A
female
age
26-29,
*ustjess
writes:So not a relationship question but I don't really know anyone else I can ask.I have my first ever job interview on Wednesday, I'm speaking to the lady on the phone on Monday for her to tell me a little bit about the role.I've got the whole 'dress smart' thing but I have no idea what to do.I've been told that it was the cover letter on my C.V. which has gotten me the interview as apparently I cam across as friendly, inviting and good lol. And the lady I spoke to on the phone said if I come across as good in person as I do on the phone and in my cover letter then I've got nothing to worry about.. But that doesn't stop me worrying lol.I've been told I should have a couple of good Qs ready, but I can't think of any Qs that wont make me sound like a right wally!so any tips that you could give me would be greatly recieved. :Dthanks in advance Reply to this Question
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male
reader, C. Grant  +, writes (5 February 2011):
 When I'm interviewing someone, I'd like to see that they've made an effort to learn about the company. That's not so tough with the internet. Look at the company's website. Understand their products and services, and who their competitors are. Try to get a sense of what their challenges are. If you're interviewing with Sainsbury, know something about Tesco too.
You probably want a job, any job, and you don't personally care all that much what it is or with whom. Do not let the interviewer get that sense! Know what job you're applying for, and think about what sensible thing you can say about why you are a strong candidate, how you can make a solid contribution.
The "good questions" is a fair point, but that really depends upon what you're applying for. If you're applying to be a receptionist, you could ask about their policy on dealing with difficult clients. But you're quite right to be careful -- asking about advancement opportunities, for example, can send the wrong message. If you're comfortable giving a bit more detail, I can perhaps give you better guidance.
Be confident but not cocky. Polite but not a doormat.
Good luck!
A
female
reader, golddigger99  +, writes (5 February 2011):
 I took an entire class on this! I'm sure I can give you some pointers.
Try the following:
- Sit up straight
- Speak up, don't mumble
- Sound sure, don't question what you say, believe in what you say
- Keep your hair away from your face
- Cross your legs or your ankles when you sit
- Smile
- 3Gs, smell good, look good, be good
- Answer correctly, say "Yes" and not "Yeah", use "Yes Ma'am" and "No Sir"
- Try not to figit and move around so much, you may be nervous, but don't look nervous
- Research the company which you will be interviewing with, know who frequents there, know their products, research their ownership, drive by and study their hours of operation, etc.
- If you are still in school, make sure they are aware of this and are willing to work with you. Give them a detailed schedule of what your school schedule looks like. Print this out and take it with you. If you show them that you are serious about this job, then they will take you serious too.
- The most important part of interviewing is having fun! Employers want to see that you are excited and can relate to the place of employment. If you can enjoy yourself during the stressful time of an interview, then surely you can enjoy earning money being there!
Hope this helps. GOOD LUCK!
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A
reader, anonymous, writes (5 February 2011): If you want the job, TELL HER you really want it.
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A
female
reader, anonymous, writes (5 February 2011): I have done a few interviews in my time and have so far been quite successful. So my advice to you is:
* Be confident - not cocky/arrogant. Research the organisation and specific role that you're applying for.
* Google mock interview questions, and come up with answers in your head that you can say during the interview - this is very useful because similar questions often arise during all interviews.
* When answering the questions in the interview take a couple of seconds to think about what you will say, then when you answer use the STAR technique. The star technique is as follows:
S - situation
T - task
A - action
R - result
So if your asked to give an example of a time that you workd as part of a team then provide a little background info (situation), why you were in the team (task), what your role was in the team (action), then what you and your team achieved (result).
* Know your CV and coverletter in case they pull questions from them.
* Lastly be your friendly self, feel confident that the reason you got this far is because you sounded bright and bubbly, so (despite the little bit of nerves) let that shine through.
You'll ace it!! :-)
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