Interview help

forever.insane

Hey,

Iv just been given an interview for tomorrow at 11am but like always, im really nervous.

Im 19 and haven't yet been able to get a job (multiple failed interviews) so obviously my interview skills are pretty week (Iv failed at ASDA and Mcdonalds.... (Yes, I couldn't get a job at a dead end poor quality and humiliating business).

So how should I prepare? What questions could they ask (I always prepare for this but the right questions never come up :@)

Here's there website: http://downlandspackaging.co.uk/

The position is Trainee Machine Operator.

Thank you.

kathcake

Firstly try to keep calm, the interviewer will know that you're nervous and they may even be nervous themselves!

They're not trying to catch you out they just want to know how much knowledge you have in the areas they question you on and whether that fits with what they're looking for. Generally they'll want to know about you, how much you know about them, what skills you have to offer and why you're the best candidate. Just prepare yourself on that sort of thing and you should be ok:)

KiKi

As it's an operational trainee role they will probably ask questions like:

* Why do you want the job?
* Why did you choose Downlands?
* What are your career aspirations?
* What prior experience do you have? (If you have none, think of other things you done where similar skills are involved like careful attention to detail, or concentration, or teamworking.)
* How do you think the 'trainee machine operator' role contributes to the business? (Ie, it means that products are cut and designed to meet customer needs)
* What do you think the job involves? What sort of machines do you think we operate? (eg, their website says cartons, foam, crates and die cuts)
* What are your strengths? What can you bring to the job?
* What do you think you will need to learn / what skills might you need to develop?


They may also test your technical understanding (not in detail, just broadly) with a question like:
* Do you know the difference between die cutting and foam cutting?

They won't expect you to know complex differences, but it will differentiate between those who have done some basic research and those who haven't.


They may also test some competencies such as Health and Safety / Teamworking / Communication / Attention to Detail. Eg:
* When have you been involved in ensuring that the place you worked in was safe?
* Tell me about a time you have worked in a team? What did you do, and what was the outcome?
* Tell me about a time you have had to communicate a difficult / technical subject to someone. What happened, and what was the outcome?
* When have you had to pay a lot of attention to detail? What did you do and what was the outcome?


Hope that helps you think through some ideas. Don't panic - they won't be trying to trip you up. No-one knows you better than you, so if you don't tell them about you, they won't know. All they want to do is hear what you have to say and then make a judgement on whether you're suitable.

The answers to the above don't have to be complex, by the way. They just need to be honest.

HTH.
KiKi

Googlewhacker

forever.insane wrote: »

(Yes, I couldn't get a job at a dead end poor quality and humiliating business).

I mean this in the nicest way but you need a better attitude towards these companies and their jobs because in one fell swoop you have alienated hundreds of thousends of employees for these companies.

A positive outlook will go alot further than the current negative one you have.

Jeff_Bridges_hair

Agree with Googlewhacker above...


But also this is in your favour as its a trainee role so ensure you take your time before you answer the question and think about your answer first before you come out with any old !!!!!. Interviewers dont mind waiting if the answer is good. .

dont fidget. Look smart too

forever.insane

Thank you all, this is great advice. Another user sent me a PM offering me questions I might be asked.

1 thing though, would the interviewer mind if I take hand written notes with me and leave them on the table so I can glance down when need to? proberly like a lot of people, im very forgetful when nervous so If it isn't written down then I'll either forget it or screw the answer up.

Googlewhacker wrote: »

I mean this in the nicest way but you need a better attitude towards these companies and their jobs because in one fell swoop you have alienated hundreds of thousends of employees for these companies.

A positive outlook will go alot further than the current negative one you have.

I understand what you mean, and obviously I didn't say anything like that when I'm there, its just embarrassing to be told I was unsuccessful after having an interview. And im sure most people working there know it isn't the most rewarding or successful job around. And it doesn't make them look bad either, at least they managed to get the job there.

ashbash11

forever.insane wrote: »

Thank you all, this is great advice. Another user sent me a PM offering me questions I might be asked.

