Job Interview - Advice and Tips Please

Malc 44 · 9 Dec 2009, 05:36 PM

I have just been short-listed for a job that I really want, and fits my CV almost perfectly. The interview is next Friday 18th, and I need to be prepared. It may seem strange to some, but I have only ever had one formal interview where 3 people are firing questions. This was about 8 months ago, I did not prepare for it properly and totally blew my chances of nailing the job. Lesson learnt.

I have read a lot of tips and advice on the net which are quite helpful, I am also studying the company website. I have looked at lists of common interview Q&A and am thinking about my answers to these. I am thinking of achievement and situation stories I can tell that relate to the post. I understand the importance of positive responses, and creating positives out of negatives.

Any other advice or tips you can offer over the next week or so would be greatly appreciated, the job is mine to lose and I want to make sure that I do all I can to get it.

_Malc

marc_otten · 9 Dec 2009, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Malc 44

I have just been short-listed for a job that I really want, and fits my CV almost perfectly. The interview is next Friday 18th, and I need to be prepared. It may seem strange to some, but I have only ever had one formal interview where 3 people are firing questions. This was about 8 months ago, I did not prepare for it properly and totally blew my chances of nailing the job. Lesson learnt.

I have read a lot of tips and advice on the net which are quite helpful, I am also studying the company website. I have looked at lists of common interview Q&A and am thinking about my answers to these. I am thinking of achievement and situation stories I can tell that relate to the post. I understand the importance of positive responses, and creating positives out of negatives.

Any other advice or tips you can offer over the next week or so would be greatly appreciated, the job is mine to lose and I want to make sure that I do all I can to get it.

_Malc

Be true to yourself and don't try to give answers that you think the interviewer wants to hear.

Malc 44 · 9 Dec 2009, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marc_otten

Be true to yourself and don't try to give answers that you think the interviewer wants to hear.

Thanks Marc, of course I do need to say things that they want to hear, but I do not intend to lie to that end. I guess that's what you mean.

**ReuvenNY** · 9 Dec 2009, 08:09 PM

Every comment, statement or reply has to tell them "what I can do for your company, now - right at the start!"
They really do not care about your history, only your "right away" contributions for them.

Malc 44 · 9 Dec 2009, 09:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ReuvenNY

Every comment, statement or reply has to tell them "what I can do for your company, now - right at the start!"
They really do not care about your history, only your "right away" contributions for them.

So if I am asked "tell me about yourself" I'll keep my history brief, and design my more recent experience answers to best match their job spec

I also have mixed feelings about how much personal stuff to offer, on one hand they're probably not interested in what I do outside of work, but on the other, it helps them to build a picture of what type of character I am, and whether they could work with me.

Tsunami · 9 Dec 2009, 11:10 PM

One of the consequences of frequently relocating is frequent jobhunting so I had my share of job interviews. Not that I like it, it feels a bit like selling yourself and praising yourself, but guess it´s one of those necessary evils in life ... Although every interview is different and every employer wants different things, some advice:

- employers want an ambitious person. If they ask something like "where do you see yourself in 3 years time?" or "what type of career path would interest you?", answer something that indicates their company is what really interests you and that you don´t intend to stick to the function you are offered initially. Answer something indicating that you are very ambitious and would like to stick to the company for a lengthy period of time, hoping for a promotion and a nice career development.

- depending what job it is of course, but if any contact with customers is required, they will try to figure out what way you would approach a customer or, sometimes more specifically, a difficult customer. In that case, always think customer-orientated since the company has an image to keep up. Answer that you´d always try to offer the best possible service to the customer, that you try to imagine yourself in the place of the customer, always stay polite and patient ... if the customer is angry, let him rage and listen to his story, because he´ll be more cooperative once he has the feeling someone is willing to really listen to his problem and help (unlike someone interrupting him rapidly or rushing through the case)

- going through the company website is always a good idea but don´t stress too much on it. I a few times had interviews where I knew the background of the company better than the interviewer because I spent too much time memorising the company´s products, year of foundation, headquarter location, etc. If you know the basic facts about the company the interviewers are usually happy, all you need to really know will be told during a training when you first start the job.

