We're aware that dates on the forum are not currently showing correctly, and that mobile users may see some extra spacing between threads. Please bear with us while we get this fixed.
We'd like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum. This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are - or become - political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.
We're aware that dates on the Forum are not currently showing correctly, and that mobile users may see some extra spacing between threads. Please bear with us while we get this fixed, and see Site Feedback for updates.

Interview Tomorrow - Advice please

Hi, I've got an interview tomorrow and need some advice.


Obviously I have some questions about the job, the company and training etc but mostly these questions will be covered in the interview. What else should I ask?


Also I'm sure as most places do that they'll ask why I want to move. I'm stumped with this as the usual answer of career progression, new challenge etc are trotted out by everyone, so I need something that stands out.


Thanks.
«1

Comments

  • Ask them what THEY see as the primary challenge of the new job.

    Ask them if they have any reservations about you based on your previous answers - is there anything they would like you to expand further?

    And can you say that you want to move because their company inspires you in any particular way?
    Ex board guide. Signature now changed (if you know, you know).
  • morganedge
    morganedge Posts: 1,320 Forumite
    If it's a male interviewer, ask him how he got to be so handsome.
    ('pretty' if a female interviewer)
    That's what I always do, and I NEVER get hired!
  • vatarax
    vatarax Posts: 55 Forumite
    edited 27 January 2014 pm31 2:15PM
    I always find asking the interviewer questions about their experience with the company, their view on company culture, what sets the company out from the rest, what makes them more innovative than the competition, both in terms as an employer, and for their consumer.

    I usually leave these until near the end, and follow a format of first mentioning something related I know about the company, followed by the question.

    For example (not a great example, but you get the idea).
    I know the company do a dress down day every friday for charity, it's really good to see a company doing things to create a positive staff atmosphere and raise awareness for charity, what other things does the company actively do to create an excellent atmosphere for inspiring their staff.

    Questions about company culture, prospects, future opportunities show the employer you are looking to be a long term employee (a good investment).

    Asking lots of questions is vital! Always pre prepare these (I can never think of anything on the spot!) If they cover your questions during the interview, just ask for more detail or examples of this!

    Always finish with something like
    Ask them if they have any reservations about you based on your previous answers - is there anything they would like you to expand further?

    Sometimes, you can quickly patch up weak spots in an interview. I once asked this, and was told I was very target focussed (in regards to sales, I was applying for an advisor position), I managed to patch this up slightly by explaining how I could change my main focus from sales and translate this into managing team SLA's.

    And then a final cheeky point, would be to say,
    I look forward to hearing from you shortly, If I don't hear within the next couple of weeks would it be ok to follow up with you?

    I started doing this because I hated the limbo afterwards of wondering "should I phone? Is it pushy? maybe they're not ready yet?" In my head, so now I can always phone to follow up within 10 days (unless told otherwise) without fear of being pushy, because I'm just following through on our agreement.

    Just my $0.02
  • Morglin
    Morglin Posts: 15,922 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    On a general level, dress smart, look keen, relax, and then at the end always thank the interviewer/s for their time, and shake their hand.

    Old fashioned, I know, but always worked for me.

    Lin :)
    You can tell a lot about a woman by her hands..........for instance, if they are placed around your throat, she's probably slightly upset. ;)
  • vatarax
    vatarax Posts: 55 Forumite
    edited 27 January 2014 pm31 2:36PM
    ^ As Lin said,

    If you can shake their hand at the start, and then at the end that's perfect. Shaking someones hand at the start breaks down defensive boundaries, couple it with an ice breaker and you're golden!

    I struggle to relax in interviews, So I always draw attention to that fact, because I know it will come across, it also works as my ice breaker.
    I'm feeling quite anxious about this, In a good way I'm just really excited about this opportunity, I think I could really bring a lot to the table, and it would be a huge opportunity for me.

    I think focussing on something that could be negative and easily observable, and then bringing it to a positive light is a good trate.

    If I or someone ever spilt something on my clothes on the way to an interview, or I got soaked or various other problems, I would use this technique.
  • sniggings
    sniggings Posts: 5,281 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    make sure you are happy with the way you dress.

    The suggestion above, saying to ask about their experience I would not recommend, the interviwer is not being interviewed, they are a rep of the company, there on behalf of the company not there in a personal capacity, asking about themselves would be like challenging their authority as an interviewer.

    If they ask for questions, sometimes the standard questions are the best, if asked in a genuine way.

    If you get nervous don't be afraid to say, it shows you are taking the interview seriously.

    The standard interview rules always apply as they tend to work, the extra is what you bring across in yourself, not trying to answer questions differently.
  • National_Careers_Service
    National_Careers_Service Posts: 147 Organisation Representative
    Hi KennyH1

    Congratulations on gaining the interview in the first place! You must have done a great job at the application stage.

    I’m guessing you’ve had the interview by now. How did it go? What questions did you ask in the end?

    The suggestions put forward by jobbingmusician and vatarax struck me as excellent, as they weren’t too generic and demonstrate that you’ve researched the company and that you’re enthused and engaged by the idea of working for that particular company.

    If you get the chance, do let us know how it went. I’m sure we’d all love to know.

    Best wishes

    Victoria
    Official Organisation Representative
    I'm the National Careers Service verified representative. MSE's verified me to reply to queries about the organisation, so I can help solve issues. You can see my name on the verified companies & organisations list. I'm not allowed to tout for business at all. If you believe I have please report it to forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com This does NOT imply any form of approval of my company or its products by MSE"
  • DomRavioli
    DomRavioli Posts: 3,136 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Please please please don't ever say " I could bring a lot to the table" - so cliched! I hired for 7 years, and this is a major pet peeve - It just shows you either don't have the vocab or creativity to say what you actually mean, or you went on google.

    In my experience, asking questions is always a good thing; I have had everything from career progression, training and work life balance, to "what's your favourite type of horse?" - I had to leave the room, I was in fits of laughter! The gent in question was interviewing for a very senior role, and I gave him the job based on his sense of humour and complete randomness, which demonstrates creativity (essential for that place of work!) I wouldn't do it in a formal environment however.

    If you are looking for questions to ask a company, you'd need to look at the sector they operate in. If it's sales based, you should ask about KPIs and the like, service based usually revolves around training, development and progression, and public sector is personal development, personalisation of the role and why the last person left (in general - don't take this as read, just a starting point).
  • Thanks everyone for your advice.


    Interview went ok but there was a lot more to the role than I had been informed by the recruitment agency. The company has a different set-up for this role to most other companies so would have been difficult to research the job description as the additional responsibilities would not have come up. I feel a bit annoyed at the recruitment agent for not telling me more so I could prepare.


    I asked about potential for progression and current and future workloads. To be honest they covered so much of the role and company there wasn't too much to ask.
  • KennyH1
    KennyH1 Posts: 218 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 100 Posts Combo Breaker
    Just been offered the job!!!


    Waiting for full offer to come through!!
This discussion has been closed.
Meet your Ambassadors

🚀 Getting Started

Hi new member!

Our Getting Started Guide will help you get the most out of the Forum

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 348.3K Banking & Borrowing
  • 252.1K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 452.4K Spending & Discounts
  • 240.9K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 617.1K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 175.6K Life & Family
  • 254.1K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 16K Discuss & Feedback
  • 15.1K Coronavirus Support Boards

Is this how you want to be seen?

We see you are using a default avatar. It takes only a few seconds to pick a picture.