interviews

[kasia]

is there something that you always do? always refrain from doing?

how do you smile? do you address them by their first or last name? are you casual? very formal?

what works and what doesn't? :)

[SunWuKong]

Originally posted by kasia@Aug 28 2002, 03:32 PM
is there something that you always do? always refrain from doing?

how do you smile? do you address them by their first or last name? are you casual? very formal?

what works and what doesn't? :)
if they are casual then be casual, if they are formal then be formal. remember the names of the people you meet. know who you're talking to in order to say the right things to him/her. yes, smile. know ahead of time what you're going to say to them.

[amietron]

-Speak CLEARLY. Good articulation is very important.
-Stand up straight. Don't slouch. Be presentable.
-Don't make myself too comfortable/at home.
-Don't sit down until motioned/told to do so.
-Stand up to shake hands with people.
-Be pleasant and proper. Have good manners.
-Smile, smile, smile..

[tapestrybabe]

Go into the interview knowing your strengths and abilities.... and oh yeah, never go into an interview chewing gum...

[achtungbaby]

A few suggestions:

Make eye contact
Like SWK said, know what you're going to say beforehand...know your "spiel" inside and out, so you can incorporate it smoothly into different parts of a conversation.
Ask questions.
Don't sound negative.
RELAX. It's just a chat you're having with someone.

[Ayers]

-A good handshake's important. Firm, but not something that will crush their blood vessels

-Sure, don't chew gum DURING the interview, but make sure your breath doesn't stink.

-Dress professionally, if that's the look you're going for

[Rogmok]

in the last 3 months i've been on about 15 interviews. here are some tips i used

-for the most part, i address them by their first name. It kind establishes an easier setting to talk
(but sorta depends on the industry, some like the formality)

-Eye contact is important.. forget all that asian culture stuff of looking down and stuff. Stare the interviews down. (but don't forget to blink) \

-Do your research, make sure when they ask. "so do you have any questions?" that you have a solid/legitimate question to ask them.. to show you are interested in the company

-don't let them ask all the questions.. ask some yourself.

-Be personable.. especially for low level jobs, basically everyone is the same. But if your difficult to talk to, your boss will pick the easier going candidate.

-Thank you letters.. i doubted the importance of these, but why let something like that keep you from getting a job.

[luv]

Actually, I've down done some interviews in the past and Thank You letters (on paper by fax or mail) are pretty impressive. Email ones show tech savvy, but make less of an impression because they can be easily deleted and you are asking interviewer to take time out to print them...make an impression without wasting people's time.

If anything, Thank You letters show that you really want the job. You'd be surprised by how little people actually write them even though every career guidebook advises them, so the people that do, at least have thicker looking files (more memorable).

[mrazntre]

As for the handshake, don't initiate the handshake, let them extend their hand to you. They will usually do so, however there are a few interviewers that I have spoken to who absolutely hate handshakes.

Use to your discretion though. It is a business custom and formality, but just be aware of that fact.

[kasia]

Originally posted by mrazntre@Oct 27 2002, 01:09 AM
As for the handshake, don't initiate the handshake, let them extend their hand to you. They will usually do so, however there are a few interviewers that I have spoken to who absolutely hate handshakes.

doesn't this depend on the profession? it would seem kinda weird going into an interview for an attorney position and not shaking hands. if you don't extend your hand, it would seem like you lack initiative or you're too shy or something.

[Hanuman]

And be on time! I was stuck on the subway once, it had broken down, and although it wasn't my fault, I still felt like an ass.

[Ryan]

be punctual
dress up. even if its a casual environment it doesnt hurt.
ask questions.
eye contact
follow up! very important..


basically what everyone else has said

[kasia]

for girls: don't wear open-toed shoes! yucky!

[SunWuKong]

Originally posted by kasia@Jan 13 2003, 06:39 PM
for girls: don't wear open-toed shoes! yucky!
i don't like seeing open-toe shoes, period.
and birkenstorks on girls are absolute :gross:

[kasia]

Originally posted by SunWuKung@Jan 13 2003, 03:56 PM
i don't like seeing open-toe shoes, period.
and birkenstorks on girls are absolute :gross:
today was the first day of school. i saw a girl wearing birkenstocks and thought of you. you know...faye wore birkenstocks in 1993

[SunWuKong]

Originally posted by kasia@Jan 13 2003, 07:13 PM
Originally posted by SunWuKung@Jan 13 2003, 03:56 PM
i don't like seeing open-toe shoes, period.
and birkenstorks on girls are absolute  :gross:
today was the first day of school. i saw a girl wearing birkenstocks and thought of you. you know...faye wore birkenstocks in 1993
that's ok
faye transcends all standards of beauty as far as i'm concerned

[Chris]

Okay how did the interview topic become about birenstock and faye wong? Back on topic *cracks whip*

[lethal]

Have confidence in yourself and your abilities and make sure it shows through the job interview.

