Job interview - any advice for me?!

kathfisch

moozie wrote:

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!

Oh absolutely... a suit and haircut isn't even 1% of what I want to pay her back for! :grinheart

Thanks for the advice... I will go and have a look at some suits in the next few days - don't want to leave it until Saturday in case I can't find anything and need to go to a different town. I'm sorted for shoes I think so its just the suit and any accessories required!

I'm flattered that you didn't think I looked tomboyish... is it my graduation photo you saw or have I posted another one and forgotten?! Perhaps its just a perception I have of myself... I certainly didn't 'want' to be feminine for most of my teen years - all muddled up in me head - but i'm catching up!

moozie_2

kathfisch wrote:

I'm flattered that you didn't think I looked tomboyish... is it my graduation photo you saw or have I posted another one and forgotten?! Perhaps its just a perception I have of myself... I certainly didn't 'want' to be feminine for most of my teen years - all muddled up in me head - but i'm catching up!

I've not seen your graduation photo It was the one up in the sky and you looked positively glowing to me! Just for the record, very happily coupled up moozie here :rotfl:

Good thinking on not leaving it for Saturday! I hope you get something nice

I'm off to catch some zzzzzzzz now as I feel totally in need of them. Talk again soon and keep thinking positively

Night night xx

southernscouser

You could always show your creative side by making your own suit Kath!

Told you I wouldn't be much help!

kathfisch

Thank you phil - you are right... there's no such this as being too smart! I was worried that I might feel a bit uncomfortable given that I don't usually dress terribly smartly but I think it might give me confidence and make me feel like I belong there!

I really don't know about the dinner... hadn't thought of it being with everyone. To be honest the info they've sent just says they've arranged a room for me in their conference centre on site and that an evening meal will be provided - that I'm to say that I'm staying for an interview and the restaurant staff will be expecting me... no specific time or anything

a good company knows they can give a warm honest person knowledge but can they make a waffling bluffer into an honest worker? - what a fab insight phil! :T I'd never thought of it like that before, thank you, I will keep that in mind.

Moozie - oh god, you've only seen that one?! But I look about 12 in that!! :rotfl: My graduation one is lurking in the arms somewhere I think :whistle:

Thanks all for your advice - keep it coming!

I'm off to zzzzzzz now too, feeling much more positive!

kathfisch

moozie wrote:

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

moozie wrote:

Just for the record, very happily coupled up moozie here :rotfl:

Just you and me hey SS!

:rotfl:

tesuhoha

Right, one thing that no one has mentioned is that often in interviews they ask if you know anything about the company and are not overly impressed if you dont. Its a good idea to research the company on the internet, you dont have to be an expert but if you can give them some information it is very impressive. Also, dont ever say anything negative about yourself. If for example they say something like, youve had rather a lot of jobs havent you? You reply yes but it has helped me to gain confidence and experience and Im now looking to work with a company long term. I dont mean those exact words but something along those lines. Good luck

bigdec

goog luck i hope you get it

*zippy*

Good luck kathfisch we will all be sending positive vibes for you.

gallygirl

Morning Kath!!! Few pointers from me!!!!

If you really feel strange in a suit then wear it for at least a few hours over the weekend (no eating or drinking mind :eek: ).

As for the interview - many employers now do competency based interviews where they look for specific examples of key skills. We ask for specific examples, and are looking for BAC - Background, Action, Conclusion. In other words set the scene, tell them what YOU did ( I word good, WE word bad!!!!!) and what the outcome was, e.g. the project came in on time and under budget etc.

If you can't think of specific examples in your work life tell them. They will be aware you have less experience than the other candidates. Ask them if you can use examples from college etc.

Some practice questions for you:
MOTIVATIONAL & JOB FIT (BAC doesn't apply here)

1. What do you see as the next step in your career? What are your long-term career aims?
2. What characteristics of your previous/current job(s) have motivated you the most?
3. What characteristics of your previous/current job(s) would you be happy to avoid?
BUILDING & MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE RELATIONSHIPS


1. Tell me about a time when you had to make extra effort to satisfy a particular client or individual at work. Were you able to satisfy their needs? If not, what went wrong and how would you do things differently next time?
2. Describe a situation where you had to involve or enlist others to help solve a problem. What was your contribution to the project?
ADAPTABILITY & EMBRACING CHANGE


1. Tell me about a time when your own role has changed and how you coped with this.
2. Tell me about a situation in which you had to adjust quickly to a significant change in organisation, department, team or social priorities. How did the change affect you?

TEAM WORK & PEOPLE

1. Describe a time when you have had to lead and motivate team members to perform at their best.
2. Give me an example of a time when a team or group of which you were a member accomplished its goals. What was your role? What were the team’s objectives?
3. At times we all have difficulty getting along with other team members. Tell me about a time when you have experienced such difficulty and explain how you handled the situation.
4. Have you been in a position when a team member was not pulling their weight? How did you handle the situation? How was it resolved?

These are all fairly generic questions. Look at the job description and write some questions based on the specific skill sets for the post.

Closing questions - I think the 1st one here is a stunner!!!!!
o I would like you to spend a couple of minutes reflecting on what you have told me, to see if there are any other strengths you have that we have not talked about’:eek:
o Why should you be considered for this position?
o What are your career objectives, and what actions have you taken toward achieving them?

Sorry for length of post!!!! Hope they help!!!! Remember SPECIFIC EXAMPLES!!!!!

anniestar

Just want to wish you all the luck in the world. Can't add to all the fantastic advice but just think its important to try to relax and be your(fantastic) self. Hope you gt your outfit sorted. Good luck hun.