Job interview today :o(
angbieb
Posts: 668 Member
Don't get me wrong...I'm glad I have an interview...but I suck at job interviews...I've had three so far and they didn't hire me. Any advice? I get extremely nervous and tend to ramble...I think that is what blows the whole deal.:frown: Help!:sad:
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Replies
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Good LUCK!0
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It really helps to prepare. Talking to people who hire folks, they say it makes a big difference when people have bothered to learn something about their organization and have something specific to say about it, especially how they might fit in--or be able to help it. Go armed with a couple of points you want to make abohut yourself so that you are not at the random mercy of whatever the interviewer decides to ask, and figure out ways to work your points into the conversation. That will give you a sense of control. Prepare in advance your answers to some of the "chestnut" questions they ask, like what's your biggest failing, what do you see yourself doing in 10 (or whatever) years and the always-difficult "tell me about yourself." Preparing what you'll say also helps calm your own nerves.
An important one: Bring in questions you have about the job and the company, and what they're looking for. This does a couple of things: shows your preparation and interest in them, and gives you a chance to stop talking, take a breath and collect yourself while they do some talking for awhile. Show yourself to be an active listener, responding to their responses and asking questions that arise from those responses. This also will make it feel more like a conversation, and besides, everyone likes to talk.
Be aware that not getting the job is, these days, not a rejection of you. There are so many applicants for every job. But that also means you want to work to set yourself apart..."I know you must have many applicants for a job this rewarding, but a couple of things I'd like you to know about me...."
I recommend against the coffee. Accept it if the interviewer offers, but in some cases bringing in coffee would be seen as inappropriate.
Looking for a job is the hardest job! But if you just be yourself and work toward making it a conversation as much as possible, you'll do really well.0 -
It is hard to comment without knowing your line of work, but try to get into a process oriented discussion.
Talk shop.
Nick Corcodilios, a former headhunter who runs a web site about job hunting, sums it up quite well:
"Is the job interview The Moment of Truth? Nah. The Land of Bunk is more like it. Never have more stupid questions been answered with the same repetitive drivel as in the job interview. You can sit down and easily list ten questions everyone is asked in an interview."
Be sure to engage them as much as possible about the work that is to be done. Offer value.
Most importantly, if it is a good fit, ASK FOR THE JOB!!
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It is hard to comment without knowing your line of work, but try to get into a process oriented discussion.
Accounting....and thanks everyone for the advice so far...every bit helps!!0 -
Good Luck Angie! What kind of job are you interviewing for?0
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1. Prepare yourself for the interview be ready for the questions
2. Do something that relaxes you before the interview
3. Picture them naked unless they are super hot or weird looking (you don't want to burst out laughing)
4. Reward yourself after with something
Good Luck!!!0 -
I work in HR, and I have a ton of useful tips I can e-mail to you. Message me if you would like more info!0
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Smile and be genuine. If you sound like a robot and answer every question the way you think everyone else is answering they won't remember you. :]
Answer questions with -short- examples of ways you were honest or dealt with a problem or whatever else they're asking you.0 -
Advice:
1.) Know the job you are applying for. If you are aware of the tasks that are expected of you, you will be better prepared to answer questions. Also some knowledge of the company itself is always helpful.
2.) If you are asked if you know how to do something that you don't know how to do, be honest but also let them know that you are eager to learn and adept at learning new tasks.
3.) Bring your own pen...always make sure you have a pen
4.) Firm handshakes are best
5.) Be polite, sincere, and interested in joining their "team" or whatever the place is.0 -
It really helps to prepare. Talking to people who hire folks, they say it makes a big difference when people have bothered to learn something about their organization and have something specific to say about it, especially how they might fit in--or be able to help it. Go armed with a couple of points you want to make abohut yourself so that you are not at the random mercy of whatever the interviewer decides to ask, and figure out ways to work your points into the conversation. That will give you a sense of control. Prepare in advance your answers to some of the "chestnut" questions they ask, like what's your biggest failing, what do you see yourself doing in 10 (or whatever) years and the always-difficult "tell me about yourself." Preparing what you'll say also helps calm your own nerves.
