interview tips appreciated

melysion

So I have a actual job interview in a couple of weeks now. Yeah. After weeks of slogging away, my job seeking activities are actually getting me somewhere.

Having not been in the job market for quite some time, its all been bit of a learning experience. I am obviously not doing so badly on the CV/cover letter front - but i have had three interviews not so long ago and messed them up.

I do have a problem with my confidence and sense of self esteem. Obviously not good traits for an employee to have and I am working on this - but am wondering if people have any tips on how to ¨fake it¨ doing interviews. I know my stuff - I just need to get it across without sounding like a stuttering idiot.

All thoughts appreciated

ali-t

I always go into interviews with the view that I am assessing whether I want to work for them . This equalises the power balance for me and helps with any nerves as I might not like what I see and would turn down any offer.

Only other bit of advice is to prepare! Go through the job description and person spec and write down examples of how you meet each one. I never ever write a script for answers but make sure I have lots of examples that I can give to demonstrate I can do the job

melysion

Thank you. I rather like the idea of going in with the view of assessing whether I actually want to work for them!

ali-t

It works for me!

DCFC79

Eye contact when talking/being spoken to so no looking at the floor.

Think what reply you will give to questions

thehappybutterfly

I would also suggest being yourself and let your personality show. They'll have a good idea of your experience from your cv - one thing they will want to see now is how you'll fit into the team. I once interviewed a girl who was !!!!-hot on her cv but she came across quite robotic and detached at interview and not what I was looking for (a front facing role). I couldn't take the chance that she wouldn't crack a smile at visitors.

Lots of luck!

dug123

I have just been for my first interview in many many years and this is the response I got by email (names have been changed!)


Hi Dug,
I wanted to let you know that I have now completed interviews with all short-listed candidates (both internal and external) who applied for the position of XXX.
All candidates were very credible and it has been a difficult decision to make. However, I have now made that decision and have to inform you that unfortunately, on this occasion, you have not been successful.
However, I will retain your details on file and keep you in mind should any future positions become available that I feel you might be interested in.
In the meantime, I would like to thank you for your application and wish you well in your continued job search.
Best regards,
Fred


So I sent this reply:


Hi Fred,
Thank you very much for the opportunity to attend the interview.
It was unbelievably the first interview I have attended (as an interviewee) since 1978 and I am grateful for the experience.
Kind Regards.
Dug


I then got this reply:


Dug,
I’m sure it must have been quite daunting after all that time but you did well. Ultimately I decided to go with a strong internal candidate who has carried out a similar role in a previous business and who obviously has more knowledge of our business through her existing role.
The key rules in any interview situation are a) to look smart (which you did) b) present yourself with enthusiasm (which you did) and c) show a keen interest in the company and the role (which you did). Beyond that, it simply depends on who else has been short-listed and who has the best-fit in terms of experience and skills.
Hope things go well for you in the future.
Regards,
Fred.

Desecrated_Landscape

melysion wrote: »

So I have a actual job interview in a couple of weeks now. Yeah. After weeks of slogging away, my job seeking activities are actually getting me somewhere.

Having not been in the job market for quite some time, its all been bit of a learning experience. I am obviously not doing so badly on the CV/cover letter front - but i have had three interviews not so long ago and messed them up.

I do have a problem with my confidence and sense of self esteem. Obviously not good traits for an employee to have and I am working on this - but am wondering if people have any tips on how to ¨fake it¨ doing interviews. I know my stuff - I just need to get it across without sounding like a stuttering idiot.

All thoughts appreciated

You criticized me for trying to help the confidence of my commis and you lack confidence yourself. Still i wont hold it against you and give you some advice on what i look out for when interviewing. The first most important is appearence if you look smart it means you are taking the interview seriously. Bring a copy of your cv and qualifications with you i personally like to see this. Dont just walk in and sit down wait until you are told to please take a seat. Answer questions without over complicating. Short and sweet cant be beat. And think of a good question to ask about the company. Funny story i once asked someone what he would bring to our hotel and he answered with probably backy and a lighter :rotfl:i nearly passed out from laughing to hard.

AP007

Desecrated_Landscape wrote: »

You criticized me for trying to help the confidence of my commis and you lack confidence yourself. .

Interviews are a lot tougher for some people compared to when they actually get the job.

t0rt0ise

In the days / weeks before the interview I walk about the house while I'm doing stuff.. cleaning, washing up, whatever and ask myself questions and answer them as if in an interview. I speak it all out loud and see how it sounds. I do it for days on end and by the time the interview comes I've covered everything. I don't learn answers off pat as such, but have in mind a list of things that I must get into each answer.

melysion

Could we not allow what has otherwise been a very useful thread to degenerate into another pointless argument please?