My first real interview is coming along! I have one interview for a college place on the 17th of February, and a interview at a 6th form school the day after! Argh!

I know what kind of thing I should be wearing, so I'm not worried about that. I also know what I need to bring with me! But the main thing I'm worried about is how to go about things! It's my first time and I'm scared of saying/doing something wrong and making a fool of myself!

Obviously I'm going to be myself, etc, but I'm stuck on the rest of it! Can anyone give me any tips on how to calm my nerves before an interview?

I was "interviewed" for several Uni's. They were so keen to have anyone that they weren't interviews at all, more like sales pitches. I wouldn't worry about it. I would be surprised if you had a formal interview regardless of what you are told. My personal tutor at uni was the admissions tutor and he got rid of interviews when he started because he said it was too painfull for him and for the interviewee as even the most able had little more to say than "I went to X and did these A-Levels......." He said they didn't help him decide at all, and it was better for him to rely on the results.

The first time I came to Sheffield it was sunny. He assured me that it was always sunny in Sheffield, the liar! A had a laugh with him about this before I graduated. He was a very nice man.

where is the interview being held for college?

Peaks centre.

lol, look out for me :P

then again, im not in on monday :(

whos interviewing you?

I haven't a clue! All the information I have been given is to be at the main reception at a certain time, with my record of achievement! argh!

When a woman from college came to my school on parent's evening, she said it would either be her or an middle aged man. (that narrows it down) hehehe!

(Look out for you? I don't know what you look like! hahaha!)

pat fay :|

shes the college head, shes ok, but i dont know her really.

middle aged man *might* be John Ashmoore, hes excellent, and my maths teacher ;)

I'm not sure who it is really. I'm kind of hoping it was the woman I spoke to on my parent's evening. She was a little abrupt at first, but once I got chatting to her, she openeing up a little, and wasn't so scary! (I remember her to be quite a large build of woman, with short hair and glasses) When we spoke, she also wanted to know my plans for university. So I'm really hoping it's her because she said she'd have some info back at college for me about the university I wish to go to :-)

theres an ENTIRE wall of prospectus' in student services :D

sounds like pat :)

Oh nooo! Watch me knock em down or something! I'm really clumsy when I'm nervous! When you had your interview, what kind of things were you asked?

what i know, what ive done, what i want to do next, why do i want to come to college, whats this all about in your RoA, what do you want to do, where do you want to do it etc.

i goto Peaks mainly and norton for computing, its horrible at norton (hardly any windows!)

but peaks is lovely :D

i couldnt goto 6th form cos i was fed up of uniform/school environment/little annoying kids :lol:

If I don't get a 6th form place, I'd probably be studying three of my A levels at Peaks, and one at Norton. How the hell would I get to Norton from where I live? It'd take forever and I'd have to make the journey alone!

http://content.monster.com/jobinfo/interview/

from monster site, take a look if u still worried.

Thanks!!!

Originally posted by "caprice"

If I don't get a 6th form place, I'd probably be studying three of my A levels at Peaks, and one at Norton. How the hell would I get to Norton from where I live? It'd take forever and I'd have to make the journey alone!

they offer Taxi's or a mini bus :)

Relax as much as possible. Remember that they are not there to test you, purely to chat and to find out more about you.

The more you manage to relax the better you will come across. Enthusiasm helps and dont try to be someone you're not.

Be yourself and everything should go fine

Just answer questions,say as little as possible,don't put your foot in your mouth. :D

Hi,

I'm going to be having severy job interviews soon, and I want everything to go well ...

Can anyone recommend any good sources of information (books internet etc) on how to do well at job interviews.

Also if anyone has any good general tips, send em my way please :-) ...

The jobs I am going for will be in IT. Hopefully developing games, probably for mobile devices.

Thankies :-)

Ask how they expect you to dress. In the IT sector, I have turned up at interviews in a sharp suit, and they have all been in jeans and T-Shirt. I have also experienced precisely the opposite. If in doubt, go in a suit. (IMO)

One thing i try to do is to prepare a list of questions for them in advance. Make them open ended questions, rather than ones with yes/no answers

Also practice your anwers to:
Why do you want this job?
What motivates you?
Tell me a bit about yourself.

