Job interview advice please!

K-Anderson

So I have a job interview in a couple of weeks as a delivery driver for a supermarket. I'm really nervous as I haven't had an interview for over 6 years. But I will have to deal with that.

Anyone any ideas on what they might ask me? I know it'll be the usual 'why do you want to work for us, tell us about yourself etc' but anything driver specific? I know I have to take a theory test (practicing already!) and a DVD test (things like customer service etc) but what could they ask?

I was told on the phone that the dress code is smart casual, the lady I was speaking to specified that meant no jeans, trainers or sportswear... I thought that was kind of common sense for an interview anyway? :huh: (Although that said, I had a training day at Sainsbury's when I worked for them 10 years ago and a girl turned up in big baggy jeans, piercings everywhere. But I digress...)

I was thinking of wearing black trousers, but I don't own a suit jacket. I have a mid-thigh length black cardigan which I could wear with a strappy top (not very low cut) underneath - do people think this would be acceptable? I won't need to wear my own clothes if I get the job so I don't really want to purchase anything specially. I do have one shirt but it is also black and I don't want to go in wearing all black!

Also, I know how I am going to handle any questions regarding leaving a managerial position, but what about if they bring up salary? I will be earning around £2.00-£2.50 less per hour than my current job, which doesn't bother me (if I get to escape I don't care! ) but I don't know how to quite word that should the question come up. Probably being paranoid but would rather be prepared for it.

Thanks for the advice! You're a friendly bunch around here!

Savvy_Sue

As you've got a couple of weeks, I'd trawl the local charity shops and see if you can get either a suit, or a non matching jacket, or at least a blouse rather than a strappy top. At the moment you sound a bit 'floaty' with the cardigan, and in my - admittedly old-fashioned - opinion, 'strappy' doesn't quite cut it for interviews. If you have to say it's not low cut then it sounds as if it's a bit on the 'is this underwear or outerwear?' scale.

MacsReturns

Also, I know how I am going to handle any questions regarding leaving a managerial position, but what about if they bring up salary? I will be earning around £2.00-£2.50 less per hour than my current job, which doesn't bother me (if I get to escape I don't care! ) but I don't know how to quite word that should the question come up. Probably being paranoid but would rather be prepared for it.

I don't think you're being paranoid, it would certainly come up if I were the interviewer.

Would the 'work-life balance' buzzword work in your situation? Escaping a 'toxic work environment'? Perhaps you want something with more physical activity for the sake of your health, or a company with better prospects than your current one which might struggle in ongoing recession? Are there other benefits you can allude to?

How about 'I just want a job where I can get to see lots of other people's kitchens'?


ok, that last one wasn't serious...

DCFC79

Not sure what your current job is but how about saying you enjoy the interactivity with various customers on a daily basis.

paddyrg

If your previous job was office-based you could mention how much you missed seeing daylight in the winter when you would travel to and from work in the dark, then not be sat near a window at the office!

shmeeko69

The two things which you should have in place is what you're going to say in the interview and how you are going to dress.

Interviews can be a bit daunting for people who are rusty with that's required. Practice your interview techniques with another member of the household until you're happy. At the interview listen attentively and give honest and confident answers. If you prepare yourself correctly then, there shouldn't be any problems. Even although you're going for a driving job I would still arrive smart and preferably in a suit, to give the impression that you're serious about the job. You can pick up a half decent suit in various sizes and colours from Matalan or similar bargain stores.

All the Best........

K-Anderson

DCFC79 wrote: »

Not sure what your current job is but how about saying you enjoy the interactivity with various customers on a daily basis.

I currently work within the food industry as a store manager - takeaway, and serve lots of different people on a daily basis anyway!!

MacsReturns wrote: »

I don't think you're being paranoid, it would certainly come up if I were the interviewer.

Would the 'work-life balance' buzzword work in your situation? Escaping a 'toxic work environment'? Perhaps you want something with more physical activity for the sake of your health, or a company with better prospects than your current one which might struggle in ongoing recession? Are there other benefits you can allude to?

How about 'I just want a job where I can get to see lots of other people's kitchens'?

ok, that last one wasn't serious...

For the 'why do you want to work here' question, I plan to say something like - I have had driving jobs in the past, and took promotion when it was offered, which meant I didn't do the driving side anymore. I enjoy driving and it is something I want to get back to. This is certainly true anyhow.

And I do actually love the idea of seeing people's kitchens!! :rotfl:

What would you suggest for the wages question that may and probably will come up?

Savvy_Sue wrote: »

As you've got a couple of weeks, I'd trawl the local charity shops and see if you can get either a suit, or a non matching jacket, or at least a blouse rather than a strappy top.

Thank you for your advice - will have a scout around and see what I can find. Might nip to Asda as well as they often do good cheap workwear.

MacsReturns

What would you suggest for the wages question that may and probably will come up?

If you can make the case you would travel less, lower commuting costs would offset the hourly rate change (commuting is very expensive if you include that in an hourly rate calculation, btw) - or any other costs that may be reduced in a similar way. The extra money at your current job didn't properly compensate for what you didn't like about it. You're an avid MSE reader so can live happily on very little

Or you could just sigh, and say 'well, that's the price of taking on a job that suits me better'. I don't know what prospects there might be for future raises/promotions/upgrades/performance related bonuses etc, but if you are aiming for those it should also impress - ie 'it's less money now, but I'm determined to work towards ...' etc.

Hope there's something there you can work with :beer: