A
female
age
26-29,
anonymous
writes:i have two interviews coming up in the week , one is a group interview and the other is just with the manager im assuming . they are both for a the same retail shop but in different areas . they are also both xmas temp positions. I would really like this vacancy because for the past 5 years ive worked in 2 restaurants so just really wanna learn something different and try something new and I feel ready for change .I just would like advice on knowing how to present myself , what to wear ( I don't really own anything black and wont be buying anything black I just mean in terms of smart clothing ) how do deal with nerves , what should I talk about with the other people and questions to ask and things to do make myself stand out .I am a very nervous person and I would say shy but other people say I just seem quiet so I do find interviews incredibly nerve wrecking but I also have been looking forward to them so just want overall tips on dealing with these nerves .another thing is I currently have a permanent postion working in a restaurant but like I said I really want a change and if I was accepted the xmas temp vacancy and my interviews go okay I know I would want to take the opportunity and leave my current job and accept the other despite the fact I may not get kept on after xmas and due to this my parents would I feel guide me to keep with my permanent position as my dad in particular I feel can be quite dictative not in a bullying way but in way that's puts me off from me doing what I want to do , so how can I deal with this ?
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female
reader, anonymous, writes (31 October 2019): Quitting a permanent job for a part time job is a big risk and there is a low likelihood you will be kept on (which might make you feel like you’ve failed, even though you haven’t and have a negative impact on your morale). Personally I think you’re better off holding out for a permanent position in an area you want to work....
That said, it would be good interview practice for you even if you don’t take the job. So it’s probably still worth going to the interview.
Dress more smart than you think you need to, especially if you are going to a group interview. Make sure you dress modestly, wear modest makeup (if you wear makeup) and have clean hair, nails, teeth, etc.
Smile and be friendly during the interview.
Think about some good questions in advance ... e.g. you could ask the person interviewing you what they enjoy about working for the company, how much time you are likely to spend on different tasks, opportunities for progression, etc. Asking questions will make it look like you are really interested in the role and happy to learn.
Try to relax and enjoy it.
Good luck
A
female
reader, Youcannotbeserious + ♥, writes (31 October 2019):
 Some great advice given already. I would just add that, in your shoes I would break the ice by admitting, right at the start, that you are nervous. Just say something like "I haven't had much practice at interviews, so you will have to excuse me if I am a bit nervous". That gives a good interviewer a chance to reassure you and relax you before you start. If they ask WHY you are nervous, just say something like "I have no idea what to expect, although I have tried to come prepared".
I have experience from "the other side of the table" so to speak and can tell you the things WE like to see/hear.
DO's
- Arrive on time.
- Look clean and tidy.
- Thank the interviewer for seeing you (either at the beginning or end or both).
- Usually the interviewer will tell you a little about the job/company at the beginning. Listen carefully and remember any questions you may have.
- Look the interviewer in the eye when you/they are speaking.
-Smile (this will help you relax).
- BREATH. That may sound obvious but you would be amazed how many people are so nervous they hold their breath!
- The interviewer will probably ask at the end of the interview whether you have any questions. If you have, now is the time to ask (like whether the job could become permanent). If not, say something like "I think you have covered everything I need to know." (rather than just a straight "no").
- Be prepared. There are standard questions which crop up regularly in interviews. Why do you want this job? What qualities will you bring to this job? What are your strengths and weaknesses? (For the weakness question, it is always good to have something lined up which isn't too much of a weakness, like "I am very particular about detail and feel frustrated if something is not quite right" or "I find it difficult to say no when asked to do something".) Think about all these things before you go and have answers prepared.
DON'T
- Don't fidget (with clothes, pens, anything - this is really off-putting for an interviewer who is also trying to concentrate). This includes yawning, stretching, etc.
- Don't overdo the jewelry and make-up.
- Don't talk over the interviewer. This will make them wonder if you will do the same to customers.
- Don't be afraid to admit you do not have experience of something. Answer this by saying "I haven't done that yet but I would really like to get the chance to learn."
- Don't slag off your present employer or job. If asked why you want to leave the job, say, as you have in your post, that you enjoy your current job but feel ready to widen your experience and meet new challenges.
Good luck.
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A
female
reader, anonymous, writes (30 October 2019): Don't ACT just be your wonderful authentic self.
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A
reader, anonymous, writes (30 October 2019): Your father is pressing you to be more mature and less intimidated. He has to! That's his job.
