Job Interview...help please?

angbieb

Hi All!
So, I've been unemployed for some time now....I'm going to school for my associate's degree in accounting. But, I've also been trying to get a job...money is super tight and its really getting tough. I've been on several interviews and I don't understand why I'm not getting the jobs. I have a 4.0 gpa, and I am so dedicated, I just don't know how to put that out there without sounding like an idiot. I really need this job! My interview is at 2; just wanted to get some advice from my fellow MFP members! Maybe I'll get that tip that will make a big difference and get the job this time!
Thanks!!
ang

dhconsford

I would suggest to do a little research on the company, and always be prepared to ask a question. They usually ask, Do you have any questions. You will have one. And if you know about the company, you can give answers that are geared toward them. Does that make any sense?

dhconsford

Oh, and good luck today!!

christina_theresa

Job interviews are all about selling yourself, you have to make them want you. Also, give very specific examples without going on long tangents.

priescm

Best advice I can give is to ask questions and don't say "UM" so much! Pretend like you know what you're talking about even if you don't.
I have never had an interview and not been offered the job...it's all about tooting your own horn without sounding snooty and taking an interest in the company and what the interviewers are talking about. If they ask you something that you don't feel is a strong point for you, you counter it by subtly switching the subject to something you are great at.

Good luck with it today!

DANCHAN1

I too would research the company, just google them and get information what they do how long they have been in operation general stuff. And my biggest advice.....Come off as extremely confident. Even if you are dying on the inside do not let it show. Speak slowly. When they ask a question take your time to think of your answer, remember speak slowly, firm handshake and confidence!

Knock em dead! You have something to bring to the table and make sure you get their business cards and email them when you get home and thank them for the interview. Mention something they said like "I find it very interesting that your company...."

Go get em!

FaugHorn

Be calm and interested. Speak clearly and confidently. Sit straight, make eye contact, use "active listening" to acknowledge and respond to what the interviewer is saying. They want a person who not only can do the job, but who is a pleasure to work with. Make sure you have answers to the "usual" questions, why are you interested in the job, why did you leave your last job, what is your greatest strength/weakness, etc. Have a list of questions about the company and the position so you can fill any awkward dead-air moments. Don't wear perfume/cologne, wash your hands right before so they're dry (nothing worse than clammy hands). It is a "whole package" deal. I hope that helps a little! You could also try practice interviewing with friends and a lot of local community centers/colleges have practice interview skills classes for free/cheap.

Aegelis

I would suggest to do a little research on the company, and always be prepared to ask a question. They usually ask, Do you have any questions. You will have one. And if you know about the company, you can give answers that are geared toward them. Does that make any sense?

This is good, I like asking the questions like, "What kinds of traits are you looking for in an employee?" Sometimes you can tell from the answer if you met these qualities they're looking for. Some things that help are to appear professional but relaxed, friendly, smile lightly, give eye contact, don't drink coffee beforehand unless it is decaf, eat a small light meal before to help feel settled.

Also worth noting, sometimes it doesn't matter if you've solved Einstein's problem of faster-than-light travel, some companies just have to 'go through the motions' even though they already have the candidate they want. Temp agencies have been a help for me a time or two. Remember the more darts you throw, the greater the chance of hitting a bull's eye. Saying a prayer for you, all the best.

vim_n_vigor

Stay relaxed - at least do everything you can to pretend you are relaxed. Smile. Good strong handshake. Be yourself.

MrsM1ggins

Be prepared. Remember that they won't just be looking for technical/work related knowledge, they're also looking at your personality to see if you will fit in with the people they have already. That means you have to be confident without being arrogant, and easy to talk to without being a blabbermouth.

Make sure you're ready to tell them what YOU bring to the table that they won't get from someone else.

krnlcsf

I've been on the other side of the table as the interviewer a lot in the past... the people who really make an impression on me are those who come prepared with questions (as the above poster said) and have obviously taken some time to pay close attention to the job description and know how they meet the requirements. And don't be afraid to jot down some notes and your questions, and put them in a nice leather bound binder, because in my experience being interviewed, quite often you know the answers before you go in, but often freeze up/forget when asked directly... And always give real-life examples about you meet the requirements of the job e.g. I am a very dedicated worker - an example of my dedication in a previous job is [insert anecdote here]

good luck with the interview! :flowerforyou:

