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Practice questions for interview

13 replies

GillL · 15/10/2007 09:46

Does anyone know of any good web site for practice interview questions?

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bossybritches · 15/10/2007 10:21

Here as good as any....fire away!!

bossybritches · 15/10/2007 10:32

oops meant to say what field are you going back to? If you want some interview advice I'm sure there are loads of people on here could help.I'd gladly have a chat/email if you'd like?

GillL · 15/10/2007 11:29

The job I'm going for is administrative assistant. I would be assisting scientists.

I haven't had an interview for 9 years. The questions are going to be in the form of 'give an example of when you did x' and I'm a very slow thinker. I'd like to have loads of examles in my head when I get there.

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hanaflower · 15/10/2007 11:43

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

iwouldgoouttonight · 15/10/2007 11:47

Monster.co.uk has some basic interview advice, possible questions, etc: content.monster.co.uk/section323.asp

bossybritches · 15/10/2007 11:51

Ok so at least your skills are transferable even if the speciality is new/different?

I think you should show that you are aware you may be a little out of touch re technology (not neccessarily) but that runing a house & looking after a baby does require many administrative skills!!

Where there any systems/mthods of working that you learnt/introduced in your previous workplace that show you were innovative?

Ask for a job description & paraphrase back to them the skills they are looking for. ie if they want a motivated flexible team-worker, you can say you enjoy working as part of a team but can use your initative when working solo.You are (obviously) dependable,loyal & hardworking and enjoy a challenge.

Is it possible to ask for an informal look round the workplace to get a feel for the place & what they are looking for? It always looks good that you are that keen & means you have a chance to check it's rally what you want.

Sorry if you know this already!

GillL · 15/10/2007 12:23

Thanks guys. I'm actually still employed but on maternity leave. The reason I haven't had an interview in 9 years is because I've been with the same company and just moved internally (with very informal interviews).

I'll take a look at the job spec and try to come up with some examples of what they're looking for. Will also take a look at monster.

I was thinking of asking to take a look around.

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flowerybeanbag · 15/10/2007 13:08

Cutting and pasting from earlier thread so apologies for repeating what others said/not being specific to you -

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Do you have a job description? If so you should be able to work out a lot of the questions. Have a look at the person spec, where it says what skills/abilities/experience etc the person needs.
You can almost guarantee there will be at least one question related to each of the things listed. Those things are listed because the successful candidate must have them, so the purpose of the questions really is to give the candidate a chance to demonstrate that. Other questions may pop up as well obviously, but it gives you a good framework to start with.

So look at all the things you need to have from the list on the person spec, and think of an example of when in the past you have used x skill or demonstrated x ability. Including background, why the situation was successful, what you learnt from it, whether you would do anything differently etc.

If you've got those examples ready in your head to cover all the things on the person spec, you ought to be able to handle most questions. Talking about a past example rather than a hypothetical 'I would do x, y z' is more convincing and reassuring for an employer and is easier for you as well, you will feel more confident talking about stuff that's happened than you would trying to imagine what you would do in x circumstance.

Even if the questions asked are hypothetical 'what would you do' ones, make sure you answer with examples anyway. Also if you have some examples worked up in your head you will feel more confident as you won't go in completely blank about what you are going to say for the next hour.

Other than that, hold head high, relax your shoulders and neck and keep relaxing them - that's where you find yourself automatically tensing up. Just every so often make yourself aware of your shoulders and neck and consciously relax them - it makes a lot of difference.
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Good luck GillL

GillL · 15/10/2007 15:07

Thanks, you've all been really helpful.

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bossybritches · 15/10/2007 15:14

Good luck let us know the outcome!

(nosy old bag that I am )

GillL · 16/10/2007 17:03

Will do. You'll be waiting a while though. My interview was supposed to be on Monday but they've changed it to 12th November.

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bossybritches · 16/10/2007 22:15

Oh bolleax!

keeps you on tenterhooks a bit too long that -hey-ho plenty of time to prepare!

GillL · 17/11/2007 10:38

Hi Bossybritches. Unfortunately I didn't get the job but I have been put on the reserve list in case the successful person turns it down or if another position comes up. It's given me lots of confdence to keep looking next year anyway (when I have more holiday).

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