interview and application questions

kingfisherblue

pinpin wrote: »

I'll use this thread to get help with various things that I don't know how to answer as I fill out applications and prepare for potential interviews.

I'm filling in an application now. It's an entry level HR/admin job.

I was able to find a short, sweet answer on google for One of the questions that I couldn't think of an answer for, but I can't find an answer for ''greatest achievement to date'' for when someone doesn't have any.
Am I best just telling a white lie and saying I ran a massive marathon or something? Any other ideas?

If you are fortunate enough to be invited to an interview, you will be asked questions and expected to answer. How will you cope with this?

Whatever you do, don't lie - if/when you are found out, you will be deemed dishonest and untrustworthy. It's far better to keep things simple and truthful.

So, I am assuming that you are fairly young. What have you achieved so far? It doesn't have to mean qualifications. It can be a personal achievement, overcoming something that you found difficult. Google can't help on something that is personal to you.

ohreally

pinpin wrote: »

I'll use this thread to get help with various things that I don't know how to answer as I fill out applications and prepare for potential interviews.

I'm filling in an application now. It's an entry level HR/admin job

Please don't, there are enough individuals working in HR roles that don't know the answers.

pinpin

kingfisherblue wrote: »

If you are fortunate enough to be invited to an interview, you will be asked questions and expected to answer. How will you cope with this?

Not very well, lol.
Most of the jobs i've had, I was able to get because there was no real interview process.
I tend to do badly in job interviews, but best to keep trying I guess.

They always feel so 'false'. Is there really anyone in the world that would find office work/admin 'exciting' for example? (one of the questions was to explain what I find so exciting about HR!)

And I also dislike how lots of questions don't really apply to me, but you have to answer them anyway, which kind of encourages dishonesty.
''Tell me about a time where you done X''. If i've never done X or can't think of a time where I might have, it gets difficult!
It's like me asking the interviewer to tell me about a time they had a disagreement with an alien from outer-space and how they resolved their issue.

tomtontom

I find HR work interesting, maybe not exciting, but when you're dealing with individuals you are dealing with unique beings, there's always going to be something to challenge you. If you don't get that, I can't see why you're even applying.

The competencies they're asking about in interviews are not going to be difficult. Have you never worked in a team, taken the initiative, worked to a deadline? These are things that most people do every day, there should be nothing alien about them.

emsywoo123

pinpin wrote: »

They always feel so 'false'. Is there really anyone in the world that would find office work/admin 'exciting' for example? (one of the questions was to explain what I find so exciting about HR!)

If you do not feel any sort of passion or excitement/interest about a role, I would suggest it is not for you.

And I also dislike how lots of questions don't really apply to me, but you have to answer them anyway, which kind of encourages dishonesty.

I have sat on a lot of interview panels.....and each time it has become apparent that someone has been dishonest, the interview has ended immediately.

''Tell me about a time where you done X''. If i've never done X or can't think of a time where I might have, it gets difficult!
It's like me asking the interviewer to tell me about a time they had a disagreement with an alien from outer-space and how they resolved their issue.

That is not the case at all; if you cannot think of a workplace example to fit their scenarios, then go for an external situ. Just do not lie!!

iammumtoone

Don't take this the wrong way but you may be not be doing well in interviews as your interview attitude does not match your application (due to the fact your answers aren't your own).

The other question was basically about why I wanted that particular job and what it was about HR/admin that 'excited' me.

Nothing wrong in answering something along the lines. This job appeals to me as I have all the required qualifications (ie none), it is local to me meaning I will be reliable as I will be able to walk not having to reply on buses or a car. I am keen to start a career in HR as this is something that interests me (give an example why it interests you).

The above example might not be exciting but it will be clear to anyone reading it was written by the individual, an answer got from google/a book will be spotted a mile off.

Regarding achievements, you must have something you can think of here. I suspect you are thinking too hard to try to impress. Just keep it simple and truthful it doesn't have to be an achievement in school/work it can be something in your personal life.

Good luck

emsywoo123

iammumtoone wrote: »

Don't take this the wrong way but you may be not be doing well in interviews as your interview attitude does not match your application (due to the fact your answers aren't your own).

The other question was basically about why I wanted that particular job and what it was about HR/admin that 'excited' me.

Nothing wrong in answering something along the lines. This job appeals to me as I have all the required qualifications (ie none) this would make me think "has he even read this, why is he talking about qualifications? Stock answer, not impressed. , it is local to me meaning I will be reliable as I will be able to walk not having to reply on buses or a car. Implying those with their own transport are less reliable?! Mentioning locality is a big no-no I am keen to start a career in HR as this is something that interests me (give an example why it interests you). This is the point. Forget all the (non) qualifications and that it is handy as local, get to the nitty gritty of why you want to work in HR. And if you do not, don't apply.

The above example might not be exciting but it will be clear to anyone reading it was written by the individual, an answer got from google/a book will be spotted a mile off.

Regarding achievements, you must have something you can think of here. I suspect you are thinking too hard to try to impress. Just keep it simple and truthful it doesn't have to be an achievement in school/work it can be something in your personal life. Completely agree with this

Good luck

Do you want to work in HR, OP?

iammumtoone

Nothing wrong in answering something along the lines. This job appeals to me as I have all the required qualifications (ie none) this would make me think "has he even read this, why is he talking about qualifications? Stock answer, not impressed Fair point this is not asked directly in the question I was just going from the OPs point of view they want this job as it doesn't need qualifications it is local to me meaning I will be reliable as I will be able to walk not having to reply on buses or a car. Implying those with their own transport are less reliable?! Mentioning locality is a big no-no As a car owner I wouldn't ever say I am less reliable but my car was in a accident a couple of weeks ago - I could not get to work on time - If i was walking this wouldn't have happened, my workplace were understandable but why not mention your advantages where you can?

Why is mentioning locality a big no-no? I would have thought this is an advantage?

iammumtoone

emsywoo123 wrote: »

Do you want to work in HR, OP?

This is an entry level job. To be fair to the OP they probably don't know what area they want to work in. When I got my first job I knew I wanted to work in admin but what sector of admin I had no idea, I only realised this once I started working and found out what I enjoyed/was best at.

Also if the OP is claiming JSA they have to apply for jobs whether they want them or not! At least the OP is making an effort to actually get this job by asking questions. People get slatted all the time on here for not wanting to work, and told to go for any job they can. Now it seems that people trying to do that are also getting criticised.

Having said that I do feel for those having to sort through the applications but it is a sign of the times that people need to try to find work where ever they can (and are forced to by the JC). People no longer have the luxury of just applying for jobs they actually want.

FBaby

Do you have any ambitions OP? Because if you do, it certainly isn't coming up here. It sounds like all you care about is getting an easy job close by. That's all very well, but you need to accept that this is not what most bosses are looking for, so will always pick someone who actually cares for the job in front of someone who lies because they don't.

Interviews is to distinguish between the two types of people. Any good interviewer will pick up which group you belong to, which is likely to be why you haven't been very successful at interviews so far.