Paul_Kent_UK

Definately make sure that you show lot's of interest in the role and the company. As an interviewer I find it a turn-off when interviews are mostly one-way. If a candicate expresses an interest in what it's like to work at the firm I see that as someone who is actively looking for the opportunity I have to offer and not just going through the motions to get another job.

butterflyliz32

Be confident in your abilities, and be prepared with specific examples. Most companies have gone towards a Behavioral Interviewing style of questioning. What they are looking for is to see if you have done a similar task and how you handled it, as the best predictor of future behavior is past behavior. Here is the method you use for answering these questions:

S.T.A.R.
Situation/Task - What was the problem, or what were you asked to do
Action - What did you actually do
Response - What was the outcome of your action

If you haven't done something like what they have asked, let them know that, but also give them an idea of what you could do and what you think the outcome would be.

12 years of HR-related experience here, and I design Behavioral Interview questions (and train people on how to both interview and be interviewed).

XXXMinnieXXX

Don't be afraid to sell yourself. you wont sound like an idiot. promise. Researching the company is a good idea, and you got an interview so they must think your a good candidate, so be confident! good luck! x

angbieb

Thanks so much! What if they ask me to give an example of a time that........and I can't think of one? That is where I get sooo flustered and I feel like I come off not looking so bright. :noway:

_Dan_

Show confidence! Even if it's fake ^_^

carriem73

Make sure you are dressed appropriately- always dress professional for an interview, even if the job is at McDonalds- it will make you stand out from the crowd. nice shoes too- nothing too high, or outrageous- plain, simple, dress shoes.

It is always better to be remembered as the girl/guy wearing the nice suit than the girl/guy wearing the ratty t-shirt and jeans (don't laugh, I have had people show up for interviews like that!)

And be confident!!!

You can do this- good luck!!!

_HeathBar_

I hire and interview a lot of people. For me the things that really get under my skin and will make me not consider someone is a bad resume (bad as in poor grammar, bad formatting, spelling errors etc.). These things will make you go into the "no" pile right away.

During the interview it bothers me when the person is just telling me what they think I want to hear instead of giving an honest answer. Short answers are also a way to make me not interested in you. Try to elaborate on your answers, I want to know who you are without having to ask a million questions to wring it out of you.

Remember to smile, be confident, and try to relax.

carriem73

I've been on the other side of the table as the interviewer a lot in the past... the people who really make an impression on me are those who come prepared with questions (as the above poster said) and have obviously taken some time to pay close attention to the job description and know how they meet the requirements. And don't be afraid to jot down some notes and your questions, and put them in a nice leather bound binder, because in my experience being interviewed, quite often you know the answers before you go in, but often freeze up/forget when asked directly... And always give real-life examples about you meet the requirements of the job e.g. I am a very dedicated worker - an example of my dedication in a previous job is [insert anecdote here]

good luck with the interview! :flowerforyou:

this- and make sure you have them written out nicly in good handwriting- they will be able to see your notebook across the table/desk... when they ask if you have questions, take a look at your list- if they have already answered them over the course of the interview, it is fine to say "no thank you- it looks like you have already answered everything I was looking for".

It is also good to jot down notes in your book during the interview- it makes them understand you are listening to them and taking the interview serious enough-

Amazingday

I am going on one today as well! I totally agree researching the company and asking them questions is just as important as what they ask you. And obvious things, professional looking clothes, being on time, and RELAX!!! Be confident! I really need this job too, but you have to be confident in your abilities! Think about why you would be an asset to this company. I have been self employed for 2 years and things finally dropped out of my work and coming back at 42 and interviewing and filling out applications, it's been a real eye opener! The job market has changed so much, don't get discouraged. So many people apply and it's like they don't care. They don't get back to you after you went in and interviewed, fine if I didn't get the job but at least let me know that you filled the position..... So you are not alone is my point! Go in, shake their hand, look them straight in the eye, and relax..... GOOD LUCK!!!

carriem73

and one more thing- have prepared answes for standard questions, but nothing fake as the above poster said-

for example- "what is your biggest weakness?"-(a very popular question)- the answer "I am too dedicated to my job, I work too much, I am too much of a perfectionist when it comes to my job" are all fanny-kissing answers that interviews can spot a mile away.

and don't just spit out answers- it is ok to take a moment and think before you talk- you don't want to look like all your answers are rehearsed.

