Co-operative Education Events
Interview Idol
Do YOU have what it takes to be StFX's next interview Idol?
Students are invited to challenge current co-ops students and register for the 2nd Annual Co-operative Education Program Interview Idol Competition. This contest is fun, free and a great way to learn and experience the recruitment process.
Our 2009 Idol, Alex Dorward a 3rd Year IS student returns to defend his title and invites all of the best and brightest students to vie for the chance to be the StFX 2010 Interview Idol.
A maximum of 40 students can register for the event. Students will progress through a round one and round two of public panel interviewing with hopes to advance to the final round, where 4 contestants battle for top spots, cash awards and prizes.
The purpose of this contest is to encourage students to practice interviewing and have an opportunity to gain useful interview tips and guidance from experts.
Co-op students invite any full-time undergraduate students interested from any degree to participate.
Round One
Contestants will be asked two open-ended behavioral based questions. Each response is marked by a panel of judges out of five. Scores are tabulated and the top 20 participants will advance to the next round.Round Two
Contestants will be given relevant sample job descriptions related to fictitious summer positions that are related to their program of study, and will be asked 3 questions related to their position and 2 more open ended behavioral based interview questions. Scores will be tabulated out of 25. The top 4 participants will advance. In the event of a tie, qualifying participants will be asked a tie breaking question.Final
The top four will vie for the top 3 places in a public venue. The pressure is on and this round is about the ability to think quick on your feet and be able to perform under pressure. Contestants will be asked a series of questions in 5 minute spots. Each candidate will be graded on the quality of their answers and the amount of information provided in only 5 minutes. The more questions asked (each worth a potential score out of five) the more answered and the better possibility of a higher score. All candidates will be asked one question in the final round and will have only 1 minute to respond.Scores are determined by time, quality of answer and on presentation and delivery.
Contest Prizes
All contestants receive a certificate of participation. The top 4 contestants will earn a award of recognition and the following cash awards.
1st Place: $200.00 cash award
2nd Place: $100 cash award
3rd Place: $50 cash award
4th Place: $30 cash award
Contest Dates:
Friday March 12th, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Located at the Black Doors, Morrison HallFriday, March 19th, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Located at the Black Doors, Morrison HallMarch 25th or 26th
Location and time TBA. Reception to followJudging
A panel of three judges will be formed for each round. They will consist of HR personnel, faculty, and employers. Judges will be announced at the events.Contest rules:
1) A maximum of 40 students can register, 20 spots will be reserved for co-op students and 20 will be open to non co-ops.
2) Fair and supportive participation is expected by all.
Anyone acting in a manner which the staff or judges determine as inappropriate will be removed from the contest.
3) Professional attire is expected for this contest. Anyone who does not meet the criteria could find that they are ineligible to participate. See below for more details
4) Anyone who does not attend is ineligible for the final.How you can register?
Email: co-op@stfx.ca and indicate your year of study and program.Think about and practice answers to the following questions;
Tell me a little bit about yourself?
What specific knowledge/abilities do you have as it relates to the duties of position as outlined in the job description?
What do you know about our organization?
What specific knowledge about your area of study can you bring to the position?
What do you think are the biggest issues and challenges facing our organization in regards to accounting today?
What are your greatest skills?
What are your biggest weaknesses? How have you over come them?
What previous employment experience makes you most appropriate for this position?
What are you learning in your courses that can help you in this position?
What technical skills can you contribute?
How would you describe a typical work day for you?
Give us an example of a challenge you faced on the job or in your studies. How did you deal with that challenge? What this effective?
Why should we hire you?
What do you plan to do with your future?
Why do you want to work here?
What do you like to do in your personal time?Successful tips for interviewing;
In addition to research, studying and appropriate dress;
- Use parts of the question to answer the question
- Remind yourself of your work samples, and employment portfolio.
- Thank the interviewers for their time and consideration.
- Responses should be 3-5 minutes in length outside of the timed questions in the final round.
- Stay calm focused and speak with clarity and purpose.
- Ask for clarification if you don’t understand what is being asked
- Be confident without appearing casual, informal or conceded.
- Use eye contact and appropriate body language to help connect with the interviewers
Don’t forget:
- Dress professionally to keep yourself in the right mind frame
- Sit upright in your chair to better project your voice and confidence
- Smile- it can be heard in your voice
Dressing for Success
Students are expected to wear professional attire. This includes a collared shirt that compliments a 2 piece suit. Suits should be grey, black, brown, navy or pin stripe. Skirts that are knee length can be appropriate for women, but they are not expected to wear them. Also, students may incorporate ties, vests, and dress sweaters into the outfit. Dress shoes should compliment attire.
Upcoming Events
Calendar of Co-op Events (PDF)
CAFCE 2009 Co-op Student of the Year Award Nomination
Deadline January 26, 2010
National Co-operative Education Week March 22-26, 2010
Making the Career Connection, 2010
View photos from last years event! (click here)University Events