Job interview stuff

[mank!]

I've got an interview for a really good job on Monday. I've always blagged myself a job without one before so this will be the first proper important one I'll have. As most of you lot on here are succesful business types, I figure you must know something so I thought I'd ask your advice.

Tips would be most appreciated, what to do, what not to do, what to look out for, subtle touches that I may not have thought of - stuff like that.

 

[old.user4556]

Off the top of my head:

1) Wear a suit

2) Find out everything about the company you're going to work for - an icebreaker question might be "so what do you know about us/the job?" or "why do you want to work here?"

3) Good eye contact, don't figit, don't look away and say "erm"

4) Think of good answers to tough, negative questions - "can you give an example of a time when you did something in your current job you didn't like?" to which I answered "i didn't like giving customers bad news".

5) Don't say "i work too hard" for an answer to "what are your bad points?", that is a true :fucking-rolleye: moment.

6) Don't be scared to ask them to repeat a question or to elaborate a bit more (within reason), you can also use it to think longer if you're not clear on an answer; buys some time.

7) Go with some questions (preferably printed out in a folder) about them, the job and the company. You'll come across as genuinely interested and keen in the job instead of "hi, i'm here for the sake of it".

8) The mistake I made in my last interview (although I got the job) was that I got so into telling them about something that I totally forgot what she had asked me and I didn't answer their question properly. Listen to what they ask, and answer them. My mate told me of a time where he felt like he gave a great answer to a question only for the interviewer to say "that's a great answer, but that's not what I asked you". He never got the job.

9) Relax & be positive

G

 

[Turamber]

My first job interview was waaaay back in the 1980's when the miners strike was in full swing. The guy asked me if there was anything of interest in the news. Hell I was 15 at the time, wasn't interested in very much other than my computer, the opposite sex, football and rock music. The *only* thing I knew was in the news was the miners strike.

So I gave an impassioned speech about the miners fight for their way of life which probably had me marked as some Marxist type eager for a fight. Needless to say I didn't get the job.

Moral of the story? Be informed, be positive, be confident. And if you don't get the job just think of the interview as part of your learning curve. The one after will be even better!

Oh and I just have to tell you about the last interview I went to (circa 1992). I have a habit of speaking a little bit quickly and quietly, so the office manageress of the accountants practice I'd applied to advised "The partner is partially deaf, so please try to speak slowly and clearly".

When the guy walked into the room I spoke very, very, slowly and loudly. "HELLO. IT .... IS ... NICE ... TO ... MEET ... YOU ..." At this the guy smiled and said, "Mr Riley - I am partially deaf, not completely stupid".

I got offered the job though ... so the moral of that story (apart from not being a schmuck) is - don't lose your nerve if you make a mistake, a good interviewer will allow for your nerves and inexperience.

Good luck!


EDIT: re-reading the above, I see that my interests since the 80's haven't changed much

 

[Tom]

Only ever had 2 job interviews. First one was for shelf stacking at Asda. I didn't get it (don't wear pointy leather boots to an interview). Second one was for working in a pub (go somewhere where they're desperate for staff). I got that

 

[gmloki]

Be as positive as possible. I dont mean going in there bouncing off the walls. For example they may I ask why you are suitable for the job.

Usuall answer "I think I am good for the job because of XYZ"

Best Answer "I believe that I will perform in the job because of X Y Z experience" Shows youbeleive in your own abilities and you are prepared to draw off your own experience

Do as much research as you can about the company in the local press, national(if necessary) and the web. They may have some projects coming up or some restructuring. A good question is "How does the job advertised fit into the future plans of the business" Flattery really does work wonders. It is no myth.

When the interview has finished thank the interviewer for their time.

 

[~Yuckfou~]

Already had good advice above, but just chill, what's the worst that can happen?
Also try to imagine the interviewer naked, works for some

 

[TdC]

oh, um, that suit thing. if it's not a 'suit' job, ie you're going to become a bricklayer, then don't wear a suit. do manage to be presentable though, neatness and caring for yourself (don't forget to shave) make a good first impression.

and the question thing, as in you asking them. that's really good, as you not only get some extra info but also come over as keen and interested in the company.