Good luck and let us know how it goes!

htmlgirl

- research the company and have some facts about it ready (I've been asked "so what do you know about our company?")
- practice those questions that HR people like to ask like "what's your greatest weakness/strength"
- have a list of question for the company ready, they will probably ask if you have any questions, then you look like you are interested in the company/job
- bring copies of your resume (I've gone to interviews where they asked for copies, especially if there's more than 1 interviewing me)
- I also bring a copy of my transcript from college and a list of every job I've had (in case they make me fill out a job application on site, it happened once where I didn't have the information, so now I carry a list everywhere)
- I always go in an interview like I am interviewing them to decide who I will work for because it helps me feel more confident during the interview

GOOD LUCK!

inside_lap

I would suggest to do a little research on the company, and always be prepared to ask a question. They usually ask, Do you have any questions. You will have one. And if you know about the company, you can give answers that are geared toward them. Does that make any sense?

^^^^^ This! And gear your answers to how well you and the company match as a unit and how your skills can improve the company in it's mission. Don't just talk about how wonderful you are or how wonderful they are. Speak to the unit.

TimWilkinson101

First impressions count in an interview, so make sure you make an effort on your appearance as most people make a decision on an interviewee in the first 30 seconds.

Dont overdo perfume or makeup however as you are going for a job and not a date and I have had the misfortune of interviewing someone who seemed to have fallen in the perfume bottle. It was not nice and I wanted them out asap. If you are unsure, then just soap is better than too much. Also polish your shoes and iron yoru clothes (seems basic but I've interviewed people who havent) as people take offence if you dont make an effort. Dont wear jeans and trainers and a sex pistol's t-shirt as you want to be taken seriously and to show them you are taking them seriously.

Make sure your palm is dry when you meet them and shake their hand firmly (not too firm!) and smile and look them in the eye. Wait to be asked to sit down. If they ask if you would like a drink. take a water as it helps to have somethign to sip when your brain freezes. It also gives them an excuse to get one if they want too. Bear in mind they are possibly nervous and they want to hire someone and get all this "interviewing" over with.

When you sit down, lean forwards when you are speaking and show that you are interested. Keep making eye contact and smiling. If you can make them smile too then that is half the battle. Mirroring their body language is effective too. Make sure your own body language doesnt make you seem defensive (keep your arms and legs uncrossed) or disinterested or aloof etc. Its worth looking a little into Body Language to know what to avoid (such as avoiding tapping your feet unconciously).

When being questioned, make sure you understand exactly what is being asked and answer that and not what you would rather they asked. If you get the opportunity to show your good points though, do so. I always carry a folder with my CV (resume) as an aide memoire (and you can look down at it and "refer" when your mind goes blank) and also I carry a list of questions I would like to ask them at the end. It looks far more professional to look at you list of questions at the end and say "thanks but it seems you've answered all the points I wanted to raise" than to sit there and say "no, I've not got anything to ask".

Make sure you research their company online if you can. Dont ask about benefits (holidays etc) or if you can have time off to look after your kids now and then and dont ask about promotion prospects. You need to get that job and not appear that you are using it as a temporary way in. I've made the mistake of being "too good" at an interview before, so make your examples aimed at the same level as the post. Dont appear desperate. Make them feel they want you as much as you want them (so be confident).

If you can, watch out for the points the interviewer is keen on and try and expand the interview on those points. The interviewer will be happy talking about the stuff they enjoy and that will leave a more favourable impression about you... and it might make them run out of time to ask the "tricky" questions.... I've used that tactic myself once to get a job in a position I had no clue about... but I DID know about somethign else that was mentioned and I talked about that and my knowledge of it as much as I could.

I've no idea what a 4gpa is, but when I interviewed people, my main criteria was "did I like the person"? Then "did I think the rest of the team would like them or would they be trouble and cause morale problems" and then I would finally see if I thought they could actually do the job. Even then, if I liked the person enough on a personal level and if they made me think that they were intelligent and could learn the job, then I would take a gamble.

So, sadly appearance and first impressions count most. I have no idea what you look like, but Gok Wan etc seem to be very good at dressing people to get the most out of their figures and features, so consider strip usage etc.

The night before an interview I'd always have an early night and I'd not have anythign to drink. If I failed to sleep, then it would be a Red Bull (or two once) just before the interview to make sure I was on my game (I dont touch caffeiene normally). Oh that reminds me... oral hygene is a must. Bad breath (or BO) are no noes.

Dont get caught lying either. The only time I got pissed interviewing someone was when I discovered they were lying. I'd have rather had the truth than the drivel the guy was spouting.

