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

Good luck with the result.

I'm just about to start interviewing in the next couple weeks (prob just after the GM), was wondering about tips for what to ask!

I too am about to start interviewing for a post here, I hate interviewing more than being interviewed!

Originally Posted by hongman

Good luck with the result.

I'm just about to start interviewing in the next couple weeks (prob just after the GM), was wondering about tips for what to ask!

"Good morning Mr James, please take a seat.

Riiiiight then, lets see...

*long awkward pause whilst reading through paperwork*

Daddy or chips?"

Do not crack a smile for at least 7 seconds.

Originally Posted by hongman

I'm just about to start interviewing in the next couple weeks (prob just after the GM), was wondering about tips for what to ask!

1) How do magnets work?

I go in with my notebook. I ask if they mind if I can refer to the notebook as I am a little nervous so have a few things written down to remind myself of questions I would like to ask and possibly would like to write a few things down during the interview. For me it shows them you have come prepared. The first thing written down is the information about the company and what any current or future projects they are involved in and how they see themselves performing in it. Also typical things like current staffing levels, fields of interest and such.

I look at an interview not as what I can do for the company but what the company can offer me for my services. After all, you want to be sure the job you are going for is going to be worthwhile and a company that will reward you for your efforts. You are interviewing them as much as they are you.

If possible, I try to find out something personal about the person(s) interviewing, and talk about that for a short while. It breaks the ice and makes things far less formal and calms the nerves.

Originally Posted by The Idle Biker

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.

Ha the usual "I'm a perfectionist" being a popular one I believe

Originally Posted by Stig

If possible, I try to find out something personal about the person(s) interviewing, and talk about that for a short while. It breaks the ice and makes things far less formal and calms the nerves.

Is this something commonly done or is it easy to look like you've been stalking your interviewees?

What if you were to pop up with it come the end of the interview just to show you've dug that bit deeper?

And is it a good idea to keep them talking as I would have thought the interviews were all set time slots and would they see it as being too chatty and eating into their time?