Job offer between me and another person, help?

debtdesperado

Noooooo! Do not walk around with a pad and pen! That looks terrible..as if you're a bit thick and can't remember anything - they will assume that will be how you will be on the job.

PLUS don't forget - they haven't offered you the job yet!! It's totally inappropriate to walk round making detailed notes at this point - save that for your induction.

Asking lots of questions is great and the ones above are fantastic. One trick is to begin some questions with the phrase "what do you think about...." - everyone loves to be asked their opinion! Imagine you were starting the job - what do you want to know? What do they think about working there? Think to yourself, do I want to work here? Do I like the people? How do they get on? Have they worked there long? Often a simple "do you enjoy it here?" or "what is the best thing about working here?" draws out some interesting answers.

I would suggest that the aim behind getting you in for the day is to see how you interact with the staff... after all, on paper and at interview you and the other candidate are equal. Personality is what is going to clinch it... are you friendly, do you smile, will you fit in, can you have a laugh at the right level with your staff, are you supportive of the manager, etc.

Make sure that at the end you say "I have really enjoyed my time here, it seems a (lovely, fantastic - insert appropriate adjective!) place to work and I want you to know that having spent the day here, I really want this job".

It's funny, but people never actually say how much they want the job in interview, and it's a really powerful thing to say, so make sure they hear it!

Good luck!

michellen34

Thanks debtdesperado.....some brilliant advice there! So you think I shouldn't take a pen and paper? I will take some notes with me then and swot up on them before I get there. I just wanted to look as keen as possible, I really want this job! I did have a good feeling about this job even before I went for the interview so fingers crossed my 'good feeling' will get me through lol
Thanks again for the fantastic advice, I've written it down, so as not to forgot it

PlutoinCapricorn

Perhaps doing a lot of preparation before The Day then playing it by ear when you get there is the best approach. In theory you could score an own goal by trying too hard to show that you know a lot, feel at home and would fit in: it might come across as arrogance, a premature assumption that the job is yours.

The fact that you really want this job gives you an edge, using MSE will give you even more, and doing some homework and preparation should really swing it for you. I was going to use almost exactly the same words as debtdesperado: "I have heard about *******, what has been your experience with this?" or "I would be very interested to hear what you think about ***". You are demonstrating that you know a lot about the background, but are willing to start by listening to people.

There are many current issues in the world of charity shops, especially criticisms made by people who shop in them. Prices are one of them: people are starting to say that they can get cheaper clothes in places such as Primark, and that book prices are often too high. Man-made materials and how they often cannot be recycled or sold for rags; running shops as profit making businesses, the standardisation of layout in the major chains versus the old style junk shop full of hidden treasures ... if you Google "Charity shop" you will find a lot of information and food for thought. Asking them what was their most unwelcome/best donation over the years, and whether the good old days of amazing bargains have gone for ever should get them going!

"Charity shop"+manager is another good search, it brings out some Health & Safety information. There is a book by Christine Williamson called "Charity Begins", about someone who oversees the running of several shops: it might be possible to get it from Amazon in time.

shoplady_2

Some great tips on here, I volunteered as Assistant Manager of a charity shop after graduation to gain work experience, it was very rewarding and fun but hard work!
I think the main thing they are looking for is how you relate to the volunteers and customers, managing a team of volunteers requires different skills to managing paid staff. Show that you are friendly, adaptable and responsible and I am sure you will get it.

michellen34

Thanks Plutoincapricorn and shoplady thats been a great help,
Pluto,I agree on a lot of things you said, especially prices, the charity shop I volunteer in, is in my opinion really cheap for eg all tops mens and ladies £2, childrens 20p-£1.50, Books 50p toys 20p to most i've ever seen is £4.50 I think you can't go wrong, whereas today i passed a charity shop and they wanted £12 for a pair of used M&s shoes? doesn't make sense as there is profit in everything they sell and if it's cheap enough you'll get the customers back

michellen34

Well I went today and it was great! got on really well with the manager, but its the area manager who ultimately decides. The other girl was in on friday so hope thats not a bad sign for me?! Will post again when I find out, Thanks again for the advice everyone x

PlutoinCapricorn

That is good to hear. I hope that you hear from them soon, and that it is good news.

michellen34

Thank you Plutoincapricorn

Valli

maybe being last in you will have made a lasting impression IYSWIM
best of luck; keep us posted...

michellen34

Hiya Valli,

I didn't get it , I had to find out through a friend of mine who knows the manager of the shop, they didn't even ring to tell me. I've just rang and they said it was very close and they had to pick someone but ultimately it was down to the area manager, she said I was capable of the job and said if I ring back on Monday she will find out it there is still a job in their other shop (there was supposed to be 2 jobs and they asked if I would take either) gutted to say the least, not crossing my fingers for the other job now either. Think I'm just feeling sorry for myself lol I did really want it though

Thanks to everyone who offered their advice xx