Give me your best job interview tips! Update in OP

[mrsbornkuntry]

I have been applying for jobs all over my area, retail, fast food, everything without so much as a phone call so I'm really excited to report that I have an interview on Friday with a local grocery store chain. I haven't worked in 14 years (besides the occasional babysitting gig and volunteer work). I'm really nervous and I need this job so I need interview tips! And what should I wear? It's nothing fancy, just stocking shelves and the culture of our area is pretty informal, but it seems wrong to me to wear jeans, would dress pants and a cardigan be okay? Or is that too much of a "mom" uniform?

Also, what are some questions that people usually answer thinking they're giving a good answer, but really aren't? I'm not sure how to answer a question about my career goals because I am in college and ultimately would want a career in that field, but if a management opportunity presented itself at this job eventually I would be open to that too (I have previous experience in management). If I clean that up is it okay to answer something like that or would they think I'm going to quit as soon as I graduate and not hire me?

***************UPDATE******************
My interview was today and it went really well. I was freaking out because I was 5 minutes late (construction ), but it was a job fair environment and the lady that checked me in chalked it up to them being in an unusual place in the store (upstairs offices). He asked about my experience and I did mention being home for 14 years, then I went right into my previous retail experience and I notice that he perked up when I mentioned that I had moved with the store to open another location. Later I found out that they were getting ready to open two new stores, that's why they are doing these mass interviews. He was also pleased that I'm available third shift, when I told him the time I wasn't available (from 5:30am to 8:30am) he said "I assume that's to get kids off to school?" I said yes and he said "I understand, I have kids, too, and we can totally work around that sort of thing." and he also said I was the first person he had interviewed that would work third. At the end of the interview he sent me to another office for a drug screen and said I'd hear from them next week . I think that's a good sign!

Thanks again for all of the tips

 

[kamik86]

General rule of thumb is dress slightly nicer for the interview then you normally would have to for the job. So I would think something like dress pants and a sweater or something like that would be ok for a grocery store... Definitely not jeans. I don't think most of the employees at grocery stores in my area where jeans when working (black pants or khakis most of the time)

No real tips on the interview... I have done a few interviews from the other side but all for very different types of positions where I dont' think the same answers would work as well.

Well at least besides the really obvious tips like don't chew gum, answer your cell phone during the interview (or even let it ring), show up on time, and don't argue with your interviewer.

 

[Gracie09]

Research research research.
I just had a good interview on Friday. I made sure I could talk about their program inside and out. I new their mission statement. I knew the number of degree programs they offered. I knew the percent of working students vs full time students.
Also brush up on any computer skills. I had a skills assessment that went ok but not great. Mainly because I knew how to do something but it took longer than I thought to do it.

 

[js]

Research research research.
I just had a good interview on Friday. I made sure I could talk about their program inside and out. I new their mission statement. I knew the number of degree programs they offered. I knew the percent of working students vs full time students.
Also brush up on any computer skills. I had a skills assessment that went ok but not great. Mainly because I knew how to do something but it took longer than I thought to do it.

THIS,
plus remember, it is really the only time a stranger really cares about hearing all about you. You are there to sell yourself. If you don't sell yourself, someone else will and they will get the job.
Know exactly it is what you are interviewing for by going on the internet/webpage.

Good luck. Come back and report how it went.

 

[libinatorsmom]

Always Dress UP for the job... so I would do at least Khakis and a dress shirt or jacket.

Research the company - visit their website if they have one

Be positive and up beat!

Prepare your self for the common questions - 1) Tell us about your self? 2) What are your biggest strengths/Weaknesses for the position 3) Advancement opportunities

GOOD LUCK!!!!

 

[JillianMarie]

Read http://www.askamanager.org/. Tons and tons and tons of really excellent information there.

 

[Imhere]

It's a grocery store. The number one priority is to prove to them that you are trustworthy.

You probably won't be talking about careers or 5 year goals. You need to convince them that you will be there for every shift you are scheduled and you will give 100%.

Talk about how reliable you are and that you are a team player. Talk about how you will be there to work, not to screw around and make friends and gossip.

You know this isn't your career choice and I'll tell you a secret, they know it too.

All they want to know is that you will be dependable and reliable.

Good luck!!!!

