Job interview - any advice for me?!

kathfisch · 4 October 2006 at 11:37PM

So I've been job hunting for a few months now since I graduated... prepared to do whatever really... shop job etc until something better comes up. But I found out yesterday that I've been shortlisted for a really nice job - the interview is on Monday! :j :eek:

Its about an hour and half drive away... would mean moving out of parent's house if I got it... so its a big deal but if I got it it would be the first step of a career - rather than something to 'pass the time', IYSWIM. And the place is lovely... the place of work and the general area I mean.

I'm quite worried at the mo... about what to wear :eek: and how to be. I'm probably not as qualified as some who will be there but they've given me an interview... so I've got a chance, right? I just don't want to come across as out of my depth.... guess this is how I feel if I'm honest. I know I could do the job with a bit of training etc (it is related but not identical to other jobs I've done) but I don't know how to show this to them?!

The interview schedule includes a chance to meet and chat with current staff (its in an art college) in order to 'inform my interview' ...... aaaahhhhh! What am I supposed to ask them?!

:eek:

On a dfw note... I was trying to think of a cheap place to stay the night before... it starts at 9 in the morning.... but they emailed to say they were providing free accommodation for sunday night, an evening meal and 40p per mile expenses for my travel to get there and back! :T Is that normal?!?!

So anyway.... does anyone have any words of advice or encouragment for me?! This is not the only job on the horizon but it is really the best one so far... and the first 'proper' one I've got an interview for... so it means a lot to me. I don't want to appear desperate though.... arghhh its so hard!

Sorry to ramble, its not very moneysaving really... and terribly self-indulgent... but I need a bit of moral support and any advice you've all got! It will certainly put my finances in a much better state if I get it... does that count?!

Thanks guys

southernscouser · 4 October 2006 at 11:40PM

I won't pretend to be an expert Kath coz I've never had an interview in my life! :rolleyes:

But, be yourself. They'd be mad not to employ you!

Good luck hun! :beer:

(sorry, told you I weren't an expert)

Deepindebt_3 · 4 October 2006 at 11:49PM

Hi Kath. I just wanted to say good luck for your interview. As you know I had two interviews last week and got one of the jobs, so know exactly how you are feeling. I was in the same dilema, wasn't sure what to wear. The job I got was admin/reception, so I opted for a suit. Was worried that it would be too over the top, but it worked.

Also even if you do not know everything, sometimes it helps to say that you haven't done it but you do pick things up very quickly and just emphasize your good points.

Again good luck and I will keep my fingers crossed for you.

kathfisch · 4 October 2006 at 11:49PM

southernscouser wrote:

But, be yourself. They'd be mad not to employ you!

Good luck hun! :beer:

Aww, thank you! :kisses3:

kiwigirl · 4 October 2006 at 11:52PM

Firstly congratulations on shortlisted interview.

I recently travelled 600 miles round trip for an interview, stayed 2 nights as I was meeting a friend in same city on the weekend I was there (interview on a Fri). There are plenty of hotels you can try on internet, there maybe a hotel finder on this site too? I have travelled 500 miles in a day once to interview and return trip but the interview wasn't until 2 - 3 pm so I could do that.

It was recommended to me to wear a suit, and a blouse which would cover my arms and quite high up too - the more flesh you show there is a possibility of blotchiness (was told that by HR staff).

one of your questions could be about the training you'd be receiving over the next say 6 months? What projects would you be involved in?

Is the interview an all day thing? Are you in a group interview? Do you know information about the place?

When could you start in new job if succesful? Have you thought about renting a place nearer the place etc? (remember that living at home will probably be cheaper than renting somewhere though) Maybe these will come up in interview - people do travel 90 mins to work here - my boss travels 2 hours EACH WAY :eek: but I suppose it depends on the roads too.

Good luck

KG

moozie_2 · 4 October 2006 at 11:53PM

Hello sweetie

Well done on putting the thread up, I know it's not easy to write something when you think you are being self indulgent - which you are not!

The important thing to remember is that they think that on paper at least, you can do the job. They wouldn't have invited you for the interview otherwise. They will also be able to see how much experience you have so far so there is no point trying to enhance on that (not that you would!) but they will be looking at examples from previous positions/course work where you can show aptitute and ability to meet their requirements. Try to prepare by thinking of relevant examples where you have used your initiative/skill and you perhaps performed above standard/better than others/well in a team. I guess what I am saying is think of a variety of ways to present yourself to them.

