Course Outline for Business 50C
Interviewing for Success

Effective: Fall 2027
SLO Rev:

Catalog Description:

BUS 50C - Interviewing for Success

1.00 Units

This course covers principles and techniques of successful employment interviews starting with interview preparation, selling your qualifications, managing difficult questions and preparing for follow up on the job interview. This course is offered online one time per year.
CB03: TOP Code 0506.00 - Business Management*
CIP Code 52.0201 - Business Administration and Management, General.
Course Grading: Optional
Type Units Inside of Class Hours Outside of Class Hours Total Student Learning Hours
Lecture 1.00 18.00 36.00 54.00
Total 1.00 18.00 36.00 54.00

Measurable Objectives:

Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. research a company and position before an interview;
  2. identify and articulate key job qualifications in a job interview;
  3. successfully respond to difficult or illegal questions;
  4. present appropriate body language in an interview;
  5. professionally follow up on employment interviews.

Course Content:

  1. Researching companies and positions
  2. Conducting informational interviews
  3. Understanding interviewer expectations and interview strategies
  4. Assessing key qualifications for a position
  5. Dressing for success
  6. Selling yourself in an interview
  7. Responding to different types of interview questions (situational, behavioral)
  8. Handling difficult or illegal questions
  9. Managing nonverbal communications and tone
  10. Closing and following up on employment interviews
  11. Negotiating salary and benefits

Methods of Instruction:

  1. Case problems
  2. Guest speakers
  3. Lecture/Discussion
  4. Distance Education
  5. Mock interviews
  6. Oral presentations
  7. Videos

Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:

1. Typical Assignments
  1. For a chosen job position, conduct an informational phone interview with a company representative. Prepare a one-page report on what you’ve learned about specific job duties and your fit of your qualifications to the position.
  2. Develop a list of ten questions you would ask if you were the interviewer for your desired position, and your persuasive responses as a candidate for the position.
2. Methods of Evaluating Student Progress
  1. Quizzes
  2. Oral Presentation
  3. Mock interviews
  4. Research papers
  5. Exams/Tests
  6. Final Examination
3. Student Learning Outcomes
Upon the completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. respond to a series of common interview questions;
  2. develop, improve, and practice their interviewing skills.

Textbooks (Typical):

  1. Kate Wendleton (2013). Mastering the Job Interview: And Winning the Money Game Cengage Learning PTR.
  2. Stewart, C., Cash, W (2022). Interviewing:Principles and Practices (16th). McGraw Hill.
  3. Charles J. Stewart (2025). Interviewing: Principles and Practices McGraw-Hill .

Abbreviated Class Schedule Description:

Techniques for successful job search process including Interviewing preparation and follow up process.

Discipline:
Business*