1 thing though, would the interviewer mind if I take hand written notes with me and leave them on the table so I can glance down when need to? proberly like a lot of people, im very forgetful when nervous so If it isn't written down then I'll either forget it or screw the answer up.


I understand what you mean, and obviously I didn't say anything like that when I'm there, its just embarrassing to be told I was unsuccessful after having an interview. And im sure most people working there know it isn't the most rewarding or successful job around. And it doesn't make them look bad either, at least they managed to get the job there.

I always take a notebook into an interview, with some prepared questions to ask at the end of the interview and also to write things down if I need to, but I'm not sure about taking notes to remember what you have to say in answer to a question. Have you tried rehearsing an interview with someone you trust? That way you might feel less nervous and more prepared.
Also, a good idea is to do some research on the company itself before you go. That way you have some idea about the company and what it does.

HTH, and good luck for tomorrow!

KiKi

Absolutely, take notes. Not pages and pages, but maybe one folded sheet.

Usually, I would get the notes out and put them on the table and then ask (AFTER I've already got them out!) "do you mind if I have my notes here in case I need to refer to them?"

Always worth having one or two questions for them at the end (they may ask if you have any questions). Interviewers LOVE to be flattered that you're interested in their opinions and experiences - after all, who doesn't love feeling knowledgeable?! So a good one is:
* It seems like a great place to work - what do you like most about working here?

Best of luck - let us know how it goes!
KiKi

forever.insane

Thanks for all the advice. Shailesh emailed me a list of questions and iv answered the ones which apply (deleted ones such as employment history, previous boss ect as employer knows I don't have any).

I don't plan on taking the whole lot, just my questions. The rest is for revision. I would appreciate if anyone could tell me if I shouldn't mention something on it or if I should add info about something else.

As I can't post attachments, I'v posted it at the end. Thanks.

KiKi wrote: »

Absolutely, take notes. Not pages and pages, but maybe one folded sheet.

Usually, I would get the notes out and put them on the table and then ask (AFTER I've already got them out!) "do you mind if I have my notes here in case I need to refer to them?"

Always worth having one or two questions for them at the end (they may ask if you have any questions). Interviewers LOVE to be flattered that you're interested in their opinions and experiences - after all, who doesn't love feeling knowledgeable?! So a good one is:
* It seems like a great place to work - what do you like most about working here?

Best of luck - let us know how it goes!
KiKi

Thank you, I will do just that

The questions/answers:

updated below.

KiKi

Hiya, comments from me:

Why do you want this particular job?
I understand the company is growing and I would love to be a part of it.

That's quite a general answer. I would want to know what you want THIS job. Why be a trainee machine operator? What interests you in that, as well as wanting to work for a growing company?

What skills do you have that are relevant to this position?
I am able to work well in a team as I have shown with fire cadets/break and public service and I am able to follow orders in fine detail. I learn from my mistakes and take pride in my work.
Please can I also point out that I was never late for school and missed very few days (only illness).

I wouldn't mention sickness at school; they can't discriminate for that anyway.

What can you do for us?
I can make sure your fine company continues to grow making quality packaging for the clients. I will bring my hardwork and determination to succeed.

This is good in a general sense, but you need to be more specific. Reiterate the skills you said you can bring and perhaps more about your character (like hardwork, determination that you mentioned, and other personal qualities such as timekeeping etc).

Describe your average day
Well as I am currently unemployed, I try to keep myself busy. I tend to start the day by getting up early and checking my emails, hoping maybe I have an interview. I will then do a light job search. Then around noon I have a more in depth online job search, looking at the job centre website as well as jobstoday and others. I would then go to the shops and have a look around for any vacancies.