When you meet with the staff, I would suggest you DO NOT ask what it's like working there. You will only get the personal views of the individuals you meet and they are unlikely to influence your decision to work there or anot anyway. I'd think a good question would be 'how long have you worked here' and then see if they have allowed any long standing staff to meet with you. Also, it would be good to ask those that have been there the longest to tell you if they have seen many/what type of changes. Another thing to ask is what are the students like.

I'd recommend that you don't think too much about the practicalities of moving out of your parents'/commuting etc right now. One step at a time!

It is not uncommon for prospective employers to pay for accommodation prior to an interview as well as re-location packages. Maybe that's something you may want to find out.

I really hope you do well and you come away happy with your performance. Forgot to say, as for the dress code, I would suggest a suit but a modern one (as opposed to tweed :rotfl: ). Try to opt for colours that would be hard to object to and make sure you are well groomed, especially hands (which I am sure you are already). One thing that really puts me off when interviewing is strong deodorant/perfume/aftershave. It's easy to overdo it so just go easy with what ever you use

I hope I am not telling you how to suck eggs

I'll talk to the OH which is way more senior and important than me and let you know if he comes up with anything useful!

Good luck - I will be thinking of you on Monday xx

southernscouser · 4 October 2006 at 11:53PM

Oh yeah, also meant to say ask them questions aswell. You are kind of interviewing them aswell!

moozie_2 · 4 October 2006 at 11:54PM

southernscouser wrote:

I won't pretend to be an expert Kath coz I've never had an interview in my life! :rolleyes:

But, be yourself. They'd be mad not to employ you!

Good luck hun! :beer:

(sorry, told you I weren't an expert)

Gosh, you really DO want to share don't you??? :rolleyes: :rotfl:

kathfisch · 5 October 2006 at 12:04AM

Thank you Moozie for such a thoughtful reply! You've given lots of good pointers and I will no doubt read them over a hundred times before monday :rotfl:

Ok... not terribly dfw... but I need a suit! Well, I guess I do. I mean, I'm not really a suit kinda girl

:rotfl: but if anything's gonna make me feel immature and inexperienced its not being dressed right. But... having just graduated... and from art school... I don't have one... so help!!! My mum has kindly offered to help a bit with the cost of clothes/haircut etc so that I feel confident for interviews, you gotta love mums!!

So... where do I go... and what do I buy?!!! :eek:

Mental image of me.... think a bit tomboyish but trying to be more feminine

, a tad overweight and not quite as tall as I'd like to be!! :rotfl:

moozie_2 · 5 October 2006 at 12:12AM

You are welcome Kath, anything to help!

I'd suggest Wallis, Marks & Spencers or Debenhams for a nicely cut, modern suit that doesn't cost the earth. I am 5ft 3 and on the cuddly side :rotfl: and I always find something appropriate in there. Mum is so lovely

Let her treat you, especially as you will be paying her back when you are sorted

Remember, if suits are not your normal thing but you want to wear one (and I think that's a good idea), go for comfortable material and trousers, if that's what you were most. Same for shoes - if heels is not your thing, go for low ones. It's so important to be comfortable with how you look as you want to be undeterred in giving it your best shot!

By the way, I didn't think you looked all that tomboyish!

Batfink · 5 October 2006 at 12:19AM

Hello,

My current job has involved doing quite a bit of interviewing, so I have tried to come up with a bit of info to help from the interviewing side.

Firstly, I've never thought anyone was too smartly dressed at an interview. It shows you really want the job and that you can look respectable too. We're very much a jeans and t-shirt kind of place to work at but if someone turned up for an interview dressed like that it usually means they are just keeping the act up so they don't lose their job seekers allowance!

A lot of places now seem to teach 'interviewing technique'. Personally, and I guess any seasoned interviewer, I can spot this a mile off and find it quite off-putting. Be friendly and open, be honest too - if you don't know something then just admit it - a good company knows they can give a warm honest person knowledge but can they make a waffling bluffer into an honest worker?

Don't be afraid to ask questions, but only questions you actually want to know the answer to. Personally I'm happy to answer questions about holidays, pay etc as people need to know - I'm never quite sure if they are generally deemed acceptable though.

Regarding expenses - yes its quite normal. If the evening meal is with the other candidates and some people from the company then do consider it part of your interview, you learn a lot about people from that kind of event!

George at ASDA do some very respectable suits.

I can't think of anything else at the moment - but I'll post again if I do.

Good Luck

Phil x

Job interview - any advice for me?!

Comments

Confirm your email address to Create Threads and Reply

🚀 Getting Started

Categories

Is this how you want to be seen?

Get our FREE Weekly email full of deals & guides - and it’s spam-free