Got an interview/assessment day on Tues, any tips?

[David_VI]

I've never had an interview before, only auditions for courses so after some advice..

I applied for a job from National Express (East Anglia) working at Manningtree station.. I won't deny i'm a bit of a train buff/railway enthusiast and i've always wanted to get into the industry, with my aim to be a train driver eventually.. so when I saw this job on the site I went for it.

Received a letter back the day after I sent off the application form saying I have to attend an assessment day in Stratford on Tuesday where there will be some tests and possibly an interview if I get that far.

Never had a 'proper' job, i've been in education and i'm currently on a degree and i'm quite lacking confidence so i'm really nervous about the whole thing..

The job info said no experience required which is good as I don't really have any except for voluntary work and education.. I hope this doesn't give me a worse chance.

Does anyone have any tips on how I should conduct myself? What kind of questions I might be asked that I could prepare for ?

Thanks!
David

 

[David_VI]

What have they told you will be included on the day? If you've got some information then it might be helpful for people to tailor the advice for you.

General advice would be to have a think about situations where you've demonstrated leadership/planning/dealing with difficult situations/ambitions etc as they're often amongst the questions asked so if you've got a few examples ready that helps you. Try to be confident without being cocky and look at the person who is asking you the questions but make sure to also make eye contact with the other interviewers. Don't be afraid to ask them to repeat or clarify their questions if necessary, maybe even ask for an example from them if you're struggling - this can also be to give you a little bit more time to formulate an answer. Other peoples opinions will doubtless vary on what to do so try to work out an approach that works for you.

It should go without saying but just in case - dress reasonably smartly. I'd wear a tie as it's generally better to be slightly overdressed than slightly underdressed and you can always remove it easily if you feel the need. Good luck.

Thanks.. extremely useful!

To be honest the letter says pretty much what I posted.. The only thing I can think i'm missing is the fact I have to bring my own lunch .

I've heard of questions like you say, but what if you don't have an example or a time you dealt with something difficult.. I'm sure I could think of one or two but sometimes I wonder if they are relevant.

I've got a suit I wore at a recent wedding, other than that I don't have much formal clothes, and a suits a suit right?

Thanks again
David

 

[David_VI]

Thanks for the advice, it proved useful!

Day went well apart from a lot of waiting around. Passed all the tests and the interview went alright I think! Awaiting a phone call for another interview and possible job