We'll see if this actually works for me :)

[ModernLogic]

and oh yeah, never go into an interview chewing gum...

Yea... also try not to bring in an open container of alcohol.

[yoMAMA]

the only good thing about intereviews.................

ummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

[SynRG]

As for the handshake, don't initiate the handshake, let them extend their hand to you. They will usually do so, however there are a few interviewers that I have spoken to who absolutely hate handshakes.

Use to your discretion though. It is a business custom and formality, but just be aware of that fact.

This is the only piece of advice given here that's made me raise an eyebrow. I don't think I've ever been to any business meeting (and interview is a business meeting too, the product for sale is YOU) where a there wasn't a handshake. Ever. But idunno... that's just my experience. I've only been in the game since 2002.

All the other advice given here is totally sound. I've been on both sides of the interviewing table.. and the ones I would highlight are definitely look professional, keep eye contact, and ask (good) questions. You want your interview to be a conversation, not an interrogation. Likewise, no interviewer will reccomend someone who sat at the interview like a deer in headlights.

Oh and never talk about money at the first interview. Let them bring it up in their own time. If you bring up the package first they will think that's all you care about.

[yoMAMA]

This is the only piece of advice given here that's made me raise an eyebrow. I don't think I've ever been to any business meeting (and interview is a business meeting too, the product for sale is YOU) where a there wasn't a handshake. Ever. But idunno... that's just my experience. I've only been in the game since 2002.

All the other advice given here is totally sound. I've been on both sides of the interviewing table.. and the ones I would highlight are definitely look professional, keep eye contact, and ask (good) questions. You want your interview to be a conversation, not an interrogation. Likewise, no interviewer will reccomend someone who sat at the interview like a deer in headlights.

Oh and never talk about money at the first interview. Let them bring it up in their own time. If you bring up the package first they will think that's all you care about.

Word!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :biggrin:

[blueblue79]

****Oh and never talk about money at the first interview. Let them bring it up in their own time. If you bring up the package first they will think that's all you care about.****

What if they have already mentioned the salary requriement from the potential employee candidate, and i have already responded on the cover letter, can i still bring that up over the interview process??

[arden88]

Hi new to the forum, but i've been through some quite a few interviews, my experience is this. From the beginning your resume's sole purpose is to sell your skills to get you an interview. That being said the interview's purpose is to sell yourself. The majority of the time the employers are trying to find out the type of person you are for the interview, rather than how qualified you are. This is especially true in work environments where you have to work with many people and communication is a factor.

- If you are nervous you'll have a tendency to talk fast, so try to relax and watch your speech. If you have a dry mouth early in the interview that's a sign to slow down.

- Ask intelligent questions back, like about the schedule the work pace, etc.., don't let the interview get one sided..create a dialog between the two of you rather than a Q and A session.

- There will be things you will want to know about the job and what it entails in specifics so get those questions in your head, before hand.

- Don't slouch, watch your body language.

- If you want to learn more about the company itself, ask your employer about his experience with the field, company and experience...this will both help you learn about those things and may loosen up the interview in a different and more casual direction..people usually are very comfortable talking about themselves so it's a good ice breaker.

- Sell you self, but be honest with them about your goals and expectations of the job. If the employer believes you to be trustworthy it's a good advantage.

- don't use 90's buzzwords, like '..I'm a dynamic team player...' gag...

- more to come, but that should suffice for now.

I hope it helps.

a.


Also, if you don't get the job, DO NOT get depressed..

Analyze how the interiew went and jot down what you think you needed to improve
and apply those to the next interview. Many times you won't get an interview because
for whatever reason the interviewer thought you were not a good match with the people
or that you were not qualified. If this is the case and they are correct then it is indeed
a very good thing you did not get the job, you want a job that fits you. Both personally
and professionally..those of you who have worked at a variety of places like myself will
know this to be absolutely true.

You don't want a job where you don't vibe with the people and don't understand the work, you won't keep if for long. Your gonna have to go through many many interviews sometimes to land anything, it's just the way it is and it's a process. This way if employers are picky chances are that you will not get the job, but when you do, you'll probably be a good fit and have a better
chance at longevity at the job.

