Mock Interview Reflections Paper

2100

11/20/2011

1. Who did you interview with and what is their job title? Matt Adams, Retail Store Manager at Office Max
2. What was most useful to you about this experience? I didn’t realize how nervous it would make me just to do a mock interview. The most useful thing I think would be for me to remember to be prepared and it helped me to see which tips were hard to follow (like not using filler words, or being too informal)
3. What was the most difficult question you were asked? Why? If you were given a list of tasks and a time length to complete them, how would you go about making sure they were accomplished?
4. What advice would you give to others preparing for an interview? Spend a lot of time reviewing interviewing questions and getting to know yourself, but be prepared for unexpected questions and know that you will probably get thrown off guard.
5. Name at least three (3) things you learned. I learned that it is good to prepare interchangeable stories. I also learned that employers are very interested in how you deal with conflict and time organization. I learned that every interview is unique; he asked me several questions that weren’t on the list but were related and made a lot of sense when it came to the job.
6. Name at least three (3) things that can be improved on for your next interview.

1. I would practice answering with my husband more so that I can eliminate filler words

2. I tend to talk too much when I get nervous and I tend to add unrelated comments and I would work on just answering the question.

3. I would take more time to focus on questions right before hand so I was in the that mindset before I was asked a question.

Star Stories

Class 2100

11/19/11

1. Give an example of what teamwork means to you.

• Describe the situation…The main goal of Certiport.Inc is to be the number 1 global provider of Certification exams. In order to do that the company needed to know which areas had candidates that wanted to take exams but did not have a close enough center.
• What was the task at hand… At Certiport our Onboarding Team, Customer Support Team, and Technical Support Team were to team up and help find out where testing centers were wanted and recruit testing centers in each area.
• What action did you take…. As a Customer Support Specialist I worked directly with test candidates unable to find testing centers in their area. I would take down their information and which exam they wanted to take. Then I would take that information to the onboarding team who would then recruit a testing site for that candidate to take the exam. They would help the center set up and call back the candidates.
• Finally, what were the results of your action… As a result Certiport.Inc was one step closer to their goal of Global Certification Domination.
1. Give me an example of a major challenge that you faced, and how you went about addressing the problem, and how it turned out.
• The situation… had a teacher call from one of the high schools that offer Certiport Exams to their students. She wanted scores from several students who had already graduated. Due to privacy issues only the teacher who offered the exam can view the score and they can only view it for a year; however, the student can view the score in their personal profile and relay the information. Unfortunately, she was not their teacher and she had none of their contact information but said she needed the names and scores of the students in order to get funding.
• What was the task at hand… My main goal was to satisfy the customer. So identified her needs. What she was asking for was something I couldn’t give, but that did not necessarily mean I could solve her problem. Her ultimate goal was to report to her supervisor so that the school could obtain government funding. So I told her that I would contact her supervisor and explain why we were unable to provide that information to her, and that we would assist the supervisor in documentation for receiving the government funding.
• What action did you take…. I emailed her Supervisor and Copied her in on the email. I explained that we were unable to provide the information she was requesting due to privacy and her lack of Organizational Administrative rights. I gave detailed instructions including pictures on how to find that information on the website, and a list of who they had listed as Organizational Administrators for the site. I also gave him the contact information for the Human Resource Director would assist them in obtaining government aid.
• Finally, what were the results of your action… All parties were satisfied and the school was able to obtain government assistance.
2. Describe a past goal and how you achieved it.
• Describe the situation…I had worked at Sally’s for about a year and a half, but it seemed that some of the girls who had only worked for around six months were given more responsibility than I was.
• What was the task at hand… My goal was to obtain more training and responsibility. I don’t like being stagnant and I felt like I had stopped progressing within my work environment.
• What action did you take…. I spoke with my boss and asked what I could do in order to gain more responsibility and training. She said she hadn’t known that I was interested but now that she did she would help me out.
• Finally, what were the results of your action…After our conversation I was able to be more diverse in my work responsibilities and was shown the educational resources and options available to me. This also made me more marketable for future jobs, and helped me feel more useful and intellectually stimulated in my work environment.

