New to this part of the forum, could I ask for some tips on interviews please?

charlie2013

Hi everyone,

I'm new to this part of the forum and was wondering if I could ask for a little help on interview tips.

I applied for a job the other day as a receptionist and have been lucky to be invited for a interview next week. I've been given a formal letter out-lining the day so I have a rough idea of what to expect but I'm extremely nervous (first 'formal' job interview for 10 years) because I really really want this job, it's a dream job for me.

Anyway does anyone know what type of questions they may ask?

It's for a receptionist in a secondary school

Charlie x

monty-doggy

Have you been given a job description? This will give you a good idea of what they are looking for.

GothicStirling

Research the school, they may ask you what you know about them. Things like they are rated excellent by Ofsted, are they known for any particular area (perhaps they win a lot of sporting awards, do some background reading on the headmaster, does he publish research, give talks?, do they attract names to give assemblies?

Also, make sure you come up with some good questions to ask at the end. Where does the school see itself in 5 years? Does it have ambitions to become an academy? Does it wish to expand?

Good luck with the interview.

Caroline_a

Relax!! Remember that an interview is a 2-way process, it's about you deciding if you want the job as well as them deciding if they want you. Find out as much as you can about the position, the school, its website.

Good luck!

National_Careers_Service

Hello Charlie2013

Firstly, congratulations on being invited to an interview.

You’ve had some great advice so far. As monty-doggy states, the job description (and the person spec) will be key, in planning ahead for your interview. And GothicStirlings research advice will give you a great advantage.

As a receptionist, you’ll be the first point of contact so will need to be an excellent communicator, very organised and possess very good IT and administration skills. Therefore, you can expect a portion of the interview to orientate around these skills areas.

Start thinking about who you’ll work with, such as: teachers, Osted inspectors, parents, children etc, and consider the situations you may encounter.
Being a school, safeguarding will be very important, so consider how this will relate to the receptionist role.

Questions may be asked in varying ways. For example, the interviewer may ask you for examples of how you’ve dealt with a particular situation or completed a particular task.
To answer these types of questions, you’ll need to start thinking about examples of your previous work experience, which tie-in with the duties outlined in the job description.
This type of interview is called a “competency based” interview.

The interview panel may present you with a scenario, and ask you how you’d handle it. This type of question is designed to test your ability to think on your feet and how you react to work related challenges. To help you in preparing, look through the job description and person spec and think about situations which may arise, where you’ll need to evaluate your priorities, and challenging situations requiring you to make decisions and resolve problems.

I hope this helps.

Good luck with your interview

Adam

Jordo

I work in recruitment, here you go:

Be Prepared by Researching the Company
An interview is not a time to "wing it." Prepare as you would for any high level presentation. Find out as much as you can about the company through annual reports, newspapers, etc. This effort demonstrates your resourcefulness, sincere interest and curiosity. If possible, bring a recognizable piece of this research (ideally an annual report or sales brochure) to your meeting and make sure the interviewer sees that you have it. Even a print out of the website or map/directions makes it look like you have prepared. Look for industry awards and achievements and bring them into conversation – you can draw on this information as a reason why you want to work at the company.

Self-Assessment / Areas that Need Improvement
Know yourself, your strengths, weaknesses and accomplishments. Try to get insight from people that won't pull any punches. To make you more credible, you should plan on giving the interviewer some areas that you would like to improve upon. Good ones that most interviewers won't hold against you are: time management, being too much of a perfectionist, being impatient with unmotivated employees. Remember, your references should mirror anything you say in an interview so make sure you are both on the same page, preferably before the interview.

Know Your 3 Best Interpersonal Strengths and Your 3 Best Technical Strengths
Be prepared to discuss each for 1-2 minutes, in detail, with examples. The interpersonal examples should confirm your ability to work with others, be flexible, proactive and results oriented. The technical examples should confirm that you have above average abilities, relative to your peers, in these specific areas. Always use “I” rather than “we” – I did, I completed, I achieved, I have etc.

Be Well Dressed and Groomed
Being well dressed and groomed is your best and easiest opportunity to impress someone. Never dress down regardless of how casual you perceive the circumstances to be. Stick with conservative styles. If you need a job and you have to make a choice between new clothes and food, buy the clothes. Gents -minimum expected is suit with tie and clean shoes. Avoid ‘comedy’ ties or loud/garish shirts. Yes, that means your Simpsons tie.

Be Early to Your Interview
What ever you do don't blow this one. If there is even a remote chance of being late, CALL TO LET YOUR RECRUITER KNOW ASAP – even if it’s ONE MINUTE OVER. Get there minimum 5 minutes early (not too early, that’s just as bad) and relax, gather your thoughts.

Be Involved and Curious but Don't Ramble
The most effective interviews are those where an active two-way conversation prevails. Not the typical question and answer type. Begin early in the interview to interject your own inquisitive and probing insight. When it comes to responding to questions, make sure you monitor how much you're talking. Remember, 1-2 minutes at a time MAX. If one person is going to talk more than the other, it should be your interviewer, NOT YOU.

Be Enthusiastic and Friendly to Everyone You Meet
First impressions, positive or negative, can dramatically affect the ultimate evaluation. Smile and say "hi" to everyone. If an interviewer is unsure about you, he or she may poll others that only shook your hand or passed you in the hall. It may not be fair, but it is a common practice. Usual practice is to ask the receptionist about you, your mannerisms, politeness etc.

Communicate Concisely and Listen Carefully
Thoughtful and concise communication is the key to successful interviewing. A maximum of 1-2 minutes at a time of well-prepared discussion provides insight into your intellect and supports your contentions. Remember, DON'T RAMBLE. Listen very closely and make sure that you let your interviewer finish their thought before responding. No one likes to have their words anticipated or their conversation spoken over.

Provide Examples / Details
Support statements about yourself with specific examples. These stories provide legitimacy to your claims. Without them the interviewer is less likely to accept them as valid. Remember, use “I” not “we”.

Let's Face It, an Interview is a Search for Negatives
Positives are screened through your resume and are what get you in the door. Negatives are screened in the interview and usually determine who gets the job. With this in mind, try to stick to responses and opinions that are more neutral or hedged until your interviewer gives you some clues about what characteristics constitute a successful employee. If you have a tendency to do all the talking, resist it. ABSOLUTELY NO RAMBLING. A candidate that uses a rambling "shot gun" approach in presenting themselves will never get an offer no matter how golden they think their tongue is! Be positive and practice your responses to all the typical questions. How poised you are when you respond to these questions makes a bigger impact than what you actually say. Avoid slang and dead air fillers like "ummm" and "ahhhh." Its perfectly fine to say “that’s a good question” or “let me think” to buy some time.

Oops!
If you think you made a wrong step, don't panic. Wait until the end of the interview and then ask your interviewer, "Are there any reservations that you have in my ability to do this job?" OR “are there any question marks over me that I can rectify now?”. If there is something missing that is technical, don't argue the point. Give them a quick example of how you overcame not having certain technical skills in your previous jobs and move on. If there is an issue, chances are it will be related to their perception of your attitude, work ethic, lack of flexibility or just general personality. If you can get a candid discussion going about how you have been perceived you might be able to salvage the interview.

Play to Win!
You have one objective in interviewing and that is to receive an offer. Don't let your guard down regardless of how informal or casual the meeting may seem. If you're not sure that the job is a fit, at least try to get to the second round of interviews. The professional contacts that you make during the process will come in handy whether you get the job or not.

Top 5 tips:
1. Do your research
Fail to plan, and you plan to fail. You are certain to be asked specific questions about the company, so make sure you've done your homework on things like their last year's profits and latest product launches. Also take a look at the latest developments in the industry so you can converse with confidence.
2. Practice your answers
Although there is no set format that every job interview will follow, there are some questions that you can almost guarantee will crop up. You should prepare answers to questions about your personal strengths and weaknesses, as well as being able to explain why you would be the best person for the job
3. Look the part
Appearances shouldn't matter, but the plain fact is that you are often judged before you've even uttered a word. Make sure your shoes are polished, your clothes fit correctly and that your accessories are subtle. Dressing one level above the job you're applying for shows a desire to succeed.
4. Stay calm
Good preparation is the key to staying in control. Plan your route, allowing extra time for any unexpected delays, and get everything you need to take with you ready the night before. Remember to speak clearly, smile and remember that your interviewers are just normal people, and they may be nervous too!
5. Ask questions
You should always have some questions for your interviewer to demonstrate your interest in the position. Prepare a minimum of five questions, some which will give you more information about the job, and some which delve deeper into the culture and goals of the company. Avoid questions that may seem selfish – money, holidays, parking, time-off etc.
PROBING QUESTIONS TO ASK
• What are the core values of the company? What are the company's objectives?
• What kinds of changes have taken place at the company in the last few years? Management, culture, financial, etc.?
• Do you foresee any imminent changes with the company or management that may affect this position?
• What are some fair criticisms of the company regarding; it's use of employees, general business practices, competitiveness, management, etc.?
• Why is the position available?
• What defines a successful person within your organization? Has this changed over time?
• What should be the most important objectives for the person filling this position?
• Is there a formal performance evaluation process?
• What kind of person would not be happy in this position? Company?
• What is the most common reason used for leaving your company?
• What departments or individuals will I be working with outside of my immediate group?
• How does the rest of the organisation view what this department or business group is doing? Does it fit with the company's core objectives?
• Assuming the success criteria for this position is met, what will be the opportunities for growth?
• Is there opportunity to move to other projects, business groups or divisions within the company?
• Don't be timid about asking these questions. Asking tough questions demonstrates that you are prepared, genuinely interested, and respectful of the interviewer and the interview process. Also, it is perfectly acceptable to bring a list of questions to your interview and take notes.

How to answer the more popular questions

If you were invited for an interview, you’ve conquered half the battle; the client already thinks you can do the job based on your resume. The next half, though, is about proving them right. Things like body language or your outfit play a part, but only a supporting role to what really gets the spotlight: how you answer those tough questions. Here are some tips on how to deliver.

Q: “Tell me a little about yourself.”
What they’re really saying: “I’m trying to figure out why you want this job and if you’re a good fit.”
What they’re not saying: “Tell me a funny story from your Uni days or what you watched on TV last night.”
There’s a way to be honest, express your individuality, and still tailor your answer to their expectations. For example:

A: “I studied social work at University because I knew it would be the best way to apply my passion for people. Since then, I’ve worked as a counselor for refugee agencies, where I became more informed of global, systemic issues. Those experiences paved a specific long-term career path for me, which is why when this position opened up, I knew it would be a good fit.”
Notice that the answer has a chronological, thematic structure. Your answer doesn’t have to be so formulaic, but the interviewer’s takeaway should be that applying for this job was the next natural step.

Q: “What are your weaknesses?”
What they’re really saying: “You’re not perfect, so how do you compensate?”
What they’re not saying: “What are your weaknesses?”
Employers are moving away from asking this question, but if you get it, avoid either extreme, i.e. sounding fake (“I work too much”) or too transparent (“I’m not very punctual, I tend to lose things,” etc.) It’s all in how you spin it:

A: I pay incredible attention to detail, but sometimes it causes me to miss the bigger picture. I’ve been working on that by approaching projects from a bird’s-eye view throughout the process.”



Q: “How do you handle stress?”
What they’re really saying: “Do you have good problem-solving, time-management, and decision-making skills?”
What they’re not saying: “How do you unwind?”
Cite at least one–if not all three–skills in your answer, and use a specific example. Sometimes a personal answer can work (e.g., I exercise three times a week to stay balanced), but it’s safer to answer how you handle stress or pressure on the job.

A: “In stressful situations, I take a step back and analyze the best ways to solve the problem. For example, in my previous position, there were moments of high volume that were stressful. In order to provide quality customer service to each individual, I prioritized their needs, quickly assessed which cases could be handled by colleagues, and addressed the most urgent situations first.”

Q: “What would others say about you?”
What they’re really saying: “Are you a good fit for our team?”
What they’re not saying: “I care what your friends and mom think about you.”
Always answer this question based on what previous colleagues and employers would or have said about you. Include any weaknesses to give a well-rounded answer, too. Don’t be afraid of commenting on relational skills.

A: “I’ve been consistently commended by employers for my initiative and ability to think outside the box. My colleagues would say that I’m willing to go above and beyond to get the job done, and that I value working relationships marked by mutual trust and respect.”

Q: “Where do you see yourself in five (or ten) years?”
What they’re really saying: “Do you know where you’re going in life, and are we a part of it?”
What they’re not saying: “Tell me the truth.”
If the job is an entry or even mid-level position, chances are that they know you won’t be there in five years. They’re testing to see whether you’re stable, reliable, and have clear goals. Start with the big picture, then narrow down to the specific company and/or position.

A: “I see myself at a creative marketing firm that pushes the envelope. My goal is to be a senior copywriter that oversees and ideates multiple projects, and I see this position as the starting point.”

IDEAL EMPLOYEE QUALITIES
Flexibility
You can't run a business if your employees are unwilling to accept change. Companies will continue to have turnover, change strategic direction, change product lines, and get in and out of different technologies. If you can't demonstrate an ability to deal effectively with change, you won't be very happy in today's corporate climate.
Team Player
NO LONE WOLVES! Just keeping your head down and doing your job is not enough these days. You must make an effort to be more involved with your colleagues. This means forcing yourself to get out of your office and interact. No one likes to be misunderstood, but if people don't get the opportunity to work with you, and thereby get to know you, it will be your own fault if you don't get their support in critical situations. There is an old saying..."MAKE FRIENDS BEFORE YOU NEED THEM".
Breadth of Skills
As organisations flatten, career growth will be found horizontally, not vertically. You must be willing to work outside of your respective niche from time-to-time to broaden your abilities. Having a specialisation is fine, but being able to help out in others areas will make you more valuable to the company and more marketable as a candidate.
Being Aware of the BIGGER Picture
Employees that understand and show an interest in the bigger picture of the business itself, as opposed to only their area of focus, aren't as likely to be blind sided by change and tend to better understand and cope with the associated turmoil.
Presentation Ability
If you think only sales people and "kiss-ups" should be concerned about presentation skills, you're WRONG. Improving your ability to give effective presentations on any subject, to small or large groups, is a skill that you must make a priority if you want to be more than just a role player.

