subject says it all, its for an office position if that helps narrow any tips or hints down. Anything said is greatly appreciated.
Got a job interview any tips or hints?
mop36 on 09/04/2013 - 09:08
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Wear sexy clothes…..I kid, I kid.
Prepare answers for those horrible questions that will completely work against you if you're not prepared for them, like "What is your biggest weakness" - prepare an answer, make sure it's nothing too bad, and ensure you turn it round into an opportunity. And make sure it's work related, nothing personal, personality or behaviour based.
There is interview tips and advice all over the internet. The first google result is this article:
http://jobsearch.about.com/od/interviewquestionsanswers/a/in…It has some good basic advice from my brief peruse. Basically, just be as prepared as you can be, you will be less likely to trip up, say something that may work against you, or be rendered speechless by a hairy question.
Shake hands with a firm hand, not a limp half hearted effort, while looking the interviewer in the eye.
Eye contact throughout the whole interview is important. It shows your confidence in yourself and answers as well as the ability to interact with others.
Confidence is everything.
This is one thing I have read on LinkedIn that I might try the next time I have a job interview.
When the usual "Any questions?" question is asked, assuming the interviewer is going to my manager, I will ask him/her: "How can I help you to succeed in your job?"
If you did try it, please let me know if it worked. :)
Sorry, but I react poorly to that question. I suggest learning about the specific business and ask a question on that, even if it doesn't relate to your job, such as:
"So do you sell these devices internationally or only locally? What is the international market like?"
I actually find that question really hard, so I have researched it. If I ask anything about the business, I might come across as not doing my homework. If I ask anything about the workplace/benefits, I might come across as getting ahead of myself. People whom you meet for the first time, it is hard to get a handle on what they are looking for, especially in an interview situation and not a social one.
The way I have approached it is to treat everyone that pays me like a customer. I think people hire other people to solve their problems, so I guess that's why I think that question is a really good question.
If I ask anything about the business, I might come across as not doing my homework.
I understand the concern, but I generally find it isn't hard to come up with a question that isn't publicly available. The smaller the business the easier this is. In multinationals you can almost always ask about what is done locally vs overseas.
they work here and overseas on projects so i was gunna ask is there a particular project that you enjoyed the most
"How can I help you to succeed in your job?"
Having sat on many interview panels, for graduates and higher-ups, if a candidate pulled that out in an interview I can promise you it would work against them, and it would become the stuff of giggles thereafter.
I hate those questions like "What is your biggest weakness", they are dumb and just show that the interviewer is not experienced.
Mind you who is, being either the interviwer/ee is not terribly pleasant imho
One of the best bits of advice I reckon is to research the place you are going to an interview for.
Not too over the top, but enough to show you actually care to check them out and are capable of using your inititive.
Another thing is to work on your examples of the core skills they need.
So rather than just saying "yes I have a skill" give them a short and useful example of where you have recently used the skill. Or multiple examples if its a really important skill.
If it was me I would try not to make it all I did this, and then that. Don't downplay your role but if it was part of a team etc say so.
Especially if its a similar job, with a similar structure.
I personally don't think there is anything with bring a small set of notes - depending on the interview. It stops you from kicking yourself later for not mentioning something. Although they are a tool, and need to be used wisely!
And even if you don't get the job its always worth asking about they have any useful suggestions to help you with interviews next time.
Oh and if you have more than one interviewer try and share the attention you give back. Even though one person might be dominant the other people are likely to still have a say.
Lots of relevant examples are good.
I don't agree that a question like "what is your biggest weakness" is dumb and shows the interviewer is not experienced.
If such a generic and common question puts you off, I think it shows that you as the inexperienced one.
It's a lazy question that doesn't allow the interviewee to show their skills in anyway (other than twisting negative truths into positives). People always answer things like "I'm a perfectionist so I like to always get it right first time".
Wouldn't you rather hear how someone would work in a situation?
I never said such a generic and common quesiton put me off.
I just said it was a dumb question.
And just because its a question that people might ask a lot, it does not make it a good one.
What they interviewer needs to figure out is WHY they are asking that question, and put it into the context of the business.
But where an interviewee can shine is how they answer that question should it be asked.
This is a pretty good guide:
http://www.forbes.com/sites/work-in-progress/2013/01/21/how-…And if you read the tone of my post I don't think any less of a person asking the question.
Interviewing is a tough job, and not one I would want!
I have plenty of "weaknesses" I need to monitor myself for. One is finding it challeging to give people enough time to share their experiences/opinion etc when working in a team.
