job

[509lifted]

shane yes i did get them thank you very much. I think that will help me out alot cause i always went into interviews not knowing what to say cause i didnt really have an idea what they would ask me.

 

[kimcrwbr1]

Don`t assume they don`t want you just because they don`t call you back. Ask them questions also (benefits, pay, hours) and get the feel if it a place you would like to work. Get there phone number and call them back and be persistent just dont get pushy.

 

[kimcrwbr1]

Don`t do the valium the interview may be followed with a piss test

 

[Tedybear]

I'm actually groaning here a bit.

First off? If you are nervous? It's not a mortal sin to admit that to the interviewer right off the bat. In fact most hiring managers like the honesty and know that in many cases a person might not have a lot of interviews under his/her belt.

As for going into an interview with a lax attitude "Oh well...it's just a job"? Big Time WRONG attitude. Hiring managers are looking for people that do CARE and have a desire to get the job. Yes some like people that are comfortable and not squirming in their chairs. But there's being comfortable---and being cocky to the point it's a turn off to the hiring manager.

The idea of getting comfortable...practice interviews? That's a key point. Do internet searches on possible questions you'll be asked. Work with others in practicing. In many areas there is also a job center/community job center that has work shops and actually 'teaches' how to interview and give off the right signals that employers are looking for. In most cases? It's a free program.

Now before any one says "Tedy's full of crap....blah blah". I've been a location manager for 19 years in 3 different states. I have done the hiring and terminations for the same 19 years. There are many key items we look at....Not just how you answer questions, but (how to put this...) Does the applicant look "Genuine"? Or does he/she look like they think they are doing ME a favor by sitting down for an interview. (That's an automatic turn off.)

Just relax, practice, and be yourself And above all else? Maintain EYE contact with the person conducting the interview.

S-

 

[509lifted]

tedybear that is where i fail, i can't look an interviewer in the eyes. I dont know why i can't but when i do for some reason they intimidate me to the point that I feel they don't even wanna be doing the interview.

 

[97RangerXLT]

There is a bunch of excellent advice given here.

Some things that I will add is research the company thoroughly. Know the history, know what its SWOT is (Strengths, Weaknesses, Oportunities, Threats). Be yourself, ask questions about the company (bring a list on a notepad) Take notes. basically interact with the interviewer more than just answering questions that they may have.

They may have questions for you that you have no clue on, and just answer them truthfully and tell them you don't know but will research and find out. (and do the research, so when you get a follow up interview you will have the answer) This will impress them. Be prepared to answer questions like "Tell me about a time that you failed at something, and what did it teach you"

Ask them to give you a run down of a typical day on the job (even if you have a good idea of what it entails) Do not ask anything about compensation or money matters. Ask them when they will make a decision and contact you. once that date comes and goes, give them a follow up call to show you are interested in the job still.

When waiting for the interview, talk to the receptionist or person in the office if they are not busy. you might learn a few things from them about the company that you would not know from the internet etc..and the receptionist is usually the first test of any job interview, if they think you are not likeable, not worthy, you could get the ax right there before the interview even happens, but if the receptionist sings your praises, you got an extra plus.

Hope this helps, and good luck!

AJ

 

[Tedybear]

Just remember one key detail. Even the person doing the interview? He/She had to apply for a crap ton of jobs before this one. Yes it means moving out of your comfort zone. That's where the practice and workshops can be very useful.

Even if you can't keep eye contact all the time? Try not to have your eyes wander off into the distance. Focus on something like---if the person doing the interview is wearing a dress shirt and tie. Look directly at the tie or a button near the chin. Try to give focused answers and keep things short and sweet. As mentioned--YOU have the right to also ask questions about the job. Don't force your way 'in' with the question--while doing interviews managers will leave key times open for you to ask questions. Even the "Do you have any questions about the job you're applying for with us?" It's not the time to ask about $$ directly...more like "How many hours/days a week are you looking for from an applicant?". "Will I be able to receive feedback from a supervisor on my job performance, and be giving chances to improve and receiving advanced training?" Is there a dress code, and if so? What is it? The more the interviewer can open up to you? The better it is for you. It shows you're interested...and it mentally draws the person doing the interview over to your 'side'.

Always shake hands before and after the interview. And THANK the person for the interview.

S-

 

[97RangerXLT]

Just remember one key detail. Even the person doing the interview? He/She had to apply for a crap ton of jobs before this one. Yes it means moving out of your comfort zone. That's where the practice and workshops can be very useful.

Even if you can't keep eye contact all the time? Try not to have your eyes wander off into the distance. Focus on something like---if the person doing the interview is wearing a dress shirt and tie. Look directly at the tie or a button near the chin. Try to give focused answers and keep things short and sweet. As mentioned--YOU have the right to also ask questions about the job. Don't force your way 'in' with the question--while doing interviews managers will leave key times open for you to ask questions. Even the "Do you have any questions about the job you're applying for with us?" It's not the time to ask about $$ directly...more like "How many hours/days a week are you looking for from an applicant?". "Will I be able to receive feedback from a supervisor on my job performance, and be giving chances to improve and receiving advanced training?" Is there a dress code, and if so? What is it? The more the interviewer can open up to you? The better it is for you. It shows you're interested...and it mentally draws the person doing the interview over to your 'side'.

Always shake hands before and after the interview. And THANK the person for the interview.

S-

This.. especially the part about thanking the interviewer when done


AJ

 

[det107]

.....ask questions yourself. I LOVE hearing people ask about benefits, how our holiday pay is structured, and even the history of the company. Ask about those things. It makes you sound much more interested than the next guy.

This where I get up, bang my hands on the table and ask them sternly "ARE YOU READY TO ROLL UP YOUR SLEEVES AND GET TO WORK ??"
All kidding aside, may I suggest a couple of books which have shaped my way of thinking:
1) How to win friends and influence people by Dale Carnegie
IIRC, there is a chapter on public speaking
2) Unusually Excellent by John Hamm (Do they know you care ??)
The author quotes "Your biggest test as a leader is to motivate each member of your team to become fully engaged in the success of your project/task. That can only occur if you are engaged with them in their success."

Pretty basic requirements to get your foot in door.....
GOOD TRAITS:
Be sound of wind and limb
Be in good health
Be obedient
Easy to train, courageous, confident and calm
BAD TRAITS:
Be a nail biter (way down to the cuticle is not good)
Recoil under any circumstances
Have bad habits like 'running away from work detail(s), altercate, or attacking

Hope this helps-

 

[slipshift]

The guys have given you some good advice. Aside from the basics, firm handshake, eye contact, positive attitude, etc. you could do a practice interview. Go interview for a job you don't want, this will relieve some of the pressure on you. My favorite question from an interviewer was "What is your biggest fault:" One time I couldn't resist and told him I work too hard. A little humor doesn't hurt either.