Tips for interviews - Update

Debb2010 · by **Debb2010** » Wed Apr 11, 2022 12:22 pm

I've just gotten an interview for somewhere I really really would love to work. I've been in my current job for 8 years so very much out of practice when it comes to interviews.

I'm printing off loads of info on the company so I'll have plenty to say but I'm wondering has anyone any helpful hints that would help me bag this job??

UPDATE: I got a phone call this afternoon from the HR person asking me to provide details of my references! Fingers crossed I'll be getting some good news soon!!!

b2bJune2012 · by **b2bJune2012** » Wed Apr 11, 2022 12:30 pm

I always try not to be too rehearsed, it's great to know details about the company but don't sound like you just memorised a script! :-8

Make it feel natural and try to link what they do back to your own previous experience.

Be comfortable in what your wearing and maybe don't wear a watch in case you look at without thinking during the interview.... This would look very bad!

Best of luck and remember to relax and be yourself!!!

cremebrulee · by **cremebrulee** » Wed Apr 11, 2022 12:37 pm

I haven't been for an interview in years myself but when I did go for them, I always found it helpful to google something like "typical interview questions" and have my answers prepared for them (as there can be some difficult questions). Questions like.... where do you see yourself in 5 years time, what are your strengths and weaknesses... that kind of thing. Always have a question to ask them when they ask at the end "do you have anything to ask us".

Have a firm handshake!

Be smartly dressed.....

Debb2010 · by **Debb2010** » Wed Apr 11, 2022 12:39 pm

Thanks girls, I'm printing off your tips - I'm nervous already and the interview is not until next Tuesday but so excited too!

Polly2011 · by **Polly2011** » Wed Apr 11, 2022 1:04 pm

Have a look at the job requirements and jot down specific examples from your worklife where you proved that you can do x or y, e.g if project related, examples of what you did to ensure that a project was successfully completed, on time, inside budget etc. It is, of course important, that you have researched the company, as you have done. It is important too, in my view, to have examples ready to show that you are the right person for the job. Is there anyone you could do bit of practice with? Sometimes talking something out loud, in preparation, helps you to construct answers better on the day. Very best of luck.

kittycatt24 · by **kittycatt24** » Wed Apr 11, 2022 1:22 pm

In the interview they are trying to find out can you do the job? Will u do the job? How well will you fit with the company?
The one line that has stuck with me for years from UCC career guidance is: if you fail to prepare, Prepare to fail!
Do your research on the company, know their mission statement, history,ethos.
Prepare for competency questions specific to post. Also prepare examples for scenarios about dealing with conflict/how you get your point across/ how you lead/what if someone was causing you hassle. What will be most challenging for you starting this new job?
Do have prepared your strengths and weakness! With your weaknesses show how you have learned from them and are trying to change eg I take on two much but I'm now learning how to delegate!
ALWAYS ask a question at the end when they give u the oppurtunity! And then say I would also like to add/reiterate....and then leave them with three key things about yourself and why you are great and and why the should hire you!
You can ring up HR before interview and ask who will be interviewing you, then if you cAn look those people up. I find this helped me prepare for what kind of questions these people will ask!
The very best of luck with it! If for any reason after all our fab advice you are not successful, be sure and ask for feedback as it will guide and prepare u for next Interview!

IvytheTerrible · by **IvytheTerrible** » Wed Apr 11, 2022 1:51 pm

I have been doing interviews a lot over the past couple of years as a lot of jobs are temporary so I start and finish one job over a few months and it's back to the interviews again. I find that the traditional questions you see everywhere are not being asked anymore and its things like "give an example in your career where you overcame an obstacle" or "give an example in your career where you showed leadership qualities" or "what would you consider your role within a team and demonstrate how your qualities benefited the team" or "how would you deal with difference of opinion amongst colleagues when doing a task" etc. Depending on your previous roles and work experience, these kind of questions can be difficult to answer. Also, it's not unusual to go to second interviews or even third interviews and some of these can involve practical work so for example, if you think the job requires Power Point and you are really good at it, mention this. It could be the difference between beating an opponent who is not so good at it.

