Job Interview!

[Hoady]

Hey has anyone here done a proper job interview where you have to like wear a proper buisness suit and then get asked questions to prove whether your the best?Well because the army gave me a surprise preperation interview on the phone yesterday and frankly i was nervous as hell ending up totally failing.I was stuttering,had to stop a few times and it ended up being really embarrassing.He said it wasn't good at all but thats what the fake interview is for.

Anyway it was the most nerve racking thing i've ever been through, i expect to be nervous in an interview but not so much i became completely dehydrated and had to stop several times.So does anyone here like have tips on interviews or how they survived theres i have my proper interview coming up in a weeks time.

 

[La Femme Fatale]

I've done a couple, and since my Dad owns his own business, I've 'overheard' a couple as well.

Anyway, yes - a job interview is very nerve-racking. Remember to take deep breaths, especially right before it to calm yourself down. Take a couple moments after each question to think about your answer before giving it. The worse thing people do is just blurt out the first thing that comes to mind and in doing so, they don't word it properly. Be prepared - make a list of possible questions they might ask and consider how you would answer them. I did that for my very first interview and not only did the employer ask about 80% of them, but I got the job on the spot.

Also, when you meet the person who will interview you - always always always shake their hand both at the beginning and at the end. It shows confidence and makes a great impression. Oh, and dress your best. Physical appearence is also crucial to landing a great first impression.

 

[Hoady]

I've done a couple, and since my Dad owns his own business, I've 'overheard' a couple as well.

Anyway, yes - a job interview is very nerve-racking. Remember to take deep breaths, especially right before it to calm yourself down. Take a couple moments after each question to think about your answer before giving it. The worse thing people do is just blurt out the first thing that comes to mind and in doing so, they don't word it properly. Be prepared - make a list of possible questions they might ask and consider how you would answer them. I did that for my very first interview and not only did the employer ask about 80% of them, but I got the job on the spot.

Thank god i thought it was only me i honestly say that was the most upstaging moment of my life...and it was over the phone.And yes thats what i did i thought knew what the job is all about but i just didn't have any of the context sorted and did blurt it out so i started repeating things then making no sense whatsoever.The worst thing is he didn't tell me to stop so i just kept going and made it sound worse lol.There are particularly on the spot questions but the hardest is definitely nailing down your personality and how it applies regarding the job.

Also, when you meet the person who will interview you - always always always shake their hand both at the beginning and at the end. It shows confidence and makes a great impression. Oh, and dress your best. Physical appearence is also crucial to landing a great first impression.

Ok ok i will definately do that then,the army dudes at the center are usually massive and scare the crap out of me so i will try to put out my hand first.Oh and yeah i'm going to get a suit which is cool because i've never worn one before, have to get rid of this hair though so its back to looking like a rockhead lol.

Thanks La Femme you actually helped me very well anyone else wants to add something that would be awesome, i will definitely give the results of the interview afterwards.

 

[tequila]

I've done interviews, as well as becoming the interviewee.

It can be nerve racking, especially if you're desperately searching for a job. Funny thing this thread was posted up. I was reading an article in the newspaper today talking about interviews.

57% are dressed inapporpiately

34% did not ask good questions

34% didn't provide specific responses to interview questions

46% answered cell phones or texted during a job interview

Those are statistics I got from the newspaper.

 

[Hoady]

I've done interviews, as well as becoming the interviewee.

It can be nerve racking, especially if you're desperately searching for a job. Funny thing this thread was posted up. I was reading an article in the newspaper today talking about interviews.

57% are dressed inapporpiately

34% did not ask good questions

34% didn't provide specific responses to interview questions

46% answered cell phones or texted during a job interview

Those are statistics I got from the newspaper.

Lol well i got the dress down and don't have a phone but it said i needed to ask good questions?I thought about this because i thought it might show interest in regards to the job but at the same its also like you didn't do your research .

Well the main issue is just getting the right response, i know all the info but it all becomes mumbo jumbo when i'm nervous.Thanks for that though tequila thats convenient tuesday info lol.

 

[La Femme Fatale]

Tequila makes a great point as well - always make sure to ask THEM a question at the end, because it shows interest in the company or organization. That's something my Dad always looks for... when they ask 'do you have any questions' and if you say 'no' - then as Teqqie said, your chances go down.

