Job interview - any advice for me?!

moozie_2

anniestar wrote:

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.

I think this is actually top advice! It's true Kath, you are fantastic :T

kathfisch

Thanks for the good vibes everyone! And for all those sample questions ali007 - they'll be really helpful. I think I just need to think over my previous experience and try to put into words the different situations that I've dealt with... then hopefully I'll have an example ready for whatever they throw at me!!

Thank you annie and moozie, it really helps to have a bit of moral support, you're both very kind

Verbatim

Have just read this thread and wanted to add my good luck vibes to everyone elses. There was a similar thread a week or so ago, can someone remember whose? Might be worth a look Kath altho' that was for a training post.

kathfisch

Verbatim wrote:

Have just read this thread and wanted to add my good luck vibes to everyone elses. There was a similar thread a week or so ago, can someone remember whose? Might be worth a look Kath altho' that was for a training post.

I think that was K9's thread you mean? I have read it and there were some good tips in there but, as you say, for a different kind of job.

So so... I'm off to buy a suit today and just wondered - while I'm gone - if anyone's got any more advice for me?! I'm going to spend some time tomorrow going over the kinds of questions they might ask and the questions I want to ask them - always find that bit hard. So if you can suggest some questions they might ask that'd be fab!!

Kath x

moozie_2

Hey Kath

Been looking for this thread all over!!! How are you feeling? Big day tomorrow! Have you packed and sorted out how to get there tonight? Are you happy with your suit? All groomed and sparkly? I am sure you have everything under control

As for questions, here's just a couple I always seem to ask...

1. What attracted you to this position
2. What do you hope to bring to the role
3. What are your short and long term goals

I always put a hypothetical to candidates too as I want to see how quickly they think on their feet. I usually go for things that have happened and it's interesting to see how they'd have dealt with them

I will be thinking of you tomorrow, just relax and enjoy the ride. What ever the outcome, this is a great experience and one you will learn from.

Lots of good vibes xxxxx

kathfisch

moozie wrote:

Hey Kath

Been looking for this thread all over!!! How are you feeling? Big day tomorrow! Have you packed and sorted out how to get there tonight? Are you happy with your suit? All groomed and sparkly? I am sure you have everything under control

As for questions, here's just a couple I always seem to ask...

1. What attracted you to this position
2. What do you hope to bring to the role
3. What are your short and long term goals

I always put a hypothetical to candidates too as I want to see how quickly they think on their feet. I usually go for things that have happened and it's interesting to see how they'd have dealt with them

I will be thinking of you tomorrow, just relax and enjoy the ride. What ever the outcome, this is a great experience and one you will learn from.

Lots of good vibes xxxxx

Thanks moozie! I'm feeling ok... a bit nervous but in a good way really, IYKWIM!

I've got my outfit all sorted... look very smart if I do say so myself! I've been over the job description and the info about the college and all the questions I can imagine they'll ask. i've got examples a-plenty in my head... just need to be able to remember them at the crucial moment :rotfl:

Those questions you've mentioned are good ones... I always feel as though I struggle with ones like that. I'm not too good at selling myself really... I need to not be afraid to say 'I am good at abc and I feel I could have xyz effect on the organisation' or whatever... not quite like that but you know what I mean! I can talk all about what I enjoy and the experience I have but I sometimes neglect to mention the times when I've been successful and done well at things :rolleyes:

I feel quite relaxed really... I'm sure the nerves will hit me tonight but hopefully I'll be able to get some sleep! I'm leaving in a couple of hours... hopefully get there during some daylight and have time to look around the town and things too, just out of interest really.

Thanks for thinking of me and searching out the thread

MinnieSpender

Hi Kath - just found this thread so GOOD LUCK for tomorrow!

Great advice here already - do make sure you research the college and have a few facts to tell them when they ask you about themselves (they always do). Maybe find out which "names" have been there and be prepared to comment on their work, or at least name them.

I'm going to buck the trend on what to wear here, though - feel free to ignore the following advice.

Smart is always good - but be aware of where you'll be working. A nice two piece suit and small earrings might be the way to go for an office job (don't do it, kids!) but you're going for an interview at an art college. They want to see that you are creative and not "run of the mill" - so don't be afraid to show a little of yourself in what you wear (I'm not suggesting you go totally mental, but don't be so conservative that you frighten the horses!). I once turned up for an "open" interview at a creative-type job. Twenty-five women in suits and high heels, me in docs and vintage dress. I got the job. I suppose it's about being appropriate.

Are you being asked to take your portfolio? Make sure it's concise and shows your best work. If you HAVEN'T been asked to take your portfolio, take it anyway. You'll look super keen.

Big smile, firm handshake, and if it's a panel interview, make sure you give them all equal time and attention.

Go girl! We expect great news from you.

MinnieSpender

Oh yes - and if you have some questions ready (you have, haven't you?) write them in a nice looking notebook and take it into the interview with you. Don't be afraid to refer to it if you need to - it will show that you've bothered to prepared.

kathfisch

Thanks Minnie

I have got some questions ready... currently in my head but I may well take a notebook... thanks for that tip!

I'm not being asked to take my portfolio... but I'm going to take a copy of the book that I helped to publish for my recent exhibition. Producing this involved organisational, written and teamwork skills and it has my work in it! :j

You're right about the clothes... I don't want to appear too conservative... I was worried about that. I tried to find a blouse that was something a little bit different, didn't really succeed though. In any case, it is an office job on the whole... and I am anxious to come across as professional and serious rather than a scruffy ex-student... so I hope I've made the right decision!

I know if I was there in something vastly less smart to everyone else, I would feel hugely uncomfortable and that would probably affect my performance. I'd rather be a bit conservative if it makes me feel more confident... which a suit and heels does... surprisingly since i'm not used to it! Maybe it'll prove to be the wrong decision but I hope not

Bagpuss1973

Hi Kath

Goodluck for tomorrow.

I work in an office, I would highly recommend the suit route, also I know this might sound a bit personal but...not too much perfume (if you normally wear it) it can be really off-putting when the person wafts their personal smell around the place! Also, I know this is obvious but ensure your hands and nails are super clean. Give a firm, confident handshake even if you are shaking inside.

I would also recommend being at least 10 minutes early, we don't ever employ people who are late to their interview! Even if this means you sitting somewhere close by in a coffee shop (make sure you have breath freshners for after your coffee!) or something and if it's a big building be polite to everyone you meet, you never know who you could end up working with.

Goodluck and hope you get it

Bagpussx;)