Job Interview

[iwantthatone]

Hi...I've got a job interview tomorrow, just as a part-time receptionist at a local newspaper office.  As im pretty new to work, and didn't have to attend an interview for my last part-time job...does anyone know what sort of things they're likely to ask..?

Thanks.

[sammy snake]

Just from general experience, typical questions are usually along the lines of:

'Why are you interested in the position'

'What quailities could you bring to our company'

'What experience do you have in this type of work'.

 

Depending on the type of job, a few of the interviews I have attended have asked questions like these:

'Give me an example in the last three months where you have used your skills to solve a problem at work'

Give an example of whne you last had to deal with a complaint, what was is, how did you handle it, what was the outcome'

'Tell me abou a situation on the last 3 months where you have had to use your initiative'

 

Stuff like that.  Basically I learned to have examples ready for all my 'skills' so that I didn't just sit there goinmg 'er...well, let me see....ermm......'

 

Good luck!

[Bangkok]

In addition to those above, they may ask you what you think your strengths and weaknesses are - try to give a weakness that it actually a stength (but not too obviously!).  For example, you could say that you get annoyed with yourself if you don't have an opportunity to do you best work (cliched, but still valid).

They may also ask about your interests.  Try to give examples that show you can work alone (reading, knitting etc) and as a team (team sports, amateur dramatics).  Don't claim unusual hobbies that you have little idea about - the interviewer might be an expert and genuinely want to talk about the subject, and you would be out of your depth. 

The other main line of questioning is about your ambitions.  Try to avoid seeming unrealistically ambitious, but be positive, eg short to medium term I want a job where I can contribute and enjoy my job, the longer term will depend on a lot of factors, but I would like a position of responsibility.

[Le Chat]

As a receptionist, I was asked "What makes you angry?" Obviously had I answered the question "People asking me ridiculous questions!" I would not have secured the position as this situation is a frequent happening whilst manning the desk!! It's the type of tricky question that is hard to answer on the spare of the moment, so it's worth considering beforehand!

[becks]

I don't reckon they'll ask you anything too hard but it'll be worth knowing about the newspaper - just a few figures maybe, and say you regularly read it, even if you pick up a copy and mention something you sae this week - makes you look like you care about the compnay. As for weaknesses, being a perfectionist is a good one, although EVERYONE uses it, mine is impatience in that i want to get everything done quickly and it frustrates me when i have to wait for people to get back to me.. however this has helped me improve my prioritising skills - see!

[iwantthatone]

Thanks everyone! Got the job! Woohoo!

[Bangkok]

Excellent, you can buy us a beer with you first salary!  Congratulations, well done

[chinadoll]

Fab advice ...am going to print out this page and keep it for future reference.....thanks

[Greedyfly]

How did it go then?

[iwantthatone]

It went OK, not quite as well as I would have liked at the time, but I thought it would be good experience anyway. Both the interviewers were very nice, which helped!  Was quite surprised to have been offered the job later on!

[krissy04]

This is awesome advice...i printed it out for further reference also! :)

HAPPY NEW YEAR to all!