Got an interview

Zaphan58

Zaphan58

Zaphan58

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Joined
30 Nov 2003
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Just got an e-mail informing me I have an interview next week. Its for a Junior Web Developer work placement for Uni and will be my first proper interview.

I have to say as soon as I read it I felt like I had just hit the big dipper on a rollercoaster as my stomach sank, I'm absolutely bricking it!! :eek:

So far I have dug up this guide that was posted on the forums. http://bhuvans.wordpress.com/2006/08/19/50-common-interview-qa/

Any other tips? Also I dont have a proper suit! Would I be smart enough wearing trousers, shirt and some shoes? I should invest in one some time for such occasions!
 
Try a tie aswell, jacket not so important.

Just be confident, not over confident though. Keep eye contact - think about some good questions to ask back, things that show your keen to work - overtime maybe?

Other then that just be yourself :)
 
As I say whenever people post about being scared before interviews, get some alcohol in ya, I do it every time, helps me relax and I'm a lot more articulate with what I say. Don't get drunk, just a bit tipsy and you actually don't give a ****.
 
Interviews are funny things, and are hard to advise but Huddy did a very good interview guide on OcUK which you should look up...

If they ask you questions, try to give concrete examples. Be enthusiastic, ask some good questions.
 
Violent-J said:
As I say whenever people post about being scared before interviews, get some alcohol in ya, I do it every time, helps me relax and I'm a lot more articulate with what I say. Don't get drunk, just a bit tipsy and you actually don't give a ****.
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Some of the worst advice ive heard! Especially as he may be driving to and from his interview!

Dont just blurt an answer out, think about it first. Dont just say what you think they want to hear, voice your opinion and stand with it.

Only experience can really teach you the best way to handle an interview, ive had a few now and i dont suffer from nerves anymore. If you read to much or take to much advice then you will be so worried about forgetting to do something your full attention wont be on the interview!
 
I remember Huddys interview guide I think I have it bookmarked on my PC at home, I shall take a look!

Regards the alcohol I do find it a good "oil" to get me chatting and not being worried, I wouldnt want them to smell it on me though and think I'm am alcoholic or something. Then again I think I have a drop of scotch laying around. :D
 
Be aware of your hands, dont fiddle with things, it makes you look nervous, also be aware of any nasty little habbits you have when you really dont want to be somewhere, mine is usually playing with my watch, I dont even have to look at it but I will still play with it.

Other than that, clear voice, eye contact, shake hands at the beginning, smile in the interview, make it seem like you want to be there, be honest (nothing worse then trying to fig yourself out of a hole), always thank them for their time at the end.
 
Zaphan58 said:
Regards the alcohol I do find it a good "oil" to get me chatting and not being worried, I wouldnt want them to smell it on me though and think I'm am alcoholic or something. Then again I think I have a drop of scotch laying around. :D
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Do not drink alcohol for an interview!! You will find that most companies now have a strict no drinking rule at lunchtimes, if you where the interviewer and someone came in and you even thought you smelt alcohol would you hire them? No!

If you are really worried about talking to new people, go out onto the street and just chat to random people, you can do it anywhere, on a bus/train or in a queue, just not in the mens toilets :D It sounds silly, but if you chat to a complete stranger then talking to an interviewer is no different!
 
Some nice advice so far guys thanks, I think so far it boils down to being, polite & confident, oh and being a bit early to the interview!
 
MNuTz said:
Do not drink alcohol for an interview!! You will find that most companies now have a strict no drinking rule at lunchtimes, if you where the interviewer and someone came in and you even thought you smelt alcohol would you hire them? No!

If you are really worried about talking to new people, go out onto the street and just chat to random people, you can do it anywhere, on a bus/train or in a queue, just not in the mens toilets :D It sounds silly, but if you chat to a complete stranger then talking to an interviewer is no different!
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No I wont drink before hand, its tempting I'l admit but I certainly wont, I shall go in there as me and do my best and if I dont get it then so be it, atleast I shall of got some experience from it if nothing else.
 
Zaphan58 said:
No I wont drink before hand, its tempting I'l admit but I certainly wont, I shall go in there as me and do my best and if I dont get it then so be it, atleast I shall of got some experience from it if nothing else.
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Just think of it this way, if they weren't interested in you they wouldnt of asked you for an interview!

They obviously know youve got the skills and qualifications to do the job, all they are going to ask you about is what youve done before, and experince or jobs youve written on your CV. One of the main points for an interview is a "personality test", hence why its best to be yourself. Oh and remember, smile :D
 
cleanbluesky said:
Interviews are funny things, and are hard to advise but Huddy did a very good interview guide on OcUK which you should look up...

If they ask you questions, try to give concrete examples. Be enthusiastic, ask some good questions.
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;)

Here you go.. Enjoy :)

http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=17469564


It's all in the preperation.. never attempt an interview without being prepared.. Hopefully this should help.. but research the company first.
 
Right guys just need another bit of advice, they sent me a rather informal e-mail asking if the time was ok in the fashion of

Hi Chris,

Thanks for you application. Would you be available on......

Thanks

Mr xxxxxx
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I dont want to sound too informal in my reply back so I have written.

Dear Mr xxxxx

Thank you for your e-mail regarding the interview. I am available for interview on Wednesday 30th, I look forward to meeting you.

Yours Sincerely
Chris xxxxx
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Does this sound ok? Too brief? :confused:
 
Buy yourself a suit, you will need it at somepoint within the next few years so it makes sense. First impressions count, coming in looking scruffy will give a negative impression before you even have the chance to open your mouth.

I know I look good in a suit so it gives me extra confidence. Go for a modern shirt and tie and you can't go wrong.
 
haven't read the thread but make sure you ask questions only for where the answer is not available.

research the company and its sector

any question they ask should be supported by evidence from you

have ht ebasic questions already prepared

remember their names if multiple interviewers - thats a common city trick where they have 3 or more people interview and they check
 
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