do this in real life
  • #34 Interview Stream - Mock interview ends when you send in your thank you card - until interviewer says thanks
  • #35 Grab a partner and swap TMAY stories Allocate 2.5 minutes for story-telling & 1 min feedback Goal is to convey the story’s elements in a logical way and experiment with finding your formula