As they will most probably ask. Don't rehearse a script so much as get it clear in your head what you really think. In an interview it is easy to start wandering like Grandpa Simpson out of sheer nervousness with open ended questions.

Smile and avoid looking bored or overconfident (yawning, or putting your hands behind your head and feet up on the desk).

I'd always dress smart if possible. Most interview questions are basically always the same just worded different.

Prepare yourself for possible questions and memorise a list of your own in advance. Try to do a bit of research about the company beforehand.

Try to look enthusiastic/interested and don't look at the floor. Give eye contact when talking to the person but don't over do it by pinning them to the wall.

Try to avoid long pauses.

Most of my interviews have been either a panel or one to one all basically the same. I've had 2 unique interviews in my time. One was my interview for the army and the other one was where a guy pulled out a stop watch and said I had 10 minutes to tell him about myself. Totally caught me off guard and after I thought I had told him my entire life he turned around and said keep going you still got 3 minutes left. :D

Good luck BTW.

8) Nah Den Ace........

Jamie, when it comes to your turn to ask any questions........I always, always ask........

"Have you got any women working here?", whilst pulling a lewd expression and rubbing my crotch and then follow it up with ".............what do they wear?"

Believe me, it's a real ice breaker!

Regards,

Spacehopper.

LMAO @ spacehopper's reply ... that is sooo funny you guy !!!

Thanks for the more serious replies too :-)

Just remember the first impression rule, be confident from the outset. Make a good first impression and the rest will be plain sailing.

Some interviewers ask "Is there any question you're glad I didn't ask" - and then ask it! So, think up a question that really shows you off as an outstanding candidate.

This thread just reminded of something someone told me a few years ago which I found pretty amusing. They were seeking employment and someone decided he had to go on a course to help him with getting a job - he would lose benefits if he didn't go...

So he goes to this place where they talk about interview techniques etc. and the guy who's taking the 'class' says that if you ever turn up at an interview and there is a panel sat in a line then go to the chair in front of them all where they expect you to sit. Instead of sitting down, pick the chair up and take it to the end of the line of the panel and plonk yourself down there. Supposedly it will help you with getting the job as they see it as initiative and it puts them on the back foot. Personally I can see you getting kicked out before the questions even start but hey you never know :D

A lot more employers are now starting to use lateral thinking puzzles because of much better bull*hitters with phony CVs and the 'gift of the gab' when interviewing.

I have a sheet of them at work, I'll dig them out tomorrow, but one question I know is:

Why are manhole covers round?

look your questioner's in the eye when giving a reply.
I always try to have a list of questions to ask them too as it's your opportunity to interview them as well.
Good advice about preparing answers to the stock opening questions.
Research your potential employers.

Good luck! :thumbsup:

Over the years I have seen no end of people who have got themselves into decent jobs only for it to become obvious that they just cannot cope due to lack of common sense. These people are generally the type of people whose only function is to be able to pass exams but when it comes to actually doing the job they are found wanting and depend on a mixture of blagging their way through or relying on colleagues for guidance.

My advice.
Don't rehearse your answers. If you forget, you'll panic.
Relax, don't fidget.
If you're nervous don't worry. You'll be being yourself.
If you're asked whether you have any questions, and you can't think of any, just tell them they've told you all you need to know but if you think of anything else you'll remember to ask them on your next meeting. (That'll show confidence!)

I've been on interview panels a few times, and these are my tips (from the interviewer's point of view, though *my* point of view - other people may think differently).

* Don't go ooooon and ooooooon and ooooooon. Once you've answered the question, stop!

* Prepare yourself so you know your stuff, the facts, legislation, recommendations, innovative practice, type stuff (can you tell I interviewed in health care?!). Once you're confident of the facts they will just spill out and you can show off your other qualities too.

* Look the interviewer in the eye. If it is a panel, answer the questions to *all* of them, not just one. Focus it mostly on the one who asked that specific question, but don't talk solely to them ignoring the others.

* Smile as you greet them. If you've been interviewing all day it makes a nice change from people looking terrified as they walk in!

Good luck!

Hi folks

I just wondered if any of you had any tips for interviews or things that have worked for you in the past. I have an interview on Thursday for a job I really want and as I'm out of practice have suddenly found I have brown trousers(!)

