| Product: |
Interview Tips & Advice |
| Date: |
10/12/07 (237 review reads) |
| Rating: |
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Advantages: For some it will be the route to a dream job
Disadvantages: for others it will be a kick in the teeth because they failed
This review is inspired by my most recent review on Christmas songs or rather the comments left on my review!
As a relatively new member here I have to say that I have been touched by some of the kind, supportive comments left for me. I have had a horrible few months of trying frantically to get a job. I am not the sort of person who would happily sit around and wait for the right job to appear, I work very hard for what I want. After spending 4 years at university and getting a good degree I am unemployable - or so it would seem 300+ applications later.
I was feeling a little low at the weekend after an unsuccessful interview when in fact it was a great interview but I wasn't 'experienced' enough so I thought I would share my thoughts and tips with you.
OK, so after my second ever interview I am hardly the person to offer advice and give tips, especially as I have not managed to secure a position.
My first interview was atrocious...I sat in the room with a panel of 7 professional people and shook uncontrollably. When asked a question I interrupted with the wrong answer often forgetting the question being asked. They looked like the cast of a horror movie which didn't really help!
So here are a few tips that have been passed onto me and would have worked on Friday had I been more experienced (the job description asked for an experienced person).
APPLICATION
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You may not think it but the most important part of an interview process is the application. I have applied for over 300 jobs and been offered two interviews. This would show me that an employer's first impression of me is low for one or more reasons.
It has got to the point where I know contact the employer for feedback on my application and ask for ways to improve. Then again what is a good impression to one employer may not necessarily impress another.
Every application should be copied and kept in a folder until you know it is safe to reject (often after short-listing or realising after a year you have not been offered an interview).
It is important to keep the application to refer to at a later stage in case you get invited to interview. Each job will have different person specification and your personal statement will address each one. Imagine if you are applying for several jobs a day you will struggle to remember which job requires what.
THE SHORTLISTING PROCESS
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I scream when I get a letter through the post invited me to interview...probably a good thing for those around me that I have only been offered two! Its so exciting and often an excuse to celebrate before you've actually been offered the job.
It is polite and often expected to write a short letter confirming your attendance as some places will provide a lunch, welcome pack or will have planned a specific programme of events.
At this point the prospective employer will contact your referees for a reference. I will advise you to contact your referee. I found out the day before my interview that my referee had not sent the reference off because he didn't think I would get the job. Safe to say I have now redone my referees.
A WEEK BEFORE
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The week before your interview is the time to prepare any resources you will need. Some places will get you to jump through many hoops and the panel interview is only one minor part. Some places will require you to hold a debate on a given subjects, teach a session or give a board meeting/training or presentation. The better prepared you are the easier it will seem.
It's also a good idea to look up any information about the company. Try to find out more about the company by research league tables, facts and figures or even ask existing employees about the company.
Get your clothes sorted, there is nothing worse than waiting until the night before to realise there is a stain on your jacket or that your tights have laddered.
DRESS
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Probably so important it needs its own title! Not only will dressing smart make you feel more confident it will give an exceptional first impression. There is no point wearing a trouser/skirt suit if you are still going to attend with greasy hair, scruffy nails or stubble.
The preparation both a week advance and the night before could be the difference between getting the job or being turned down.
DO NOT wear high shoes if you cannot walk in them or wear bright 'look at me' nail varnish or make up. If you are really pedantic read a few studies on interview psychology. One study found that many male interviewers like the colour amethyst (apparently) so if you are male wear an amethyst tie and if you're female wear an amethyst shirt....whether this is true or not its worth a try! I will try it next time ;-)
THE NIGHT BEFORE
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Prepare all clothes, bag and resources early on so that the stress is over. Try to remain calm about everything. Plan your journey the night before so that you have more time for metal preparation in the morning. Most places allow you to claim travelling expenses back so I will catch a taxi so I don't have to worry about getting there.
Get a relaxing bath listen to some calming music (available from places such as Woolworths for £5.99) and light some lavender candles. Paint your nails and have a good shave. Make sure that when you leave the bathroom over an hour later you feel radiant and ready too take on the world.
Have an early nigh...there is nothing worse than huge black bags under your eyes! Try and stay away from the computer try lying in a darkened room to relax.
ON THE MORNING
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If you want to grab a quick shower to wake you up this may help. Make sure you wake up early enough for everything you need to do, you will already know how you are getting there and if you are living with a partner/parents then ask them to make breakfast so you have nothing to worry about.
My mum straightened my hair and painted my nails on the morning before my interview and I could sit back and relax. I was unfortunately on antibiotics so my eating times were messed up.
I listened to Chris Moyles Breakfast Show on Radio one and this made me chuckle. I even danced around my room and burnt off a lot of nervous energy.
