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Posted by: Guitarman700 Oct 8 2008, 03:49 PM

Ok, so i have a job interview today at 1:00 pm Central time, anyone got any tips advice or pointers for me?

Posted by: OrganisedConfusion Oct 8 2008, 03:51 PM

Be Enthusiastic, Dress Smartly, Don't just let them ask you questions ask questions back with them and seem like a friendly person and just make sure you get across where you think you fit in their company

Act confidently also. Where are you applying for a job as that makes a big difference. Don't fidget as well in interview. Keep your arms in view and no tapping on tables or anything lol.

And Good Luck That Caparison might be nearer than you think

Posted by: MickeM Oct 8 2008, 04:03 PM

Well, I don't know so much about what they look for in an employee in the US. But here in Sweden, and I was in mid management once and had the opportunity to sit on the other side of the table holding interviews, I value education, knowledge and personality (but not in that order)

If you have the knowledge they are looking for, make sure to be very clear to say so. Don't be modest but don't brag.
A good education prooves you got endurance and set goals.
A personality that would fit with the current group is most important if you got the knowledge and could be a candidate. So don't be afraid to talk about your personal life and situation, hobbies etc. Try to find a common subject you could both enjoy talking about.

I know others will recommend you to be yourself. And that's so true. So try to be relaxed, social and how you would be amongst people you know. No cursing and four letter words if that's part of being yourself

Good luck

Posted by: Guitarman700 Oct 8 2008, 04:07 PM

Thanks for the advice O.C. and Mickem. It seems like NO ONE wants to hire new workers here in Northern Michigan, so this is the first interview ive had in about 5 months! getting all nervous wont do me any favors! Thanks again for the tips.

Posted by: OrganisedConfusion Oct 8 2008, 04:09 PM

You'll be fine.

Posted by: wollace03 Oct 8 2008, 04:23 PM

Well, actually most of the time i have to lead the job interviews and there are a few things that are very important to me when it comes to hire new employees.
As mikem said before, it is difficult because i also dont know the situation in the us - i am from austria. and i have no idea, what job it is you are applying to. In most cases i am looking for people for management positions.
as i said there are a few very important things:
- be authentic, you are who you are and thats the person the employer is looking for. there is no need to play a role in the job interview and dont answer with standard answers you get out of books. every person who has to lead job interviews often can´t stand these standard answers....
- if you are invited that means that your curriculum does at least have all the (minimum) requirements that are needed for the job, so you can be confident baout that issue
- be active and be awake (sounds funny but you have to be at the interview with all your senses) and the interviewer must feel your presence.
- if you need experience for the job, speak about your former work and never talk too bad about your former employer!
- it is very good to talk about your hobbies and show that you have a social life and show that you know how to act during a conversation
- if you are applying for a management position, the interviewer must get a feeling of how you lead people, how you act in different situations - again, dont lie, act authentic - thats the best way!
- one of the most valuable hints: don´t act like you ar deserted and need the job really bad - be sure about yourself and show, that you are here to get an idea of your new employer, too. you also have to decide wheter this is the right job for you or not
- and another very important thing: inform yourself before you go to the interview, you should at least know what the company does (produces,...), how big the company is and so on (check the internet, .....) that shows your interest and that you are reliable...

so, that are a few (or more) things that come to my mind when i think of job interviews....
i wish you all the best and good luck!!!!

Posted by: Smikey2006 Oct 8 2008, 05:31 PM

Never give them any reasons not to hire you, when they ask weaknesses the only one you should ever say is a lack of job experience THEN go straight back into reasons why they should hire you! give them reasons why you can overcome your lack of experience and be a valued member of your team. Your trying to sell yourself. you would never try and sell a car by telling the buyer it had some scratches and dents.

Posted by: Nemanja Filipovic Oct 8 2008, 05:45 PM

Good luck man,tell us how it went.

Posted by: Jeff Oct 8 2008, 05:53 PM

Find out as much about the company that you possibly can. Find out where they focus their attention and try to let them know that you are aware of what their purpose is and then tell them your plan for making them more profitable. Companies like to see numbers.... positive growth numbers that is. They need to know that you understand them.

Money talks. Tell them specifically where you can add value. Use numbers and percentages if you can. Admit where your strengths and weaknesses are. They will make a judgment about you as soon as they see you. You have about 5 seconds. Firm handshake and eye contact here is critical. So dress nice, be positive - and this may sound stupid - wear nice polished shoes. You would not believe how many people judge you by the shoes you wear. Yes, it is a shallow world, but when you are competing for a job you have to do what it takes. Remember, they will select you to represent them to their customers. So, if you don't care enough to present yourself properly for an interview they won't bother with you.

One more important thing that 99% of people never do, and that it to follow-up with a thank you note. Not an email, but a letter thanking them for the opportunity to interview. Drop it off. Don't mail it. It may be a dead lock between you and someone else. Chances are, they will be impressed with your initiative if you do this.

Good Luck!

Posted by: Guitarman700 Oct 8 2008, 06:16 PM

Well im back, it was only a prelimenary interview, but they have tons of positions open, so im almost hopeful! Looks like i might be working at a pet store.

Posted by: MickeM Oct 8 2008, 07:04 PM

Who will you have to pet?


Sound good, keeping fingers crossed

Posted by: OrganisedConfusion Oct 8 2008, 07:15 PM

haha. I'd love to work at a pet shop. Best of luck Do you get staff discount

Posted by: Guitarman700 Oct 8 2008, 07:36 PM

i hope so. ive always wanted a boa constricter!

Posted by: MickeM Oct 8 2008, 08:05 PM

Maybe get a Spider?

Posted by: OrganisedConfusion Oct 8 2008, 08:18 PM

You could take your pet into work with you every day also so you don't need to worry about leaving it at home As long as somebody doesn't accidentally sell it

Posted by: Ivan Milenkovic Oct 8 2008, 08:56 PM

Hey a pet store, that's pretty cool. Don't forget to bring your guitar to store so you can workout during the day

Posted by: Ian Bushell Oct 8 2008, 09:26 PM

Little late, hope it went well:)

Posted by: berko Oct 8 2008, 09:30 PM

...and teach those beasts some music... hope they won't get freaked

Posted by: MickeM Oct 8 2008, 09:59 PM

Hope the lonesome old lady who buys a parrot for company won't have to listen to that bird repeating doom metal lyrics and growl.

Posted by: Guitarman700 Oct 9 2008, 12:19 AM

Oh, she will, trust me. ill teach the birds Emperor songs!

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Oct 9 2008, 12:21 AM

Those are some great news! And that is a cool place to work in!! I hope they hire you!

Posted by: Igorrr Oct 9 2008, 05:11 PM

Strange... if I sold a car that's exactly what I would do... I guess for everybody (myself included) talking about our negatives is a difficult thing but if you do it well you show that you are sincere and do reflect upon your own actions.

For example in my case I say that although having a university diploma I am no academic and learn more by doing than by reading.
Or in cases of knowledge say honestly which are your strengths and weaknesses...

If you try to avoid telling about your weaknesses the interviewer will know that you are hiding something... it's worse than making weaknesses up ;-)

And if I sold a car not mentioning the scratches and dents the buyer will feel ripped off and tell that to all his colleagues and friends making me lose potential buyers.

Anyway good luck with your job :-) Hope it works out!!!