Valuable Lessons
Lesson learned: The time to collect your thoughts is prior to an interview, not on your way to one. If you arrive to an interview bewildered, the client will take notice and you run a high risk that you will be not get the offer.
Lesson learned: Everything you say and do during an interview is scrutinized; from the instant you walk in, to the moment you walk out. An innocent question doesn’t exist during an interview and a careless misstep is seldom forgotten. Choose your responses carefully. Even if they open with ‘Did you find us OK?’, never admit that you struggled to find the building and walked past the door three times!
Lesson learned: Interviews are unpredictable. One never knows the broad range of topics that will be covered and the type of formats that may be presented. Familiarize yourself with all interview settings.
Lesson learned: Most interviewers expect candidates to be nervous during an interview, and they rarely will forgive you if you fail to demonstrate a sincere interest in working for them. Most hiring decisions are based on whether the interviewer feels a connection to you. People buy people: the failure to establish a bond immediately is usually beyond repair.
Lesson learned: Even if you have the “right stuff,” nothing is guaranteed. Don’t get caught off guard; prepare for interviews; do your homework. No-one is ever a shoo-in.
Lesson learned: Remember the 90:90 rule – managers make up 90% of their mind within the first 90 seconds of meeting you – think of your body language, firm handshake, smile, eye contact, politeness, small-talk etc. If offered a drink, accept, it makes you seem relaxed and convivial, and taking a sip while you gather your thoughts after a question is a great way to buy time. But always ask for water, coffee can be a burden to make and quickly gets cold.
Lesson learned: Finish well – a strong finish can repair a shaky middle. Ask good questions, again be polite, thank them for their time etc. Don’t be afraid to tell the interviewers why you want to work for them – whether it was after researching the company or something else, it will mean a strong exit for you.
Lesson learned: Never underestimate the receptionist – they are the first and last person you see, so make sure you make it count as their opinion of you can and will be asked for.

And Finally…
*** ALWAYS TURN YOUR PHONE OFF, NOT TO SLENT, BUT OFF!! ***

Avoid these 6 psychological "leaks"
If you want to appear confident and project the right attitude, stop leaking negative psychological tells. Here's what you need to know to nail that next job interview:


7 Things You Should Never Do During An Interview

With the job market extremely tight, even the small stuff counts, especially when you’re on a job interview. That’s why it’s so important not to say or do the wrong things, since that first impression could end up being the last one.
With that in mind, here are seven deadly sins of job interviewing.

1. Don’t Be Late To the Interview
Even if your car broke down or the train derailed, do everything you can to get to that job interview on time. “If you have a legitimate excuse it’s still hard to bounce back,” says Pamela Skillings, co-founder of job coaching firm Skillful Communications. “People are suspicious because they hear the same excuses all the time.”
On the flip side, you don’t want to show up too early and risk appearing desperate, but you do want to be there at least five minutes early or at the very least on time.

2. Don’t Show Up Unprepared
It seems simple, but countless people go on job interviews knowing very little about the company they are interviewing with when all it would take is a simple Google search to find out. As a result, they end up asking obvious questions, which signal to the interviewer that they are too lazy to prepare.
“Don’t ask if the company is public or private, how long it’s been in business and where they do their manufacturing,” says Mark Jaffe, president of Wyatt & Jaffe, the executive search firm. “Sharpen your pencil before you go to school.”

3. Don’t Ask About Salary, Benefits, Perks
Your initial interview with a company shouldn’t be about what the company can do for you, but what you can do for the company. Which means the interview isn’t the time to ask about the severance package, vacation time or health plan. Instead you should be selling yourself as to why the company can’t live without you.
“Your interest should be about the job and what your responsibilities will be,” says Terry Pile, Principal Consultant of Career Advisors. “Asking about vacation, sick leave, pension, salary and benefits should be avoided at all costs.”

