Interview tips for tomorrow

Carl31

Remember the interview is as much about you finding out about them as them about you. Check out your work area, potential colleagues, general culture. Don't be scared to ask to have a look. Be honest, ask questions, show enthusiasm and a desire to succeed.

I recently offered someone a job purely as I could see their potential, on paper they had no chance, but it's not always about the cv

BunnieJ

I I had a quick snoop on LinkedIn and my interviewers interests are shooting and firearms! :rotfl: I think I'll leave that out lol. Interview is this afternoon, will update you on how I think it went later. Hopefully it's good news

Bonfire_Bride

Ask questions about the job!

One question I stumbled on was.'tell us when you were required to prioritise work and how did you do this?'

I babbled about using sticky notes....lol. still got the job!

Best of luck...let us know how you get on!

Bonfire_Bride

Haha...firearms?? Best leave that well alone ��

BunnieJ

Yes, shooting and firearms! :eek: I think I'll be avoiding that one!

Day not off to the best start, chipped my nail this morning grrr! Also, limping around with a GIANT blister on my heel, hopefully I'll just be sitting

Nerves are starting to creep up now!

AlecEiffel

As others have said, have some good questions to ask the interviewers. Try to come up with some good ones linked to the role, and as many as you can think of in case they answer them during the normal course of the interview leaving you with nothing. I always like to ask some that link the interviewers to the organisation-
-how long have they been there
-what do they enjoy about the company/role
-their achievements etc.

BJV

queen_of_cheap wrote: »

Having spent all day interviewing for secretaries, I'd firstly try and do a bit of research on the job so you can tailor your answers to their questions.

Keep good posture- one today sat too relaxed in the chair and was wearing a short skirt- we were all :on for her. Another turned up wearing jogging bottoms

Good luck

100% do some research not stalker definitely research.


We have our second round of interview's for a position Friday and I am not looking forward to it. Being the one doing the interviews I can honestly say I nothing turns me off more than someone who has no questions, or who turns up looking a mess.


The best question I was ever asked is when a candidate asked me what I was looking for and then as I explained they almost repeated parrot fashion statements like " I can do that " or would really like the challenge."


Just take deep breath, be yourself and remember if they did not think that you could do the job they would not be wasting their time interviewing you, relax and enjoy it.


Good Luck x

MissD

BunnieJ wrote: »

Thanks for the advice everyone! !

I've just ironed my clothes for tomorrow (got a choice of 2 outfits). I know the company is really hot on appearance - they don't like anything OTT - so I've had my nails done in French polish and have picked minimal jewellery. I still need to get a fringe trim, hopefully I can get it done tomorrow before the interview!

Waiting for my partner to come home so we can go through some questions/things that might come up. One question that's bound to come up is why I left the company (different department) for a "better" job, but 4 months later want to rejoin their company. Not sure how to navigate that question! :-/

I know this sounds harsh but I would want to know how why you left and want to rejoin and having a good reply. No one likes a job hopper. You could be creative and say it was the department but then you have to ensure you're not saying negative things about that dept compared to the new one...

As this will most likely be a 2 stage interview they may ask you this then though.

I'm a legal PA previous PA and recently landed a new job. My wow points were simply cover what the job spec said and more. Ask questions eg of the person you're working alongside (in my case another senior PA).

But this will all be by the by as you will most likely have had it now. The next stage (and there should be one) will be a 2nd interview. This can be trickier as you have to (in my experience) *nail it*.

If eg the HR person likes you you're onto a winner. My classic one recently (about a year ago) interviewed, the man I'd be working form great relationship, HR person and I got on well, I was even virtually offered the job (got to 2nd interview) but they had a dilemma as there was another candidate who already worked there and they couldn't let her go, had to give her a chance over me (internal candidate) - friend of the director or someone. I got 2 very apologetic calls from HR and agency and an email from the guy I was working for, apologising and wishing me well!

Another interview I had a year ago, tax dept in accountants, PA - I went along but really it wasn't me though I'd done a similar job in past and I was keen but it wasn't the end of the world if I didn't get it. It showed, I think.

You really really do need to show the person you're working with/team that you'll get on with everyone, won't leave, are a hard worker, reliable etc. someone told me that if they like you and can envisage working with you that's the killer sting!

hope you had good luck at the interview though.

BunnieJ

Thanks for the advice MissD yes, I've had the interview now. Tbh, it wasn't as formal as I expected. He asked a lot of random questions e.g. "What colour is your brain?" I think it went OK, but it is a BIG step up from what I currently do. He said I would know by the end of next week if I have got the job/second interview if he can't decide between candidates. I think he was seeing 7 people in total.

I'll just keep my fingers crossed!

BunnieJ

Also, forgot to ask, should I send a polite email thanking him for seeing me? I usually do after an interview. Apparently my telephone manner/emails are what got me noticed in quite a few of my jobs Do you think it would be appropriate for this position?