So anyone who got turned down, cheer up we've all been there but things will turn out if you keep trying. Man i sound old.

:)

[rice cracker]

I found an article about unexpected interview tests that may occur:



Interview twists, turns

D.J. Burrough
Special for The Republic
Jun. 6, 2004 12:00 AM

You think the interview went swimmingly. You wore just the right outfit, presented an error-free resume and said all the right things about your skills and work ethic. Where's the job offer?

A better qualified candidate may have been selected, or a little thing you did - or didn't do - may have caused the interviewer to reconsider.

It's not unusual for interviewers to look beyond a resume and face-to-face meeting to find the unspoken clues about your personality. It may be nails bitten down to the quick or shoes that are polished everywhere but the heels.

The craftiest of interviewers will do more than look for hidden clues; they will create situations where a candidate will reveal his or her personality.

The only preparation a job seeker can do for these types of interviewers is take care of the smallest details prior to the interview and to remember that most interviewers are looking for any signs that tell them about personality.

"They are trying to look beyond the obvious to really find out what is going on," said Jane Lance, a career consultant with the Phoenix office of Right Management. "They are looking for subtle behavior reactions. You can tell a lot about a person from how they react."

Some interviewers have been known to call job seekers at home and pose as telemarketers to gauge how those candidates react. Are they rude? Do they yell? Or are they polite but insistent that they don't want to purchase anything?

How a candidate deals with an annoying telemarketing call tells the company something about how you would deal with an annoying client.

One of Lance's favorite behavior tests is to drop her pen at some point during the interview and see how the candidate reacts. She makes sure to drop it an equal distance from herself and the job seeker.

"When they are telling you that they are customer-oriented and you drop your pen and they don't notice or they don't pick it up, it's a disconnect between how they are and what they are saying," she said.

Lunch or dinner meetings also are ideal settings for giving away hidden personality traits. Lance said she has heard of hiring managers who spill something on a candidate to see how he or she reacts. Some hiring managers will have a potential candidate drive them to a lunch meeting to see what kind of driver he or she is: hurried and aggressive, or courteous and careful?

Some hiring managers will purposefully change the time or place of a meeting at the last minute just to get an idea of how well the candidate can handle change. Or they may keep candidates waiting for as long as an hour to see if they handle it calmly, if they find something to occupy their time during the wait or if they fly off the handle.

"The intent isn't to frustrate them or make them angry; it's to see how they react when change happens," Lance said. "They are testing the person's behavior at the moment."


Career experts say job seekers should prepare for interviewing techniques designed to evoke behavioral reactions. Several tests conducted by hiring managers:

• Posing as a telemarketer.
• Dropping a pen.
• Spilling something on candidates.
• Asking job seekers to drive.
• Making candidates wait.

http://www.azcentral.com/class/marketplace/careers/0606jobsmain06.html

[yoMAMA]

guys, i have an interview tomorrow at 9 am.

wish me good luck! ;)

[and i will pick up the pen, let them spill sodas on me, and drive them to dinner] :biggrin:

[Cipherous]

I found an article about unexpected interview tests that may occur:



Career experts say job seekers should prepare for interviewing techniques designed to evoke behavioral reactions. Several tests conducted by hiring managers:

• Posing as a telemarketer.
• Dropping a pen.
• Spilling something on candidates.
• Asking job seekers to drive.
• Making candidates wait.

http://www.azcentral.com/class/marketplace/careers/0606jobsmain06.html

I think the type of interview really depends on your job. Like I am a programmer and basically all they look for is problem solving skills and your ability to play as a team.

[SunWuKong]

I think the type of interview really depends on your job. Like I am a programmer and basically all they look for is problem solving skills and your ability to play as a team.

depends. there are certain tools that, if you're familiar with them, you will be more attractive to the employer.

[yoMAMA]

Guys, I have an interview tomorrow.....

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

:smile:

[>:^|]

Guys, I have an interview tomorrow.....

Good luck, yoMama! :smile:

[yoMAMA]

Good luck, yoMama! :smile:

Thanks!

I need this job so I can eat lunch @ mall of america :biggrin:

[deez nuts]

Guys, I have an interview tomorrow.....

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

:smile:


just don't show the excitability like a person suffering from hyperthyroidism that you have shown for john kerry like you have on yw.

good luck. you'll do fine.

[so_fee_ahh]

Guys, I have an interview tomorrow.....

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

:smile:

What job are you trying to get?

Dress to the nines, firm handshake, don't speak too fast or act too nervous. And smile! :biggrin:

[SunWuKong]

Guys, I have an interview tomorrow.....