Finally, if you are consistently failing, then try hypnotism. I got it for my fiancee who was APPALLING at interviews and she aced the very next one... and I mean aced.

Hope that isnt TMI, but if you need to know more, then contact me as I've interviewed loads of people and only ever failed one so far (the one where I was too good) ... the ones with the woman who didnt like me DONT count!

Good luck.

aprilgicker

You may be an interrupter. You maybe excited and nervous and have this annoying ability to finish others thoughts and questions for them. Try really hard not to do that. If you do it a few times ask for forgiveness and let them know that you are really excited about starting with them and that you are sorry to interrupt. This way they will know that you know you do this. It does help.

I still do it but I haven't had any angry faces made at me in a long time since I let folks know I am an interrupter.
Good Luck.

NurseCarolyn2014

All great advice :happy: This was perfect, I'm also looking for work, thanks everyone :flowerforyou:
And OP.....good luck !!

newbeetler

Not read all the responses so sorry if this has been said.

A couple that I always try and do.

Try and relate to the interviewer and direct your answers to how you can make a difference.
I always try and make then smile. My last interview was with a director who by the agencies admission never smiled. I was asked a question about my hobbies and managed to make a small joke about not having time for hobbies as I have twins.

They all laughed. But I also answered it seriously by saying that I like to travel and I like to swim with my girls.

Showed I had an interest outside of the company as well as inside the company.

A strange piece of advice I would give but has stood me in good stead in the last few interviews (I am 3 for 3 in the last 12 months).

When offered a glass of water take it.

Then if I had a question asked of me that I needed to think about. I would pick up the glass and take a sip. Kind of like you are making sure you are not getting too thirsty to talk.

But taking that sip gives you that extra 30 seconds to think about your answer without them all staring at you in silence.

Above all, Be yourself and good luck.

TimWilkinson101

Tips for when you get a brain freeze:

1. Ask them to repeat the question
2. Ask them if you can come back to that
3. Tell them that you've had a brain freeze and ask if you can be given a minute
4. Look at your resume and gather your thoughts after saying "I just need a moment to think of the what I feel is a good example of..."
5. Say "I cant think of anythign specific to that right now, but somethign similar is... " and ask if you can come back to it later.
6. Take a drink of water and take a deep breath.
7. Take your time. They want to know what you know and not how fast you can remember it.

Its also possible to highlight items on your resume that you want to make sure you point out and its possible to have addiditional notes on your "questions" list.

PS. Something else I've done before is taken in a folder with all my qualifications. At the end of the interview I have offered to loan it to them to prove that my resume is genuine and that they can see I know my stuff. No one has ever taken it, but at least one company did admit to hiring me based on that as I "obviously knew what I was doing".

alderman59

Ditto on doing research about the company. I have been on numerous interview panels and hired people individually. I am always impressed when the individual answers a question or asks a question that is specifically related to the company. Shows that they cared enough to check things out. Introduce yourself with a handshake, be sure to not interrupt someone when they are talking, eye contact and thank them after the interview for the opportunity.

newbeetler

Oh and one more.

If you feel yourself getting flustered. Tell them.

I had an interview where I had travelled 2 hours. Been delayed on the tube and was in a real tiz when I got there.

The first question they asked I actually stumbled over my words and could not speak.

I actually said, "Sorry, let me take just a moment and I will start again".

It showed that I recognised I was a little flustered, they chuckled as every one gets like that sometimes. But it also showed in a stress situation I can remove myself for a moment and put my point across in a calm and collected manner.

The guy interviewing commented on it when they offered me the job that I seemed nervous to start with but the 30 seconds of calming and starting again meant I flowed through the interview with confidence and he could see that I can calm myself and get things done correctly.

Don't get yourself in a panic just take your time.

butterflyliz32

Also, make sure you actually interview them as well. I like to ask the interviewer what they like best about working for the company. It usually catches them somewhat off guard and they will answer honestly. I don't know about you, but I have been in enough companies that I hated after 6 months, and the last thing I want to do is to get in somewhere because I am desperate, and then have to start all over again, or be stuck somewhere I hate.

Understand what that business does and why you want to be a part of it.

Also, DO NOT talk crap about your last job. EVER. I don't care if they set you on fire!! Interviewers will relate what you say about your last job to how you will talk about this job. Be honest about why you are seeking new opportunities, but remain professional. Besides, with all of the networking out there, you just never know who knows who.