- when asked why YOU are the real best option for the job, emphasise your own strengths. If they´d ask what your weaknesses are (some interviewers do that to see how honest you are) don´t say "I have none" but mention something that is not really a true weakness

Such as "I know I sometimes pay too much attention to details or am a bit too perfectionist and hard on myself" - some interviewers will translate that as "this guy will do his job in the most precise way and will be very motivated"

- employers like flexibility, so try to avoid a reluctance to working occasional overtime or late shifts etc

- avoid taking the conversation too far from the actual topic, this once cost me a job because I asked too many questions about life in the city where I was applying rather than about the atmosphere on the workfloor or the actual task. Don´t make such mistake!

- be yourself. It may be cliché but it really works like that. Of course, you have to sell yourself a bit, dress up neatly etc. But don´t exagerate by making it too obvious you´re self-promoting, don´t dress up in a classic suit if you generally don´t wear that, ... Don´t make it too obvious you try to self-promote, but find the good in-between "being you" and selling yourself just a tiny bit. It´s not always easy to find that balance, I also learnt it only after multiple interviews.

- my last advice may be a bit odd, but if there are things you really find uncomfortable (working in large groups, being on the road very often, extreme amount of routine, very tight dress code etc) it is sometimes better to be honest and ask if they have any such conditions or policies. Better that than to end up in a place where going to work becomes a drag. Of course, make sure that you ask it in a careful way, such as "is there a lot of travelling involved in the job?" rather than "I hope I won´t need to be away from home every week?" ... But if there´s things that you really don´t want to do (only if...) then better ask than be sorry afterwards.
Although you seem to have a good idea of what this job´s about, so probably, as you indicate you really really want this job, there are no extreme negatives that you may want to anticipate on.

Good luck!

PS: what type of job is it? (without having to name the employer or so)

Malc 44 · 10 Dec 2009, 12:34 AM

Thanks for that Tsunami, you make some good suggestions and clearly have a lot of experience of job interviews.

The only part I feel a little uncomfortable with is the statement "I know I sometimes pay too much attention to details or am a bit too perfectionist and hard on myself". But only because I've read lots of almost identical answers to this question on various sites. I'm concerned that the interviewer may have heard this line many times, so I was trying to think of something more unique.

I will send you a PM regarding the job info.

n5bb · 10 Dec 2009, 03:56 PM

I recommend that you get lots of sleep the night before the interview, and arrive at the location early. You can then try to have a conversation with the receptionist, who may give you hints about the demeanor of the firm. For instance, are they formal or informal? Drink plenty of fluids, but don't drink too much caffeine, and make sure you take a trip to the bathroom before your meeting. This will enable you to be clear-thinking and calm for the interview.

Take your time and think before you speak. Maintain good body posture (don't slouch or look too rigid) and look the interviewers in the eye without staring at them. Carefully move your focus from one interviewer to another as appropriate. Appropriate body language can tell someone as much as your words. You need to appear confident but not over-confident or rude.

Bill

Malc 44 · 10 Dec 2009, 05:09 PM

Thank you Bill,

There is so much to remember, my fear is that I will be so nervous my mind will just go blank, hopefully not.

I was going to get my daughter to do a couple of mock interviews with me over the next week, just picking some random common questions from a list. Ok, I know this does not simulate a real interview situation exactly, but may be it will go some way to help me prepare.

SusanUKF · 10 Dec 2009, 08:32 PM

I really wish you the best of luck with getting this job, Malc. My husband has been on an extended lay-off since October 2008, and took a series of courses (6 full days of job hunting tips) offered by the Government for free in September, after all our benefits and Employment Insurance ran out. He is now just working for a temp agency on a temporary contract and I am applying online for him daily for full time employment. You are very qualified and experienced in your field, so have a lot to offer this complany.The comments that everyone has made above all are excellent advice, if you incorporate them all.

I think that it is important to go in confidantly, positive, showing enthusiasm and knowledge about their company (like you have been researching, the Q&A is excellent!). The mock interviews with your daughter are really good, and one of the things they told my husband to do as well in his course!

I think portraying a confidance without arrogance is very important. They want to know you are a go-getter that will give 100 percent to their company but that is willing to adapt to their company as well; like letting them know what you can do for them, but are also willing to learn and that you learn quickly. Knowing that you are a team player and also have leadership qualities seems to be a valuable asset also. Good luck, Malc!!

Susan

Malc 44 · 10 Dec 2009, 11:09 PM

Hi Susan, thanks for your kind comments. Sounds like your husband is in the same situation as me, I'm doing agency work too while I search for the right job. I'm hoping this will be it, we'll see. I hope he finds something full time that suits him soon.

