interview this PM - need some tips

[jeangenie]

have first interview this afternoon, informal half hour job with (I think ) the HR person
it's for a project managementy job with a "new media" (ie digital) company
what kind of things are hot in interviews these days?
are they still asking about strengths and weaknesses or have they moved on?
what do you say as a weakness anyway? (as obviously I have NONE )
haven't had a proper interview for 6 years or so and needing guidance in my preparations

A friend recently used me as a referee and the company phoned me up for an 'interview'! They asked me if they could 'put me on the spot' and say what her main weakness was.
Instead of saying 'She's a miserable cow' I said that if I had to say something then it would be that she's a little too modest and doesn't always believe in her own strengths.
She got the job!

nice one fortyplus

not sure I could say that about myself though

bump - am doing my prep now

When I recruit I split interviews into sections - normally a section on their experience relative to the job they are applying for, some scenarios where they say how they would have handled a particular prolem or issue, some questions on team working and how they like to work/ be managed.

Never ask about strenghts and weaknesses - sometimes ask them what the best bits are about their current job and the worst - that can be illuminating.

thanks puddle - I should be fine on area 1, I need to think more about 2&3

ooh, that'll take a bit of thinking about

(I suppose I can't really say that the worst is that we've been on reduced salary for the past year as the company is not doing well?)

How did you get on?

they said they'll call me back for second interview next week. didn't ask anything much really *I have a lot of very relevant experience which may have had something to do with that)

but, it felt to me like they are a "work all hours" kind of company, whereas I am a "work hard when at work but go home to spend plenty of time with my kids" kind of girl. indeed I currently only work 4d a week, which suits me beautifully

hmm, can that circle ever be squared?

We are a bit 'all-hours' but people get round it by either coming in early and looking v efficient by getting loads done before anyone else is in then sloping off at 3 or 4, or by coming in later (ie 10ish) then looking v devoted by working till after everyone else has left.

It's all in the perception...

Good luck next week, then... that's if you want to work there

that's interesting Mrs Badger. I agree it is usually all about perception (as long as you are gettng the job done)- ridiculous. In my current job I make sure to be the first in the office every day and generally answer a few emails every night just to keep that perception going.

I am ok with getting in early, but hate staying late. Biggest hurdle though is the 4d a week thing. It was the HR woman's use of the word "precedent" that set alarm bells really ringing for me

Thanks FortyPlus, I just need to decide whether to go for it or not now, I guess it might be no harm to go to the interview and then if they really want me I can try negotiating with someone higher up

(they haven't emailed me yet though so maybe I am concerning myself for nowt )