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Interview advice, especially from those who have been intervieweres

26 replies

bigchris · 25/08/2009 19:23

Basically i've got an interview for a job that i know i stand a good chance of getting

BUT i havent had an interview for ten years and i'm worried i'll be so nervous i'll dry up and ruin my chances

so if you are interviewing someone what do you look for outside qualufications and experience? bubbly personality, clean shoes etc?

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bigchris · 25/08/2009 19:25

oh and is it ok to wear black trousers and smart shirt? its not a suity place iyswim

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HaggisNeepsnTatties · 25/08/2009 19:26

Black trousers and smart shine fine!

Lots of eye contact and smiles. Is it a competency based interview??

EffiePerine · 25/08/2009 19:29

Don't look blank and say 'I dunno' to any questions . I look for competency and flexibility rather than a bubbly personality. In fact, too bubbly and I would be put right off

EffiePerine · 25/08/2009 19:30

Oh and trous and shirt fine, but don;t wear a tank top!

bigchris · 25/08/2009 19:32

oh good not so bubbly me!

no idea what sort of interview it is, all i know it is for thirty minutes and three people interviewing

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EyeballsintheSky · 25/08/2009 19:42

Friendly is good. It's ok to be nervous; just smile but not manically!

Make sure you've read the job description and know a little bit about the company or whatever that you're applying for. Doesn't have to be loads, just enough to show you bothered to google them

EyeballsintheSky · 25/08/2009 19:44

This might not apply to you but I interview a good few people for part time jobs and they show no indication of what they intend to do the rest of the week. Even if it's stay home with the kids, mention it because the employer wants to know that you want that job and that it fits your requirements, not that you applied for 250 random jobs!

HerBeatitude · 25/08/2009 19:46

Look as though you've prepared for the interview (agree re the googling).

And a real enthusiasm for the role and/ or the organisation. I once had a girl come in for a job who was absolutely passionate about the charity I was working for. Of the 6 candidates, she was the outsider as she was the only one without charity experience. Some of the others were on paper better qualified than her. But she got the job, because her commitment to the cause and her real, genuine enthusiasm for the role and the organisation shone through and blew all the others out of the water.

bigchris · 25/08/2009 20:10

yes its parttime so that advice is really useful

need to work on the enthusiasm aspect as just feel really nervous so far!

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Mamulik · 30/08/2009 16:04

just be yourself - it always helps

pinkteddy · 30/08/2009 16:13

Work on some model answers to possible questions eg: why do you want this job? What skills and experience can you bring to the role? Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines? Team player? Strengths and weaknesses?

fishie · 30/08/2009 16:21

mug up on the person specification too - we do questions based on that, not the jd. think of examples of your previous experience which will be useful.

why haven't you had an interview for ten years, have you been working?

BellaNoir · 30/08/2009 18:13

It's ok to take a few seconds to think about the answer to a question, rather than blurt out the first thing that comes into your head...though not if the question is what is your name - obviously!

bigchris · 31/08/2009 18:23

ooh just seen some more replies
I havent had an interview for ten years because I've been in the same job first full time and the partime with a couple of maternity leaves thrown in
I've been practcising all weekend but my stomach is doing the churny thing and I'm worried I'll go hot and cold in the interview.

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meemarsgotabrandnewbump · 31/08/2009 18:27

Agree with Bellanoir. Also really try and answer the question that is being asked rather than respond with something you have previously rehearsed to a similar type of question.

It doesn't matter if you have to stop and think about it - it shows you are listening properly.

Good luck

LadyStealthPolarBear · 31/08/2009 18:28

AGree with Bella, there's no harm in taking a few seconds to think about your answer rather than blurting stuff out (and a few seconds is a long time!). If you genuinely can't think of an example of a time where...then describe what you would do and the skills you'd use. If you really really can't answer a question please say so rather than trying to bluff or ramble.
Make sure you talk equally to all three interviewers (well not timing it ) don't just address your answers to whoever seems the most senior!

hatwoman · 31/08/2009 18:35

agree with what people have said so far. try to think of concrete examples that illustrate what you;ve done in the past that's relevant to the job/person spec. also - don't be afraid to ask them to repeat a question if you're not sure you've understood it. and, if you suspect you're waffling, cut yourself short and go back a step or two to get yourself back to the main point. and have a confident firm handshake with a friendly smile. nothing worse than a drippy handshake. also think of a question that shows you've read up on the organisation and on the job description - try to avoid hoooge strategic questions like "where do you see the company in 5 years time" and also avoid small questions like "will I need to bring my own tea". something more like "I noticed the jd said I would be doing x is this likely to include y" (where y is something pf particular interest/relevance to the organistion and a good match with your skills - ie something both they and you can feel enthusiastic about)

hatwoman · 31/08/2009 18:36

sorry - just to be clear - that last bit about questions was a question for you to ask them, should they give you the chance.

LadyStealthPolarBear · 31/08/2009 18:47

good question hatwoman!
And if it turns out they answer your question(s) just say so - better that than to ask something they know you don't care about just to play the part.

LadyStealthPolarBear · 31/08/2009 18:48

answer your questions during the course of the interview I mean

Oh and going from experience, if they ask what motivates you don't answer "Well at the moment not much I really can't be bothered with my job"

bigchris · 31/08/2009 21:21

lol
thank you so much
i promise to report back how it went.

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bigchris · 01/09/2009 12:37

well i think it went ok
i answered all their questions. i think one one of them i didnt give quite enough
they asked me about what days i might not be ableto work as its an unsocialable hours , they said yhey wouldnt take my answer into account but why ask then!!

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bigchris · 01/09/2009 19:29

no phone call so far

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pinkteddy · 01/09/2009 22:36

did they say they would call today? Any news? Good luck bigchris.

bigchris · 02/09/2009 18:57

no news
I'm kind of expecting a letter through the post now saying no luck!
thanks for asking

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