Yes, there is a lot of good advice here and I'm listening to it all. Any more tips are welcomed though, I'm hoping that the more I read, the more will stick in my mind for the big day.

I am waiting to hear on another job interview too, but this is the preferred one.

Tsunami · 11 Dec 2009, 12:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Malc 44

Thanks for that Tsunami, you make some good suggestions and clearly have a lot of experience of job interviews.

Currently in my 8th job and I´ve only just turned 28 ... So yeah, you can figure I did a lot of interviews.

The thing about frequently relocating is that frequent jobhunting is a necessary evil. I take it as part of it, after all it´s my own deliberate choice to move around often so I have to take the employment aspect of it as well. I only learnt to do proper interviews by experience, the first few were filled with nerves and a few odd answers but in the end, the more interviews you do the more you learn to control it or at least hide those nerves (in all honesty, some nerves are still part of it for me, I just learnt how to properly hide them)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Malc 44

The only part I feel a little uncomfortable with is the statement "I know I sometimes pay too much attention to details or am a bit too perfectionist and hard on myself". But only because I've read lots of almost identical answers to this question on various sites. I'm concerned that the interviewer may have heard this line many times, so I was trying to think of something more unique.

I will send you a PM regarding the job info.

Well, just an example of course. Point is: if they ask about your weaknesses, the best thing to do is to answer something that is a weakness and at the same time is not really anything negative. An inperfection rather than a true weakness. For example if the job has a lot of routine you can say that you need a very good organisation and structure to function, but that if you have it (knowing the job will offer this) you can function very well and then the disadvantage isn´t really important anymore. The trick in questions like that is to answer in a way that it isn´t really an answer they´ll consider as something bad.

Also, as said above (some good advises there): if there´s multiple interviewers then switch to looking at each of them regularly rather than mainly talking to one person. Come across as confident ; it´s normal to be nervous, but try to hide it. Go to the bathroom in advance so that you are sure not to have to interrupt the interview. Make sure your appearance is neat and clean, although without exagerating (for example: don´t appear with very fuzzy hair and ripped jeans, but also don´t wear a smoking or suit if you generally don´t wear this on frequent basis -- look for the good in-between). Be sure to be on time.

Maybe some additional advice, if they ask "do you have any questions left?", either answer that everything was very clear to you and that the company website and their explanation were very clear (hidden compliment there) or else answer with questions that really show your interest and motivation, such as "does your company offer any language courses as benefit, as I´d be very keen on learning ..." (this answer is an example if your employer is a multinational operating across Europe) or "will I have the chance to be trained in-depth in that software, because I´m very keen to specialise in this program".

And in the end, as cliche as it sounds: stay yourself, because in the end you´ll feel most comfortable in the workplace if they hired you for who you are, not for the role you played during the interview.

Malc 44 · 11 Dec 2009, 04:06 PM

I think your last piece of advice about staying yourself is arguably one of the most important.

If you're blagging it a bit, it's bound to make you feel more nervous, and I think that the interviewer would sense that there was something wrong.
I'm thinking if pressed on something I know little about, it's probably best to be honest but show a desire for learning or training in this area.

marc_otten · 11 Dec 2009, 10:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Malc 44

Thanks Marc, of course I do need to say things that they want to hear, but I do not intend to lie to that end. I guess that's what you mean.

Sure, that's what I meant. English is not my native language, so some things I type may seem a little clumsy :-)

You should indeed never ever lie or make things up. A while ago, a person I interviewed for a temporary assigment "faked" a considerable part of his resume, which wasn't a smart thing to do. From the beginning of our conversation it was obvious he was lying his b*tt off, so needless to say he didn't get the assignment. I guess you don't want this to happen to you

Good luck
--Marc

Chipper · 15 Dec 2009, 02:21 AM

Not sure if things are done significantly differently on your side of the pond. However, the questions usually come down a few categories:
* Are they capable of doing the job?
* Will this person be a good "fit"? (do not underestimate the importance of questions in this category)
* What will they cost me?
* Some others that I can't recall.

I found a book at the libr -- can't recall the exact title, but it was something like "101 Tough Interview Questions" -- it gives the questions and then some sample answers.

