Interviews, Do's and Dont's
02 December 2002, 04:15 PM
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Well its been a while since ive had one of these but im going for a job interview later on this week and need some advice on what i should and should not do.
Will be very smart for it though (suit and tie etc) but any other pointers will be appreciated
Tony
Will be very smart for it though (suit and tie etc) but any other pointers will be appreciated
Tony
02 December 2002, 04:18 PM
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Research as much as you can about the company -- from their website etc etc.
Have a think about what the role of the job is, and how your skills / experience can contribute. Use examples to illustrate wherever possible.
If possible, take examples of previous work with you to show what you've done.
Don't diss previous employers etc -- it's seen as disloyalty, even if they are a bunch of tossers.
Good luck
Have a think about what the role of the job is, and how your skills / experience can contribute. Use examples to illustrate wherever possible.
If possible, take examples of previous work with you to show what you've done.
Don't diss previous employers etc -- it's seen as disloyalty, even if they are a bunch of tossers.
Good luck
02 December 2002, 04:21 PM
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Don't diss previous employers etc -- it's seen as disloyalty, even if they are a bunch of tossers.
02 December 2002, 04:23 PM
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Don't
Fart, swear, put your feet on his desk, call him tough guy, point, pick your nose, tell him about you weekend, sniff, grovel (Too much)
Seriously as Beemer boy said:
1. Research his company and products.
2. Research his competitors.
3. Ask questions about the role and the company.
4. Look interested.
5. Keep banter to a minimum unless he starts.
6. Give a firm handshake.
Good luck. Let us know how you get on.
Fart, swear, put your feet on his desk, call him tough guy, point, pick your nose, tell him about you weekend, sniff, grovel (Too much)
Seriously as Beemer boy said:
1. Research his company and products.
2. Research his competitors.
3. Ask questions about the role and the company.
4. Look interested.
5. Keep banter to a minimum unless he starts.
6. Give a firm handshake.
Good luck. Let us know how you get on.
02 December 2002, 04:25 PM
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Arrive punctually - getting there an hour early is just as bad as running in 10 minutes late and blaming traffic / trains...
Lots of eye contact...but don't eyeball them into the next room...
Speak clearly and concisely and if you don't know the answer to something, say so - don't blither on, hoping to hit the right answer in amongst the randomness...
Oh and, good luck!
Lots of eye contact...but don't eyeball them into the next room...
Speak clearly and concisely and if you don't know the answer to something, say so - don't blither on, hoping to hit the right answer in amongst the randomness...
Oh and, good luck!
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02 December 2002, 05:44 PM
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yep reiterate as before.
For me carefully thought out questions to ask are the key. No questions equals no job. The firm handshake is a must. Don't turn up with ketchup round your face... it's not nice.
Don't bring up money unless you are asked about it. We all know its why we go for a job but it's not good form.
Answer questions clearly and concisely, don't waffle, it's annoying.
Smart is deffo the way to go, although not always a must, we are dress down here so I don't insist on it.
Don't be afraid of silence... it's a tool that's used to make you feel uncomfortable.
Be prepared for odd questions... I know someone once who was asked to tell a joke in an interview.. (joke given: what do you call a fish with no eyes... fsh (get it no I's))
May the force be with you.
Dave
For me carefully thought out questions to ask are the key. No questions equals no job. The firm handshake is a must. Don't turn up with ketchup round your face... it's not nice.
Don't bring up money unless you are asked about it. We all know its why we go for a job but it's not good form.
Answer questions clearly and concisely, don't waffle, it's annoying.
Smart is deffo the way to go, although not always a must, we are dress down here so I don't insist on it.
Don't be afraid of silence... it's a tool that's used to make you feel uncomfortable.
Be prepared for odd questions... I know someone once who was asked to tell a joke in an interview.. (joke given: what do you call a fish with no eyes... fsh (get it no I's))
May the force be with you.
Dave
02 December 2002, 06:34 PM
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If you think you're going to get the job, ask to see where you would be working. The guy interviewing you will interview you in the nicest meeting room in the building - but you may be working in a stinking pit full of wierdo's when you join!
02 December 2002, 06:50 PM
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I'd agree with most of whats been said here.
The company I work for score people on core criteria (5 I think - maybe there are more?)
1. Judgement
2. Influencing
3. Critical thinking
4. Achievement motivation
5. Technical knowledge (job specific)
My advice, be yourself, be proud of what you've achieved so far, make be believe in you, and be convincing.
Good luck.
The company I work for score people on core criteria (5 I think - maybe there are more?)
1. Judgement
2. Influencing
3. Critical thinking
4. Achievement motivation
5. Technical knowledge (job specific)
My advice, be yourself, be proud of what you've achieved so far, make be believe in you, and be convincing.
Good luck.
02 December 2002, 11:03 PM
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Be yourself
You wouldn't have got an interview if they didn't think you were capable of doing the job. When I have interviewed it's usually the personality that counts & whether that person will fit in.