 

[GaBelle]

Yes, dependable, reliable, trustworthy and get along with co workers and supervisors.

As others have said, be on time, be prepared with a resume (even if it is simple), turn off your cell phone, make eye contact and have a few questions ready to ask the interviewer besides how much does it pay and what are the benefits.

When I was in HR, one of my biggest pet peeves was if I asked about a candidates strengths or assets and they said, "I'm a people-person."

 

[Thumper_Man]

I agree with others have said. Being a former grocery store manager myself, I have a few questions you will want to be sure to answer honestly and truthfully.

Are you willing to work nights, holidays and weekends? If you answer no to any of these questions, you've already cut your chances down to about 25% of getting this job. For the grocery chain I worked for, most of the stocking was done overnight when the store is closed. Managers are looking for the flexibility.

Are you looking for Part-Time or Full-Time Employment? If you answer Full-time, then you're now down to about 10% of getting this job. Managers already have their Full-Time Employees. Most are usually looking for Part-Time employees. Not always, but more often than not. I'm not quite sure what the grocery store is looking for where you applied.

Would you be available to come in if we called you and needed you to come in? Again, if you answer no; kiss the job goodbye. Managers are looking for employees they can count on. This will give you more hours and help increase your chances of becoming a manager one day. Sure this question sounds like a no brainer, but you learn in time who you can count on and who you can't. Eventually the one's I could count on would start getting more hours, and the others not so much.

These top 3 questions are questions I focused on the most. Other important questions are about your physical capability. Are you able to at least lift 50 lbs? Do you have a trouble standing on your feet most of the day? You wouldn't think stocking shelves would be physically demanding, but believe me; it is.

All of this I tell you from experience. I started at the bottom (sacker) of the totem pole and worked my way to the top.

Hope this helps.

 

[malibuconlee]

Wear a watch. Turn off your cel phone.

 

[pantherlj]

send a follow up letter or email thanking them for the time for the interview and re-express your interest in the position.

 

[DetroitDisney]

Ask the interviewer personal questions. How long have they been at the company? What do they like about it? Etc etc

The more the interviewer can talk about themselves the better. Insert some jokes, drop a sales laugh, hahaha, and get them to laugh.

Everyone has a résumé with education, experience, etc. if you can have a good conversation about non-work things you will have better chances.

 

[southlakejr]

Big flag from a hiring perspective (not necessarily a red one, but noticeable) Why haven't you been working for 14 years? What skills have you acquired during that time?

As for your initial question/answer about career goals, I think a good answer is to be as non descript as possible. Something along the lines of "I'm currently going to school for X(the subject, not the career), but I am always open to other opportunities"

The most important questions will be the ones about your availability- make yourself as available as possible shift wise. Good luck!

 

[manning]

Stay awake. No kidding I was sitting outside an office where an applicant fell asleep fell asleep during the interview. Oh, did I say he didn't get the job?

 

[Canooknic]

Think about the question you have been asked - even ask them to repeat it if you need them to - don't jump in with an answer just so there isnt any silence . Take a second to breathe and think before speaking

 

[TrulyMadlyDisney]

As someone who does interviews i am always shocked at the amount of people who are unprepared to answer the question "Why do you want to work for this company?" Do some research on the company. Have a good answer for this question. Do you shop at this store? What have you noticed? Do they retain cashiers for a long time? Compliment something that you have personally noticed.
Just wear simple and clean. Turn off your cell or leave it in the car. If you smoke, do not have one after you get dressed.I just interviewed someone with a great resume but she walked in my office reeking of cigs and stunk up my office. That was a 5 min interview. Also, very little or no perfume. Be yourself. Good luck.

 

[mrsbornkuntry]

Thank-you for all of your suggestions! This is wonderful, some I knew about, some not so it is all great information. Between your tips and speaking to a friend who already works for this store I am feeling much more confident about my interview.

Southlakejr brought up a good point with the question "what have you been doing for 14 years?" I'm not sure how to phrase the answer to that. One person asked me that when I was handing her an application (not an interview) and I started my sentence with something about staying home with my kids and she cut me off and said "we aren't hiring for the day shift" and her eyes glazed over as I tried to explain that I knew that and that I was available. Should I not say that I was staying home, should I just lead with my volunteer positions and college work?