Job Interview tips please guys

Perhaps a bit late, but I always take a fancy looking leather folder with me to carry all the paperwork I need for the job: cv, job spec etc. It doesn't serve much of a practical purpose, but it shows I am organised and prepared.
 
Perhaps a bit late, but I always take a fancy looking leather folder with me to carry all the paperwork I need for the job: cv, job spec etc. It doesn't serve much of a practical purpose, but it shows I am organised and prepared.

Ah thanks very much on that, Ok I will find a folder too and my NI and the CV/covering letter. um on the GOV it says employees will take a copys of the passport. Do I have to actually take the real passport(don't wanna lose it).

Cheers again
 
I found these wer brilliant when I was interviewing and I think it made the difference to getting the job or not which I did and at 5k more then they advertised it for!

http://www.mediafire.com/download/j2t1xwsyha9fchn/The-Ultimate-Guide-to-Job-Interview-Answers.pdf

http://www.mediafire.com/download/968kdc9sc3yk839/HARO_Best_Interview_FINAL.pdf

@bainbridge, haha lol everything set clothing wise haha.
@ Greebo wow brilliant thank u very much, I will download them right-away that would make very much use. :D ahh even better pdf aswell I will view them on my tablet in bed :P. gna print off the pages soon to look over for the question and thoughts
 
Last edited:
I will check again at college tomo so if there are any thing that r not said please share. Thanks every 4 the big help 2day.
 
I haven't read the full thread dude, but my main tip for you is just to be yourself and be honest, and be the best you can be :)

I saw your concerns with regards to that interview chap on youtube, and the reason why he's said write a load more questions is because, in my experience, they tell you a whole load of stuff at the interview that you were thinking about asking anyway, so your questions get knocked out! I think it's good, when they stop speak, if you have something to say, then discuss it with them so you show interest/don't forget your question (this always happens to me!).
 
Always pause a little and think before answering a question. They wont mind and always better to think about it and give a god answer rather than spout some rubbish out of the top of your head
 
@bainbridge, haha lol everything set clothing wise haha.
@ Greebo wow brilliant thank u very much, I will download them right-away that would make very much use. :D ahh even better pdf aswell I will view them on my tablet in bed :P. gna print off the pages soon to look over for the question and thoughts

Yeah thats what I did as well, read them on my tablet in bed lol

Good luck.
 
Would it be a good idea to ask them about the OJE they will be doing after interview so they can clarify for me as I don't understand it 100%.

Yes, that's exactly the kind of question you should ask.

and I want to include this 1 too wt you think?
5. Do you have any concerns about my ability to perform this job?

Personally, I wouldn't ask this, though I can see why you'd want to. The whole purpose of the interview is to alleviate any concerns that the company might have about employing you. Seems to me that if you get to the Q&A stage at the end and you still need to ask this, then you haven't presented your experience and examples well enough during the interview itself.

Other people may feel differently of course!

Would you think that it would be better if I try and ask for permission before interview to take notes...

I've never asked for permission in an interview to take notes, and I'd be incredibly wary of any employer who had an issue with it! That said, it can't hurt to ask politely at the start, "do you mind if I take notes".
 
Personally, I wouldn't ask this, though I can see why you'd want to. The whole purpose of the interview is to alleviate any concerns that the company might have about employing you. Seems to me that if you get to the Q&A stage at the end and you still need to ask this, then you haven't presented your experience and examples well enough during the interview itself.


I've never asked for permission in an interview to take notes, and I'd be incredibly wary of any employer who had an issue with it! That said, it can't hurt to ask politely at the start, "do you mind if I take notes".

I see your point but the guides I linked to suggests you do this but perhaps in a slightly different way along the lines of "is there any areas where the other candidates are stronger than me?" which gives you a chance to address any concerns they have from what you have told them and puts their mind at rest

In my case when i asked the answer was that the other candidates were qualified accountants whereas I am only qualified by experience (20+ years) so it gave me a chance to address that issue which obviously worked. I had hhoped I had shown I could do the job during the interview but it was still good to have chance to explain the one area they felt I might be weak on.

Another suggested line of questioning is "what concerns do you have which would stop you offerring me the position today?" Similar line of questioning.

And always good to ask if you can take notes. Worth while so you don't forget to ask something at the end and it looks good. Even if you end up asking nothing it shows you are keen and insterested.

And one last tip, always show that you want the job. It may seem a given otherwise why would you be there but it looks good that you want the job so ask about what is the next stage, where does it go from here, when will I hear whether I am successful etc. Tell them you are really interested in the job (unless you aren't!)
 