That happens for a number of reasons - being overloaded, people don't get a chance to work together often enough to get a working dynamic(goes back to being overloaded).
And to be frank often its related to the things I do day to day - so I feel a bit fustrated when they take a long time to get to the same point as me.
Its the last part I have some control over, and accordingly I slow down, listen and recognise that people bring their own skill sets and experiences.
Often its the "delivery" part I get too caught up on, which might not matter in the scheme of things.
If I think a strategy has some serious flaws and cannot be achieved I speak up.
Otherwise its a case of helping iron out the "nitty gritty" of the plan - rather than derailing things.
And I have gained a lot of benefit from my efforts. Finding people who are far better at the "big picture" than me.
And others who may not the ins and outs of something, but intuitively come up with some killer ideas!
Yes I am inexperienced btw, but that still does not mean I am wrong.
It means I am more likely to be wrong.
Perhaps assuming that I am wrong - is a weakness :P
i assumed if one "hates" the qs, they are off-put by it.
i also apologise, i did not mean you personally as inexperienced but i meant "you" as a candidate who is pit off by the qsNo dramas edwinlin88 either way :)
If someone asked me that question in an interview I think it would make me cringe a bit.
But I would have a go at answering it of course, and try not to worry too much if I "stuffed it" up.
After all if life & interviewing went just the way I wanted it - well I would be a CEO by now!
Now the questions that I really hate were the ones I used to get when I was a younger lady - asking me when I planned to have kids.
Now they do make me grumpy!
When employers to be start choosing people on really shaky ground like that, the chances they can get it wrong are rather likely.
Interviewing is just a "snapshot" - it is very useful but is limited.
Not to be a grammar nazi (since I have horrible grammar), but using paragraphs properly would make it so much easier to read and reduce such a waste of space.
And I agree also:
- Research the company and the field, be knowledgable about the names at least of the key people involved CEO etc etc.
- Skills they need, require etcWhen asked what my greatess weakness is…I answer Kryptonite.
Don't look at it as an interview, look at it as a conversation. They want to know if you're right for the job, but you should also want to know if the job is right for you, too.
If you think of it as having a two-way conversation, you won't get anxious about giving the "right answers". You'll come across as more natural and will be able to "discuss" rather than "answer".
Also a good tip.. They're not just testing your capabilities, but also testing to see if you'll fit into their culture and structure.
This. And try to tell yourself that the position isn't that important and you don't really care. You'll probably be less nervous, more natural and more confident- I found that worked for me.
Be yourself, be honest but also confident.
If you haven't had experience in something before, say so, but give an example where you have picked something up quickly that is similar or just as challenging.
Go back over the job advertisment so you know what they are looking for and don't be afraid to ask if there is anything not in the ad they are looking for.
Do your research on the company. Worst thing ever is to ask about whether they are national or international etc.
Whilst skills and experience are important, the ability to learn, adapt and team fit is critical. For an office job, know that you will need to be able to muli-task and prioritise work.
All that being said; relax and be yourself.The best questions are questions about what they tell you during their little "intro" on the role.
drill down on the info they've given you. Shows you were actually listening and definitely your interest.If they ask you what you know about the role instead if telling you first, then tell them what you know and tehn ask if your expectations are in line with reality.
Listening is just as important as your own questions. People appreciate it when you listen to them. (this is also applicable to a sales situation).
I also ask them the same questions they ask me, e.g. if they ask where do I see myself in xx years, I ask them if THEY have plans for the candidate (and then if it matches with what you said, it validates you as a candidate).
I also like to ask them at the end if they have any reservations about you as a candidate. This gives you the opportunity to counter these "concerns". (but then again they might just tell you no but they also have to consider other candidates, which is true).
I realise my whole rant is about what questions to ask and have ignored other aspects of the interview but this my 2 cents for now.
At the end, ask if there is anything that they see that might prevent them from hiring you. This gives you a chance to address anything you've said that might need clarification, or if it is intrinsic, at least gives you feedback on what you need to work on.
I think one thing that a lot of people miss is that it's ok to bring in notes or relevant research on a company. I'm not suggesting that you come in with a couple of workbooks or scrappy pieces of paper - buy a cheap leather binder from Officeworks or the like and keep some notes and a writing pad in it. Write your answers to questions they may ask in it.
They won't see you as being unprepared for doing this - they'll see you as prepared. You'll rarely go into a meeting in a corporate situation without something similar.