An important one: Bring in questions you have about the job and the company, and what they're looking for. This does a couple of things: shows your preparation and interest in them, and gives you a chance to stop talking, take a breath and collect yourself while they do some talking for awhile. Show yourself to be an active listener, responding to their responses and asking questions that arise from those responses. This also will make it feel more like a conversation, and besides, everyone likes to talk.
Be aware that not getting the job is, these days, not a rejection of you. There are so many applicants for every job. But that also means you want to work to set yourself apart..."I know you must have many applicants for a job this rewarding, but a couple of things I'd like you to know about me...."
I recommend against the coffee. Accept it if the interviewer offers, but in some cases bringing in coffee would be seen as inappropriate.
Looking for a job is the hardest job! But if you just be yourself and work toward making it a conversation as much as possible,
you'll do really well.
Perfect advise, wish i read this about two weeks ago...
Good Luck angbieb
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I've done hundreds of interviews. Here's some simple, basic tips:
listen carefully to the interviewer and interact with them (it's a dance);
be honest and always positive;
give specific accomplishments and quantified impacts whenever you can instead of listing vague attributes;
towards the end of the interview summarize exactly how your experience and achievements meet the job requirements;
ask intelligent prepared questions based on research;
send a thank you note (email is OK) within one day of the interview reinforcing how you are qualified for the job and that you want it; and
follow up in a friendly way if you don't hear from them after their decision timeframe to again demonstrate your interest.
Being nervous is normal and can give you productive energy so don't fight it. Smile easily, lean forward, and try to relax as much as you can. You'll be fine.0 -
Focus on what you can bring to the job. Do not talk about anything personal, at all. People make this mistake all the time, and give away information that will create bias in the eyes of the interviewer. Even if you think it is no big deal that you mention that you like to play golf, maybe the interviewer's husband plays golf all the time and she hates that game.
The biggest interview mistakes I've seen working in HR:
1. Do not talk about health challenges unless you are diagnosed disabled. They are looking at what their health insurance is going to cost and/or potential absenteeism.
2. Do not talk about anything drug or alcohol related (unless it relevant to the job). If you are directly asked about this, and you have DUII or other things on your official record, do be honest, but never, ever volunteer this information.
3. Stay on topic. Talk about your work experience and what you can bring to the company. When they ask you to talk about yourself, they want to know about what you have done professionally, not that you are a Gemini with 3 schnauzers.
4. Practice your answers before you go to the interview. Out Loud. If you have someone else to practice with, this is even better. Monster.com has a great list of potential interview questions you can use a starting point. Know that your compitition for the job is using this tool. You should use it too.
Good luck! I hope you find the perfect job for you!0 -
I've hired many people in my day, the key is to be confident but relaxed. Also, the more you know about my company the more it tells me you are willing to put in the work to get the job. Make sure you ask questions of the interviewer, they want to know that you are serious about the job and that you think the job is right for you, as much as you are right for the job.
I also read this article before every single job interview I go on:
http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/02/17/25-questions-to-think-about-before-your-next-job-interview/
Finally, after the interview send a prompt thank you note, make sure to talk about something specifically that was discussed and seemed important to the interviewer.
Private message me if you have any more questions or want more tips.0 -
Breathe
prepare by learning about the company
breath
give clear, concise, confident answers
breathe
smile
If they ask you about your hobbies and such, think about what you like to do that makes you feel confident, impressive and awesome and talk about that to help you shine even more.
GOOD LUCK :flowerforyou:
Let us know how it goes!0 -
Practice. Do as many interviews as you can. You get more comfortable with each one. You also interview best when you don't need the job.0
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I've hired many people in my day, the key is to be confident but relaxed. Also, the more you know about my company the more it tells me you are willing to put in the work to get the job. Make sure you ask questions of the interviewer, they want to know that you are serious about the job and that you think the job is right for you, as much as you are right for the job.