9 Dec 2009, 05:36 PM	#1
Malc 44 Essential Contributor Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: London, UK Posts: 365	Job Interview - Advice and Tips Please I have just been short-listed for a job that I really want, and fits my CV almost perfectly. The interview is next Friday 18th, and I need to be prepared. It may seem strange to some, but I have only ever had one formal interview where 3 people are firing questions. This was about 8 months ago, I did not prepare for it properly and totally blew my chances of nailing the job. Lesson learnt. I have read a lot of tips and advice on the net which are quite helpful, I am also studying the company website. I have looked at lists of common interview Q&A and am thinking about my answers to these. I am thinking of achievement and situation stories I can tell that relate to the post. I understand the importance of positive responses, and creating positives out of negatives. Any other advice or tips you can offer over the next week or so would be greatly appreciated, the job is mine to lose and I want to make sure that I do all I can to get it. _Malc

9 Dec 2009, 08:09 PM	#4
ReuvenNY Moderator Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: New York Posts: 4,259	Every comment, statement or reply has to tell them "what I can do for your company, now - right at the start!" They really do not care about your history, only your "right away" contributions for them.

9 Dec 2009, 11:10 PM	#6
Tsunami The "e" in e-mail Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: in between the bright lights and the far unlit unknown Posts: 2,341	One of the consequences of frequently relocating is frequent jobhunting so I had my share of job interviews. Not that I like it, it feels a bit like selling yourself and praising yourself, but guess it´s one of those necessary evils in life ... Although every interview is different and every employer wants different things, some advice: - employers want an ambitious person. If they ask something like "where do you see yourself in 3 years time?" or "what type of career path would interest you?", answer something that indicates their company is what really interests you and that you don´t intend to stick to the function you are offered initially. Answer something indicating that you are very ambitious and would like to stick to the company for a lengthy period of time, hoping for a promotion and a nice career development. - depending what job it is of course, but if any contact with customers is required, they will try to figure out what way you would approach a customer or, sometimes more specifically, a difficult customer. In that case, always think customer-orientated since the company has an image to keep up. Answer that you´d always try to offer the best possible service to the customer, that you try to imagine yourself in the place of the customer, always stay polite and patient ... if the customer is angry, let him rage and listen to his story, because he´ll be more cooperative once he has the feeling someone is willing to really listen to his problem and help (unlike someone interrupting him rapidly or rushing through the case) - going through the company website is always a good idea but don´t stress too much on it. I a few times had interviews where I knew the background of the company better than the interviewer because I spent too much time memorising the company´s products, year of foundation, headquarter location, etc. If you know the basic facts about the company the interviewers are usually happy, all you need to really know will be told during a training when you first start the job. - when asked why YOU are the real best option for the job, emphasise your own strengths. If they´d ask what your weaknesses are (some interviewers do that to see how honest you are) don´t say "I have none" but mention something that is not really a true weakness Such as "I know I sometimes pay too much attention to details or am a bit too perfectionist and hard on myself" - some interviewers will translate that as "this guy will do his job in the most precise way and will be very motivated" - employers like flexibility, so try to avoid a reluctance to working occasional overtime or late shifts etc - avoid taking the conversation too far from the actual topic, this once cost me a job because I asked too many questions about life in the city where I was applying rather than about the atmosphere on the workfloor or the actual task. Don´t make such mistake! - be yourself. It may be cliché but it really works like that. Of course, you have to sell yourself a bit, dress up neatly etc. But don´t exagerate by making it too obvious you´re self-promoting, don´t dress up in a classic suit if you generally don´t wear that, ... Don´t make it too obvious you try to self-promote, but find the good in-between "being you" and selling yourself just a tiny bit. It´s not always easy to find that balance, I also learnt it only after multiple interviews. - my last advice may be a bit odd, but if there are things you really find uncomfortable (working in large groups, being on the road very often, extreme amount of routine, very tight dress code etc) it is sometimes better to be honest and ask if they have any such conditions or policies. Better that than to end up in a place where going to work becomes a drag. Of course, make sure that you ask it in a careful way, such as "is there a lot of travelling involved in the job?" rather than "I hope I won´t need to be away from home every week?" ... But if there´s things that you really don´t want to do (only if...) then better ask than be sorry afterwards. Although you seem to have a good idea of what this job´s about, so probably, as you indicate you really really want this job, there are no extreme negatives that you may want to anticipate on. Good luck! PS: what type of job is it? (without having to name the employer or so)

10 Dec 2009, 12:34 AM	#7
Malc 44 Essential Contributor Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: London, UK Posts: 365	Thanks for that Tsunami, you make some good suggestions and clearly have a lot of experience of job interviews. The only part I feel a little uncomfortable with is the statement "I know I sometimes pay too much attention to details or am a bit too perfectionist and hard on myself". But only because I've read lots of almost identical answers to this question on various sites. I'm concerned that the interviewer may have heard this line many times, so I was trying to think of something more unique. I will send you a PM regarding the job info.

