Job interview help!

fizzle-187

fizzle-187

fizzle-187

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28 Jul 2009
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1,549
I have a job interview tomorrow and need some tips.

It's my first interview so I'm feeling a bit nervous!

Any advice on what to do and not to?

Thanks
 
have a good nights sleep. try to answer questions by using more than a yes or no. always be in a professional manner but show a sense of humour. remember please, thank you & avoid salary questions unless asked by the interviewer.
 
1) Wear a suit
2) Think before you speak and always try and always give a positive answer rather than negative. Turn negative questions to a positive answer.
3) Don't bad mouth any existing jobs/employers.
4) Think of some questions to ask at the end.
5) Perhaps look up practice interview questions on google and practice some that would paint you in a positive light/practice answers that make you look good.
6) Be honest.
 
What kind of interview is it? Don't worry about taking a moment to think of an answer. Also, think of some questions to ask at the end.
 
Knubje said:
1) Wear a suit
2) Think before you speak and always try and always give a positive answer rather than negative. Turn negative questions to a positive answer.
3) Don't bad mouth any existing jobs/employers.
4) Think of some questions to ask at the end.
5) Perhaps look up practice interview questions on google and practice some that would paint you in a positive light/practice answers that make you look good.
6) Be honest.
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Spot on! That is what I would look for if I were there interviewer.
 
Be positive, smile and look smart.

If you connect with your interviewer chances hugely increase. For example I was asked what my hobbies are. I said I raced model kit cars professionally and it was discovered one of the guys did the same a while back.
 
If they offer you a drink accept a glass of water.

If you are struggling with an answer to a question immediately, having a sip will give you a few extra seconds. Just make sure your hands are not shaking though.
 
Thanks for the tips guys!

I'm struggling to think of a few questions at the end, could someone give me some examples of what to ask so I can get some ideas?
 
fizzle-187 said:
Thanks for the tips guys!

I'm struggling to think of a few questions at the end, could someone give me some examples of what to ask so I can get some ideas?
Click to expand...

Ask for clarification on any points of the job or the business that you aren't 100% sure about. I also recommend questions about the company itself, such as "What is the working culture like?" Questions that make the interview think before you answering you will score you big.
 
Ok here are a few:

In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges a candidate would face in the first 3 months of employment, if selected for the role.

(Shows interest, looking to future, etc).

Is there anything I have said or presented to you today that might suggest that I am not the best candidate for the role?

(Gives you a chance to defend any "weak" points as they might see them).

What are the procedures in place for training or progression through departments/the business for a prospective candidate?

(Keen about the company, shows interest in being long term and progressing and being trained).

Do you have a rough idea of a time scale as to when the decision regarding the

You can ask about benefits or "the package" however, I personally wouldn't. Wait until they offer you the job to start negotiating or asking about the specifics.



Also, anything else you are unsure of in the interview - ask them at the end.


gambitt said:
Who asks negative questions at an interview?



Now you're just being silly.
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Well a classic negative question would be "what didn't you like about your previous employer" or "name something you dislike about your current boss". Some guy on this very forum got asked something like that recently and got turned down because he gave his "honest" answer about how his manager is a douche bag or something similar or such.

When I say "be honest" I should rephrase as "don't bull****" anything. If you haven't done something or don't know how, just say that you don't know but you would do XYZ to work around that or to learn how. Don't try and act like you've done something or can do something if you can't. It will only come back to make you look like a fool :)
 
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Try to build a rapport with the interviewer, if you manage to do this it also shows how easy it is for you to get on with people (making friends easy within the work place). It will also make you feel a bit relaxed.
 
without knowing what the job is i'll suggest...

prepare some questions dont take them in written down (dont know the role so I cannot suggest any.... what are the hours, holiday entitlement )

prepare some answeres to,

1) why do you want to work for this company
2) why are you leaving you old company (dont say any neg. about the old company make something up if you have to, IE dont say because you hate the manager/boss..)
3) why should they give you the job
4) an example of where you have a, worked in a team, b solved a problem, c worked on your own, dealt with a difficult situation / customer
5) invent a few hobies / interests dont say playing computer games
6) what your strong points are
7) what your weak points are (invent something thats not going to put them off dont say "ooowwww im really lazy and always turn up late for everything")

spend an hour researching the company where offices are, how big, turn over, how long has it been running.

DONT TURN UP LATE, wear a shirt, tie and clean your shoes, also shave and make sure you dont stink of BO
 
Knubje said:
Well a classic negative question would be "what didn't you like about your previous employer" or "name something you dislike about your current boss". Some guy on this very forum got asked something like that recently and got turned down because he gave his "honest" answer about how his manager is a douche bag or something similar or such.
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Bad interviewers asking loaded (and irrelevant) questions.
 
Don't say Resumé as resume like my gf did :p

Best way to prepare: mock interviews. Answers and quetions. Read the job description you're applying for. Have a good idea of what to answer when they ask you the basic questions.

Jot down prior experience/stories to emphasize your skills and ability. You don't have to be an orator to make this interesting. Just practice telling the story so you're comfortable with it.

Then it just comes down to people skills - good clear smiles, eye contact and assertive posture wins people over.

I've had to interview a handful of people and I always hated the ones that just slouched and had to be prompted with more information.
 
The one that always gets me is 'why do you want to work for this company'

Last week i went to an interview and was too funny, works both ways.
 
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