I would be gobsmacked if they asked you to describe your day. It does not demonstrate your ability to do the job. However, if you're going to say the above make sure you talk about things other than job-seeking, such as going to the gym (keeping healthy), going out occasionally in the evening etc. But really, this isn't relevant to a possible new job.

What sort of duties do you most enjoy; why?
This is a hard question as I don’t really have experience, but I would say I would enjoy meeting new people the most, possibly meeting customers and getting to know my fellow colleagues. Seeing the final product must also be a great moment.

Again, I don't think they will ask you a question they know you can't answer. How can you possibly answer which duties you enjoy when you haven't worked there? Your answer is fine, but I don't think this is a likely question.

How would you describe yourself?
In 3 words, kind, hard working and determined.

I would use more than three words. Remember, this is an interview. They don't know you. You have to talk about yourself, sell yourself! Tell them your good qualities and WHY! 'Kind, hard-working and determined' sounds like a personal ad! Tell them that you like to be kind to people because you get more from them. Tell them you enjoy hard-work because it gives you a real sense of satisfaction. That sort of thing. You need to expand these sort of answers.

What are your strengths/weaknesses
I tend to try and complete stuff before a deadline, so I can get a head start on another project or, if I am completely done, relax and enjoy myself.

This is an answer that I don't think is a great one. For strengths, use the above but say that you plan and organise well so that you finish jobs ahead of time and can start other projects early. But the 'relax and enjoy yourself' statement isn't a weakness, that's more about your home life. For a weakness you need to talk about an aspect of yourself that you could do better in.

What do you do in your spare time?
Like everyone, I like to watch TV or listen to music, but I also tend to do some house work. Cleaning up can relaxing and take some of the work off my mum. I also help my disabled brother do stuff such as going to the shops, helping with electrical devices (game console, mp3 player/music), help him find something (such as clothes to wear to bed) and medical issues (flushout).

This is the stuff you should mention in the 'average' day! This is much better!

What do you know about us?
I know that downlands was founded in 1991 and has continued to grow since. The company makes most types of packaging from simple cartons to Heavy duty cases and crates suitable for transporting and exporting. I also know that a new website will soon be launched.

This is very good.

Now, without trying to sound like I'm selling the competency questions I gave you in a previous post, I really do think you need to look at them. The ones you have answered are useful, but I suspect you have answered them because you're most comfortable with them! They're quite focused on what you do outside of work, or about your character.

I DO think you need to prepare for questions that are about your ABILITY. After all, that's what they're assessing here. You don't need work examples. If they ask you about team working then talk about the cadets work. If they ask about planning and organising, or overcoming difficult hurdles, then talk about how you look after your brother.

Also, don't be thrown if they phrase the questions differently; they're not trying to catch you out, just genuinely wanting to understand about you.

Please can you tell me more about the company? Who would I report to? Who would I be working with? Please can you show me where I would be working? When will you be coming to a decision? Will you be holding any second interviews? Can you describe my area of responsibility?

I would NOT ask the above questions; I don't think they are suitable, or show a lack of research, or are repeated.

• Are there any times when the company is busier then usual?
• What are the promotion prospects?
• What hours will I be working?
• When do you want someone to start?

These are good questions. WARNING! Do not overload interviewers with questions. I would not ask more than 4. Remember, they have a timetable to keep to, so keeness is good, but not too much!

I really hope this helps you out a bit.

Best of luck!
KiKi

forever.insane

KiKi wrote: »

Hiya, comments from me:

Thank you, that is exactly what I was hoping for. I understand where the comments are coming from and have revised my answers acordingly. Although a couple are unlikely to come up, if I don' prepare an answer then it WILL come up, thats how interviews work for me :mad:

Its better to be over prepared then under prepared. Here is my revised answers, along with more answers for me to arrive. You are right that the wording for the questions could be different, so I decided if I learn the main vibe of what I've come up with then I can extract the answers I need accordingly.