To teach you to be independent and courageous. You are calling it bullying, that's a gross misinterpretation. Do you want to always be treated like a child? If you show no gumption or a little ambition; he's going to challenge you, to bring it out of you. If you seem clueless, he's going to tell you what to do! He fears for your safety and wellbeing while you're on your own! He's shoving you out of the nest, by being irritating and pushy! Like a boss!
Overcoming shyness and timidity is part of becoming more mature and confident. If he has to press you or advise you; it's not to bully or dictate to you. He's coaching, and forcing you to pushback. The world only pushes you around, if you let them. You don't have to be defensive or edgy; just be confident that you can be just as strong and independent as anybody else.
When your dad sees your maturity and confidence, he will lighten-up. He pokes and prods to bring out the fight in you. The real-world isn't going to coddle you like a baby. You'll be quitting one job after another, if you're going to search for a place where everybody is nice and smiley all day long. You're not always nice, you can also get angry; and you can't expect any other human being to always be nice and agreeable. Time to grow-up!
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A
reader, anonymous, writes (30 October 2019): Dress neatly and conservatively. Be relaxed and calm; but show enthusiasm. Retail and restaurant employment doesn't rise to the level of showing-off your big-time qualifications; but you have to be polite, attentive, and able to explain how you feel you're best suited for the job. Sit-up straight, chin-up, and look your interviewer in the eyes. Don't stare, just as you normally do when someone is speaking to you.
Smile! You don't have to grin foolishly. Politely chuckle if the interviewer cracks a joke to break the tension and relax you. I've found a healthy smile at the opening of the interview puts everyone at ease.
When you're a naturally-nervous person, you have to rehearse your interview. Have one of your friends play-act an interview with you. Do it a couple of times.
If you've gotten a job before, you put your head where it was when you interviewed for your last job. It's not rocket science, it's using your interactive-skills. You demand respect and the attention of your interviewer. If you can talk to an interviewer with confidence, you are also demonstrating your ability to interact with a client or patron.
Stop building-up things in your mind, and over-thinking. Rest on your maturity, and stop letting the scared little-girl create wild scenarios of things going wrong in your imagination.
If you want something bad enough, you'll figure-out how to get it. Let your inner-determination and ambition be your guide.
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A
female
reader, Honeypie  + ♥, writes (30 October 2019):
 I agree that trying something new is a good idea, but... if you are wanting your independence, having temporary/seasonal jobs is just not all that practical. Especially if you have bills to pay. You are OLD enough to be responsible for that.
I would agree with Auntie BimBim that you should ASK if there is a chance to be hired on a more permanent basis after the season is over, if not... I'd stick to the permanent position and APPLY for permanent opening jobs in whatever AREA you would LIKE to get experience.
Though being a seasonal worker can GET you the foot in the door for permanent positions, so it can a way to see if you like that kind of job and if you are any good at it. Who knows you might dislike the retail type job. It would also serve you well on an application to a permanent job that you had some job experience.
As for what to wear, nothing too short, too fancy or too sloppy. sounds confusing?! Well, yes it can be.
Just keep it simple and classy. Same with make up and hair.
It's OK to be nervous for a job interview. Everyone is. Just be mindful that you don't talk over other people, and that you are articulate when you ARE asked questions or get a chance to talk. DO NOT be late for your interview. IF you have a CV already (resume) bring an extra copy- make SURE your name and contact info is on it, also have a little notepad/pen to write down things you either want to ask about or take note off. Yes, you can do that on your phone but that seems so unprofessional in the sense that you look to be ON your phone. Prepare and PRACTICE questions. Since you are a nervous person BE aware not to fidget.
Since this is a seasonal job position the job interview might be a lot more relaxed but still be prepared.
Look the person who is conducting the interview in the eyes and smile.
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A
female
reader, Aunty BimBim  +, writes (30 October 2019):
 For both interviews dress as you would if you had the job already.
Interviewers generally are aware most interviewees are nervous and will make allowances for this.
In the event you are successful in the job interview it is unlikely you will be asked to stay on after the Christmas rush, they probably haven't budgeted for ongoing employees. You might need to also consider your current employers will probably be reluctant to take you back if you quit for a temporary position and leave them in the lurch prior to Christmas.
My advice would be to go to the interviews and when they ask if you have any questions ask if there is any chance of being kept on after Christmas. Unless its an emphatic yes I suggest you keep the permanent position you already have while you look for another permanent position.
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