10 Dec 2009, 03:56 PM	#8
n5bb Intergalactic Postmaster Join Date: May 2004 Location: Irving, Texas Posts: 8,929	I recommend that you get lots of sleep the night before the interview, and arrive at the location early. You can then try to have a conversation with the receptionist, who may give you hints about the demeanor of the firm. For instance, are they formal or informal? Drink plenty of fluids, but don't drink too much caffeine, and make sure you take a trip to the bathroom before your meeting. This will enable you to be clear-thinking and calm for the interview. Take your time and think before you speak. Maintain good body posture (don't slouch or look too rigid) and look the interviewers in the eye without staring at them. Carefully move your focus from one interviewer to another as appropriate. Appropriate body language can tell someone as much as your words. You need to appear confident but not over-confident or rude. Bill

10 Dec 2009, 05:09 PM	#9
Malc 44 Essential Contributor Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: London, UK Posts: 365	Thank you Bill, There is so much to remember, my fear is that I will be so nervous my mind will just go blank, hopefully not. I was going to get my daughter to do a couple of mock interviews with me over the next week, just picking some random common questions from a list. Ok, I know this does not simulate a real interview situation exactly, but may be it will go some way to help me prepare.

10 Dec 2009, 08:32 PM	#10
SusanUKF Intergalactic Postmaster Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Canada Posts: 5,428	I really wish you the best of luck with getting this job, Malc. My husband has been on an extended lay-off since October 2008, and took a series of courses (6 full days of job hunting tips) offered by the Government for free in September, after all our benefits and Employment Insurance ran out. He is now just working for a temp agency on a temporary contract and I am applying online for him daily for full time employment. You are very qualified and experienced in your field, so have a lot to offer this complany.The comments that everyone has made above all are excellent advice, if you incorporate them all. I think that it is important to go in confidantly, positive, showing enthusiasm and knowledge about their company (like you have been researching, the Q&A is excellent!). The mock interviews with your daughter are really good, and one of the things they told my husband to do as well in his course! I think portraying a confidance without arrogance is very important. They want to know you are a go-getter that will give 100 percent to their company but that is willing to adapt to their company as well; like letting them know what you can do for them, but are also willing to learn and that you learn quickly. Knowing that you are a team player and also have leadership qualities seems to be a valuable asset also. Good luck, Malc!! Susan

10 Dec 2009, 11:09 PM	#11
Malc 44 Essential Contributor Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: London, UK Posts: 365	Hi Susan, thanks for your kind comments. Sounds like your husband is in the same situation as me, I'm doing agency work too while I search for the right job. I'm hoping this will be it, we'll see. I hope he finds something full time that suits him soon. Yes, there is a lot of good advice here and I'm listening to it all. Any more tips are welcomed though, I'm hoping that the more I read, the more will stick in my mind for the big day. I am waiting to hear on another job interview too, but this is the preferred one.

11 Dec 2009, 04:06 PM	#13
Malc 44 Essential Contributor Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: London, UK Posts: 365	I think your last piece of advice about staying yourself is arguably one of the most important. If you're blagging it a bit, it's bound to make you feel more nervous, and I think that the interviewer would sense that there was something wrong. I'm thinking if pressed on something I know little about, it's probably best to be honest but show a desire for learning or training in this area.

15 Dec 2009, 02:21 AM	#15
Chipper Master of the @ Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Greenbelt, MD (USA) Posts: 1,278	Not sure if things are done significantly differently on your side of the pond. However, the questions usually come down a few categories: * Are they capable of doing the job? * Will this person be a good "fit"? (do not underestimate the importance of questions in this category) * What will they cost me? * Some others that I can't recall. I found a book at the libr -- can't recall the exact title, but it was something like "101 Tough Interview Questions" -- it gives the questions and then some sample answers.