Good luck.

flor · by **flor** » Wed Apr 11, 2022 2:53 pm

preparing yourself for whatever questions might be asked is certainly the most important prep you can do, and i don't have anything to add there that hasn't already been mentioned here already.

otherwise, remember to ensure in advance that what you're wearing is clean & pressed & give yourself enough time to have it cleaned, if necessary. make sure your shoes are in good nick, bring them to be reheeled if the heels are looking worn. bring a neat looking handbag, nothing too slouchy or casual looking.

and if you're wearing tights, make sure to bring a spare pair, just in case! also bring a toothbrush & toothpaste with you in case you have anything to eat/drink beforehand.

don't wear strongly/heavily scented perfumes. make sure your nails are neat & tidy, wear a natural or clear varnish if you like. if your hair is long, tie it back neatly & spray with hairspray to keep stray hairs at bay.

keep your jewellery minimal and discreet.

make sure you find out well in advance the location of the interview and where to park if you're driving. leave in plenty of time in case of traffic etc. bring a spare copy of your CV with you.

best of luck!

Polly2011 · by **Polly2011** » Wed Apr 11, 2022 3:46 pm

IvytheTerrible wrote:I find that the traditional questions you see everywhere are not being asked anymore and its things like "give an example in your career where you overcame an obstacle" or "give an example in your career where you showed leadership qualities" or "what would you consider your role within a team and demonstrate how your qualities benefited the team" or "how would you deal with difference of opinion amongst colleagues when doing a task" etc.

+1

manxmrs · by **manxmrs** » Wed Apr 11, 2022 7:36 pm

Having worked in the recruitment industry previously, and gone through my fair share of interviews, my advice/experience would be:

- do as much research on the company as you can prior to the interview

- have good questions to ask - in particular: who are their main competitors/what are the company strengths & weaknesses/can they describe the culture of co./management/how do they find business in the current climate and how has the co. achieved targets in these times/why has role become available/what is the best thing about working here

- keep good eye contact with all the interviewers

- smile and watch body language

- know who the interviewer/place is etc - if early, go over your notes in the car before hand

- bring along a copy of your CV to refer to during the interview and 1 spare copy in case interviewer hasnt prepared (this has happened to me)

- know your own weaknesses (but turn this into a positive)

- know your own strengths and be confident about your past achievements

- prepare to talk about scenarios and previous examples

- a firm handshake and good eye contact/smile at the start will work well

- formal attire - appropriate to the position you are applying for

- you are selling yourself and of course they are to you

- talk positively about your past/current employer

- tell them you want the job! (in a good way) i.e. "i would really welcome the opportunity to be part of this successful and dynamic company"

- be yourself and let your personality come through (to a degree)

- enjoy the process and be positive

Debb2010 · by **Debb2010** » Fri Apr 13, 2022 5:42 pm

Girls, thanks so much to all of you for your tips which are incredibly helpful and I'm going to take every one of them on board.

The interview is next Tuesday and I have printed off a whole load of research which I will study over the weekend. I'm also going to pick my outfit and have it cleaned tomorrow and polish up my shoes, and make sure my appearance will be in order. Also going to work on all of those likely questions that I may be asked and make sure that I have answers ready, as much as possible. It'll be hard to relax as it's my first interview for a long time but I'm quite excited too!

I'll let you know next week how I get on - thanks again :thnk

belcra · by **belcra** » Fri Apr 13, 2022 9:44 pm

Best of luck Debb2010. Any interview I've been successful at has been the ones where I've basically done all of the above. I would write out answers to all my questions and rehearse - trick is not to make them sound too rehearsed in the interview. Hope it goes well for you.

Debb2010 · by **Debb2010** » Tue Apr 17, 2022 5:27 pm

Well I had my interview this morning and I think it went well. I did my very best, was well prepared and coped pretty well with even the awkward questions (I think). Thanks to all of you for your tips - you were so right about the types of questions asked - after going through my CV they mostly asked the "give me an example of a time when you..." sorts of questions but I had done loads of reading up on interview tips and sample questions over the weekend and even though they didn't ask exactly those questions they were certainly along the same lines - how have I dealt with difficult clients, what was the greatest challenge I've faced in my current role etc.

I'm pleased with how I performed - I didn't come out of the interview thinking "oh no, I shouldn't have said that" or "I forgot to say that" so if I'm not successful I think it will be because they have found someone more suitable, with better experience or whatever and not because I did a terrible interview.

Anyways, I'll hear something in the next week to 10 days they said so fingers (and toes, and eyes!!) crossed O:o)

Polly2011 · by **Polly2011** » Tue Apr 17, 2022 6:16 pm

Just wanted to say well done, delighted that the interview went well, and that your preparation paid off. That has been my own experience over the last number of years, that it is important to have your examples ready to show how you dealt with a particular situation etc. Best of luck, fingers crosssed for you.

Debb2010 · by **Debb2010** » Tue Apr 17, 2022 8:19 pm

Thanks Polly! I'll update when I have a response, whatever that may be!

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