Oh and with the handshake - make sure it's a strong handshake. I often was the first person to 'greet' applicants, and several guys gave weak, kind of pitiful hand-shakes and those that did for one reason or another never really did well with their interview. I imagine it's some kind of confidence thing.

 

[ProtoTypeRaavyn]

Make Eye Contact the Entire Time, DO NOT LOOK AROUND THE ROOM. Even when you think he's not looking because in the off chance they see you looking around.

 

[Hoady]

Tequila makes a great point as well - always make sure to ask THEM a question at the end, because it shows interest in the company or organization. That's something my Dad always looks for... when they ask 'do you have any questions' and if you say 'no' - then as Teqqie said, your chances go down.

Oh and with the handshake - make sure it's a strong handshake. I often was the first person to 'greet' applicants, and several guys gave weak, kind of pitiful hand-shakes and those that did for one reason or another never really did well with their interview. I imagine it's some kind of confidence thing.

Ok i will try prepare a question then.This might sound silly but later on whether that's today or tomorrow i want to make a question with an answer and i would like to see if you think its a decent response.No pressure just an example if thats cool.

Well the guy over the phone said the main issue is definitely my confidence, its just the perfect job for me and if i fail the interview it would break my heart.I don't usually make a big deal out things but this is a huge leap for me if i make it.

Make Eye Contact the Entire Time, DO NOT LOOK AROUND THE ROOM. Even when you think he's not looking because in the off chance they see you looking around.

Ok thanks alot i will jot that down.

 

[La Femme Fatale]

Ok i will try prepare a question then.This might sound silly but later on whether that's today or tomorrow i want to make a question with an answer and i would like to see if you think its a decent response.No pressure just an example if thats cool.

Not a problem.

 

[tequila]

Lol well i got the dress down and don't have a phone but it said i needed to ask good questions?I thought about this because i thought it might show interest in regards to the job but at the same its also like you didn't do your research .

Well the main issue is just getting the right response, i know all the info but it all becomes mumbo jumbo when i'm nervous.Thanks for that though tequila thats convenient tuesday info lol.

As for the Basics 101 of Job Interviews *clears throat*,

Dress Appropiately [Check?]

Have a complete and REVISED ERROR FREE Resume

Firm handshake at the beginning and end of interview as LFF stated.

Smile moderately, show interest, and answer the questions as briefly and detailed as possible. Get to the point!

Of course, do some research about the position you want and about the company itself.

Ask questions that YOU can benefit from such as "What is a regular business day like?", "Would there be room, in which I can fully utilize my skills and grow within the company?", "How would the average schedule look like?"

Some questions like that. BUT DON't EVER ASK "HOW MUCH IS THE PAY RATE/SALARY?" until they have contacted you for hire.

Depending on what the job is that you're applying for, I reccommend that you ask about the requiered dress code or about tattoos and piercings if you have any. Just so you know if it's allowed or not.

Shut up phone or put it on SILENT, NOT VIBRATE.

Have similar background or some sort of skills that can be utilized effeciently within the job. Know your strenghts and weaknesses; and be sure to try your best to STAND OUT!.

Good luck!

I might have missed somethings. I might post up more when I can think of anymore.

 

[Romero]

Much good advice here, everything I could think of has already been said.

46% answered cell phones or texted during a job interview

Unbelievable. :lol: What are they thinking?

Make Eye Contact the Entire Time, DO NOT LOOK AROUND THE ROOM. Even when you think he's not looking because in the off chance they see you looking around.

Eye contact is very important, but I think you're taking it a little too far. Of course you can take your eyes off them for a second, but not when they are talking to you.

 

[tequila]

Another thing, you want to go out of your way to get the job! Times are tough and at the moment I am going to apply for the job today. I just completed my handwritten application and I am prining out my resume and cover letter. Even though it is not required or ask for, I would like to present to them that I am serious about getting the job. Job hunting is serious business! Also being sincere and approachable is a plus. An employer needs to know if you are right for their company. So be confident and dress comfortably, yet professionally.

Wish me good luck guys and gals! I hope I get this!
Also good luck Hoady buddy! Hope it goes well mate. Feel free to ask questions or revise some stuff through me. I can help with resume and cover letter writing. I'm good with grammar and stuff.