4. Don’t Focus On Future Roles Instead Of The Job At Hand
The job interview is not the time or place to ask about advancement opportunities or how to become the CEO. You need to be interested in the job you are actually interviewing for. Sure, a company wants to see that you are ambitious, but they also want assurances you are committed to the job you’re being hired for. “You can’t come with an agenda that this job is just a stepping stone to bigger and better things,” says Jaffe.

5. Don’t Turn The Weakness Question Into A Positive
To put it bluntly, interviewers are not idiots. So when they ask you about a weakness and you say you work too hard or you are too much of a perfectionist, chances are they are more apt to roll their eyes than be blown away. Instead, be honest and come up with a weakness that can be improved on and won’t ruin your chances of getting a job.
For instance, if you are interviewing for a project management position, it wouldn’t be wise to say you have poor organizational skills, but it’s ok to say you want to learn more shortcuts in Excel. “Talk about the skills you don’t have that will add value, but aren’t required for the job,” says Pile.

6. Don’t Lie
Many people think its ok to exaggerate their experience or fib about a firing on a job interview, but lying can be a surefire way not to get hired. Even if you get through the interview process with your half truths, chances are you won’t be equipped to handle the job you were hired to do. Not to mention the more you lie the more likely you are to slip up.
“Don’t exaggerate, don’t make things bigger than they are and don’t claim credit for accomplishments you didn’t do,” says Jaffe. “You leave so much room in your brain if you don’t have to fill it with which lie you told which person.”

7. Don’t Ask If There’s Any Reason You Shouldn’t Be Hired
Well meaning career experts will tell you to close your interview by asking if there is any reason you wouldn’t be hired. While that question can give you an idea of where you stand and afford you the opportunity to address any concerns, there’s no guarantee the interviewer is going to be truthful with you or has even processed your information enough to even think about that.
“All you are doing is prompting them to think about what’s wrong with you,”

8. Don’t make assumptions about the interviewer.
If someone seems junior -- whether by appearance or title -- don't assume they are the low man or woman on the totem pole with no decision-making power. "Your misjudgment will be apparent if you insinuate that you are more experienced [or qualified] than him or her. For all you know, the interviewer may be one of the youngest graduates ever of an Ivy League school, or he/she is being groomed for an executive management position within the organization”. If the interviewer feels belittled, you won't get his or her approval. Even if you're right about their status, they'll still pass on their sentiments to the person in charge.

10 top mistakes people make in job interviews

10. Over-explaining why you lost your last job
9. Conveying that you're not over having lost your last job
8. Lacking humor, warmth or personality
7. Not showing enthusiasm or interest in the job
6. Inadequate research about the position or company
5. Concentrating on what you want rather than what the company needs
4. Trying to be all things to everyone
3. Winging the interview
2. Failing to set yourself apart from other candidates
1. Not asking for the job

marybelle01

National_Careers_Service_representative wrote: »

As a receptionist, you’ll be the first point of contact so will need to be an excellent communicator, very organised and possess very good IT and administration skills.

And as the first point of contact YOU will be the one who sets the image of the school to anyone visiting. Think "doctors receptionist" - so many you come across are pompous and self-important, and think the run the practice! How would you set a "tone" that reflects well on the school and makes it a friendly and welcoming place?

The other thing to prepare for may be something about how you manage conflict. Not all parents are sweetness and light when they come through the door. I recall my friend telling me a story (it's true too!) about taking her daughter to book in late (with prior notice) after a dentists appointment. The parent in front of her was screaming at the receptionist about the fact that her child was being marked as late without cause because the child was an hour late for school due to the child AND parent having overslept. The reason they overslept? Also screamed at full volume... they had stayed up late watching a violent action movie the night before and were tired. The child was aged about 6!!!!

Think of an example about when you have encountered a conflict and what you did to calm the situation down, so if you are asked about it you don't end up having to think something up on the spot.

charlie2013

Wow thank you all so much, the information you have given me is fantastic and helped me prepare on what to expect.

I'm so nervous, I've never really had a 'formal' interview before.

I received a letter detailing the outline of the interview day

a welcome and induction followed by a tour of the school. Some assessments followed by lunch. Some candidates will be invited to interviews after lunch whilst those unsuccessful will be sent home.

I'm not sure what the assessments could be and as I've never worked in a school before I'm worried I may flump these. I've read up on the safeguarding policy and having worked for a major holiday camp before I know what you can and can't do with children

Someone told me to make sure I know the school's mission statement and try and incorporate that into the interview, is that correct? I hope not because I have no idea how to interoperate it, I've tried to Google it but no luck.

I've been practising answers to possible questions but I get so confused and angry because they don't sound right, I feel as though I'm not answering their question. (does that make sense?)

Oh gosh I'm so nervous