Like the above comments mention, prepare questions for them at the end. I usually ask what my day to day duties would involve, and whether there is possibility of expanding the roles as I go on. It's also important that these questions represent the end of the interview, so you want to leave on a good impression. That's the reason you prepare questions - having none is a bit "anti-climactic". The questions should show your knowledge of the company and willingness to work for them.
Obviously don't arrive late - but don't arrive too early either. If you're like me, and your paranoia of being late has made you arrive near the interview 40 mins early, find something to occupy you for 30 mins so that you come in 10 mins early instead of loitering around the lobby.
Don't talk negatively about your current position either, even if you hate it. If it is the case that you are unemployed/broke, try not to let desperation come through in your interview, you'll come off as well, negative and/or desperate. Whilst we're on that topic, if you have a sob story/personal tradgedy, don't bring that up either.
Also, if they give you a glass of water, whatever you do do NOT slide the glass on the table. Coming from experience, smashing a glass in an interview will generally not get you a job.
Oh and your office jacket - leave it on. Putting it on your chair looks a bit too informal. One of my friends had a horror story where he left the jacket on, then felt hot so put it back on the chair, then felt embarassed and put the jacket on, the interviewers started asking questions about the jacket, the subject of the interview became the jacket…no job. Another benefit of the jacket is that just in case it's a bit hot of a day and you're sweating, it'll keep the smell "muffled".
I tend to take it off. I also have a crisp well fitted shirt on though.
Interesting with the differing approaches - we'll need a professional interviewer to attest as to whether to keep the jacket on or off.
Some good tips. Especially the ones about giving solid examples in answer to questions. Don't make them drag the information out of you. For example; any twit can say "yes" when asked if they have experience working well in a team…a winner will say yes then give an example of when they did.
I'll add one tip that I haven't seen (only skimmed mind you); remember that it's not all about you. I get sick and tired of reading resumes and facing people with the attitude of "what can the company can do for them", rather than them focusing what can they can do for the company. An interview is not about how awesome you are, it is about whether hiring you would benefit the company.
Finally, don't take it personally if you don't get the job. The reason can be as inconsequential as the interviewers just feeling like the other person would be a better fit personality-wise, or the other person having one small skill advantage over you. Over the years we've had to say no to many great candidates that we would have gladly taken on…but it just so happened that there was another great candidate also applying for the position.
I didn't think id get this many responses thank you guys so far for ur help
You need to prepare many examples of your accomplishments, personal goals, and strengths.
Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) formula to answer behavioural interview questions.
I am going for a graduate program interview next week, and I have prepared written answers to those questions. It definitely helps if you write down the answers to common questions.
- Be early for the interview
- Dress Conservatively
- Be honest about yourself and your ambitions. It doesnt serve anybody if you have to fake to work there.
- Be prepared with some stories and examples that illustrate your capabilities. I had to do training before I interviewed and hired people for a large engineering company and the HR people used to love me to ask "can you give me an example of where you have had to deal with a difficult client?"
-View the experience as just that…a learning experience. Enjoy and learn - If it is the 1st interview dont ask about money, holidays, perks. There will be time for that at the 2nd/3rd interviews if they like you enough to ask you back.
- Do ask about their interview/selection process and how it works, if only to understand where you sit in their process.
Have you conducted group assessments/interviews before, where interviewees are organised into groups and are given a task to work on? Anyone has any clues on what recruiters are looking for in group interviews?
1: First and foremost, lead and moderate discussion. Direct people to do specific tasks. Don't be too pushy if someone else is trying to do this, but don't shy away from opportunity.
2: Don't come across as too negative. Try to focus on agreeing and reinforcing other members (perhaps with clarifications) rather than dismissing those you disagree with. If you have to disagree, be very clear as to why and provide an alternative.
That's pretty much it I think. If your group is given a task and you do nothing but delegate you are almost certain to get into the next round (I have done this).
Encourage participation from the other candidates but make sure you put your own ideas forward too.
Sleep well and don't eat too much to keep your mind clear. Eye contact with confidence. Prepare 5-10 questions they may ask. I.e. what is your strength, introduce yourself, what is the background of the company, how do you resolve an issue/problem in your last job,why do you want to apply the job, why do you think you are suitable for the job, and etc… good luck
Answer your phone when it rings. It shows the employer that you are an important person with a busy schedule.
Lol are you serious?
My schedule is overloaded at work, and I am not important :O
It shows that you have better things to do than do their stupid interview thing.
Dont do it.
Confidence for sure.. just think Man Im Awesome and youll be ok
Take a pre-workout supplement before the interview. You'll feel great and have more enthusiasm.
Be serious but enthusiastic.