Group Interview @ Schuh

[chilliwitch]

Afternoon all!Just got the phone call I've been waiting for!I've got a interview for the deputy manager at Schuh but I need your advice.It's a group interview,there will be 7/8 others plus the interviewers,I've got to do a presentation lasting no longer than 5 minutes about myself professionally and personally.No overhead projectors,powerpoint etc so its basically me and my mouth!!!What do I say without blowing my own trumpet too much and also what do I wear?obviously its quite a "trendy"shop so do I go smart/casual or just smart?Never been to a group interview before so am lost at what to do/say!
TIA
Chill x

[sunflower68]

Chill well done firstly I just read a post from you dated April; seemed you were really unhappy in the last job.
I am no expert but have been both sides of the interview table and this is the perfect opportunity for you to blow your own trumpet for that is what an interview is all about. Try and work out what it is they loved on your cv and expand on that perhaps.
You should in fact be doing about 75% of the talking if I remember rightly!
Please don't let this put you off; it sounds like you have had a successful career to date and maybe the last place has dented your confidence.
If you are not a "showy" type and it sounds like you aren't, your presentation should be fine. Write down key points and try and remember them. Use visual prompts and get them in your head so you don't forget.
Practice infront of somebody or the mirror.
Be interesting, be likeable. The people will also want to assess if they can spend 8 hours a day in your company!!
A tip I use is that as they are bound to ask at the end if you have any questions, I always do a bit of research on the company and have a few clever, interesting questions which they might enjoy answering at the end such as their training programmes (go online) their sales figures or products etc.
Do dress your very most gorgeous best - imho first impressions really do count.
Finally, a firm handshake and eye contact and "thankyou for seeing me I have been looking forward to meeting you today".
Good luck, very daunting but I am sure you will be fine.

[chilliwitch]

Sunflower thank u for your very helpful answer.youre right the last job did knock my confidence but this is a place i would love to work at.going to make a board with pics of my family,fave things,hobbies and things i associate with myself.clothes are going to be smart but not too formal and a killer pair of shoes!!!my stars are looking good as well says about a position with more income if im brave and not too nervous but hey what does russell grant know about me!!!once again sunflower ty for the great advice wish me luck!!

[sunflower68]

Ah good luck Chilli personally these kind of things are all about that deep breath head up and walk in kind of moment which I am sure you will be great at!!
Just use your usual interview skills and think CONFIDENCE. Ha ha I bet those killer heels will do the trick for confidence too just don't fall over!!!x

[Anngel123]

You will probably find you will stand out more if you are smartly turned out (Obviously if you have any Schuh shoes that are not outrageous they would be good). Keep the perfume low key. Try not to giggle (if you are a giggler) but it is good if you can get some gentle humour in there. Try to show that you are a team player, if you can include any innovations you may have brought to the workplace. How you may have helped diffuse a difficult situation may also be good. If you have trouble making eye contact look from left to right just above the interviewers's heads. Also, be sure and be friendly with the other interviewees. It is easy to be stressed out before an interview and chatting could help.....Have you come from far away is a good starting point. Aren't the shoes great? etc. Very good luck to you chilli. From your post you sound confident and pleasant. should be a breeze!!!

[chilliwitch]

Do u know what this afternoon i felt so stressed and thought i couldn't do this but thanks to you both, sunflower and anngel i feel really upbeat and confident that i can go there and sell myself well, thank you both so very much for the boost!if i get the job come in and i'll make sure u get some great discount!!!
Ps anngel the only footwear i have from schuh is knee high red patent boots or new rocks!!!so that means a new pair for interview,what a shame!!
Again ty both so much x

[Anngel123]

Red patent boots might get their attention....LOL Good luck hunny. Let us know how you do...just post on this thread and we will see

[sunflower68]

Yes Chill let us know how it goes you have as much chance as anyone else of getting this and I will then decide on my new shoes hehe!x

[brenda]

Be sincere in what you say ,and look people in the eye .Smart casual dress for me. All the very best of luck . Let us know if you wish of the result.

[Anngel123]

I am intrigued to know if Chilliwithch was successful in her interview.....

[chilliwitch]

Hi Anngel.
Still waiting to hear if I've got through to 2nd stage,should know by Wednesday.Think I did ok but who knows?There were a few of us so fingers crossed.I did all I could but had a bit of a mind freeze when I had to do my presentation but think I pulled it back.
Thanks for all your advice before.
Chill x