Job Interview Tips...

Ransure · Post by **Ransure** » December 17, 2003, 3:58 pm

Ok, so its been about 2 years since Ive had to interview for a job, and tommorow I interview for my dream job. I consider myself a pretty good interviewee, however Im interested to hear what other people think on tips for the process. Im pretty nervous about it... but that is to be expected.. I know not to fidget, and to speak clearly and concisely... its going to be a sales job interview, so I hope I dont have to go through that stupid sell me this pen thing... (I hate that).

Anyone else have some tips and tricks? (please dont suggest showing up to the interview without pants... I tried that once... didnt get that job... )

Deward · Post by **Deward** » December 17, 2003, 4:06 pm

I know this might be obvious but rehearse the questions that may be asked.

Some questions I remember from my last interview were:
What is your best/worst quality?
Describe a situation where you had trouble witha co-worker and what you did to cope with it.
Why are you leaving your current job?
Why are you interested in this job?

There are a lot of different possible questions but they are pretty similar. I think I found a website for them online somewhere. The rehearsing made a big deal and since I was prepared I wasn't nervous in the least. Interviewers dig confidence.

When I interviewed for my current job I didn't think I stood a chance of getting it. It was a job in a town I liked at my Alma Mater and I figured what the hell do I have to lose. I went into teh interview only half caring and I ended up beating out several other people with much higher degrees than myself. Point is to stay cool and collected and relax. The worst that can happen is you don't get a follow-up call.

Zamtuk · Post by **Zamtuk** » December 17, 2003, 4:16 pm

Wear knee pads. They will make things easier in the long run!

Spankes · Post by **Spankes** » December 17, 2003, 4:29 pm

Don't train them.

Tenuvil · Post by **Tenuvil** » December 17, 2003, 4:33 pm

Watch "Office Space" before attending the interview.

Seriously, a poised and confident (but not cocky) attitude will win big in an interview. If you have outside interests that can help illustrate your dedication and commitment to completing difficult tasks you may want to discuss those. I won major points in an interview discussing my triathloning and the amount of training and dedication it required.

Siji · Post by **Siji** » December 17, 2003, 4:44 pm

Don't forget to mention your hours played, level and number of AA points.. Oh, and if you've had any killing blows on big time named mobs, they'll want to know that too..

Pahreyia · Post by **Pahreyia** » December 17, 2003, 5:55 pm

Beg, plead and cry about how much you NEEEEEEEEED this job or else your house forecloses, your wife leaves you, your kids hate you, your parents disown you, your friends scoff you, your dog pees on your car and you end up living out of your backseat with nothing but a guitar and your blues for company.

Sabek · Post by **Sabek** » December 17, 2003, 6:50 pm

Think up answers to:
If you were a(n) ________, what ________ would you be?

Chidoro · Post by **Chidoro** » December 17, 2003, 8:27 pm

Deward wrote:I know this might be obvious but rehearse the questions that may be asked.

Some questions I remember from my last interview were:
What is your best/worst quality?
Describe a situation where you had trouble witha co-worker and what you did to cope with it.
Why are you leaving your current job?
Why are you interested in this job?

Excellent points. In addition, really listen to the interviewer and put together no less than three good questions when it's your turn to ask them. I've had interviews w/ VP's that were impressed with my questions and said so outright to me.

On the note of fidgeting, gesture a little when you speak as it helps create emphasis while preventing you from actually fidgeting. And never look down and away when you're trying to answer a question, if you need to look away to formulate an answer, look up slightly instead. The former is a sign of lying and the latter isn't. You're selling, so you have to know you can sell and you have to let him/her know you can as well.

Also, don't smoke before going in there and bring a breath mint or two for when you're sitting in the lobby. Noticable poor smells are a huge no-no.

Other than that, kick ass.

Krimson Klaw · Post by **Krimson Klaw** » December 17, 2003, 11:05 pm

Answer your cell phone mid-way through the interview....then hold a conversation, while holding a *wait just a moment* finger up at the interviewer.

Canelek · Post by **Canelek** » December 18, 2003, 12:10 am

Interviews are fucking nervewracking when you get hit with obscure questions. Just try and show your personality and make them feel comfortable with you as a person. (Of course, I am still looking for a job, so may not be much help.

)

Arborealus · Post by **Arborealus** » December 18, 2003, 5:37 am

Do a bit of research on the company know why you want to work for them...Dress sort of 1 degree more formally than the company's dress policy unless they are suit and tie (tuxedos just make em giggle)...think about the questions and answer them completely and honestly as succinctly as possible...Make eye contact...Ask informed questions about the company, benefits and working situation...

kyoukan · Post by **kyoukan** » December 18, 2003, 7:30 am

bring a handgun and a cleaning kit and proceed to unload, dissassemble and thoroughly clean it during the interview. if asked what you're doing simply tell them that it helps you clear your thoughts.

alternatively, when put the gun back together and bring it up to your lips and silently whisper soothing words into the breech before kissing it, reloading it and putting it back... preferrably into the waistband of your sweatpants.

Deward · Post by **Deward** » December 18, 2003, 12:57 pm

Chidoro wrote: In addition, really listen to the interviewer and put together no less than three good questions when it's your turn to ask them. I've had interviews w/ VP's that were impressed with my questions and said so outright to me.

Asking questions is a big plus and shows that you are interested in the job. Interviewers love to talk about there company. Don't ask about benefits and compensation though. Here are some questions I have asked:

What is the turnover rate? this is a good indicator of whether other people have liked the job. McD's has a very high turnover rate. My job has almost none except through retirement.

What is a typical day in the job you are applying for? Interviewers love this one!

I always had at least two or three ready to go otherwise there is always that uneasy silence at the end of an interview. It also allows them to talk more and you to feign interest in what they are saying.

Taly · Post by **Taly** » December 18, 2003, 1:14 pm

Don't cower before them and look them in the eye when you speak or answer as much as possible. Shows confidence

Chidoro · Post by **Chidoro** » December 18, 2003, 1:48 pm

I agree. A good question to ask is how the position became available. Was it because the company needed to expand their sales force or was it because of turnover?

In addition, on the note regarding talking about the company (if it' a publicly traded company, definitely research their stock performance), some people like to talk about themselves. Facilitating that by asking about their background or how they started in the company can be a big plus as it makes the interviewer feel good about you w/out you even having to force it. A lot of interviewers provide that at the opening of the interview but occasionally they don't.

Mplor · Post by **Mplor** » December 20, 2003, 2:37 am

I got my current job based on the "personal interests" part of the interview. It turned out the interviewer, an ugly but busty blonde, and I had both been at mardi gras in NO the last two years running. The company had been hiring for only one position until she created a second opening on the spot for my underqualified ass.

One caveat: Less than a year later this chick told me point blank that I better let her take me out or she'd make my job very unpleasant. I now have her window office with a view.

Mippy

p.s. No I didn't sue. I spent a year turning her boss against her and she finally fled the department. I also found out that nobody at my patriarchal company takes a guy seriously when he claims harrassment. On the bright side, I have a better chance at director than she ever will.