First Job Interview (w00t)

DarkShadow

DarkShadow

DarkShadow

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As thread title, I recently handed in a few applications to a couple of shops and I'v just got a phone call form B&Q for an interview with them for Friday at 5:00pm.

This is my first job interview and I really dont know what to expect :o

Anyone comments, tips and advice would be greatly appreciated!
 
Don't wear a skirt.

No, seriously now. Try to somehow learn something about the company and work out what you'll answer WHEN they ask you "Why are you the right man for the job?". If you hesitate it won't look good.
 
stay calm and confident, think of questions they might ask you (and know the correct answers ;) ) be conscious of your strenghs and talk about them.

and make sure you are mentally ready
 
Zefan said:
Don't wear a skirt.

No, seriously now. Try to somehow learn something about the company and work out what you'll answer WHEN they ask you "Why are you the right man for the job?". If you hesitate it won't look good.
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I was thinking of wearing some hotpants :(

In my application I talked about how I picked up skills whilst helping at my brother's restaurant. I mentioned skills such communicating with customers on a daily basis, learning to co-operate as a team, taking leadership in the business whilst he wasn't present and so forth.
 
Sounds good. Sit down and imagine you're them and what'd you ask to a potential employee. Make sure you have answers to the questions.
 
They always ask you stupid questions like...

Where do you see yourself in 10 years time?
Why do you want to work for this company?
What do you feel your weaknesses are?

And they will always end by asking you if you have any other questions... always have some prepared:)

Have a search on the net, there a fair few sites which tell you the model answers to give to the interviewers questions.
 
Thanks for the support guys.

I'v done some research and got some questions prepared on a sticky note.

These are what I'll hopefully be asking:

1) Communications are very important throughout this job, what are the related prioroties for this role?

2) What is the structure of the department in which my role will involve.

3) How is success measured within this sector of this department?

4) What are the short and long term objectives?

5) How would you describe the working enviroment?

I'm feeling pretty nervous :o
 
With all due respect those questions seem a bit OTT for a 16 year old taking up a part time job at B&Q - they just seem a bit fake and are obviously not genuine questions...

I mean come on, what are the short and long term objectives? You are going to be flogging tins of paint to people with beards, not doing consulting and project management for multinational companies.
 
[TW]Fox said:
With all due respect those questions seem a bit OTT for a 16 year old taking up a part time job at B&Q - they just seem a bit fake and are obviously not genuine questions...

I mean come on, what are the short and long term objectives? You are going to be flogging tins of paint to people with beards, not doing consulting and project management for multinational companies.
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Ditto, way OTT for that job.

Also question 5 about the working environment?

Surely you have been in a DIY place before and know what its like, you would look a tad daft asking that.
 
[TW]Fox said:
With all due respect those questions seem a bit OTT for a 16 year old taking up a part time job at B&Q - they just seem a bit fake and are obviously not genuine questions...

I mean come on, what are the short and long term objectives? You are going to be flogging tins of paint to people with beards, not doing consulting and project management for multinational companies.
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hahahhahah I found that pretty funny.

Those questions are not the ones you want to be asking just know the simple ones. You will be asked questions like the below

Where do you want to be in 5 years?
What are your strengths?
What are your weaknesses?
What types of people do you most dislike?
What do you know about the company?
Why should we employee you?
What can you offer us?

Simple questions like that

If i was interviewing somebody for a job in B&Q who was 16 and asked me
"Communications are very important throughout this job, what are the related prioroties for this role?
"

I would think that came straight off the internet.

This questions 3) How is success measured within this sector of this department?

Could me turned round instead of the above to something like "Does the company offer a sales incentive scheme?"
 
As above, figure out what your weaknesses are...

Almost all of my job interviews have had this question and unless you know what your going to say its hard to think of one on the spot. Or you could just say I don't have any and am superior to anyone else applying for this job ever ever ever.
 
[TW]Fox said:
With all due respect those questions seem a bit OTT for a 16 year old taking up a part time job at B&Q - they just seem a bit fake and are obviously not genuine questions...

I mean come on, what are the short and long term objectives? You are going to be flogging tins of paint to people with beards, not doing consulting and project management for multinational companies.
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17 and they're not taken from the internet, just questions thought throught contemplation.

Maybe I'm expecting too much :o
 
I wouldn't worry about the interview, if I recall correctly they just ask the same questions as on the application. I worked for B&Q for 2 years didn't really enjoy the job but a friend of mine still works there and he seems to enjoy it. Oh and B&Q stands Richard Block and David Quayle, the guys who started the company, it is now owned by Kingfisher.

Good luck with your interview.
 
dark_shadow said:
17 and they're not taken from the internet, just questions thought throught contemplation.

Maybe I'm expecting too much :o
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Sounds like it.

They'll probably take a look at you, decide if you look like you're high on crystal meth (or if you're likely to roll in high...) and make sure you're prepared to STFU and do as you're told :p
 
Where a White Tux, with a purple Shirt, un buttoned to show off your chest.

they gonna give you the job just to entertain themselves.

Also think if answers to questions like

"Tell us about yourself"

"Why do you want to work here" (i've said before that i need the money and its convenient to where i live, stated something like time keeping and punctuality are easier, but a risky answer).

"What would you bring into the job?"

"Give examples of when you have given good service"

(I hit it, and I hit it gooood won't really do).

"Give examples of when you were put in a difficult situation involving others"

(I got a part time job as a magicians helper and this box was really small......)

"What hours are you available to work"

(they are not after a manager, just shop assistant work, show willingness to work when ever but don't over commit yourself as they will hold you to what you say here).

"what are you planning to do in the next couple of years?"

(they know your not doing this as proffession, so need to know roughly how long they can expect to have you, less than 6 months aint worth there effort to train).

Above all be confident, if its a proper interview in an office, they will ask if you want a drink. Ask for water (or anything on offer cold), if this is your first interview, you'll get nervouse and dry mouthed, also having a sip of water after they ask a question, gives you a second or two to formulate your replys without looking like your stalling and trying to think.

Some Questions you might want to ask.

"how much does it pay" shows confidence and you need to know, most jobs pay less for under 18's and woudn't have been mentioned in the interview.

"what exactly will the job involve" (see if you like the sound of it)

towards the end of the interview

"is there any reason why i wouldn't fit the job?" (gives you a chance to defend yourself, and include things they were looking for and you've not yet mentioned)

"When should i expect to hear from you?"

and remember to shake hands, when you meet them and when your leaving.

For further advice see a thread from 2 or 3 weeks ago about hand shakes.
 
dark_shadow said:
Good reply badger, cracked up a few laughs :D

My interviewer is a female, do I shake her hand? :o
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Grab her hand, shove it onto your crotch, look her straight in the eye and say 'Feel that, honey? You want it, dont you? When do i start?'
 
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