Interview - it's been a while

Sic

Sic

Sic

Soldato
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so, I've got an interview this afternoon, and it's for a job that i really want. I've got all the obvious stuff (got my suit/tie on, lookin' all smart - yes, it's possible) but I'm wondering if anyone has any interviewey pointers.

Obviously I'm not going to be rude, and I'll be answering all questions fully and trying to enter into discussions where i see fit, but i know some people have magical interview techniques that'll have them salivating at the prospect at employing me; so what are they?! :p

And if you're a manager/you've interviewed before, what impresses you about potential candidates?

cheers :) *nervous*
 
oooh Good Luck dude!

Keep eye contact for one, make sure you shake there hand too :)

Have you got any questions prepared for yourself?
 
thanks mate :)

i've not got any questions, other than the mandatory "if i sex you, does that improve my chances?". it's for a junior developer at a web design company, they're redesigning the website of a "well-known pizza restaurant" and they've asked me to brainstorm (or whatever the PC term for that is, nowadays) ideas for functionality of a website, so i've come up with a few ideas and how you'd go about writing/implementing them, but aside from that i've not really done any preparation. i guess that's kinda what i'm looking for.
 
I've never had any interviews past that of Tesco so I guess i'm a little out of my league here :p

All the same, good luck buddy and I hope you do get the job.

Some general pointers for you:

Keep eye contact, don't mumble, be enthusiastic, ask them questions too, be yourself.
 
After the interview, if the person is a man Shake him tightly (a gentle tight/squeez) and look straight in his eyes them smile at the same time.
iirc, it leaves a mark on them to remember you potentially or something like that.
 
I've alaways found slipping ina question about overtime and the ability for promotion can be good - shows your willing to really work - depending on the job / interviewer though it can also back fire as "money grabbing"
 
cheers guys. about the handshake, no-one ever gets away from me with a limp handshake - i can't stand them. i think the only potential problem i'll have is making eye contact. it makes me really paranoid holding eye contact for too long!! i'll practice this morning; everyone will think i've gone mad!!

McD - i think they know i'm pretty keen already...when they sent me the application form, it was terrible, so i re-did it and sent them the template back!! :D wanting a promotion wouldn't be just for the money for me - i've spent so long doing a job that i hate, just because it's convenient and it pays...this job could lead into the career that i want, so i'm not too bothered about money at this stage, but i'm pretty flexible anyway.

if i'm waffling, it's for my own benefit!! :D
 
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Make surte you got some facts about the company, it shows you are and want to work for THEM and that your not just going from interview to interview.

Be yourself, and tell the truth. As it's web-design i would stress to them that you have an amazing imagination and creative mind. Having a good web site is all about the design and how it links with the theme.

Good luck and be confirdent!!!
 
If you have a problem with eye contact, either look at the bridge of their nose, or just above one of their ears. 60-40 looking at them/not looking at them.

Hanky in the pocket to keep the handshake dry.

Don't dribble.
 
Sic said:
cheers guys. about the handshake, no-one ever gets away from me with a limp handshake - i can't stand them. i think the only potential problem i'll have is making eye contact. it makes me really paranoid holding eye contact for too long!! i'll practice this morning; everyone will think i've gone mad!!

McD - i think they know i'm pretty keen already...when they sent me the application form, it was terrible, so i re-did it and sent them the template back!! :D wanting a promotion wouldn't be just for the money for me - i've spent so long doing a job that i hate, just because it's convenient and it pays...this job could lead into the career that i want, so i'm not too bothered about money at this stage, but i'm pretty flexible anyway.

if i'm waffling, it's for my own benefit!! :D
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i know you wouldnt say it for money - but thats how it can backfire.

With the eye contact im the same - but for an interview and just say to myself they think im pretty so i dont mind the eye contact :D
 
with the eye contact, is it supposed to be maintained at all times, or prolonged intervals...i never know when it stops being eye contact and starts being staring!!!

frenchie said:
Hanky in the pocket to keep the handshake dry.
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that's an awesome idea! definitely doing that! i'm also thinking non-sweaty thoughts!

McD said:
just say to myself they think im pretty
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heh, good idea. i'll just pretend that goldilocks is interviewing me...i'll be ace on eye contact then!!

cheers for that search Nix :)

edit: bloody hell - he must've been bored!!
 
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Sic said:
cheers for that search Nix :)

edit: bloody hell - he must've been bored!!
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I actually remember seeing it in the archive not too long ago ;)
Although, I can't remember what I was looking for :p

Makesure you get yourself some food and a nice hot drink before you go too buddy.

For the eye contact, I'm exactly the same - I prefer to tilt my ear to someone when I'm listening to them rather than stare in their eyes. I guess the best thing for you to do is have periods of eye contact or something.

EDIT: Yeah, I think he was :p
 
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the worst thing is i KNOW i'm going to need a cigarette before i go in, but i don't want to reek of smoke! and i don't want to smell of deodorant cover-up. maybe i'll have one at lunch, then straight after the interview. it's not even for the nicotine - it's for the nerves!! :(
 
Sic said:
the worst thing is i KNOW i'm going to need a cigarette before i go in, but i don't want to reek of smoke! and i don't want to smell of deodorant cover-up. maybe i'll have one at lunch, then straight after the interview. it's not even for the nicotine - it's for the nerves!! :(
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Thought you were giving up?

(That dig is for the "frenchie";))
 
fatiain said:
Thought you were giving up?

(That dig is for the "frenchie";))
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i'm not a full-time smoker anymore, but life's to short to begrudge myself pleasures just because they're potentially dangerous. i enjoy driving, but that doesn't mean i'm going to stop just because i might die on the way to work.

new philosophies and all that :) carpe diem.

frenchie
 
Sic said:
i'm not a full-time smoker anymore, but life's to short to begrudge myself pleasures just because they're potentially dangerous. i enjoy driving, but that doesn't mean i'm going to stop just because i might die on the way to work.

new philosophies and all that :) carpe diem.

frenchie
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Nice philosophy, on the "difficult" second album was it, Mick?
 
Good luck with the interview.
My advise is be ultra confident and believe you are the man they need.
Get there early but don't go in just have a walk around near the building to chill and calm yourself.
 
Sic said:
the worst thing is i KNOW i'm going to need a cigarette before i go in, but i don't want to reek of smoke! and i don't want to smell of deodorant cover-up. maybe i'll have one at lunch, then straight after the interview. it's not even for the nicotine - it's for the nerves!! :(
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Umm maybe that spray stuff for bad breath may cover it? - dont use chewing gum though :p - Im a smoker/cant keep eye contact etc... must be why I dont do very good in interviews :D
 
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