Last edited:
Oh and smile and eye contact! A must. Harder to do then it seems but smile lots and always look the interviewer in the eye.

To be honest, if you are at interview stage then you are capable of doing the job just like the other candidtates so it really comes down to who they like and think would fit in well. So if you smile lots and keep up eye contact you will be remembered.
 
Briliant thanks sooo much guys, Im ready on the facial expression and all that, im gonna try speak abit heavier ish tone to raise my pointand confidence. I know about the straight postures etc. I don't really use arms movements though would it necessary. and btw Greebo those guides are the gem, I feeled more prepared after reading those. I will attempt to ask the interviewer politely for the notes too :P.
I will post here the questions here for you guys to review and see if it is appropriate soon.
 
Here it is
1. What Personal and professional development/qualification can the role lead to?
2. Is there the potential to take on additional responsibilities as I gain further experience in the role?
3. Despite searching, I couldn’t find the job’s regular hours, What sort of shifts could I be expected to work at?
4. How has the recession/economy impacted your business?
5. Are there any divisions/people that I will be in close interaction with on a daily /weekly or monthly basis?
6. Do you have any concerns about me or my suitability for the role that we haven’t addressed today?
7. Would you be able to clarify more on the On Job Evaluation as I am not 100% sure?
8. So what is the next stage, what happens next, When will I know if I am successful or not?

Edited Version

Cheers :D
 
Last edited:
RE: Q6/8

IMO 6 is slightly better; I'd say something like "Do you have any concerns about me or my suitability for the role that we haven't addressed today?" or words to that effect?
 
RE: Q6/8

IMO 6 is slightly better; I'd say something like "Do you have any concerns about me or my suitability for the role that we haven't addressed today?" or words to that effect?

Haha thanks, that sounds much nicer let me alter it above too. Now im wondering if they ask achievement shud I take copies of my IT certificates to show them my determination to achieve? and I relate my answers through the experiences I have in CV that are in work experiences I've had?
I don't know if I can relate it to that

as well as that I passed my driving license( so wud b able to drive there if accepted?) P.S t add that I failed once and pass theory second time, and took me 3 times to pass the practical one so cud I talk about tht too?

Thanks
 
Last edited:
Oh and I just checked and coincidetally Reed.co.uk sent me a email asking me to apply for the Welcome Break jobs lol in which im actually attending 2day.

Here is the important bit-

Welcome Break's a unique place to work. Every year we help 80 million people enjoy their journey a little bit more. And that's down to our brilliant people and the top-notch service they provide in a wide range of famous name branded outlets like Starbucks, Waitrose, Burger King, KFC, WHSmith and our very own Eat In. It all makes Welcome Break a really diverse and remarkable business to be part of.

Team Members
This role's all about energy, enthusiasm and a real passion for providing great customer service. If you can help us ensure that every customer enjoys a Welcome Break - and play your part in maximising sales - you'll get all the training you need to do a terrific job. Make no mistake, it's hard work. But you're the kind of person who's always willing to get stuck in and support your team. Brilliant communication skills are a must too.

At the minute Im not sure if its an Indivdual work or working with teams or reporting to someone like the supervisor. Im glad they sent this email as it still not quite in the job spec.
 
Here it is
1. What Personal and professional development/qualification can the role lead to?
2. Is there the potential to take on additional responsibilities as I gain further experience in the role?
3. Despite searching, I couldn’t find the job’s regular hours, What sort of shifts could I be expected to work at?
4. How has the recession/economy impacted your business?
5. Are there any divisions/people that I will be in close interaction with on a daily /weekly or monthly basis?
6. Do you have any concerns about me or my suitability for the role that we haven’t addressed today?
7. Would you be able to clarify more on the On Job Evaluation as I am not 100% sure?
8. So what is the next stage, what happens next, When will I know if I am successful or not?

Edited Version

Cheers :D

Pretty good. Glad the guides helped, I found them invaluable when I was job hunting and really helped me focus.

Be prepared to dump some of those questions. In my interview, I had a similar lenght of questions but quite a few got answered during the course of the interview but a couple of new ones cropped up.

And don't forget to say you really want the job (as in "I am really interested in this position and feel it would help my career progression or something along those lines, whatever suits the role). Employers like to hear the actual words that you want the job. Seems obvious and shopuldnt be necessary but it helps.
 
Oh and google and research the company as much as you can and get that into the interview. Pretty sure its on those guides anyway.

In my case I asked questions about where the company was going and where they hoped to be in 10 years based on the fact they seemed to have 10 seperate distinct businesses within the company and whether there were plans to diversify more which looks like you have done your research.
 
Back
Top Bottom