Help me with a job interview??

gel91

So I have a job interview at 10 o clock on monday!

I'm 20 and have never had a job before - my ex partner worked and earned enough for me to stay at home with my son, since we've split I've been struggling with money! Getting by on around £20 a week, so this is a big big deal and I really want to give a good impression.

I have no experince and have told them that - infact thats what got me the interveiw! Said he admired my honesty!

But I'm so out of touch I've had a few in the past before I had my son and they went no where so I obviously was doing something wrong!!

What to wear? Flats or heels? Black clothes? No idea what kind of things they ask. ANY tips/help/advice?!

I'm hoping this interveiw will be the first of a few, but I really really need this, christmas is just around the corner!!

It's for a basic waitress job as far as I'm aware - Basic food preperation, cash handling, counter service, if thats any help on what I should wear..My wardrobe is pretty much full of jeans, strappy tops and leggings so think I may have to borrow some money and run into town tomorrow.

TavistockToad

buy or borrow a suit, or at the very least a pair of smart trousers, shirt and cardigan. if you normally wear heels go for heels, if you are comfortable go for flat shoes, as long as they are smart - no trainers!

not sure what they will ask, probably stuff about customer service, what you would do if someone was really rude, or if they ordered something really random maybe? maybe some basic maths questions if it involves cash handling?

You just need to make sure you come across as polite & friendly and shake hands at the end of the interview. and make sure you get there 10 mins early!

Good luck!

JeninBelgium

agree with tavistock on the clothing

also come in neat and tidy- hair combed (sounds obvious but sometimes better to state the obvious) if you have long hair tie it back or style it in a way so that it is not in your face

neat finger nails, not too long- if you will be working in the food service industry you need to present yourself in a clean way and long, long nails are not it

based on your posting it sounds to me that your head is on straight and you will do fine

gel91

I do usually wear heels but there all ankle/knee high boots is that acceptable? I have 1 pair of court shoes hidden away somewhere if I could find them! If not I do have flats aswell!

I'm shy at the best of times so got knows how I'm gunna act confident in there. So nervous.

Thanks!!

gel91

Eek, my hairs nearly down to my bum, didn't think about that!! I'll wear it up!

inspiration345

Good luck sweetie. I have very long hair too. Tying it up in a high pony tail and making a braid from there on looks very nice- Angelina Jolie in Tomb Raider style .

TavistockToad

people expect you to be nervous when you are in an interview, dont worry about that.

Maybe swot up on a bit of food hygene stuff, the only things i can think of are different chpping boards for raw & cooked meat, and washing your hands all the time!! but that sort of thing might be useful.

the boots would be fine, they will be under your trousers anyway, and yes, hair up!

gel91

Ooo yeah thanks!

Will do a little bit of research and try act smarter than I actually am I think.

Also does anyone know whats useable as proof you live/work in this country? Birth certificate, NI number and provisonal licence is all I've really got!

DWilbanks

I help interview candidates at our facility. When they ask you a question make sure you pause just a few seconds to think through your answer and then reply. When you reply, look the person directly in the eye that asked the question. Even if you are nervous, do not fidget and sit straight even if you have to claspe your hands together in your lap to do so. I would say dress in a suit, but yes as the poster said before, a nice pair of slacks and a nice blouse with a pair of dress flats (this is sensible shoes for the job you are applying). You could visit a goodwill to obtain these items, or a consignment shop in your town, that way you won't be out that much money.
Don't try to act as something your aren't, people see through that. Just be you, because being you got you the interview. A social security card should be sufficient for proof of living in this country.
Good luck hon, hope all goes well!

nothingisred

Your birth certificate and provisional should be fine. They usually want to see some photographic proof and your birth certificate or passport.

Regarding clothes I wouldn't recommend a full blown suit for a waitress job, I'd go for a smart top/shirt, and smart trousers or skirt.

They'll probably ask about customer service, depending on the place they might get you to do a few tasks (I had an interview at Boots where they made me pack bags at the till, hand out baskets at the door and offer people advantage cards!). If she liked that you told her you have no experience then when they ask about how you would handle people it could be worth using examples relating to your son, it would demonstrate that you have life experience relevant to the job (have you told them you have a child? If you haven't...I'd be inclined not to mention unless you get asked).

Good luck!

ArroganceInStep

For a waitress position I wouldn't suggest a full suit. I think a decent pair of slacks and a button up shirt would be fine. It does depend on the place though, what do the waitresses wear there for work? You want to be at their level of dress or one step higher, but not so much so that it's awkward. Does that make sense?

For that type of position the questions are usually fairly straightforward. I wouldn't expect crazy mind twisters or anything. Usually who are you? Why would you do well here at this job? Are you able to work these hours? Have you done this kind of thing before? That sort of thing. Be honest, and after each question is asked stop and take a breath, give yourself a second or two to put together a full response before you start to answer. They will be gauging how you interact with people, so taking a second to get the answer right is much better than answering quickly and flubbing up somewhere.

Be prompt, show up no more than 15 minutes early (that means get there 30 minutes early to account for traffic just in case and wait someplace they can't see you outside until 15 minutes before your scheduled. If you're running late call immediately, explain why you are running late, say how late you think you will be, and offer to reschedule for another time (do NOT assume they will wait for you to get there). This is only for emergencies though, don't be late if you can possibly help it.

Speak clearly, drink a little water (not too much) just before the interview (not at the location, before you get there). Go to the bathroom before you get to the place too.

MOST IMPORTANT, buy a small chocolate bar or something delicious that won't make a mess and eat it approximately 30 minutes before the interview, it'll help settle your nerves a bit and make you feel good (there's some biochemical mumbo jumbo that someone could put here but I don't feel like looking it up...suffice it to say you'll feel good cause it's delicious).

You'll be fine, relax and be yourself.

marthafox1

As you have no experience, think about what skills and attributes you have. For example, you are used to preparing balanced and healthy meals to your family. You are friendly, honest, trustworthy have a kind and bubbly personality but are sensible and professional. You are a good timekeeper and being flexible is not a problem. You are well presented and articulate. You have your head screwed on and can be relied upon to do a good job - and you won't let them down.

They are looking for someone who will turn up for their shift, look presentable, can do their job when it's very busy and will look for things to do when it is quiet. They will be looking for someone who doesn't get bothered by having 10 things to do at once whilst maintaining an external smile and giving good customer service. They are looking for someon they can trust to handle the money and is prepared to learn new skills (such as basic food hygiene training) to ensure they do the job to the required standard. You need to tell them that you are willing and capable of undertaking the role.

All the very best. Let us know how you get on.

gel91

Thanks so much everyone!! I'm taking all this onboard!

I have so many things in my mind to say I'll just spend the weekend figuring it getting it straight and preparing.

He sounded nice on the phone! And yeah he knows I've got a child, I used it as some bulletpoints in my email to my advantage!

JeninBelgium

ooh so much good advice, I think I will ahem borrow some of it myself

(I have a big presenation next week so will definitely remember that chocolate bar and the pausing at questions)

one last thing- small earrings.

Silly, right? A friend once did not hire someone for a variety or reasons but she said the kicker was the earrings -she said she simply could not take a person wearing those particular earrings seriously, honestly I would simply say she was crazy but like I said there were other issues too