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

:smile:

know the company and position you're interviewing for and ask questions to make it seem like you're really interested. other than that, just wear the suit-and-tie, with conservative colours, and smile. act like you're easy to approach.

[fossilfuel]

If you see a picture of a cute teenaged girl on a male interviewer's desk, don't ask if it's his daughter. It's a long, slippery slope any way he answers.

[artsfartsyjanet]

Adding to what others have advised...

Before the interview, or the day before the interview, i recommend that you work out and give enough time to relax. Get enough sleep the day before the interview.
To prepare for the interview, think of the worst questions you dread being asked, and prepare for those answers first. If you have that down, it should be smooth sailing for you.

[yoMAMA]

hey guys:

I have an interview with a non profit organization [it's actually an asian american association].

one Q:

do I need to dress up [like with all those corporate interviews]?

Thanks :)

I really want this job ;)

[ism]

When in doubt, dress up. You can always take the jacket off but you can't materialize one from thin air.

[yoMAMA]

When in doubt, dress up. You can always take the jacket off but you can't materialize one from thin air.

True.

thanks :smile:

[kimpossible]

When in doubt, dress up. You can always take the jacket off but you can't materialize one from thin air.

Not even with the appropriate verbal, somatic and material components?

[yoMAMA]

so should I mention the tsunami song/jersey guys incident in the interview?

it's an asian american media watch group, so I may want to sound like I'm up to date with the current asian american media happenings [both good and bad], right?

;)

[onnihs]

good thread, great info.

i'd like to find out more on body language during interviews. my last interview went extremely well (got the job!), but as i was interviewing, I became very self-concious about my body language... i kept crossing my legs. i couldn't decide whether or not this was a negative/positive thing to do in an interview - on one side, i felt that it conveyed my comfortableness during the interview, my calm and relaxed demeanor; however on the other hand, i sort of felt like a slacker.

and what about other body signs? crossing your arms? or sitting upright like a robot? are these subconcious or concious things that affect interviewers ?

[TB4000]

They're about to interview for the position of Product Manager at my office, which would be a step up from global support I'm doing now. Much larger salary, and I'd be in charge of a ragtag group of salespeople to boot. Now I gots to prepare for it.

[Broomer]

For starters, and this is a sad fact, it helps to loose weight.
When I first started out, being a blob worked against me.
loosing the 40/50 kgs helped.

Pointers (from previous experience):
1) Smile and be natural.
2) Don't act like you're going to take over the company. Even when you're going for a job that requires you to change things, make sure you put your thoughts in a way that isn't. Basic fact: Management hates change.
3) If you sweat as much as I do, get a half decent anti-perspirant and dry and do everything possible to avoid stress.
4) Smile.
5) Make sure you're presentable. Don't go beyond that. It's not a date.
6) Turn up with a diary (bare minimum). Turning up empty handed is a no-no.
7) Stick to point when it comes to answering questions and be prepared with questions of your own.
8) IMPORTANT: Know your future employer. Bare minimum: know the inductry they deal with and at least take a punt at their target niche.
9) When completing your interview, offer to shake first and smile.
10) Mention about the next interview before finishing the interview. Take the initiative.

Anyway, hope this helps someone and good luck.

Ka.

[monkeygone2]

additional feedback:

you always go into an interview knowing the main job description, responsibilites, and duties - so be ready to talk about your track record and key things you contributed to your previous company/companies.

but also be ready to talk about what you would "do for them."

best questions to have a chance to answer in a job interview are:

"What can you do for my company?" ... "How can you make me more money?"

There's a lot of things you can contribute, and you can't, nor you shouldn't, talk about everything, so keep it short.

if relevant to the job/position you're interviewing for, highlight how you could make them more money, and generate more sales.

if something like a tech job, ask them what a couple of their goals and needs are, and then, tell them what you would do... almost approach interviews like you're giving consulting...

but if you're entry level and don't have the experience, i strongly suggest being honest, because experienced professionals can spot fakers from a mile away...

[Broomer]

There's a good ad on Australian TV that I don't know whether it's on OS. It backs up one of the points raised in this thread:

Two potentials are in an interview with the employer.
One male and one female.
The employer ask them the same question: where do you see yourself in one years time?
The guy answers that he wants a seat on the board for the group.
The lady answers that she wants to be by the pool in Qatar (or some other country).
The guy grin thinking that it's the dumbest answer he's heard ever when the employer saids to lady (very impressed), that she is obviously aware of the company's expansion into that country.
The company in question builds hotels.
Guess who got the job?
Ka