I also read this article before every single job interview I go on:
http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/02/17/25-questions-to-think-about-before-your-next-job-interview/
Finally, after the interview send a prompt thank you note, make sure to talk about something specifically that was discussed and seemed important to the interviewer.
Private message me if you have any more questions or want more tips.
YES!! Absolutely send a personalized thank you note!0 -
I'm an accountant too! One final exam away from my Masters! Yay me! I suck at interviewing. Big time! Like you I get nervous and tend to ramble or I say something really stupid trying to make a joke so I'll relax- doesn't work btw. My last interview (with the DOE) was a group interview (which I was not expecting and was not told it would be a group interview until about 5 minutes before when everyone started showing up!) so my nervousness increased by about a million. Things I've learned:
Take your time answering. Not so much time that they think you're looking for what they want to hear but enough time that you don't blurt out something silly or off topic.
Ask them to clarify anything you aren't sure about or don't completely understand before answering.
Look online for different types of interviews and be prepared (as much as possible) for different types of questions. Strengths/weakness of course, ways you deal with stress or problem clients on the job, how you handle confidential information, why you want the job, why you should get the job over someone else, etc.
Have examples of ways that you added value to your previous jobs or if you can't think of anything like that then have examples of things you did well, things people complimented you on or things you did that brought about a positive change- things the employers, fellow employees and customers liked/appreciated.
Take notes. Ask questions. Ask questions about the things you took notes about.
Do a little research about the firm. You don't have to go in depth but make sure you know what they do, what they're about, what their goals are. Make them aware that you're prepared to help them meet those goals and that you have the skills to do it, even if you lack the experience right now.
Look like you're interested, don't just sit there like a robot. Try to be personable without going over the line.
Even if you're nervous, try to look relaxed and confident, realize you have strengths and that if they weren't interested in what they've seen so far they wouldn't be taking the time to interview you.
Send a thank you note/email. I know some people say it doesn't matter but I think it helps set you apart from the other people they interview who might not have sent a note. Besides it doesn't hurt to remind them of you or exactly what you talked about. Keep it short though, it's a note, not a letter (as you can tell from my response and editing, I have a hard time with this part lol)
And I'm sure it doesn't need to be said, they drill it into us at the school I attend, but dress and act appropriately. Make sure your clothes fit properly and you won't be tugging or pulling them, make sure you're covered- you don't have to look like a nun but you don't want to look like you're hitting the clubs right after the interview. Besides, clothes that fit properly and you feel comfortable in will give you one less thing to worry about and help you feel more confident, you'll "look" the part. Keep nervous gestures to a minimum. Be polite, use your manners. I've been on both sides of the interviewing table and some of the things people say/do are crazy. I sometimes wonder if they act a certain way because they don't want the job but in that case just decline the interview.
Maybe if you approach it in a way that makes you feel like this is not a job you "have" to have you'll feel a little more relaxed. Or even try to apply for some other jobs to get more interviews so you'll have practice and won't feel so nervous.0 -
I'd say mahanaibu pretty much nailed it.
Practice as much as you can so you know the answers cold.
Good luck!0 -
Good luck!
In addition to the above:
Take in notes, I think this shows you're prepared and interested in the job. You can even take in notes about what you're going to say if they ask a specific question but try not to read directly from the paper.
If you are stuck for an answer, don't try to reply straight away, take a breath, it's fine to say 'hmm, let me think about that for a moment' - they'd rather you took time to answer properly than start talking without thinking.
When waiting to go in, focus on having your feet planted on the floor, take deep breaths and focus on being connected to the ground - this helps you from getting caught up in nerves and all the worries in your head - keep grounded.
After the interview, if you have the interviewers email address, drop them a note - just say thanks for meeting me today, I'm very interested in the role and feel I can bring a lot to it and hope to hera from you soon - or words to that effect. Again it shows enthusiasm and genuine interest.
Be great!!
(sorry see some of this has been added in other replies while I was writing!)0 -
Good Luck Angie! What kind of job are you interviewing for?