Cover Letter/Resume

Valerie Nagle
1480 Morton Circle Apt. D
Claremont, CA 91711
801-471-4390
ballroomrose@gmail.com

11/9/11

Isaay.com
34.200030 -118.491434

Van Nuys, CA, 94106, us

Dear Mr. Shar:

I am inquiring after the internship position available. Having worked at a number of jobs where organizational and public relations skills are necessary, I am uniquely qualified for this position. My past four years have been as a customer service/communication specialist. Most recently I worked as a Customer Service Specialist at Certiport.Inc where I assisted customers via telephone with software problems, general information, password troubles, center locations, etc.

I am very interested in fashion and photo editing, so the photo shoot and blog portion of the internship are very alluring to me. I currently maintain multiple blogs which I would be happy to show you during an interview.

I hope to meet with you soon to discuss this wonderful opportunity in person. Thank you so much for your time and consideration.

Respectfully yours,

Valerie Nagle

Valerie M. Nagle

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4463 Bridgestone Dr. Pleasant Grove, Ut 84062
Cell: (801) 471-4390
E-mail: Ballroomrose@gmail.com

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EDUCATION:

Utah Valley University:

· Pursuing a Bachelor of Science In Movement Studies with a Ballroom Emphasis--2014

· Associates in Science: Ballroom emphasis – April – 2011

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WORK HISTORY:

Customer Support Specialist: Certiport Inc. 2011

· Composed emails to testing center administration, teachers, and test candidates containing

solutions to exam software malfunction, website navigation, username/password problems, general

information, and Certiport Inc. company policies.

· Answered calls dealing with general software support, website navigation, testing center locations,

general information, etc.

· Conducted customer satisfaction surveys

· Fulfilled receptionist duties during the receptionist’s lunch breaks.

· Notified management when website and other adjustments needed to be made.

· Proctored Certiport Inc. exams (Microsoft, Adobe, Autodesk, Etc.)

· Recorded common problems, and customer concerns onto the Certiport System.

· Assisted in testing center and test candidate communication.

Sales Associate: Sally Beauty Supply 2008-2010

• Provided excellent customer service by greeting each customer, handing them a flyer, asking them if the needed help finding anything, and making sure they were able to find what they were looking for.
• Informed customers about product purpose and usage
• Assisted in unloading, labeling, and shelving product
• Participated in store inventory procedures
• Helped customers via phone in answering questions about product usage
• Assisted in Phone orders and Salon orders
• Cashiered including but not limited to: entering coupons; and selling club cards, the item of the month, extended protections, and product add-ons.
• Worked as both an opener and closer including but not limited to: paper work, balancing the register, organizing receipts, and store upkeep (mopping, sweeping, window washing, etc.)
• Assisted in training multiple employees on closing procedures and cash register functionality.
• Filling in for various employees
  
  

E-scavenger Hunt

Explore the Career Services and Student Employment website: www.uvsc.edu/csse As you complete this e-Scavenger Hunt you will find many resources available to assist you as you prepare for your career.

1. List at least one event that is happening this semester listed in News & Events.

Recruiting Day Monday, November 7, 2011

2. List 4 services offered by Career Services & Student Employment.

Networking Opportunities (internship and career fairs)

Help with job seeking (build resume, meet potential employers at career fairs)

Help you explore careers to determine major

Provide study materials and practice exams for entering graduate school

3. What are 4 sources the website directs you to look for job opportunities?

UV Job Board (students)

UV Job Board (employers)

Labor Market & Salaries

Job Search Engines

Employer Websites

Glassdoor (Salary and Company Research)

4. Locate the names of 4 counselors and what their specific area is.

Michael Snapp- Business

Sue Stephenson- Health and Science

Lei Pakalani-Arts and Social Science

Gary Gardner- Education

5. What is the mission of CSSE?

The website redirects to the CDC Career Development Center. Their mission is: Our mission is to provide high quality and comprehensive employment-related services to students and alumni and to foster professional relationships with faculty, staff and administrators. We seek career employment opportunities by developing valued relationships with premier employers. We help students and alumni develop job search skills leading to student employment, meaningful careers and service to society.