 

[Cyradix]

When I applied for this job (IT job) the interviewer had on leather pants and a very very low cut top.
Keeping "eye contact" was really hard so I just gave up and tried to seduce her.
I got the job

 

[Durzel]

Walk into the interview room with a big briefcase, slam it down on the desk and start using the combination locks. Don't say a word during this, and if they say anything make "sshhh" noises.

Open the lid and say "hmm interesting", then close it, remove it from the desk and say "ok, shoot". If you have a pair of sunglasses handy its best if you wear them throughout the entire duration of the interview.

Hope this helps.

 

[SAS]

At Royal Mail the process of getting to an interview alone is a complex. We have to use SOARRR - Situation, Objective, Action, Reaction, Response, Result when describing examples. Don't use that order and they bin the application form. Also have to use key words, and words hidden on the job advert grrr (just filled in another one for another role at work recently).

As for the interview Mank, make sure you are relaxed as best you can be. Get a friend to ask you some questions a few days before the interview. They will probably ask stuff like

Why do you want this job?
What can you give to this role?
Give us an example of how you have shown xxx.
What are your weaknesses? (for this one answer with a positive. i.e I am sometimes to hard on myself, I always look for ways to improve my work, even after completion.)

For tips, remember they are NOT there to catch you out. It will feel like it but they are just as nervous as you are and will try and make you feel relaxed. Go in there and pitch yourself. This is your chance to go in all guns blazing. Have the mental attitude that you will do your best, and not "this job is mine", the mindset can turn against you when being questioned.

At the end always ask a question. Something like "when will I hear back" or something related to the actual role to clarify something that you may know already but they won't mind telling you.

 

[gmloki]

When I applied for this job (IT job) the interviewer had on leather pants and a very very low cut top.
Keeping "eye contact" was really hard so I just gave up and tried to seduce her.
I got the job

But did you get the girl

 

[Cyradix]

But did you get the girl

no
It never got past "flirting"

 

[Gray]

When i went for the interview for o2, wasnt too bad, i had already had 2 previous interviews at a Warehouse, but i decided to walk out of them myself instead of continuing and possibly making a mistake.

So i kinda knew what to expect at the job regarding questions, one of them was again "What makes you want to work for o2?" Simple answer was "o2 is a large company, everyone knows them and everything i hear is good"

After i got the job i straight away found that was bullshit :/, but i got the job.. :/

 

[Jas]

I got a new job the other day at the BBC! Crazy stuff!

Didn't think I did very well at the test or the interview - the other people applying must have been rubbish...

 

[Aada]

Walk into the interview room with a big briefcase, slam it down on the desk and start using the combination locks. Don't say a word during this, and if they say anything make "sshhh" noises.

Open the lid and say "hmm interesting", then close it, remove it from the desk and say "ok, shoot". If you have a pair of sunglasses handy its best if you wear them throughout the entire duration of the interview.

Hope this helps.

LMFAO

 

[old.Tohtori]

Black suit and shades, a folder(greenish) that holds a sh*tload of papers and is held closed with a string. Now, sit down and get this, robotic way of talking:

"Hmm, Mr. (comapny guy name). I see your company is hiring TWO kinds of people. One is the workerdrone, aka Joe Basic, with no initiative skills at all and lacking any abilities to solve even the basic tasks without referring to a superior of some sort. The other, a perfect candidate, aka Me, who can manage any given job at any given time without even the slightest of argument against it, while at the same time thinking of better ways to improve the workflow as well as the work enviroment of the office. One of these workers has a future in your company, the other one does not."





Or....just be yourself. Worked for me. No specials, suits, thought out plans or sh*t.

 

[mank!]

I like Durzel's advice. It might not get me the job but I can take solace in the amusing situation.