Any pointers would be much appreciated.

just try 2 relax try and sell yourself, make them think your right 4 the job and im sure you will walk it. good luck

Thanks for the that matie;)

I always tell myself that I am going to see if they are good enough for me to work for! Helps with nerves.

Relax (easier said than done I know) and make sure you don't waffle.

When they ask you if you have any more questions say..

At this stage, would you have any reservations about me, or my ability to do the job?

(something like that)

Then if they say yes you can address them, if they so no you can smile and make eye contact and say you hope to hear from them soon.

:D

I think it's important at interviews to relax and be yourself. Don't be nervous and try and show you have a sense of humour. Your employer isn't just looking for someone to do the job but also someone who will fit in with the other workers.

At my last interview I was told about all the things I would be doing in my new job etc and what they would be asking from me. When I was asked what I'd like in return I replyed "A job would be nice please" after quite a lot of laughter I left the interview. 3 Days later I found out I'd got the job:)

Thanks J Blaze and Neeeeeeeek (is that enough e's!?!) - your advice is appreciated.

I must admit the nearer it gets to me interview the harder I'm finding it to be humourous or stay relaxed.......(!) I'm focused though!

I suppose it depends on the type of interview that you go for but I alsways find that it helps if you try to anticipate in advance the questions they will ask and get a mental store of correponding answers. Of course, this isn't always possible but if you have a job description you should have a good idea of the type of skills they will require. Once I have a kind of mental script I always feel more relaxed. I find it easier to think beyond their questions if i'm not always trying to extract some answer from the depths of my mind.

Additionally, I always try to do a bit of background research on the company. Nothing special, just any new developments in the company itself or the sector generally. This always impresses at interview.

Good luck.

M

When you get nervous try to overcome it by laughing at how nervous you are getting over something so little. Imagine if someone were pointing a loaded weapon in your face and how nervous you'd be then compared. Once you can make yourself laugh you will be relaxed.

look smart,
be relaxed
be prepared
be yourself!

my best interviews always seem to be when i can take the job or leave it. probably because i'm more relaxed. You can't manufacture that situation unfortunately.
You can always practice though, get someone to do a mock interview with you, it gives you practice with forming the answers and articulating them clearly.

Thanks peeps - you're a nice bunch!!

Don't be too afraid to exert a little bit of authority. Remember, you are making a choice as to whether you would like to work for them. You are interviewing them as much as they are interviewing you.

And all this relaxing thing: I don't think a bit of the old adrenaline flowing and sweaty palms does any harm at all. Being too relaxed looks sloppy.

But try not to be a nervous wreck.

I think it's also important to show confidence and hold yourself well. ie. walk proudly and compose yourself. when being asked questions, show interest. try leaning towards the interviewer instead of leaning back in your seat. Good body language always helps, and makes you appear genuinely interested.

Originally posted by Sam Miguel
Don't be too afraid to exert a little bit of authority. Remember, you are making a choice as to whether you would like to work for them. You are interviewing them as much as they are interviewing you.

And all this relaxing thing: I don't think a bit of the old adrenaline flowing and sweaty palms does any harm at all. Being too relaxed looks sloppy.

But try not to be a nervous wreck.

Exactly, try presenting them a reverse application form prior to the interview to see if they are suitable to employ you.

Here is a list of possible questions:

Have you or your assosiates ever been declared banrupt?

What is the companies eithical policy?

Can you provide some references from previous employees?

Are you willing to share profits with me, if not, why not?

Are you willing to pay travel/reolocation costs?

What salary are you [processing my application] currently on?

Where does your company see itself in 5 years time?

Has your company any plans to merge in the future?

What can your company offer me that others can't?


;) :D

Now that is a fantastic idea!

This is the problem: most people get it into their heads (wrongly of course) that they are inferior to the interviewer. I do not understand this logic. After all, the interviewer may be more anxious to fill the advertised position than you are to get the job.

Be a little assertive - I don't mean act like a smartarse - but you will make more of an impression and gain more respect this way.

Originally posted by Reidstar
Hi folks

I just wondered if any of you had any tips for interviews or things that have worked for you in the past. I have an interview on Thursday for a job I really want and as I'm out of practice have suddenly found I have brown trousers(!)

Any pointers would be much appreciated.

I am in the process of holding interviews for a vacancy. What sort of Job are you going for and maybe I can tell you the things they look for.

