Interviews

[weeal]

Job interviewing seems to have taken on a new method (new to me) in what seems like all interviewers ask ridiculous questions that do not relate to the actual job. Recently I was interviewed for a 'typing' job and was asked "if you could make a poster about yourself, what would it say", and things like "imagine this scenario...when has it happened to you in the past and what did you do to get out of the situation". I would have thought these were questions for executive type positions and not mere typists/secretary jobs? I have now had 4 of these in a row and get more n more nervous each time, I cant survive many more interviews. Any suggestions why its now so different? Any tips for my nerves? I have never seen the likes in 26 years.

[loonytunes]

People rehearse the answers to questions they know will be asked. It says nothing about the individual or what they can add to a team. I used to ask people who indicated on an application that they liked to meet people, "If I could bring anyone into this room to meet you today, who would you most like it to be?". You'd be surprised how many people had never given it a thought. I also once asked, "If you woke up tomorrow and found you ruled the world, what would be the first thing you did?". Most clammed up, others said "I would cure poverty/hunger/wars, etc." The successful applicant said "Put my glasses on and get up, just like always" . Why not rehearse an answer to a daft question and, when an interviewer asks you something you aren't expecting, reply by saying "Ah, you've asked me the wrong question, you should have asked.........and then proceed to answer the one you want to.

[weeal]

ah at last my post was answered lol

I see what you mean, I just wonder is it appropriate for every job and whereas I am very good at my job and completely confident whilst carrying out my tasks and mix well with people, I cannot portray that in an interview. I am no good when put on the spot whilst being stared at in a confined space.

[loonytunes]

You're right, its not applicabel for every position. As for nerves, I don't think anything will prepare you for that. It comes from confidence. If you are sure of your knowledge, you can deal with any situation.

[Sasha13]

A lot of times weeal they'll ask this type of question to see how quickly you can think and how confident you are in unfamiliar situations so in some ways it does tie into the type of job you're looking for.

They're not so much looking to analyse your answer - i.e. it's not that one answer is right, one is wrong - it's more to see if you turn into a total wreck when the interview takes a turn that you weren't expecting.

On this basis, just say the first thing that comes into your head! Take a deep breath, say a throw away comment like 'that's an interesting question' in order to give yourself a couple of seconds to think, then just answer with your first instinct.

They won't mind if you don't answer for a couple of seconds - it shows that you're thinking about your reply.

[weeal]

yeah v.true , I will need to start practising haha

[Sasha13]

Yeah, it does take a bit of practice, but the good news is it's a skill that can be learnt.

For example, you could think of one person you admire and lots of reasons as to why.

This one person could then be used to answer any number of interview questions e.g.

Who do you most admire and why?
Who would you most like to meet and why?
Who would you most like to be stuck in a lift with and why?

etc etc

Think of about 5 people you like - both people you know and people you don't and think of 5 people you wouldn't like to meet and why and then they'll do for almost any question.

Lots of luck! x

[weeal]

Sasha youre a wee star, thanks for the advice, I will get my thinking hat on and await my next opportunity

You make it sound like fun lol

[bensmum]

I was once asked - if you were a biscuit what would you be and why?!!

[Sasha13]

You're very welcome!!

If you think it's fun that's great - it'll come across in the interview!!

Let me know if you want any more help - I've done enough interviewing in my time so can give you some hints and tips!!

[weeal]

lol bensmum, which biscuit did you pick or did you burst out laughing

[weeal]

Sasha, loads of thanks, I will let you know how i get on (tho interviews are kinda thin on the ground at the mo).

[bensmum]

I laughed - I did say I didn't expect that one but obviously that's why they asked it. I said digestive - nothing out of the ordinary and doesn't offend anyone,
Actually this might be a good, trivial question for Body & Soul!

[Count_Emmup]

Chap on a similar talk-board was asked in an interview what his favourite vegetable is - he said "Oh, f*ck off!", and walked out!

He didn't get the job!

[newtron]

I hate stupid questions in interviews. I had a job interview not too long ago that I was very nervous about. The entire interview process lasted a whole day. I rehearsed answering a lot of wierd questions. Fortunately, they ended up asking only questions that were relevent to the job I would be doing. I was very relieved because I have no problem talking about the work I do. My hour long presentation went over well also. I also got two free meals. It was a very good interview. And I got the job.

[weeal]

hi Newtron, congrats on getting the job, yeah its a relief when its all about the actual job description isnt it. No point in having smart answers if you cant complete the task in hand.

Thanks all for your help, and laughs, about interviews. Al x