 

[Mr Sunshine]

Good luck Hoady and tequila!

Oh, I've never been to an interview! I would be really nervous!

I remember taking my English or French speaking exams. I was feeling like I was going to be hung!

In these occasions if the interviewer is female, seducing her is my first option..

 

[ProtoTypeRaavyn]

Eye contact is very important, but I think you're taking it a little too far. Of course you can take your eyes off them for a second, but not when they are talking to you.

If your making good eye conte=act with them and they look down for A second and your looking around when they look up, they see you as shifty, you'll do things when you need to but when they aren't looking you'll slack.
Didn't you say this is An Army interview? They might think that, but, you'll get Accepted anyway, they are always looking for good young men to Sacrifice themselves.

 

[CassidyAcid]

I wish the both of you the best of luck !

I've had only one formal interview that I got told went "very well" but because it was near Christmas they needed someone who didn't have any other committments (like school). I'm actually glad of it, because school suddenly began to get very demanding...

Anyway one thing I always did was try to be assertive in my answers. On the whole I would say I was a shy person so this was a little difficult for me. When the interviewer asked me questions, I would answer, keep good eye contact and smile (but not freakishly haha) to assure them I "knew what I was talking about" (even if I didn't really!).

Another good point when going for retail jobs in particular (my sister's advice) is to look up a little history on the shop or company. My sister has been asked this on a few occassions, usually the first question, and has been praised for taking some initiave and showing that you really want the job, like Tequila said .

 

[Kellyrose]

Interesting, I just had my first interview today! Lots of great advice here, I'll add a bit my dad told me. Once you get the job, do exactly what they tell you to do, and then do a little more.

Good luck!

 

[tequila]

Good luck Hoady and tequila!

Oh, I've never been to an interview! I would be really nervous!

I remember taking my English or French speaking exams. I was feeling like I was going to be hung!

In these occasions if the interviewer is female, seducing her is my first option..

Ahahahaha I wish you good luck! Many females interviers are big ego busters

I know I would be :lol:

 

[Romero]

In these occasions if the interviewer is female, seducing her is my first option..

Good idea, and also 2-3 proposals would probably help. :lol:

If your making good eye conte=act with them and they look down for A second and your looking around when they look up, they see you as shifty, you'll do things when you need to but when they aren't looking you'll slack.

I think it depends on how often and much you take your eyes off the interviewer. When you say "Make Eye Contact the Entire Time", I understand that as staring and I would not feel natural doing so.


Good luck Hoady, Tequila and Kelly.

 

[Hoady]

I went out got a suit and haircut today, it was pretty awesome to wear one for the first time so physical wise i'm prepared.I have chosen to 2 interviews now though so i gotta study harder but for my main role its head to head'mano e mano' but i think i will beat the dude.

Didn't you say this is An Army interview? They might think that, but, you'll get Accepted anyway, they are always looking for good young men to Sacrifice themselves.

Well the job i'm going in for has a pretty high standard not any drongo can just get this role but if all goes wrong i will be going towards the frontline in combat.

Good luck Hoady and tequila!

Good luck Hoady, Tequila and Kelly.

Wish me good luck guys and gals! I hope I get this!
Also good luck Hoady buddy! Hope it goes well mate. Feel free to ask questions or revise some stuff through me. I can help with resume and cover letter writing. I'm good with grammar and stuff.

Thanks all and i appreciate it Tequila but a resume isn't a problem.
Oh and good luck!

Not a problem.

Ahh don't worry about it i think i got all my questions and info sorted,thanks for everything guys.

 

[Hoady]

Did my interviews!I didn't get a job though.He said i did good in the interview, i knew everything about my roles and why i wanted them but he reckons i have commitment issues and he won't recommend me till he sees a years proof of work.Who would've thought the army being fussy?You wonder why australias army is so incredibly small they won't even accept people,you literally have to become a bloody soldier before your in!Its insane they wouldn't even throw me in the frontlines, i saw other people get turned down for rifleman roles as well.

But probably for the best at least i won't get my legs blown off now.

Next plan....Army reserves.Yeah i can be accepted for part time work,try do overseas time and study while i'm at it so if i ever do decide to join the army in a year the offer is available...but honestly i think i'll move on.

Oh i hope you were successful Tequila if you've had your interview yet.