6. Who is the Director of Internship Services & Student Employment?

(YOU!) Marsha Haynes

7. List the url for help with resumes found on this site. https://uvu.optimalresume.com/

8. What does PWI stand for and who does this group serve?

Projects with Industry, serves groups with disabilities

9. How do you apply for an on campus job?

Use the UVU job board application process

10. Where is the CSSE office located? What is the office phone number?

Room LC 409 (801) 863-6364

Now you know all about Career Services & Student Employment stop in and get acquainted or email your questions to csse@uvsc.edu

Find an Internship

1)http://www.jibe.com/jobs/film-intern-spring-2012-nbcuniversal-universal-city-california-1025-?utm_source=juju&utm_medium=free&utm_campaign=jujufeed This is a Film Internship. I liked this one because it would allow me to be involved in multiple aspects of the film making process. I won't really be able to travel so this internship is in Claremont, CA. It does require previous internship experience which is a downside.

2)https://sjobs.brassring.com/1033/ASP/TG/cim_jobdetail.asp?partnerid=25348&siteid=5047&jobid=1556 This is the Disney College Internship. It is really close to my home and it doesn't require prior internship experience so it is a good starting point. The job itself isn't glamorous but it does pay and have benefits.

3)http://www.internqueen.com/internship/isaaycom-2 This one is really great! It is in my area, it does not require a previous internship, and they will train. I am most interested in the photography portion and it will also give me the opportunity to use my costumer service and office skills. I meet all the necessary requirements and it looks like a lot of fun. There is no pay but they provide lunch. The drive is about an hour away and since there is no pay I doubt we would be able to afford it, but there is a possibility.

4)http://www.job-search-engine.com/job/Radio-Talk-Show-Internship-CA-000000005eejtz?impression_id=3L3QUkmtTl-rP_MTP2Eh6w&partnerid=5d6c0e5d8f6e042f0eb42f84320e2aa1&channel=Groovejob&k=title%3Ainternship+OR+title%3Aintern&l=Claremont%2C+CA&track_from=publisher&impid=5192&method=api

This one is a radio talk show internship! It has flexible hours which is a must and I would get to learn all the researching and participate in pre-show interviews!!!

5)http://www.euroace.net/internships.html Just for fun this one is in Spain. I have wanted to go to Spain since my first high school spanish class.

Internship Sales Group Project

Brennan Miller

Valerie Nagle

Reason #1: Gaining Experience- You get to gain experience in all areas of your chosen field. This means that you work on all aspects of the business and learn everything you need to know. When it comes time to apply for jobs, companies will see that you have a wide spectrum of experience.

Reason #2: Gaining the Edge- Having experience in a job gives you the edge over lots of the other candidates that you will be competing against for the job. If you have internship experience this gives you even more credibility for the skills and experiences you have gained during an internship.

Reason #3: Earn Money- Although internships are generally unpaid, there are those that are paid. This means that you get paid money to learn a new skill and to test a potential career. You also usually benefit from other staff benefits as well which could be anything from discounts to free gym memberships.

Reason #4: Discover if it is the Right Job for You- It is vital to learn the work hours, load, and environment to determine if this the right job for you. Although you may enjoy studying in your chosen field you may not actually like the end result.

Reason #5: Securing a Job- Having an internship gives you a chance to get to know professionals in your field of study. If they are impressed with your work they will most likely offer you a job when you’ve completed your education. If a job is not available they can give you a great reference.

Reason #6: Ensuring the Best Education- Professionals in your chosen field of study are great consultants. They remember what was lacking in their education and can direct you on which non-required courses will be extremely helpful supplements.