ARRIVING AT THE VENUE
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Int roduce yourself to the receptionist remembering that everyone will be making a first impression of you so appear to be calm, confident and successful even if you feel different inside. They may ask you to sit and wait. Remember you are at the venue to make a judgement on whether you will be happy there as much as they form judgements on you.
Try and picture working there on a daily basis...can you do it? don't be afraid to with draw if you suddenly realise that you would end up committing a crime on your first day there!
Many places will have a set programme for the day involving many hoops and hurdles you will need to jump over (not literally of course). The other candidates will be waiting and instead of giving evils or assuming they are the enemy do try to interact as they may be a great source of comfort during the day.
On both interviews I have swapped numbers with the candidates and kept in touch...even the ones who got the job.
THROUGHOUT THE DAY
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Be polite to everyone you meet; many will be forming judgements and may be in on the selection process.
Some places will want you to do a presentation or lead a discussion on a given topic. In this case your prior preparation could put you head and shoulders above the other candidates so it is worth preparing fully.
I take Bach Rescue Remedy to calm my nerves...very useful prior to the panel interview or before giving a presentation. Most of all remain positive!
THE PANEL INTERVIEW
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1) Wait to be asked to take a seat...you don't want to sit in the interviewers seat.
2) Many interviewers will try and put you at ease, remember they are trying to find the right candidate so will not try and make it impossible for you.
3) If offered a drink, kindly accept or decline...you must think will I drink it? how long is this going to last? Can I wait?
4) If you do not understand a question or forget it halfway through ask for clarification. Do not interrupt...jump in with the wrong answer...or answer the wrong question. Many interviewers will appreciate it if you ask for clarification.
5) If you are sat behind a table sit on your hands to stop you waving them around...when you get more confident you can take them out (probably a good thing if they are going numb). Obviously if there is no table between you and the interviewer(s) then you may look a little silly. But seriously keeping hold of your hands can help a lot if you wave them around or fiddle loads.
My first interview was awful I walked in to the room and the chief interviewer (the witch) was sat with an evil look on her face she introduced me to a council representative (the devil) her deputy (the warlock) another guy (a zombie - obviously had too much to drink the night before) and some geeky looking bloke who stared at me the whole way through - really creping me out! I hated it and the feedback after was very negative..."you seemed so nervous, we were uncomfortable"...
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EXCUSE ME...uncomfortable and that's coming from the cast of the "Graveyard Interviewers"!
AFTER THE INTERVIEW
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The interview may be over and you may not get the job. You need to remain calm and courteous. I was told today that I haven't got the job I was interviews for on Friday but was told to apply another time when I have more experience. I was told I interviewed well and that there was a huge discussion with a 50/50 split but in the end it came down to experience.
I was disappointed but it wasn't the time for me to turn around and say "I didn't like the place anyway...hated the interview and think your rude" as I may apply there another time.
In fact once the disappointment has left I will write a letter to the employer to thank them for considering me for the post, the lovely interview and to say thanks for the way I was treated on the day...arse licking? Maybe but I have nothing to lose by having a few manners.
SUMMARY
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Interviews come and go and if you don't get it pick yourself back up and continue applying. The key is to remain positive and you will do well. I just hope that some of my experiences can help someone else. Good luck if you are reading this prior to an interview - be yourself and you will do great!
Summary: A few tips to help you through the big event!
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Last comment:
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kenjohn - 24/12/07 I once went for a top sales job and was instructed by the agency that sent me that on *NO* account was I to try to get a decision on the day, as they never employed someone on the strength of a first interview.
I did my homework on the company, and then at the interview told them precisely why I was *EXACTLY* the right person for the job, even inserting any info I thought was relevant they didn't ask me for.
At the end of the interview, they asked the usual "Did I have any further questions?"
I asked would I be starting this Monday or the following Monday. They replied they never offered a position on the first interview.
I replied that if they employed me would they be happy with me if I gave up on selling their product so easily, and simply took no for an answer?
I then said if they wanted to employ me it was "now or never", and that as I had given them all the relevant info about myself they required at the first interview, I wouldn't be prepared to attend a second one. They went out the room, came back in after about 5 minutes, and then offered me the job. (Conditional on references holding up)
To say the agency were surprised when I informed them of the outcome would be an understatement.
So my advice to you is confidence, confidence and more confidence. Don't be cheeky, but be very assertive. If they tell you you don't have enough experience, simply say "I'll never get the experience if nobody is prepared to give me the chance to prove myself. I *KNOW* I can do this job well, I'm very well qualified to do it, and I haven't been indocrinated by another companies way of doing things, so will be more open to learning your methods. Now when would you like me to start?"
I t might not work *EVERY* time, but I guarantee you that you'll get job offers right left and centre.
I wish you the very best of luck.
Ken :O) |
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