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your best Interview tip needed please :)

42 replies

compo · 25/04/2010 18:22

Interview is thirty minutes with a panel of four. Eek.

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compo · 25/04/2010 18:52

Is it ok to mention I've got kids in the interview if they want to know why I want a part time job? Or why I'm going for a job I'm over qualified for?

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Scrudd · 25/04/2010 18:54

I mentioned the kids when asked why I wanted P/T, I also mentioned that they were old enough to take care of themselves if I had to work late or during holidays, if necessary.

RumourOfAHurricane · 25/04/2010 18:56

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

flowerybeanbag · 25/04/2010 18:57

They shouldn't ask why you want a part time job, any more than people should ask why you want a full time job. I suppose if your cv is all full time jobs they may ask why the change, and I think children is a perfectly acceptable answer. But presumably they are advertising the job part time anyway, so you're not asking for anything by wanting it part time?

If you are over-qualified that's a different kettle of fish, and you need a good answer. They will need convincing that you are not going to be bored, frustrated, want to leave/be promoted within 5 minutes or be a threat to your line manager.

LadyBiscuit · 25/04/2010 18:58

I would say that one of the reasons you're really interested in the opportunity is because it's challenging and will keep you engaged while maintaining your work life balance. If they mention the over-qualification, then you could say that you are looking for something which is less likely to require you to do regular overtime.

Don't bring up any negatives unless they do

foureleven · 25/04/2010 18:59

If they ask the question then yes, because at the moment people are going for part time jobs just because they want ANY job. If you go for part time work without kids the worry can be that you will leave as soon as a full time one comes along.

Gay40 · 25/04/2010 19:01

As a former recruiter:
It's human nature, when they ask you a question, to tell them everything you want them to know. Including all the stuff they haven't asked you yet. It doesn't get you the job.
The amount of times I have wanted to say - look, just answer the question, don't give us your lifestory and everything you've ever done.
Some great advice above, as ever.

compo · 25/04/2010 19:33

Thanks, am making notes

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foureleven · 26/04/2010 08:00

Let us know how you get on!

Metrobaby · 26/04/2010 08:30

Remember that your interview starts from the moment you walk into the building until you walk out. (One company I worked for always asked the receptionist also for feedback!)

After they have introduced themselves - try to use their name once during the interview.

Back up any negatives with positives eg In the what are weaknesses question, demonstrate how your weakness can be a positive too.

If you don't understand what question they are asking - don't be afraid to ask them to clarify it further. This can also buy you time to formulate the answer in your head.

If you answer a question and feel that you are unsure about the answer - ask them - 'does that answer your question?'

Ask them what kind of person they are looking for in the job, and be sure to use examples of how you fit those requirements

Research the role as well as the company and then use the interview to say why you think your skills would be an excellent fit for the job.

Research any special terminology that in your career area and also the business area the company is in. If you can - try and use these terms too - but only if you feel comfortable using them.

Try to relax and remember that they are asking you about the easiest subject for you - yourself!

squix · 26/04/2010 11:53

Another tip - try to answer in the first person "I did....I found....I managed..." rather than "we did..." or "you'd have to....".

There is nothing wrong with acknowledging a team effort in your answers, but the prospective employer is interested in you and what you can bring to the role.

slug · 26/04/2010 11:57

When they ask you if you have any questions a good one to ask is

"Do you have any reservations about me?"

It gives you the opportunity to address any lingering doubts they have there and then.

compo · 26/04/2010 15:25

Still making notes
you guys are fab
will let you know how I get on

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fruitshootsandheaves · 26/04/2010 15:27

Don't ask me for tips, I'm rubbish at interviews
thats my tip.

Good Luck

compo · 26/04/2010 19:52

lol

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compo · 28/04/2010 18:59

I think it went ok although I thnk halfway through I got a bit stuck and grinned like a loon
oops
was given a tour first and girl asked if I had kids so I said yes
was a bit taken aback tbh

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compo · 04/05/2010 21:41

sadly I didn't get it

apparently 100 people applied

it's really hard to get a new job at the mokent isn't it?

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