A
female
age
30-35,
anonymous
writes:Hi, right this isn;t really a relationship question but I wondered if you could still give me some advice. I have a job interview coming up, and I also have to do an assessment centre before hand. I've been to one before and failed miserably as it was mainly who could shout the loudest and gain control suceeded. I know not all of them are like this and many did complain about the way that one was conducted so I need advice to give me an advantage when I go.I'm a very nervous person and I feel its my lack of confidence that lets me down, I always get my words mixed up even if I practise what to say before hand because I have so many other thoughts in my mind it all tries to come out in one. So I really need advice in general. I'm a garaduate however I have only had one job in my whole life which is my current position of a sales assistant so you really don't learn much from that.I know there afew team building exercises so what is a good way to make yourself stand out the the assessor and for them to notice you?How can I be confident with my speech and make them love me?What sort of questions could you ask at the end?What could they ask me and what is the best response to give?I know one question will be "what have you been doing this past year?" ... Now the thing is ive been doing an online course which would look good to anyone however I am worried about telling them as it is a course in social media marketing and the job role im applying for is customer service advisor. So whilst I want to look good my showing I've kept my focus and invested in a course they're going to think why would you do that if you want to wok in customer service, so what can I say?Also I am going for a visit tomorrow just to look around as I thought that would show commitment to the company, however if he asks the dreaded question of "what do you think then/so far?" what response should you give? I always fail on little questions like that.Any advise you could give would be fantastic, also if any of you have been in my position I would love to hear your expereiences.
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female
reader, Euphoric29  +, writes (23 July 2013):
Dear OP,
Don't make everything depending on this one job. You sometimes need to go to several assessments and get rejected several times until you find the right thing. So go there with an attitude "if I don't make it this time, it's not the end of the world. I will find another employer that likes me". This will already lower the nervousness a bit, I hope.
Answer honestly, but with a focus on your strengths. List your strengths before you go there: You're motivated, young, you graduated, you've got work experience with customers and you did a course which is not closely, but loosely related to the job you want. Find out why this course is still a plus for your current job.
Also, dress in a professional way.
When I'm nervous, it helps me to take a deep breath every once in a while. And to focus on the interviewer, not on me and my signs of nervousness.
Good luck!
A
female
reader, kellyO +, writes (22 July 2013):
 Hi Anom,
Is a good thing you have been to an assessment center before as this will give you an edge.Don't worry about the last assessment it probably wasn't the right fit. What companies look for in assessment centers include team-work, problem solving, leadership and communication skills among others. I was also in an assessment center years back when i was a graduate and i was the most quiet person(others were extremely loud as you say) in the team yet i got the job. You don't have to be the loudest just be yourself. What companies are looking for is someone who can lead others intelligently and i was able to do that. Carry out research about the company and the role. This will give the knowledge to stir others to your view point during the team exercise.
Prepare short questions and answers for key interviews questions. Please don't memorize the answers just be aware of them so you know what to say. Examples of questions might includes, Your Strength, Your weakness, where you see yourself in 5 years, why did apply to the company, an example of when you lead a team, greatest achievement till date etc. You can find more of these questions on the internet.
On the night before the interview make sure you get plenty of rest, dress properly on the day and make sure you have a copy of your resume on hand.After the assessment center or interviewer and you are invited for dinner with the interviewers please don't drink alcohol . Someone in my team years back got drunk and was making a pass at one of the interviewers.of course he didn't get the job.he was heavily embarrassed the next day and he couldn't continue the interview.
Lastly, it is good to ask questions to the interviewers as well.It is good to get a feel of the company working conditions,career prospects for graduates etc.Since you are thinking about it, I know you will prepare hard and will be ready.
All the best
Kelly
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A
reader, anonymous, writes (22 July 2013): I'm sorry I have typing error.
It should be in a way, that you can perfectly profile them. I wasn't looking while typing.
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A
reader, anonymous, writes (22 July 2013): Hi there!
Confidence is something you could work on.
Fake it. if you think your shaking because of nervousness.
Think of ways how to control it. Don't worry about being nervous. Everyone is. A little anxiety is a healthy thing; it keeps your energy level high.
Study what you have to say. Job interviews, always starts about yourself. So practice. Your weaknesses and Strength's.
Dress for the job. I always dress nicely when I go to work.
It makes me feel good and perform better when I do. So I dress to motivate myself.
Also research about the company your applying for.
If your applying for a marketing position, it would be best if you create a marketing blueprint for them. Just a mini one of course. To impress them. How you see the company, current surveys they have, what you can do, etc.
Its impressive and it tells them your serious to be a part of their company.
So since you mention your applying as a customer service advisor, and you studied social media marketing, that's interesting. All you need to do is just to highlight to them why you think you should be the best person for the said position.
To me Social media marketing involves communication and interaction with key audiences. So when you say key audiences, it refers to people. Your Customers.
You studied and understand their wants and their needs, so without a doubt your the perfect person to be hired. Because you can relate to them in a way that perfectly profile them.
Just try to research more about the job and how you will be able to ace the interview. No doubt you can do it.
Just believe in yourself and control your nervousness.
Good Luck!
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A
female
reader, Madalo 1  +, writes (22 July 2013):
Maybe another poster can answer the other questions but i'll just give a few tips:1st of all, learn all you can about the organisation and the position you're vying for. This will give you confidence answering questions related to such.2ndly, have a look at your cv again and capitalise on your strengths. You should be able to convince the panel why you're best suited for the job.Dress well. No heavy make up, wear a jacket, closed shoes and if you'll wear a skirt it shouldnt be too short.As a customer service person, you need to smile and dont lose eye contact. Excellent communication with clients is important, therefore your interviewers should be able to see that capability in you.You can search on the net as well, i'm sure you'll find a lot of helpful advice.
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