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Interview tomorrow - Anyone got any ideas of what they might ask me? It's in HR

32 replies

Bobbins · 18/03/2003 16:06

I've been involved in recruitment before as part of my present role as a supervisor. I know the people who will be interviewing me (don't know if this makes it better or worse). I really want to be as prepared as possible. I know they are keen on behavioural type questions.

Any ideas. Even if they aren't the ones they ask at least it will get me tinking!

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bundle · 18/03/2003 16:47

dealing with difficult people is always a favourite topic here. and lots of people seem to have been posting on stress-related issues - so I bet lots of HR depts are in the process of putting together protocols for dealing - try those threads. and good luck

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sed · 19/03/2003 10:23

Most interviews now are on a competency basis, which means they have a list of skills or aptitudes they are looking for (normally also in the job descrption you should have seen) . Then its your job to show with examples that you have these skills. The most common way is for them to ask for specific examples from your past rather than conjecture about the future, but you should be prepared for both. So you might get - tell me about a time when you had had to deal with a difficult team member who wasn't pulling their weight? How did you act and what did you learn in the process? Can you describe an occasion where you have had to design and implement a new project or procedure or something? The questions they ask will (should!!) obviously relate to the competencies they are looking for, so these are only ideas.

Good luck, and let us know how you get on.

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Bobbins · 19/03/2003 13:37

Phew. Interview over and I should know by the end of the day. I think it went OK, but it is being advertised externally so there is a LOT of competition. Its only a six month attachment which is a bit of a bum.

Lots of questions about difficult managers, and how to deal with them. I winged it.

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tigermoth · 19/03/2003 16:53

good luck!

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Bobbins · 19/03/2003 17:04

I didnae get it, some external person that works in a recruitment agency got it. I got really good feedback though and am first reserve. As if thats any good!

Back to the drawing board. I've got another application to fill in tonight

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jasper · 19/03/2003 20:03

Aw Bugger!( are we allowed to say that?)

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ks · 19/03/2003 20:11

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Bobbins · 19/03/2003 20:20

bugger bugger bugger...I hope we ARE allowed to say it.

I've got to be resillient and fill in thisother application!

I need a better paid job.

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Bobbins · 24/04/2003 16:22

HOORAH...YIPPEE

I am very excited. I went for another job this morning, this one was more media based and involves some photo editing and web design. It sounds fab and interesting. It's in the same building that I work in at present. I can't wait, I've got a month until I start.

I have just been told I GOT IT. There were 180 applicants! So I feel over the moon. It's in the same building that I work in at present. It's more money as well. I can't wait, I've got a month until I start.

Feel like dancing. A fresh start is just what I need.

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kaz33 · 24/04/2003 16:24

Bobbins - huge congrulations, you obviously really impressed if you beat 180 other applicants.

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ks · 24/04/2003 16:30

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ks · 24/04/2003 16:31

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Bobbins · 24/04/2003 16:32

Cheers people, don't give me a gig head.

I am at present doing a twirly, sort of hippy Kate Bush dance. But later I shall be doing the mashed potato.

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Bobbins · 24/04/2003 16:32

a gig head?

hmm

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ks · 24/04/2003 16:51

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Marina · 24/04/2003 16:55

Well done Bobbins! also love idea of gig head, so long as it does not involve perforated eardrums...still think whymummy's mumsnutters is one of the best typos in ages.
Hope it turns out to be a dream job. It sounds great.

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Bobbins · 24/04/2003 17:33

tinking?...That was not a typo!

Now I am off to eat my rice and peas ting

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ScummyMummy · 24/04/2003 17:47

youcametopoutof180?!?!?!?!!!Youareasuperstar-welldoneyou.

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Bobbins · 24/04/2003 18:07

Thinking about it, in all the excitement and euphoria, maybe I mistook 80 for 180...thinking of Steve Davies or something.

It still good though, and I'm STILL CHUFFED TO SMITHEROONS

i thought I'd blown it. They asked me about my intersts in international news at the moment, so i blabbed on about iraq, Israel and Palestine...the new Palestinian cabinet, hopes for the future. Reactions in the Arab world and media. Then SARS.

Then they asked me a killer question..."what about Europe?"...and I went blank and had to think for what seemed like ages...but obviously I managed to wing it and a few things came to mind...how, I will never know!

I'm going to Lindy hop!

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Tinker · 24/04/2003 18:50

Hey, well done you Bobbins I tink therefore I am

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sis · 24/04/2003 20:12

great...news...Bobbins,...well...done!

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WideWebWitch · 24/04/2003 21:04

Well done bobbins

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sobernow · 24/04/2003 21:16

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Bobbins · 24/04/2003 21:38

Just had it confirmed ...it was 189...I wasn't imagining it!

How smug am I?

I just hope the job isn't a zeitgeist (or something?)

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sobernow · 24/04/2003 23:24

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