Thanks for all your advice peeps - I got the job!

Thanks muchly!!

Come on then what was the job?

And, which of these tips did it for you?

Be nice!

They are looking for someone they will enjoy working with!

I'm sure you're a nice chap/chapess?, just make sure it comes across.

Make eye contact, smile lots, look at them all individually if more than one person. Don't stare out of the window or at the floor, speak clearly, don't ramble.

I've interviewed people for (IT) jobs before and the ones we were most impressed by were the ones who brought in a demo of work they'd done previously - so if you've got a laptop and something to show, take it along - even if it's not directly relevant to the job (you might want to contact them first to let them know). One guy even brought printed screenshots of his software as he didn't have a laptop.

Also, don't be afraid to say you don't know the answer to a question - you can make a good impression by saying how you'd go about finding the answer. And short pauses while you think are OK - don't feel you have to blurt out an answer straight away.

Worked for me anyway :), I had an interview a couple of weeks ago and I'll be moving to Sheffield (once I find somewhere to live!) to start my new job shortly.

Oh yes, and if your interview has been arranged through an agency - take copies of your CV with you - agencies butcher CVs.

That's my 2p worth anyway. Good luck.

Definitely make sure you are prepared, and know what you are talking about.

Preparation is everything!

Research the company, and ensure you know what they are about, as it's no use going for a job at "Smith's Widget and Doofer-buffing factory" and them asking "what do you know about us". you don't want to be replying about "Jones' double glazing lock units", do you?

when I went for the job i got earlier this year, I had the advantage of knowing the charity, and having first-hand experience of disability issues.

I knew what I was about, on that count, so, although I did go in with some nerves, I was able to go in and be confident, and thankfully, I got the position.

PT

The job I got is Probation Services Officer for the National Probation Service. I'll be working with 18-20 year old's and rehabilitating them as part of a new initiative by the government. Not bad I s'pose considering I have no previous experience or qualifications!

I think Mattski and Sarah D's advice was most helpful for me in this particular interview, however everyone's comments were useful.

I think what really helped was doing me research before-hand (like PT said), when I was asked questions about certain things I was confident because I'd prepared well and I now think that good preparation has to be the basis for any sucessful interview.

Thanks again peeps!

Reidstar,

Congratulations on getting the job!

That is brilliant news!

Well done, and all the best in the new job

PT

Originally posted by alchresearch
A lot more employers are now starting to use lateral thinking puzzles because of much better bull*hitters with phony CVs and the 'gift of the gab' when interviewing.

I have a sheet of them at work, I'll dig them out tomorrow, but one question I know is:

Why are manhole covers round?

Why ARE manhole covers round?

Good question !!!

a) So they can fit in at any angle of rotation.

b) So the evenly distribute the load (from traffic) to all points along their edge. Thus preventing stress / fracture of the metal etc ...

c) So they can be rolled from place to place.

d) Cheaper to manufacture.

Any other suggestions ...... !?

e) they make good Frisbees

f) they are impossible to accidently drop down the hole you are covering.

Yes John.

F) I believe you may have won a prize. ;)

Thank you very much! This forum is sweet-as!

PS. Just had me first day today and they gave me a cheque for 500 squiddlies - apparently we get paid 2 weeks in advance...beaut!

Originally posted by Jamie
Good question !!!

a) So they can fit in at any angle of rotation.

b) So the evenly distribute the load (from traffic) to all points along their edge. Thus preventing stress / fracture of the metal etc ...

c) So they can be rolled from place to place.

d) Cheaper to manufacture.

Any other suggestions ...... !?

Yeaaaaaahhhh but aren't some of them square, rectangle and, dare I say it, even TRIANGULAR???!!!!!

What you got to say about that? And should this be on a new thread rather than one about tips for job interviews..?

Heh heh, thanks for the reply though! Do you work with manhole covers?

Originally posted by Jamie
Good question !!!

a) So they can fit in at any angle of rotation.

b) So the evenly distribute the load (from traffic) to all points along their edge. Thus preventing stress / fracture of the metal etc ...

c) So they can be rolled from place to place.

d) Cheaper to manufacture.

Any other suggestions ...... !?

And Jamie... you'd definately get the job for your lateral thinking!

so fat round men can fit down the fat round manholes?