interviews - tips on NOT fucking them up

[SW12lad]

I just pass some interviews (and got a new job , some helpful tips:

- Even if you are nervous, a good smile is a very good starting point.

- Try to research about the company and their activities; pay special attention to those aspects that are relevant to the vacancy. (as my dear friend lightsoutlondon advised)

- Avoid criticizing your previous job, employer or manager, specially if you are being interviewed by your old boss.

- Listen keenly, nod with your head and show interest on what they are saying.

- Don't slouch and don't waffle!

- Motivations: Avoid the awkward ones such as "money", "short hours" or similar. Avoid appearing greedy for money or promotion (it sounds silly but makes a big difference).

- Show interest: ask questions about the new job, your role and the company.

- Enthusiasm is essential! Remember to look enthusiastic and answer questions in a positive way.

- Back your questions with facts and figures (I done x and I save y pounds to the company etc).

- As somebody mention before, take your time for answering questions, speciall the complex ones, when I used to interview consultants one of the common candidate's mistakes was being very assertive and skipping key facts just for the sake of answering. If you are not sure about the answer be honest and said so.

And most important, you are going to an interview not a torture chamber, so don't worry too much and focus on the positive aspects of having a good opportunity.

 

[Pingu]

good luck for tomorrow

and dont forget to check your pants

 

[cesare]

Yes, good luck dolly!

 

[dolly's gal]

thank you all. i'll be sure to update you with a progress report some time tmw evening!

 

[equationgirl]

Greet the interviewer with a smile and firm handshake. Don't be afraid to look them in the eye.

If you don't know an answer, just say so.

If they ask if you have any questions at the end:

'Why has this position become available?'
'Could you tell me a little bit more about the role, please?'

Best of luck! Hope it goes well, but if it doesn't, think of it as practice, and remember the right job is out there for you.

 

[lights.out.london]

Take me outside and beat me with a jagged bottle - should have added to my earlier diatribe...

if you want the job, tell them, Basic human psychology; the last thing they will have as a memory of you is something positive. Some folk struggle with the idea of asking for the job. Try these as an expression of interest if you don't feel comfortable coming right out and asking for the opportunity -

I appreciate you taking time to meet with me today, I'd like to be considered further

thanks for your time. I'd be pleased to move the next stage of the hiring process

I enjoyed our meeting. Do you have any concerns which might prevent you from hiring me?

...play around with the language to suit your own style, but you get the drift.

Note 1 - the last one is hardcore. Be prepared to deal with an objection: you have just asked! But it means it's dealt with there and then.

Note 2 - None of those three examples use the word 'interview'. The Police interview criminals. You're there to discuss business. You don't need to use that word either.

e2a for the millionth time! [I'm typing like a crippled gnu today. apologies. bad eye day]

 

[Pingu]

enjoyed our meeting. Do you have any concerns which might prevent you from hiring me?

this is a good one and one i have used on a few occasisions.

the first two IMO could come across as being a bit arrogant but this will depend on the job you are going for.

as lo says though be prepared to have them come back with something if you do use it

 

[axomoxia]

Heh, I know someone who claimed to have finished the interview with the following quote from Scarface.

All I have in this world is my balls and my word and I don't break them for no one

and got the job..... Dunno if its true or not, but makes a good story.

From our perspective, we look for people with a bit of personality and for more senior positions, a certain sense of jaded cyniscism....

 

[lights.out.london]

this is a good one and one i have used on a few occasisions.

the first two IMO could come across as being a bit arrogant but this will depend on the job you are going for.

as lo says though be prepared to have them come back with something if you do use it

The delivery is important, so as not to come across as arrogant or, desperate even!

Part of the work I do with people around this stuff is helping them to find their own words and then working on the delivery.

Cheesy, but role-play helps. Even the most cold hearted City kid ends up laughing in this session. It becomes fun (honest).

 

[May Kasahara]

So how did it go dolly?

 

[Pieface]

I was wondering - she was posting earlier but I think that must have been beforehand....I didn't dare ask!

 

[Radar]

I was wondering - she was posting earlier but I think that must have been beforehand....I didn't dare ask!

I hope it went well..

 

[Pingu]

probably had her knickers tucked into a skirt and doesnt want to admit it

 

[dolly's gal]

so the first one was awfull but i got through it... then i dashed to vistoria and had seconds to spare... but it went really well! the people who interviewd me were inspirational and knew their shit and all that good stuff. the agent was on the phone within 15 mis offering me a second interview, saying they'd loved me and ting an ting...

so on tuesaday i have a second interview presenting on "what i plan to do in my first 90 days" nice! hehe i'm loving it. i rock. i'm actually not bad

 

[wtfftw]

Woo! Go you. etc etc. and then some.

 

[paolo]

so the first one was awfull but i got through it... then i dashed to vistoria and had seconds to spare... but it went really well! the people who interviewd me were inspirational and knew their shit and all that good stuff. the agent was on the phone within 15 mis offering me a second interview, saying they'd loved me and ting an ting...

so on tuesaday i have a second interview presenting on "what i plan to do in my first 90 days" nice! hehe i'm loving it. i rock. i'm actually not bad

I've been reading this thread, and all the good advice (loads of good stuff)...

...this result... superb!

By the sounds of your post, you might not be needing much more of a push from your supporters here

Stay fired up, you can sense the finish line.

 

[MikeMcc]

If it's anything like the interviews I've taken part in (as an interviewer) they may well be bricking it more than you! I've found it easier to be interviewed than to do an interview (I know, I'm a wimp)!

 

[Agent Sparrow]

then i dashed to vistoria and had seconds to spare... but it went really well! the people who interviewd me were inspirational and knew their shit and all that good stuff. the agent was on the phone within 15 mis offering me a second interview, saying they'd loved me and ting an ting...

so on tuesaday i have a second interview presenting on "what i plan to do in my first 90 days" nice! hehe i'm loving it. i rock. i'm actually not bad

Yey! Good luck for the second interview!

 

[dolly's gal]

Yey! Good luck for the second interview!

thank you - getting nervous again now! oh well, it'll all be over tmw

 

[sojourner]

Aye, lots of good luck for tomorrow chick!! Sounds like you went down well



fnar

 

[Tank Girl]

go dolly, go dolly!!

good luck bird

 

[cesare]

Yay! Good luck for the morrow dolly

 

[dolly's gal]

update:

I JUST GOT OFFERED THE FIRST ONE I WENT FOR THAT I THOUGHT I FUCKED UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

anyway, i accepted cos it's more dosh.

w00t go me and no second interview tmw either!!!!!!!!!!!



thanks for all your help and tips people! i love you all!!!!!!!!!

 

[Agent Sparrow]

update:

I JUST GOT OFFERED THE FIRST ONE I WENT FOR THAT I THOUGHT I FUCKED UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

anyway, i accepted cos it's more dosh.

w00t go me and no second interview tmw either!!!!!!!!!!!



thanks for all your help and tips people! i love you all!!!!!!!!!

'Tis always the way. You think you did badly at something, but in fact it turns out they thought you were made of win.

Well done dolly. For getting out of tomorrows interview if nowt else!

 

[cesare]

Hurray!!!!

 

[dolly's gal]

For getting out of tomorrows interview if nowt else!

I know! it's great!

 

[Tank Girl]

HURRAY!!!!!

nice one missus

 

[May Kasahara]

Oooh, well done dolly! Now all you need is for chegs to take you out to dinner and buy you an expensive gift - maybe a new phone...

 

[dolly's gal]

 

[Yetman]

Nice one mate

Thats you walking down the street after getting the job