BTW a good question you can ask is whether they feel you are lacking any specific quality (ie, qualification, experience) that would stop you from getting the job Makes em think
You wouldn't have got an interview if they didn't think you were capable of doing the job. When I have interviewed it's usually the personality that counts & whether that person will fit in.
BTW a good question you can ask is whether they feel you are lacking any specific quality (ie, qualification, experience) that would stop you from getting the job
Makes em think
03 December 2002, 08:54 AM
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Unless they're going through the motions and have a preferred internal candidate but need to see some externals, you've got a good chance. The CV's got you through the door, so you clearly have the technical skills. They're now looking to see if you fit.
Spend an hour talking to yourself - interview yourself in the car on the way to work etc. Think about what they'll ask you and pre-answer it yourself. OK, this doesn't always work, but you can guarantee there'll be a question about your biggest challenge/most satisfying achievement etc. The way in which you answer this is at least as important as what you say.
Make sure you know your CV intimately - all they know about you is what they've seen there, so be prepared to expand on stuff in that but don't introduce further information.
Don't go off the point - rambling is a bore, and is a guaranteed loser.
Remember that unless you're totally brilliant at all times (and none of us are) AND you have excellent rapport with the interviewer, you won't get every job you go for, so rejection after an interview is no indication that you're a failure, just that you didn't fit them. If, however, you keep not getting to second interview/offer stage, you're probably doing something wrong and should revisit your approach.
Good luck with it.
bros
Spend an hour talking to yourself - interview yourself in the car on the way to work etc. Think about what they'll ask you and pre-answer it yourself. OK, this doesn't always work, but you can guarantee there'll be a question about your biggest challenge/most satisfying achievement etc. The way in which you answer this is at least as important as what you say.
Make sure you know your CV intimately - all they know about you is what they've seen there, so be prepared to expand on stuff in that but don't introduce further information.
Don't go off the point - rambling is a bore, and is a guaranteed loser.
Remember that unless you're totally brilliant at all times (and none of us are) AND you have excellent rapport with the interviewer, you won't get every job you go for, so rejection after an interview is no indication that you're a failure, just that you didn't fit them. If, however, you keep not getting to second interview/offer stage, you're probably doing something wrong and should revisit your approach.
Good luck with it.
bros
03 December 2002, 10:45 AM
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Thanks for the feed back all
There are alot of good pointers that ill put into practice
I know the enviroment im working in (which helps me a little) as i have worked there before but a few other questions i would like to see if anyone has any answers to.
1. Do you think its advisable for me to take notes as the main reason im going to the place and not having a phone interview is that they want to show me the entire enviroment?
2. I do have alot of certificates to show what ive achieved, i take it that its a good idea if i take them all with me to prove that i am capable at what i do.
3. Any other tips on what i should take without too much overkill but to look very interested in the job (which i am as its the leading edge in my field and this is like a dream come true)
Red_dog,
I'll take your advice about the skirt i feel that my legs probably wont get me the job anyway lol! (a suit suites me better )
Thanks all
Tony
There are alot of good pointers that ill put into practice
I know the enviroment im working in (which helps me a little
) as i have worked there before but a few other questions i would like to see if anyone has any answers to.1. Do you think its advisable for me to take notes as the main reason im going to the place and not having a phone interview is that they want to show me the entire enviroment?
2. I do have alot of certificates to show what ive achieved, i take it that its a good idea if i take them all with me to prove that i am capable at what i do.
3. Any other tips on what i should take without too much overkill but to look very interested in the job (which i am as its the leading edge in my field and this is like a dream come true
)Red_dog,
I'll take your advice about the skirt
i feel that my legs probably wont get me the job anyway lol! (a suit suites me better )Thanks all
Tony
03 December 2002, 01:29 PM
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Only take the certificates if you have them displayed decently in some sort of folder. Pulling them out of a brown envelope doesn't look good.
Listen to the everything the interviewer says. I've been interviewing people for the past 2 weeks and I'm amazed when I've asked people how there skills will fit the role I've just described seem to have missed it completely.
Listen to the everything the interviewer says. I've been interviewing people for the past 2 weeks and I'm amazed when I've asked people how there skills will fit the role I've just described seem to have missed it completely.
03 December 2002, 02:23 PM
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I find blantant lying to be very effective - just look at me now, £1/4 Million pound house, 2 cars, and just bough another house.
I am mucking around on scoobynet on my PC at work, and playing solitaire on my laptop..
I am mucking around on scoobynet on my PC at work, and playing solitaire on my laptop..
03 December 2002, 02:54 PM
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Tony
Closing question from yourself if you are interested in the job.
"Is there anything you have seen or heard this afternoon that will stop you offering me this role"
I have used this for years and it has never failed me.
Cheers
Phil
Closing question from yourself if you are interested in the job.
