Support Each Other In Looking For Work?

mandrose

oh my goodness, I've just had a call inviting me for an interview tomorrow!

It looks absolutely perfect, a new team being set up working for Guide Dogs for the Blind. I just drove there to make sure I know where it is for tomorrow and its less than half a mile from home, in a lovely house in a beautiful setting. The money isn't great but I've decided job satisfaction is now my main aim (those that have seen a thread I posted last week will understand this comment!)

This is the first time I have ever been "excited" about an interview and I'm going to work really hard to make a good impression, as think I might be devastated if I don't get it!

I've been told its just for a chat, so maybe a formal interview will follow. Anyone have any tips on questions etc I could ask tomorrow?

Linda32

mandrose wrote: »

oh my goodness, I've just had a call inviting me for an interview tomorrow!

It looks absolutely perfect, a new team being set up working for Guide Dogs for the Blind. I just drove there to make sure I know where it is for tomorrow and its less than half a mile from home, in a lovely house in a beautiful setting. The money isn't great but I've decided job satisfaction is now my main aim (those that have seen a thread I posted last week will understand this comment!)

This is the first time I have ever been "excited" about an interview and I'm going to work really hard to make a good impression, as think I might be devastated if I don't get it!

I've been told its just for a chat, so maybe a formal interview will follow. Anyone have any tips on questions etc I could ask tomorrow?

Hi, you know I'm even excited for you as well, so if you come over half as interested in the interview/chat as you have done above, then your half way there, I'm sure.

I blew a chance earlier this week with Molly Maid, I know I blew it and I'll tell you what I said.

They asked me to tell them abit about myself, fair enough, they don't know me from Adam so nows my chance.
So all I came up with is "My names Linda and I used to work for a bus company providing school transport for schools, but got made redundant due to council cuts"

Even when I sat there I was thinking to my self "well and yeah??? what else, say more SAY MORE SAY MORE" - I mean what I said was hardly friendly and inviting was it?

Also they talked about it being hard physical work, I could have said I have an allotment and go to the gym, so I dig, weed and run for pleasure. All I said was "I'm sure it is" or something just as negative.

So for my part, "learn from mistakes etc" and please don't say what I said

Gosh, sorry that was a waffle HTH though.

Truly though, I'd just read back to what you put in your question that sounds great to me. Best of Luck

Sharon87

Just got back from an interview, I hate going to interviews when it's peeing down with rain! My feet were soaking, my hair was wet, but other than that it went well, I think.

I made sure I told her about my experience thinking editorially (for TV this job is). I asked questions relating to the show, everything really. Plus she's best friends with a Director I've worked with in the past, who I'm friendly with and she use to work with my brother, so hopefully this should be in my favour too! TV is all about who you know.

The only downside about getting this job is I may have to miss going to see the Foo Fighters and maybe All Time Low as well, but it depends on when my hours will be. I've had to give up a gig in the past to work. I know someone else who wants to go as well, so I wont be out of pocket if I can't go!

Edit: also I hate it when employers ask what my rate is, I don't want to sound too greedy, but don't want to work for less than I deserve!!

mandrose

Thanks Linda32, that helps enormously! I had an interview last month and found I couldn't find any enthusiasm about the questions they asked me - I'm sure it was because the job didn't really interest me! The building was basically a warehouse, cold and uninviting and the job was to share an office with one other person, whereas I have always worked in a big team. I think subconsciously I made sure I didn't get the job tbh!

I feel totally different about this interview - I'm going to have to make sure I dont natter on too much or they might decide not to offer me the job in case I talk too much and work too little, lol!

Crafty_Toots

Finally knuckled down today to get my CV properly sorted out and initially sat back thinking, yup, I like it. Then I started second guessing myself and keep changing words! Drea, I've pm'd you to take you up on your kind offer of a look at your CV, I'd be very grateful.

Does anyone put details of a personal referee down these days?

Toots x

Sharon87

Crafty_Toots wrote: »

Finally knuckled down today to get my CV properly sorted out and initially sat back thinking, yup, I like it. Then I started second guessing myself and keep changing words! Drea, I've pm'd you to take you up on your kind offer of a look at your CV, I'd be very grateful.

Does anyone put details of a personal referee down these days?

Toots x

I do, but usually ask the person beforehand if I can put their name down as reference. It's good if it's an industry where knowing people can get you a job, because they may recognise the name!

Monkeymania

I have always just put down 'references available on request' at the bottom of my CV. Most of the CV templates etc seem to suggest that is what to put, although definitely think that the point above is very worthwhile if the person is well known as an endorsement from them may really help to get a foot in the door!

Woo have two interviews for next week now! I was so downcast and despondent about everything yesterday so it was great to hear some good news again. Although I am absolutely amazed I have got an interview for one of the roles, as it is in a completely different field to anything I have ever worked in and apparently they were inundated with applicants. Thankfully they must have seen enough in my CV that meant I had the transferable skills that would enable me to do the job.

Linda32

Monkeymania wrote: »

Woo have two interviews for next week now! I was so downcast and despondent about everything yesterday so it was great to hear some good news again.

Its horrible, isn't it, hope the interviews go well.

On the subject of references, I put on the two names from where I previously worked.
I did ask one of the many advisers we speak to, why you see "references on request", he said "Its so that you (the applicant) knows they (the company) are interested and have rang the referees.

Seems abit of a long way around to me, who's to know the company would bother to ring me to find out the references anyway.

lexilex

Good luck to those with interviews, how exciting :j Hopefully we will have more success stories soon.

I have my references listed on my CV, ones a uni reference and the other is the manager from the company I worked for who I know very well. The only time I change this is if giving CV's to employment agencies because I have heard them touting for business from companies listed as references.

Quick question before I head out to the job centre. It's a week since my interview, and I've heard nothing. I know I haven't got the job now, but it would be good to have an answer, and more importantly be able to ask for feedback. Is it too soon? They did say they would let me know early in the week which to me would have been Mon/Tues.

NinjaSeb

The reason you put 'References available upon request' is so that agencies can't phone your references touting for vacancies, annoying the hell out of your previous boss/supervisor.

and

If you don't put anything then employers can't be 100% certain that what you have put on your CV is true. So you write that to re-assure them.