Informational Interview

Name: Susan Burns

Job Title: Professor of Music at California State Polytechnic University Pomona (CalPoly Pomona)

Which classes do you teach? Introduction to music-general education, all of the voice related classes (studio voice, group lessons, voice seminar for vocal major-all music majors sing to each other and she provides feedback-, choir, opera-put on small operas and musicals-, director

Why did you decide to teach at this school? moved from Oregon in 1979 and she had taught at a small catholic school and she wanted to teach part time, called universities in the area and they had a job available at calpoly-had to sing and interview, after three years it was turned into a ten year track and reapplied-had to start a doctorate to get the ten year track Claremont graduate university. 9 years for a degree.

What kind of problems do you deal with? Most problems come from advising students who are in trouble, struggling with personal issues(refer them to a psychologist). You get really close to private students. Dealing with personality. How to earn living, emotions. Not enough time to do everything I want to do. Joys and benefits out way doubts.

Avoid problems by being optimistic, no gossip, see the good in people.

Why do most students choose CalPoly? They come mostly for the convenient location, two or three came to study specifically with her, and some come because their friends and family attend the school. CalPoly is not a big music school. It is known for business and architect. It has a gorgeous campus with Arabian horses and an agriculture program. Kellogg’s Corn Flakes donated the land to the school but the deal was they had to leave Arabian Horses, horses, crops, agriculture.

What skills and talents are required for your position? You must be a musician, obtain at least a master’s degree (doctorate degree preferred), experience as a singer, experience in language, Piano skills(accompaniment), stage experience, lighting, technical skills, communication skills, a lot of patience, love for people, passion for the music you teach and helping students discover their own passion, help students discover what they can and can’t do (Kim with a sweet light voice and wanted a big belting voice) Help students realize their potential and strengths and what they can and can’t do and help them develop what they can do.

If your work were suddenly eliminated, what kinds of work do you feel prepared to do? All she ever wanted to do was music. At one point if she were to do something else she would be a psychologist but not prepared yet and she would have to go back to school. She wouldn’t ever teach little kids. She would be able to teach in high school but it would have to be in music. She would be fine with just being a grandma right now.

What future dreams/aspirations do you have within this career? Build up private studio. Her and her son have a webpage and she is looking forward to improving the website. Decided to retire to help build her sons business. She would like to offer free classes in some of the high schools and get a studio so that they don’t have to do lessons in the house because that is tiring.

How has your job affected your lifestyle? That is hard to say because she taught voice since she was in college and has always had at least three private students. This is the biggest job she has ever had. Not like a normal forty hour job. When the children were little I tried to get them in the day time, but I always had summer off and Christmas off. I have had to sacrifice-part of me wanted to be the koolaid mom and that means being home with your kids, large family, but that wasn’t what my husband was. He didn’t like a lot of people around. I was lucky to have be home with my own kids. I felt like it was a good job and I don’t think the kids suffered. My house isn’t always clean. There are trade-offs you can’t do everything, but the joy I gain from my job is worth it. I had my concert on Saturday and seeing all my alumni coming back made me so happy. I love them. It is more than just a job it is my life’s work. There is so much joy and I really feel like I made a positive difference and that is about all you can ask for. It is very humbling and satisfying at the same time. One of my most rewarding experiences was teaching Dorothy to sing again. I am blessed enough to help someone with a talent that they will have for eternity and that has guided me. I am so blessed to love what I do.

Personal Reflection

Resource: This was a really fun assignment and I feel like she will be a great resource for me when I transfer to CalPoly.

The Job: This is a job I would be really interested in but I don’t have the skills for it yet. I have always been interested in music but I don’t have a natural talent.

Learning: I think the biggest thing I learned from this interview is that it doesn’t really matter what your job is as long as you are passionate about it and optimistic.

Preparation: She ended up coming a half an hour early so I wasn’t quite prepared with everything when she came, but if I did it again I would have prepared sooner to allow for things to g