interview advice

[nextqueen]

any tips about going for an interview? going for one next week and feel so green. im terrified in case i wont be able to answer their questions. is there a general format to how interviews are conducted?

[woofgang]

No but you would get brownie points by asking what the format of the interview would be so you can prepare.If the question is long or complex, take your time with answering, don't sit and look blankly though, have a notebook with you and jot down a note or two on your answer then look up take a breath and answer.
What are you being interviewed for?

[boxtops]

There isn't a standard format, it depends what sort of job you're going for, and who the employer might be? Big companies tend to be more formal than small ones, I find. Tell us more!

[merciasounds]

Well, make sure you know a little something about the company/and or product, and also from the job description get an understanding of what the job you'll be expected to do entails. A bit of BS never hurts, if asked 'and why do you want to work here?' Don't say coz the pay and holidays, say something along the lines of - well I know that
__________ is the biggest and/or best insurance company/rubber goods manufacturer/burger sellers around and I want to be a part of that success! Smile and don't be intimidated - also do a little role reversal, even if it's just in your head - would you want anyone or the interviewer working for you? Good Luck

[andy-hughes]

Dress smartly - you'd be surprised how many people turn up in jeans!

Walk in and make eye contact and hold out your hand to shake - smile, and shake hand once and release.

Sit down and don't cross your legs - looks too relaxed and over-confident. Put your hands together in your lap and keep them still.

Keep breathing deeply and try to relax - though it's not easy.

Make sure you make eye contact with whom ever is talking to you.

Answer the question and stop - it's an interview, you don;t have to keep talking to fill the silences.

Don't be afraid to take a moment to collect your thoughts - it shows you do think before you speak, and employers appreciate that.

Be as neutral as possible bout yuour current status - talk up the good bits, but steer clear of any negative issues if possible.

Be honest with your answers - they will catch you out in a lie.

When they ask if you have any questions - DO NOT MENTION SALARY OR HOLIDAYS!

DO ask them when they would like you to be available to start if you were successful - looks keen and focuses their minds on the possibility that you will be starting working for them.

At the end, thank them for their time. Smile at each one and shake hands.

Do not be heard sighing when you get out of the room!!!

Good luck!!!!

[woofgang]

well said andy Hughes. I would only add (and I am sure its not necessary) make sure your nails are clean and varnish is immaculate if you use it.

[nextqueen]

help, im thinking of jumping ship. its making me ill the pressure i am putting myself under yet i am torn as you never know what the outcome is if you dont go. im just so scared i wont be able to answer the questions nor come across as myself. it will be infront of a selected panel. should i phone to ask what the format will be before withdrawing? btw, its to teach disadvantaged teenagers.

[andy-hughes]

Remember, everyone on that inverview panel will have at where you are, and in far more hostile circumstances - in order to get to their current position, so they know exactly how you feel.

The purpose of the exercise is to find someone to fill the advertised post, so that's what they are looking for - not to trip you up and make you feel uncomfortable.

You have been selected for an interview - that means you have already passed a 'paper sift', and means they think you are worth their time to meet and talk to.

For those reasons, be confident that you stand a good chance.

As far as 'being yourself' - that's not the idea, so don't worry about it - it is an artifical situation and everyone knows that, so if you stay relaxed and think about your answers, you will do just fine.

Interviews are like hang gliding - it feels far more scary thinking about it than when you actually come to do it.

No-one is going to die - the worst that will happen is that you are unsuccessful, which leaves you where you are now - nothing lost - experienced gained.

You have nothing to lose - go for it - and let us know!

[nextqueen]

i re read the interview letter today and it said that the 'group'? interview will last approx 1 hour. what do you determine by this? this is in the first paragraph, its only later on in the letter it says there will be a selection panel conducting the interview. what is a group interview. is it just referring to how many are infront of you or is it something else? surely one person infront of a panel cant take an hour can it?

[andy-hughes]

i wold suggest that a 'group' interview is the same as a panel - you will be interviewd by several people - perhaps three or four. It can last an hour - some interviews can last a day, even two - depending on the job on offer.

As I said, don;t worry - keep calm, and you'll be fine.

Remember, they think sufficiently highly of your application to want to meet you - that is always a good sign - and secondly, they do want to employ someone, why not you?

Good luck!

[ilovetohelp13]

Try these interview tips from Payscale.com - http://bitly.com/Zh2jdR