Thanks for the advice. I know the company well and the bloke who will be interviewing me I've met a few times so that should help the nerves a bit.

 

[Lazarus]

dont fidget during interview
dont "name" drop
be friendly.
dont be boastful
dont have a "ham shank" during interview
answer the questions truthfully
pay attention

 

[old.Tohtori]

And for the love of god if someone asks "Are you a known sex-offender?" answer with "In what state?"

 

[Aada]

lool

 

[Gurnox]

Don't turn up still pissed from the night before reeking of booze.

 

[tRoG]

Or....just be yourself. Worked for me. No specials, suits, thought out plans or sh*t.

What I have done. Worked also

Although, most interviews I've gone to, I've actualy known whoever's interviewing me. Which makes it a bit easier

 

[Gurnox]

Must admit that the 'be yourself' advice is probably the best on here. That way, if you don't get the job, it wasn't for you anyway.

Common sense is a great commodity too:

Always wear a suit and tie,
Never swear in the interview - No matter how friendly it gets,
Stay relaxed,
Sell yourself,
If there is more than one interviewer, make/keep eye contact with all of them.
Body language - Keep an open posture. Folded arms are a no no. You'd be surprised at how many management bods believe in that kind of stuff.

And above all, learn from every interview you have. If you were put forward by an agency, ask them to get some feedback for you. Or send the company a nice polite letter asking why you were not right for the position if you don't get it.

MOST important - Don't get too despondant if you don't get the job. Another one will always come along.

Oh, and best of luck!

 

[Paradroid]

erm, what type of interview is it? HR?

I'm in the middle of a recruitment drive atm (spooky), we use competency-based recruitment though - very structured and everyone knows what to expect. I train & coach staff who are applying for our internal jobs using this method, and also the managers who do the sifting & selecting.

I'm no guru on interview tips but, if it's a new employer and you're feeling nervous, just remember there are only 2 outcomes from the interview:
1) You get the job - and these people you're "chatting" with are your future colleagues
2) You don't get the job - and you'll never see them again

Oh, and another thing is;
I know you want to "sell yourself" (*heh*), but try and adopt the attitude (not the behaviour) that this is their chance to get you - not vice-versa...


...once, during an job interview, a friend of mine was asked to do an impersonation of a chicken - to which he promptly stood on his chair, then on the interviewers desk, before giving the most realistic impersonation of a chicken that he could - kicking his heels, knocking the interviewers papers floorward...he got the job..."The only person who would do it" the interviewer remarked after the laughter....true story btw, interviewed for bar staff in a holiday camp - was expected to "pitch-in" elsewhere when needed...

 

[Jas]

LOL - very funny. I guess you wont get that kind of question in your average office job interview

 

[mank!]

I'm not sure what type of interview it is, it's for a job in the marketing department at Swindon Town FC. I presume it'll be a straight forwardish interview...

 

[Durzel]

They might ask you to kick a ball. Go to the interview in the full Swindon Town kit (i.e. including boots, shinpads, etc) , just in case.

 

[Mr.Bee]

I think the whole interview process has gone out of control, the amount of time and work you have to go through just to get a simple job is awful. Filling out huge forms, Phone interviews,real interviews all to get a job stacking shelves!

I remember after one interview the guy scored my answers in front of me, a scoring system? wtf is that all about..sheesh

All I can say is thank god I dont have to go through it all again (at least I hope so!)

 

[Jupitus]

[controversial]

I'll refer you all to the A level results thread and recent press articles. I can't rely on exam results, even at university level, to find the brightest staff I would like to. I have just recruited 4 people for different roles, and the only way I could do it was to interview each and every one of them personally.

I don't give a shit what results people have.... one of the brightest new staff I have has been working for jack shit money and just got 10k added to his salary for being bright, sharp, and in the right place at the right time.

Be yourself in an interview..... if you are worth employing you'll get the job.

[/controversial]

I'm off to bed :kissit: