saint_bert Posted 23 March, 2011 Share Posted 23 March, 2011 I am (hopefully) going to be having a job interview in the next few weeks. It is for my current employers, just a promotion. I have never had a formal job interview before, the role im in now was through a friend of a friend etc. Any one have any (sensible) tips I could take on board? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sergei Gotsmanov Posted 23 March, 2011 Share Posted 23 March, 2011 Take your time before answering each question Smile a lot Know everything about the company Dress properly Good luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
benjii Posted 23 March, 2011 Share Posted 23 March, 2011 I am (hopefully) going to be having a job interview in the next few weeks. It is for my current employers, just a promotion. I have never had a formal job interview before, the role im in now was through a friend of a friend etc. Any one have any (sensible) tips I could take on board? Prepare! You will be able to anticipate quite a few of the questions they will ask you. Whilst you don't want a "script" that you just regurgitate you want to know roughly what you will say if certain areas are touched on. You can also steer the conversation in your favour more if you are prepared. You are bound to be asked to back-up what you say with examples of things you have done in your current role or outside work, so think about those beforehand. And take your time. A pause of a few of seconds will feel like hours to you but will be perfectly normal to an observer. Keep calm. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spudders Posted 23 March, 2011 Share Posted 23 March, 2011 Be yourself (unless you are a gimp, in which case try not to be a gimp). Don't try and bullsh!t, if you don't know an answer to a question just say you don't know. It'll be respected more than them listening to you waffle and get the answer wrong. Look like you've made an effort (ie have a shave, dress as would be expected) Don't chew gum (I have specifically not taken someone on as they chewed all through an interview. Other than that they were ok, but for me that's a no-no) Prior to the interview think of some questions you want to ask them to show you have taken an interest You may want to seem keen to wish to progress (ie ask about opportunities for you to progress, ask how they see the company growing, BUT don't make it seem like all you want to do is get to the top instantly, you don't want to seem too keen/desperate. A big issue with people working offshore in India is that they come across as so keen to move on up, they don't seem interested in their current role!!!) If you have some questions but they are answered during the interview, when they ask if you have any questions say that you were going to ask about 'such & such' but that they've already been answered (it still shows that you had some questions lined up!) If the person interviewing you is a hot chick, don’t keep looking at her boobies, you’ll have plenty of time for that once you have the job Don’t get hung up on it being a ‘formal’ interview, they are just people, with their own problems and they are no better in ‘life’ than you (unless you are a gimp, in which case they are). Keep your answers to questions simple and don’t waffle, however don’t just answer yes/no, this is your chance to show you know the answer so use some common sense around how much you say! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Golden Balls Posted 23 March, 2011 Share Posted 23 March, 2011 Most of my tips are above. Most of it's common sense A few others, Sit up straight Don't fiddle with anything such as pens Be prepared for the question "What would you say your weaknesses are?" Firm handshake Go to the toilet before the interview Arrive 10 minutes early Keep eye contact with hands on the table Draw on life experience as well as professional experience. Never ask about pay until you are offered the job (I'm guessing you know the pay if you already work there) Relax Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saint_bert Posted 23 March, 2011 Author Share Posted 23 March, 2011 Thanks for all your tips. I was going to ask about the "handshake". Should I take the inicitive and extend my hand or shall I wait untill they offer theirs. Im usually a person who takes the lead and am quite assertive (sp?) and would normally offer my hand to people im meeting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Special K Posted 23 March, 2011 Share Posted 23 March, 2011 Thanks for all your tips. I was going to ask about the "handshake". Should I take the inicitive and extend my hand or shall I wait untill they offer theirs. Im usually a person who takes the lead and am quite assertive (sp?) and would normally offer my hand to people im meeting. Offer your hand, just make sure you haven't picked your nose or scratched your arse immediately beforehand. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndyNorthernSaints Posted 23 March, 2011 Share Posted 23 March, 2011 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apCtRg6mOVk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonnyboy Posted 23 March, 2011 Share Posted 23 March, 2011 Dont do speed beforehand Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turkish Posted 23 March, 2011 Share Posted 23 March, 2011 I recently f*cked up an interview for a great job because i f*cked up the question "how do you like to be managed?" My answer was along the lines of "i am self motivated so dont need much supervision, but if i have a problem or face a challenge then it's always good to have someone experienced and knowledgeable to rely on for advice" I didn't think there was much wrong with this, considering it was a senior sales job and i'd be out of the office 3 days a week but apparantly that was wrong and the Country Director thought i'd be difficult to manage. He said that i should have said something about being surrounded and managed by succesful and experienced people who will inspire me and drive me to greater heights and that i like to be set clear objectives and goals to continually improve my performance and be monitored on these etc. Fair comment i suppose but i think the bloke basically just wanted me to suck his c*ck, which i aint going to do for no one, whatever the job. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jimmy Gabriel's Halo Posted 23 March, 2011 Share Posted 23 March, 2011 Most of my tips are above. Most of it's common sense A few others, Sit up straight Don't fiddle with anything such as your penis Be prepared for the question "What would you say your weaknesses are?" Firm handshake Go to the toilet before the interview and remember to zip up your flies. You'd be surprised how often this gets overlooked. Arrive 10 minutes early Keep eye contact with hands on the table Draw on life experience as well as professional experience. Never ask about pay until you are offered the job (I'm guessing you know the pay if you already work there) Relax some corrections. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gemmel Posted 23 March, 2011 Share Posted 23 March, 2011 I recently f*cked up an interview for a great job because i f*cked up the question "how do you like to be managed?" My answer was along the lines of "i am self motivated so dont need much supervision, but if i have a problem or face a challenge then it's always good to have someone experienced and knowledgeable to rely on for advice" I didn't think there was much wrong with this, considering it was a senior sales job and i'd be out of the office 3 days a week but apparantly that was wrong and the Country Director thought i'd be difficult to manage. He said that i should have said something about being surrounded and managed by succesful and experienced people who will inspire me and drive me to greater heights and that i like to be set clear objectives and goals to continually improve my performance and be monitored on these etc. Fair comment i suppose but i think the bloke basically just wanted me to suck his c*ck, which i aint going to do for no one, whatever the job. What was it selling? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turkish Posted 23 March, 2011 Share Posted 23 March, 2011 What was it selling? IT Networking kit for a manufacturer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gemmel Posted 23 March, 2011 Share Posted 23 March, 2011 IT Networking kit for a manufacturer. Well for what its worth, I'd have gone with your answer..... Just goes to show its all subjective. Shietest question I was ever asked was "Why are man hole covers round" It was a phone interview, so i passed and carried on talking and hit google and came back to it. I'm sure he knew what I had done, but if I wasnt smart enough to answer it, then at least I had shown some initiative in getting it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crispypie Posted 23 March, 2011 Share Posted 23 March, 2011 wear a suit and tie even if its not expected as part of the job. Learn as much as you can about the new role. Be honest and dont gabble on. Never talk about personal problems that may get in the way. Look at it as a learning opportunity if you dont get this one you will be better prepared next time. Good luck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
benjii Posted 23 March, 2011 Share Posted 23 March, 2011 I recently f*cked up an interview for a great job because i f*cked up the question "how do you like to be managed?" My answer was along the lines of "i am self motivated so dont need much supervision, but if i have a problem or face a challenge then it's always good to have someone experienced and knowledgeable to rely on for advice" I didn't think there was much wrong with this, considering it was a senior sales job and i'd be out of the office 3 days a week but apparantly that was wrong and the Country Director thought i'd be difficult to manage. He said that i should have said something about being surrounded and managed by succesful and experienced people who will inspire me and drive me to greater heights and that i like to be set clear objectives and goals to continually improve my performance and be monitored on these etc. Fair comment i suppose but i think the bloke basically just wanted me to suck his c*ck, which i aint going to do for no one, whatever the job. TBF, you sound better off out of it as that is a completely ****y answer from them straight out of the David Brent book of cock-managing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
benjii Posted 23 March, 2011 Share Posted 23 March, 2011 Well for what its worth, I'd have gone with your answer..... Just goes to show its all subjective. Shietest question I was ever asked was "Why are man hole covers round" It was a phone interview, so i passed and carried on talking and hit google and came back to it. I'm sure he knew what I had done, but if I wasnt smart enough to answer it, then at least I had shown some initiative in getting it. What's the answer? So fatties and birds can get in there? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sebastian firefly Posted 23 March, 2011 Share Posted 23 March, 2011 clean your teeth dont swear....... ever clean your teeth dont stink of smoke or drink..... plenty of time afterwards clean your teeth Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turkish Posted 23 March, 2011 Share Posted 23 March, 2011 TBF, you sound better off out of it as that is a completely ****y answer from them straight out of the David Brent book of cock-managing. Indeed, apparantly that was the only reason i didn't get the job. As because of that his gut feel was i would be difficult to manage and wouldn't respond to his management style. He'd be right if you have to behave like a c*nt all day every day to make sure i know he's the boss. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gemmel Posted 23 March, 2011 Share Posted 23 March, 2011 What's the answer? So fatties and birds can get in there? Close benji, but not quite right. So the covers can't fall into the hole. It's one of those noddy American interview questions...but then it was an American company Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
revolution saint Posted 23 March, 2011 Share Posted 23 March, 2011 Don't bullsh*t - everyone smells it a mile off and ultimately it won't do you any good. If I'm interviewing then I want to know that this is a person I can work with and that won't necessarily be the person with the best qualifications or experience - you'll need to hit minimum requirements and excel if you can but don't pretend. You'll need to prepare well, look at your application and be prepared to back up any claims you made with solid examples - and make sure you have a lot of them. Probably one of the first questions you'll get is to tell them about your current role, or experience, so rehearse that one as it'll set the tone for the interview. If you can then be as much as yourself as possible, sympathise with any problems they bring up and show how you've at least encountered the same even if you haven't overcome them. Sometimes though the die is cast before you even enter the room. It's an unfortunate fact of life but sometimes no matter how good an interview you give and for whatever reason you just have to chalk it up to experience - every interview will make you more comfortable in that situation again. Oh and if they ask a bullsh*t and vague question then ask them to explain it. Chances are they'll tell you what you need to know to answer it without having to be as vague as they were when asking it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smirking_Saint Posted 23 March, 2011 Share Posted 23 March, 2011 TBH, all the above responses are very very good, but IMO the one thing that will get you everywhere in life is confidence without coming across as arrogant. Its about being the best person for the job and knowing/showing that you are the best person, research the company, think about the questions they will ask and some you wish to ask them, think about what they want. The preperation will definately help and should help to calm you down. You want to be able to answer the questions, no waffle, no bullsh*t and yes, of course if you don't know what the answer is don't mess about, say something like i don't know the answer but it may be this for example. It gives the impression that you won't just guess at things but have the balls to try. Always walk in and offer your hand to them with a smile even if they don't offer you theirs. Try and be yourself, and as much as CV's and interviews are about bending the truth and making yourself look good never ever lie, especially ones you will be found out about IF you are hired or they ask you more about that subject. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
egbb saint Posted 23 March, 2011 Share Posted 23 March, 2011 Remember what you wrote on the application form! Mostly, the interviewers want to give you the job, and most candidates talk them out of it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saint_bert Posted 23 March, 2011 Author Share Posted 23 March, 2011 Really apreciate everyones feedback. I will take it all on board and hopefully in a few weeks I shall be sat here with a fat pay rise and a farking big grin. New suit to be purchased next week me thinks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pedro Posted 23 March, 2011 Share Posted 23 March, 2011 As a small businessman I hate interviewing people, I am probably more nervous than them. One guy I took an immediate dislike to basically told me he could run the business better than me, may have been right but I didn't want to hear that so don't be too confident or come across cocky, be natural. Good luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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