First ever job interview tomorrow!?

Jlawson118

I am currently working and have had a few part time jobs whilst I'm still at university, but I've never really had an interview, although a position has recently opened up for better pay, better hours and within walking distance from my home, it seems ideal for me. My mum has worked for the company for around 17/18 years I think in a much different department, but she has been in touch with somebody in the main building for me, who told her to tell me to keep my eye out online and apply for an upcoming position, and then to let him know and he'll put my name forward.

I noticed last Friday that the application had become available so I sent it off right away, and received a phone call this afternoon inviting me for an interview tomorrow afternoon, so this is sounding promising. One of my mum's colleagues also managed to get her daughter a job there a few years back. Even though it's an international company, apparently they like to keep it very family orientated.

I just want to make a good impression, but I'm nervous about the interview now. I know my girlfriend went to an interview a good few months ago and she was asked questions about meanings of words that I wouldn't have a clue about. Although this was for a care home, whereas all I'll be doing is loading and unloading trucks in a warehouse probably. I'm feeling confident but also nervous..

I just want a bit of advice if anybody has any? And a bit of what I should be expecting?

da_rule

Be confident but not cocky. Make sure you dress smartly and shake hands etc. Try and do some research about the company and the role. Also, have a couple of questions lined up, there's nothing worse than getting to the end of an interview and asking a candidate if they want to ask anything to just have them stare back at you blankly.

McKneff

A firm Handshake, eye contact, smile a bit. Good luck and let us know how you got on

Addy2013

Just a couple more pointers, since you mentioned you will most probably be working in a warehouse environment you should have a very basic general idea about health and safety regulations in the workplace such as wearing high visibility clothing in the vicinity of moving vehicles, manual handling of the loads etc. Also, if you know how to operate a fork lift and have a license then do mention this as well for an added advantage.

Examples of interview questions (For a warehouse environment):

1) Be prepared for interview questions like what motivates you.

2) Also, what do you know about the company? Why do you want to work for us?
Note: This information will be known by looking at the company profile.

3) You might be asked if you have safety boots & high visible jacket?

4) Can you give an example of a time when you helped other people in a past job?

5) Are you reliable?

6) Your biggest strength?

7) Your weakness / area for improvement?

8) Are you fit and healthy?

Finally, as da_rule stated line up a few questions to ask the interviewer at the end of the interview. It shows them you are passionate about working for the company.

Lastly, just be confident, smartly dressed & presentable. Good luck and let us know how did it go.

xapprenticex

Good luck dude. For me, the hardest part is hearing my own voice as im the only one speaking....

TELLIT01

Be yourself! Don't claim to know things you don't, as you will probably get caught out later in the interview. If you are offered a drink accept it. It's a great tool to use to allow yourself time to think before answer questions. The time it takes to pause and take a sip of water, is often enough to clear your thoughts.

t0rt0ise

If you can't think of any questions at the end or if they've already covered them simply say "No, I think everything's been covered" and thank them. I have said that several times and got the job so it isn't always necessary to waffle out some question.

bertiewhite

I can't add much to this apart from:

1. Don't waffle

2. They might ask why they should choose YOU?

3. If they keep you waiting a while before you're called in, don't worry. They might just be refreshing your application in their heads but I do know of interviewers who have used the tactic to un-nerve interviewees as part of the weeding-out process.

Savvy_Sue

xapprenticex wrote: »

Good luck dude. For me, the hardest part is hearing my own voice as im the only one speaking....

that reminds me, it's worth practising saying out loud anything you think might be tricky (you don't put anything in your post which indicates anything you might need to explain, but sometimes eg people have a long period of sickness they want to account for), or even the questions you want to ask at the end.

TELLIT01 wrote: »

If you are offered a drink accept it. It's a great tool to use to allow yourself time to think before answer questions. The time it takes to pause and take a sip of water, is often enough to clear your thoughts.

I'd suggest accepting water if it's offered, rather than coffee.

Jlawson118

Thanks a lot for all of your answers guys! They helped a bunch!

They didn't really ask me all that much, just why I think I'm right for the job, what equipment have I used previously that's similar etc..
But they've told me providing I can bring my documents in this week, I start a week on Monday!

It sounds like they've had a lot of applicants for a previously advertised job but out of 28 interviews, only one person turned up for an interview and even that person wasn't right for them. Apparently people apply for jobs and get invited to an interview just to show to the dole office to get paid, and don't do anything about it! I can't believe there's people out there like that

Guest101

Jlawson118 wrote: »

Thanks a lot for all of your answers guys! They helped a bunch!

They didn't really ask me all that much, just why I think I'm right for the job, what equipment have I used previously that's similar etc..
But they've told me providing I can bring my documents in this week, I start a week on Monday!

It sounds like they've had a lot of applicants for a previously advertised job but out of 28 interviews, only one person turned up for an interview and even that person wasn't right for them. Apparently people apply for jobs and get invited to an interview just to show to the dole office to get paid, and don't do anything about it! I can't believe there's people out there like that

far too many, and due to the DPA the employer cant provide any feedback to DWP