interview and application questions

FBaby

Now it seems that people trying to do that are also getting criticised.

It doesn't matter what job it is, if the person isn't committed to show they want to work for that company in that field, then they will pick someone who does, and why shouldn't they?

By the way, I ran marathon. If someone said they had done so at an interview, I would be genuinely interested and ask more questions. I would know right away if they were lying.

iammumtoone

FBaby wrote: »

It doesn't matter what job it is, if the person isn't committed to show they want to work for that company in that field, then they will pick someone who does, and why shouldn't they?

I agree but I don't see where the OP has said that they won't be committed/they don't want the job. In the fact they seem to want this job to the extent they will lie so they have good answers which they believe will get them the job.

As everyone has agreed this is the wrong way to go about it but in fairness to them at least they are doing the right thing by asking for advise and trying to get the job (even if they are going about it the wrong way)

devilivus

iammumtoone wrote: »

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.

completely agree with every point.

DCFC79

emsywoo123 wrote: »

Do you want to work in HR, OP?

An important question to be asked OP

redpete

pinpin wrote: »

How will they find out that I didn't run a marathon 5 years ago, though?

Might be obvious when they ask what time you ran it in, what training you did, which marathon it was, have you done any running since, ...

christaitfife

Your greatest achievement really doesn't have to be great. They don't care if you have won an Oscar, climbed K2 or passed your driving test first time. they wan't to know that you are honest and a good fit for their company. If someone writes down all these wonderful things they may think "and why do they need/ want an entry level position?"

Something along "My greatest achievement was singing a solo in the church choir. I was incredibly nervous, but persisted and achieved it." shows more qualities than someone winning an irrelevant award or over achieving.

Think of something that you done that took courage, needed you to persist and in the end you accomplished it. It really doesn't need to be grandiose, just something that you are proud of.

I remember back in the day sifting CV's and a similar question being answered "making a green turtle outfit for my son" The lady had never sewn anything and was proud of her achievement. She included a photo. She got an interview - and it was so 'out of the box' I remember it years later.

I also remember someone claiming to have climbed Ben Nevis - at interview the claimed it was in the alps. They didn't get a job, surprisingly.

devilivus

not to get caught up in the marathon thing, but the chances of getting 'found out' on that lie is very slim!
Pick a marathon, spend a few minutes looking at typical running times and any other glarringly obvious things that might come up and you're set. Not to mention that there's a good chance that the interviewer knows nothing about them or wouldn't think to start grilling you on that answer in case you were lying.

Does seem to be a 'damned if you do, damned if you don't' culture of criticism on the employment board.

He's just someone trying to get a job! Most people don't have some burning desire to do whatever job they do! People just need jobs to pay their bills and not starve. Not to mention that if someone doesn't know what they want to do, and are maybe being forced to apply for jobs by the jobcentre, what do you expect?!

emsywoo123

devilivus wrote: »

not to get caught up in the marathon thing, but the chances of getting 'found out' on that lie is very slim!
Pick a marathon, spend a few minutes looking at typical running times and any other glarringly obvious things that might come up and you're set. Not to mention that there's a good chance that the interviewer knows nothing about them or wouldn't think to start grilling you on that answer in case you were lying.

This is a terrible idea.

Does seem to be a 'damned if you do, damned if you don't' culture of criticism on the employment board.

He's just someone trying to get a job! Most people don't have some burning desire to do whatever job they do! People just need jobs to pay their bills and not starve. Not to mention that if someone doesn't know what they want to do, and are maybe being forced to apply for jobs by the jobcentre, what do you expect?!

Calm down. The OP has a job, not on JSA, not being "forced" by anyone. Why is he applying for a new job when he already has one if it not something he really wants to do?

ohreally

devilivus wrote: »

not to get caught up in the marathon thing, but the chances of getting 'found out' on that lie is very slim!

Not if you have a 48" gut and have a "comfort" waistband.

Pound

pinpin wrote: »

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!)

I don't know anything about HR but when applying for jobs myself I've been in contact with people working in HR who do seem very passionate about what they do. For example one guy was very active on Twitter about opportunities, has things posted on Linked In about how much he likes finding talented people who fit the culture of the business and posted a link about an 'excellence award' his department had received.

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.

I think you probably could answer those questions without being dishonest. Nobody's going to ask you about aliens but they might ask you about disagreements you've had with a boss and who hasn't had one of those?