• Why do you want this particular job?
I understand the company is growing and I would love to be a part of it. I would very much like to be a trainee machine operator because it will allow me to gain a variety of new skills and a future possibility of advancement in my career. This job is a great way for me to show my attention to detail and diverse skills.

• What skills do you have that are relevant to this position?
I am able to work well in a team as I have shown with fire cadets/break and public service and I am able to follow orders in fine detail. I learn from my mistakes and take pride in my work.
Please can I also point out that I was never late for school and missed very few days.

• What can you do for us?
I can make sure your fine company continues to grow making quality packaging for the clients. I will bring my hardwork and determination to succeed. I am a good team member and have good communication, which was vital for fire cadets and public services. I am very good at following instructions which again, is vital for cadets and public services. I am also good at timekeeping, which I displayed at school. I have also never been late to any meetings or arrangements.

• Describe your average day (spare time) (very unlikely)
Well as I am currently unemployed, I try to keep myself busy. I tend to start the day by getting up early and checking my emails, hoping maybe I have an interview. I will then do a light job search. Then around noon I have a more in depth online job search, looking at the job centre website as well as jobstoday and others. I would then go to the shops and have a look around for any vacancies. I also occasionally go to the gym and go out in the evenings with friends.

Like everyone, I like to watch TV or listen to music, but I also tend to do some house work. Cleaning up can be relaxing and taking some of the work off my mum is a bonus. I also help my disabled brother do stuff such as going to the shops, helping with electrical devices (game console, mp3 player/music), help him find something (such as clothes to wear to bed) and medical issues (flushout).

• What sort of duties do you most enjoy; why? (very unlikely)
This is a hard question as I don’t really have experience, but I would say I would enjoy meeting new people the most, possibly meeting customers and getting to know my fellow colleagues. Seeing the final product must also be a great moment.

• How would you describe yourself?
I would describe myself as kind, hard working and determined. I am kind because you get more out of people and form friendships, which is essential as a machine operator. I work hard to achieve my goals before the deadline while making sure I don’t make mistakes. Hard work also gives me a real sense of satisfaction when I have completed the given task. I am determined to succeed at what I do and to the best of my abilities. I think other people would say the same when they get to know me.

• What are your strengths/weaknesses
I tend to try and complete stuff before a deadline, so I can get a head start on another project or, if I am completely done, relax and enjoy myself.

I plan and organise well so that I can finish ahead of time and start other projects early. My teamwork is also a strength of mine as that is what finishes tasks on time and correctly. I believe my main weakness is lack of experience but this will improve as time progresses.

• What do you know about us?
I know that downlands was founded in 1991 and has continued to grow since. The company makes most types of packaging from simple cartons to Heavy duty cases and crates suitable for transporting and exporting. I also know that a new website will soon be launched.

• Is there anything else I should know about you?
Public services – fire cadets/break.

• Are there any times when the company is busier then usual?
• What are the promotion prospects?
• What hours will I be working?
• When do you want someone to start?




I chose downlands because it was founded in 1991, so it has experience and it must be good at manufacturing packaging otherwise it wouldn’t have lasted so long. I feel the company is the right place for me to get onto the ladder and succeed.

Later in my career I would either like to be in a supervisory position or join the fire service. I feel that this company and this role is a great way for me to start my career as it gives me a direction.

I have learnt a lot of skills from fire cadets and public services such as teamwork, which is important in this role to keep the machines running effectively, good communication skills, which again, is important, time management and leading my team. I have great attention to detail, which was displayed in written objectives I had to complete within a team in public services and very good concentration which allows me to learn things fast and gain new skills.

I believe this role is very important to the business as it means the products are cut and designed to the customer’s needs and meets their expectations. It means that the machines will run effectively and safely.

I believe the job entails making sure the machines are programmed to cut what is required and making sure it is done right. I also look forward to seeing what the position has in store.

I believe I could develop a better understanding of how the machines operate and how the products are produced. I hope to develop better attention to detail and gain working experience.