Help with interview!

[mickeyboat]

I am finally getting off the stick, looking for a new job.

I have an interview tomorrow night, and another one Wednesday at noon. I have bought a new interview suit, so I am ready with that, but I have been at this job for over 10 years, and never had a real interview for it. So I am interviewing for the first time!

Any suggestions? The job I am interviewing for Wednesday is the job I really want! I have researched the firm on the internet, so I have a good idea of what they do, but what else should I prepare for?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Denae

 

[OK!]

I've got to run out the door in a sec so I can't do it right now, but when I get home I can post some of the most common interviewer questions, if you'd like. I still have all of my stuff from when I was downsized by AT&T (don't get me started)--they had us go through "life transition" training during the 2 months between when they told us we were gone and our last day, and the guy who came in to do the training on preparing for a new job was really good.

Really quickly--2 of the questions involve naming your 5 greatest strengths and weaknesses. I'll add more when I get home in a few hours.

Good luck!

 

[RUDisney]

The deal breakers for me during an interview is if the candidate is not confident. Go in with a self-assurance that is not cocky and answer questions in more than monosyllabic answers.

Be prepared to answer why you want to work for this particular company. Be prepared to give examples of how you made money and/or saved money for your current company, or what ideas did you have that improved workflow within your department.

Have a question prepared for the interviewer. What do they like most about working for this company? How long have they been with the company? How have people been able to advance in the company? These questions show that you are interested in the company and with growing within it.

Most importantly, if you want the job, send a personal thank you note to the person(s) who interviewed you, if nothing else to the principle interviewer. Make sure that it is handwritten and not sent in an email, although that is better than nothing. If you are in a close race for the job, this could be the factor that sets you apart from the other person because so few people think to follow up in writing.

Good luck with your interviews!

 

[RUDisney]

Almost forgot. Lean forward, toward your interviewer, when you are there. This will show interest. A sloucher doesn't get the job.

 

[mickeyboat]

Thank you, thank you, thank you. This is just the information I need. Now I need to get cracking on some answers!

Denae

 

[SC Minnie]

Also brainstorm on any group projects you led. This doesn't even have to be in your job it could be the PTA fundraiser that you were the lead and coordinated 20 people raising $XXX.

We also typically ask questions along the lines of how do you deal with people who are 'difficult'. Running to the boss to tattle is not the answer we are looking for.

When/how you have worked with people at all levels.

We have 'board' interviews where you are interviewed by 3-6 people at the same time. Making good eye contact and 'speaking' to everyone in the room is a plus.

It is also OK in most cases to bring in notes. This will help you stay on point and remember everything you wanted to bring up.

 

[RUDisney]

ORGANIZED notes are a plus. Make sure that you know where things are in your notes and that you aren't fumbling through them.

 

[NewJersey]

Make sure to do research on the job and the company for two reasons: so you know answers to questions if they ask you, and usually they let you ask questions about the job or company so it's good to have background information on it.

Make a list of strenghts and weaknesses, but I always try to use my weaknesses as a strength and talk about how it's making me grow as a person.

 

[mickeyboat]

Thanks again. To make matters more complicated, I just spoke to someone who is a mentor of sorts, and who is trying to help me find something. He says I am selling myself short in the jobs I am looking at, and that I can do a lot more than I am giving myself credit for.

Argh! This is so hard!

Denae

 

[pirateofthecarolinas]

Wishing you lots of luck!

Lori

 

[Poohnatic]

Danae,

Good luck! I'm sure you'll do great and find an awesome job.

Listen carefully to what the interviewer is asking you. In my previous job, I'd ask the question "Would you please tell me of an experience where YOU received outstanding customer service?" and most people would tell me how they GAVE great customer service.

Be prepared for scenarios. I've been on several interviews where I'd been presented with them and I now use them with candidates for my current store. If you are asked scenario questions, the interviewer isn't neccessarily looking for the 'perfect' answer. They want to see how you think on your feet.

You're going to be just fine!

Suzanne

 

[ckret01]

Great answers on here. I've been asked most of the same questions...weaknesses, strengths. Always make your weakness a strength.

I have also been asked to explain a time I went above and beyond at a job.

Explain a time when I had to deal with a difficult person or customer.

What made me apply for this job?

Why did I leave my last job?

Good luck

 

[LuvTigger]

Great advice above. I conduct interviews for my office, and I like to try to get something from the person about their attitude. Above all else, we look for people with great, positive attitudes, and willing to learn. I would pick someone with a great attitude over someone with a bad attitude, no matter how much experience they had.

I also like it when candidates offer extra info about themselves (without going on and on of course!). I'm always a little leery when they just answer with a brief answer and offer nothing else. Also, I don't care for when people oversell themselves. Of course, you need to show what your talents are and why you would be an asset to their company/office, but I find that people who try to overcompensate actually don't have the great skills they say they have.

Above all, just be yourself, be honest, and show that you have a great attitude!

 

[scduckman]

Another 'popular' question we have used-

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?


Also elaborate on your answers. Go into detail when explaining what projects or computer programs you used that are not standard Excel, Word, etc. But don't over explain. If you see you 'audience' losing interest wrap it up and move on. In other words you want to make sure they know what you are talking about but you don't want them to space out on you.

Don't be afraid to repeat the question after they ask so that you are sure you understand what they want to know. Even jotting down key words from the question can be helpful so you don't forget. We have had 2 part questions on interviews and people often will forget to answer one part.


SC Minnie

 

[almacdonald]

I just aced an interview, got the job offer today.

Make sure you show up a few minutes early, read a brochure about the company while you're waiting. It may seem trivial but be polite to everyone you meet because you never know who the employer will ask for first impressions. Introduce yourself confidently and use a firm handshake. Bring along a pen and paper to take notes or at least look like you're organized. Also, slip a couple copies of your resume in there and your references.

A few common questions:
-What kind of salary are you expecting?
-Tell me about a time you...
a)Worked well in a team
b)Had a bad teamwork experience
-Why should we hire you?
-Why did you leave your last position?
-What do you consider to be a good/bad boss?

No matter what the questions are, be as positive as you can be. Don't talk down about past jobs or employers. Be succinct in your answers. Answer only the question asked. If you're not sure if you're answered a question completely enough, ask. Always ask a questison or 2. You can ask simple things like "what is a typical day like for a person in this position?" or "what is the training program like" etc. It makes you seem more interested. And always thank the person interviewing you.

Most importantly, relax. Once you're on a roll it should feel like you're having a conversation with the interviewer not an inquiry!

Good luck!

 

[mickeyboat]

Thanks again, everyone for all your great advice!

I had my interview last week, and it went well. I have a second interview tomorrow morning. It really felt more like a nice conversation with colleagues, than an inquisition. I think that was a good sign. I was there for an hour and a half, and time just flew.

Some of the more interesting questions were "give me an example of when you took initiative," and "how would you tackle this job at the beginning."

Just my luck, when the controller called me to request a second interview, I was home for the day with a sick kid. My other kid decided that when I answered the phone, it would be a good time to have a meltdown because her sister got to watch cartoons all morning while she was in school. I apologized, and the controller laughed and said it doesn't get any better when they get older. That made me feel good, too.

So wish me luck for tomorrow

Denae

 

[RUDisney]

I hope this next interview lands you the job of your dreams!