Interview tactics

[athleticsnut]

Hello all.

I am heading for some job interviews soon and was interested to hear any stories people had about unusual things they've heard of people doing in an interview to make an impression. 2 stories I've heard of:

1. A guy who got a job at a big company who went into his interview and told them everything their company was doing wrong and what tricks they were missing.

2. A guy who when told "take a seat" wheeled the chair out of the office, when he walked back in he said "it might have been a bad joke, but you'll remember who I am when you discuss the interviews at the end of the day"

Thanks

[DillyGent]

My friend was being interviewed for a job with the NHS when one of the interviewers asked her if she had any weaknesses.  My friend answered that she was partial to a curry!  The three interviewers were in stitches for ages and cut the interview short.  She actually got the job!

[Hermia]

I imagine anyone trying anything wacky at an interview would be treading a fine line between looking original and looking a complete idiot! This guy came for an interview where I worked and he swaggered into the room and told us he was fabulous and just what we were looking for. He just came across as being arrogant (esp. as his CV wasn't much to write home about).

To be honest I think one of the best things to do at an interview is to be friendly to everyone you meet on the day (receptionist, person who makes the tea etc). I'm always surprised at how some interviewees are fantastically friendly and polite to the interview, but don't make an effort with anyone else. This always make me suspicious about their people skills.

The worst impression at an interview that I heard about was when this woman turned up wearing a fabulous skirt suit, but with bare hairy legs. Her legs were so bushy that the interviewers were transfixed by them throughout the interview!

[Mrs_Pegasus]

I agree with everything Hermia said, you have to be careful how you use humour, some jobs its good to have a wacky sense of humour (entertainer!) but others woudnt really appreciate it i.e. legal (not saying they have a sense of humour).

My story is i went for a civilian post at a very secure army base ;o) and it took nearly 20 mins to sign me in, photographs, bag and car search and then was escorted through the camp to the interview.  During the interview I was asked 'your biggest achievement to date?' I replied 'getting through ypur gates this morning!' I went on to explain the thorough search etc. and then added a more suitable reply.  They loved it and I was offered the job!

[c00ky83]

Weaknesses - after the previous b@stard of a question, I replied "answer questions more quickly".  Still, it beat the time I went to the wrong hotel and phoned the interviewer to ask why there was nobody there.  Didn't get either job!