Thanks H! Today is a job interview for selling insurance...but tomorrow I have a phone interview for an accounting position! I'm very excited! I don't want to get my hopes too high though...because I get really bummed when I don't get the job.0 -
Wow...thank you all for replying....this is why I love MFP! You all are fabulous!! I have an interview tomorrow as well so I'm coming back on here tonight to take notes! I wish I would have asked last night...but with what I've read today, I feel a lot better and I feel like I am more prepared! Thank you so much!!!
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First and foremost, congratulations on your interview! Have confidence in your ablilities because they chose you to have an interview with out of several people! Yay!
Why do you think you suck at interviews? You need to change your thought quickly because that toxic thought will make you not as good as you actually are and make you not as open to opportunities. Focus on staying positive.
If stuttering, rambling and "ums" are an issue, remember to let the interviewer talk and lead the conversation. Be warm and answer thoughtfully and with confidence. But, if you feel yourself start to ramble, stop yourself and take a breath "in your head" (meaning don't let out a big sigh out loud) and smile. One word answers are not good, they make you seem curt and unapproachable. Simple, short and thoughtful answers delivered with confidence are the very best answers to give.
Also, don't ask too many questions. Remember to breath. Also focus on what you CAN do and HAVE done as oppose to what you cannot do. Stay positive, positive people mean trainable and ALL employers want that. Do the best you can and that is all anyone expects
I have studied HR in college ( I was a business major with a minor in HR) and have had positions where I interview people for companies as an HR rep or generalist and for employment agencies.
You will do great! Believe in yourself! Best wishes!!0 -
Wow...I had a great interview..all the advice really helped a lot!! Thanks!!0
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At the end of the interview, ask questions back. If the company changed anything recently, ask about the transisiton or how it might effect future business.
One questions I ALWAYS ask at the end is some thing like this:
"I know we've covered a lot of different reuiqmrents for skills and abilities, and i think I've covered most of them to show how well I match up with this position, but there are always other naunce needs and abilities that might not be written out as a requiments, or manybe that I mised and didn't expand on enough. Are there any requiments or needs for the postion that I might speak to or address that you would like to know about?"
That opens the door for further discussion.0 -
Well crap...sorry I didn't get this in beofre you did the interview, but props on getting in there and making a good showing!0
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Well crap...sorry I didn't get this in beofre you did the interview, but props on getting in there and making a good showing!
Thank you! Your advice is still helpful...I have another job interview tomorrow! Maybe I'll just continue to do as many interviews as I can..eventually I should get to be an expert at it...lol!
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If you really want to knock someone's socks off, end with this:
"I am really impressed with your company and here's why <insert reasons here>. I would really like an offer from your company."
You might be surprised at the difference in asking for what you want.0 -
1 - Shake hands with all interviewers BEFORE and AFTER the interview
2 - Pretend like you are just going to go see a couple of old friends you havnt seen for years! 0 -
I used to have this problem when I was younger.
If someone is off work..my boyfriend or mom etc I hang around with them before if possible sometimes we can over think interviews this puts my nerves at ease. I just swap talking to one person for another.
Be prepared know about the company etc they won't expect you to know everything but show them you have done your homework. Use your manners thank you & please and a firm hand shake. Keep answers short and to the point try not to ramble on. If you don't understand the question ask them to explain. Smile. Take a few deep breaths before hand. Ask them questions ask them when will they be letting the successful person know..that way you won't be hanging around forever waiting. The last few jobs weren't for you. This one could be. I once had a girl stop in the middle of a interview and ask for a second that she was nervous because she really wanted the job but wasn't nervous with actual customers.. I hired her and she went on to do great things. Remember the people interviewing are people too. Good luck 0 -
My tips for success...
Know the basics of the business before going in. (if its a larger company..know that they are 30 years running, have over 10000 employee, etc.)
Firm handshake.
Look them in the face and don't fidget.
And most important...
SMILE!!!! No one wants to hire that kid who looked like they were gonna vomit the whole interview.
(I'm sure things like experience, question prep, dress, etc.. are great too. lol but honestly if you can do the above, you are a mile ahead of other interviewers.)
Good luck!!0
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