First interview in over 10 years - advice please...

Originally Posted by timwilky

Don't do one of mine, turned up early as traffic could be a nightmare. So went to get a brew, dropped it down my trousers. Looked like I had ****ed myself.

Noted!

i interviewed this guy once. he turned up early and you could clearly see he was incredibly nervous, shaking like a shítting dog he was, and he smelt of wee too, front of his trousers had a tell tale patch on them. he claimed he'd spilt a drink down it. yeah whatever

Note to self, don't wet myself and spray deodrant!

Originally Posted by krhall

Read the company website last night - CHECK
Know a lot about the sector - CHECK
I am bricking it - CHECK


I hate interviewing too!

print off some stuff like the company statement on development and growth, as about lessons learnt and how best practice is shared, the print offs give you a prompt as well as demonstrating to the interviewer you checked them out..

what field is it in out of interest?

Originally Posted by krhall

Read the company website last night - CHECK
Know a lot about the sector - CHECK

Sounds like you've done the right prep - which is vital. I've just done a round of interviews and one candidate hadn't even read the job description.

I am bricking it - CHECK

I hate interviewing too!

Give a good handshake when you go in - weak handshakes can really put people off. Most interviewers want you to do well and you know this person already so just deep breaths and relax.

When asked a question try and think of a relevant example to go along with what you say. Also be ready for some of the standard questions:

• Why did you leave your last job?
• How would you describe yourself?
• How would co-workers describe you?
• What are your strengths/weaknesses?
• What have you done to improve your knowledge in the last year?

Ask questions too, where appropriate. You also want to find out if the company is right for you.

And again, keep relaxed.

Lastly - good luck

[Viney]

Originally Posted by Terah

Sounds like you've done the right prep - which is vital. I've just done a round of interviews and one candidate hadn't even read the job description.




Give a good handshake when you go in - weak handshakes can really put people off. Most interviewers want you to do well and you know this person already so just deep breaths and relax.

When asked a question try and think of a relevant example to go along with what you say. Also be ready for some of the standard questions:

• Why did you leave your last job?
• How would you describe yourself?
• How would co-workers describe you?
• What are your strengths/weaknesses?
• What have you done to improve your knowledge in the last year?

Ask questions too, where appropriate. You also want to find out if the company is right for you.

And again, keep relaxed.

Lastly - good luck

Just reading them lines makes me nervous and im not even going for the interview. I hate them with a passion. Hence why i seem to stay with the same company for years on end.

It might be different for you if you know the interviewer but I always use these stock questions as part of the process.

> Name 3 strengths
> Name 3 weaknesses

So many people can't or won't name weaknesses, and we all have them. It usually suggests to me that the interviewee can't analyse their own performance objectively. So be prepared it can be a tough question.

Other than that the general tip is to be upbeat, enthusiastic and look the interviewer in the eye and smile.

Good luck!

Just back and can't work out if it went well or not really, interview was with the IT Director and the Finance Director.

Didn't ask anything about me personally, so it was totally work based which was a bit of a suprise really. Was in there for about 50-55 mins, during a thunder storm.

I messed up one of the answer to a question and even sort of said that I'd messed it up...

I made them laugh (genuinely I think) in a couple of places and then followed up with a serious answer. I mentioned their future plans as I had read about them and even asked if they were impacted by the comprehensive spending review, which I think was a good thing to ask.

[anna]

Having a good question to ask them is vital as it shows that you are also able to be in control of that situation and levels the field in the interview. Its even better if it was towards the end of the interview as it will be one of the last things that they will remember of you.

Dont worry about the mistake, everyone makes them, so long as you carried on that will show more about you then the mistake you made.

Hope you get the job. When will you find out?

[Viney]

I went for an interview once and asked them some questions which they didnt know the answers do, so i didnt let them hire me