"Is there anything you have seen or heard this afternoon that will stop you offering me this role"
I have used this for years and it has never failed me.
Cheers
Phil
03 December 2002, 03:46 PM
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Probably best not to run in, shout "Corner!", then do one with the guys secratery. If you do do this though, and get the job, you're sorted!
03 December 2002, 05:59 PM
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spot on with the playing solitaire and messing around on scoobynet...
the more you get paid the less you do
as for interview tips--
depends on the company worst thing is having one of those human resources bell-ends sat in asking the chiched-
"so mr tony what is your best achievemnt to date?"
"so mr tony what is your biggest weakness and why?"
waste of space them ***** - in fact i have never wanted to work for companys that employ innane gits asking "leading" questions.
if your technical your cv will get you that job 9 times outa 10
the more you get paid the less you do
as for interview tips--
depends on the company worst thing is having one of those human resources bell-ends sat in asking the chiched-
"so mr tony what is your best achievemnt to date?"
"so mr tony what is your biggest weakness and why?"
waste of space them ***** - in fact i have never wanted to work for companys that employ innane gits asking "leading" questions.
if your technical your cv will get you that job 9 times outa 10
03 December 2002, 08:02 PM
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One good way of preparing for interviews is too ask yourself loads of questions and then use a few examples to answer all the questions e.g. a recent project you delivered, something you've achieved outside of work - that way you'll stand a better chance of remembering the answers.
Just try listing things like your greatest achievement, a situation where 'you' had made a decision, something you are proud of, your greatest strength, a difficult situation you had to deal with, etc, etc. However, for each of these questions there's a flip side. e.g. your worst moment, something you are not proud of.
The best one I've had is at the end of an interview is, "so tell me Andrew, which question did you not want us to ask?" - *******s.
Another bit of advice could be (and I'm crap at this) is that when you've worked as part of a team try and say what you did in the context of when this happened blah blah I did this blah blah. I always fail and say we and us instead of I and me. However, you have to balance this out, so when the team did do something you should say so but in this case try and emphasise your contribution.
Sorry for the waffle but Good luck.
Andy.
Just try listing things like your greatest achievement, a situation where 'you' had made a decision, something you are proud of, your greatest strength, a difficult situation you had to deal with, etc, etc. However, for each of these questions there's a flip side. e.g. your worst moment, something you are not proud of.
The best one I've had is at the end of an interview is, "so tell me Andrew, which question did you not want us to ask?" - *******s.
Another bit of advice could be (and I'm crap at this) is that when you've worked as part of a team try and say what you did in the context of when this happened blah blah I did this blah blah. I always fail and say we and us instead of I and me. However, you have to balance this out, so when the team did do something you should say so but in this case try and emphasise your contribution.
Sorry for the waffle but Good luck.
Andy.
03 December 2002, 10:26 PM
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Research, Research, Research... oh! And a bit more research! I spent 3 hours on my Firms website before the interview and had made 5 pages of notes.
Be Smart. Don't Waffle. Be Specific.
I now hold very informal interviews that represent a chat really. There are three reasons why I do this
1/ The Internet helps you prepare of an interview so i don't want to listen to your prepared answers
2/ During our chat I'll dig at your knowledge to determine whether your CV is bull or not!!
3/ I what to know what you're like as a person
Oh! BTW. Turn the Moby off! Not only did I have an interviewees moby ring during an interview, but he even took the bloody call!!
Be Smart. Don't Waffle. Be Specific.
I now hold very informal interviews that represent a chat really. There are three reasons why I do this
1/ The Internet helps you prepare of an interview so i don't want to listen to your prepared answers
2/ During our chat I'll dig at your knowledge to determine whether your CV is bull or not!!
3/ I what to know what you're like as a person
Oh! BTW. Turn the Moby off! Not only did I have an interviewees moby ring during an interview, but he even took the bloody call!!
04 December 2002, 06:13 PM
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Thanks for everyones imput i shall endevour to put as much of the info you have all given me into action
Im as bout as ready as im going to be for it anyway so roll on tomorrow
Tony
i shall endevour to put as much of the info you have all given me into action Im as bout as ready as im going to be for it anyway so roll on tomorrow
Tony
06 December 2002, 04:43 PM
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Ok,
i havnt heard anything back from the agency but.....
I pretty much got the job there and then
It was more of an informal interview, mainly to see what my roll was and to see if i could cope with it (no probs) so they said when could i start etc, i said whenever and they said that it would take a week or two to get the paperwork sorted out with the agency so they will be intouch when its all gone though
Tony
i havnt heard anything back from the agency but.....
I pretty much got the job there and then
It was more of an informal interview, mainly to see what my roll was and to see if i could cope with it (no probs
) so they said when could i start etc, i said whenever and they said that it would take a week or two to get the paperwork sorted out with the agency so they will be intouch when its all gone though Tony