Job interview advice - Your help is appreciated!

[PowerPenguin]

Ok guys, I have a job interview tomorrow for a job that I really, really want, and I need any kinds of tips to help me get it. Things like questions, and answers, and what to do/not to do, anything that will help. Mum has helped me a lot already, but other peoples advice and experienced is always helpful.

Thanks in advance,

Dave

[spookyfish]

be confident, but not arrogant

[MisterS3]

is this the library job?

what job is it?

[BigJim]

Be yourself, and be honest - there's nothing worse than giving somebody a job based on an interview only to find that they're a completely different type of person from the one that turned up (being able to find all of the unusual objects on Google Earth, doesn't count as being able to work on one's own initiative...).

Accept that there are people equally skilled or qualified for the job as yourself. Think what extra you bring over and above this baseline, and don't be afraid to sell these extra capabilities.

Other things really depend on the job that you're going for.

You could always include all of the moongolfer members as referees to support your application.

Best of Luck. I'm sure most of the old codgers on here would agree that interviews are still nerve wracking

[PowerPenguin]

is this the library job?

what job is it?

:yes:

It's a library assistant job, 7 hours on a Saturday, pays really well, perfect location, perfect hours, perfect activities. I still have tim to play golf in the week and on Sunday's, and means I can buy more kit if I get it!

Dave

[leftie]

:yes:

It's a library assistant job, 7 hours on a Saturday, pays really well, perfect location, perfect hours, perfect activities. I still have tim to play golf in the week and on Sunday's, and means I can buy more kit if I get it!

Dave

sounds pretty good, no advice as I'm a newb to this kind of thing but good luck anyway :)

[PowerPenguin]

Be yourself, and be honest - there's nothing worse than giving somebody a job based on an interview only to find that they're a completely different type of person from the one that turned up (being able to find all of the unusual objects on Google Earth, doesn't count as being able to work on one's own initiative...).

Accept that there are people equally skilled or qualified for the job as yourself. Think what extra you bring over and above this baseline, and don't be afraid to sell these extra capabilities.

Other things really depend on the job that you're going for.

You could always include all of the moongolfer members as referees to support your application.

Best of Luck. I'm sure most of the old codgers on here would agree that interviews are still nerve wracking

Thanks Jim! :)

Dave

[Tin Pot]

They'll want to know that you are reliable and punctual- give examples.

Show that you are keen.

Look smart.

At least feign an interest in books.

[M0stly harm13ss]

At least feign an interest in books.

Very good advice :laugh:

Best not mention your facination with fire :twitcy:

[PowerPenguin]

I do actually like books, and reading, so thats not a problem!

Dave

[Tin Pot]

On no account claim to:

1 Have been raised by Tibetan Monks
2 Work for the Russian Mafia in New York
3 Have trained hollywood stars as Ninjas


Seriously though, good luck, you'll be fine.

[BigJim]

:yes:

It's a library assistant job, 7 hours on a Saturday, pays really well, perfect location, perfect hours, perfect activities. I still have tim to play golf in the week and on Sunday's, and means I can buy more kit if I get it!

Dave

Conduct the whole interview in a whispered voice so that they know you'll fit in:)

I had a friend who started working in a library. He started his own informal "delivery service" to family and friends, unfortunately he always forgot about the pick up bit. My mothers loft would burn for a month if there was a fire. On second thoughts, he always got her Mills & Boons and it's a well known fact that sh!t doesn't burn....

[Marcus]

What was the last book you read and what did you like about it?

I find with job interviews, if I really really want it I tense up, get nervous and fluff the interview. However, if I go in with a relaxed, doesn't really matter if I get it or not attitude, I relax and present myself in a much better way - in fact, in all the interviews I've had where I took the relaxed approach I only didn't get 1, and that was down to the guy interviewing resisting a change to computers.

Also, don't get argumentative/back answer in the interview. I've had this as an interviewer, and its really off putting, first impressions count, you want them to like you.

Good luck, and I hope it works out.

[PowerPenguin]

Thanks everyone, Marcus, that was particularly useful. :smile:

Any more for anymore?

Dave

[PowerPenguin]

Oh, and before anyone asks, I'm not wearing anything Pink!

Dave

[ScottC]

Speak clearly and confidently Dave and if you are asked something you do not understand do not be afraid to ask them to re-phrase the question.

[Aquarius]

I know this doesn't help you Dave but I just wanted to tell everyone that I read recently that some companies won't employ a CEO until they have played a round of golf with a psychiatrist (still can't spell - tut) un-beknown to him/her because you can tell a lot about a person by the way they play golf.
It's a bit sneaky but it's a good idea me thinks.
Jo

[Tim.Bennett]

be yourself is the best advise you will ever get. You are gonna be most confident as just you.

Speak clearly and tak your time to make a point. A joke is a way of showing you will fit into a team well and also a way of showing confidence but not arrogance. I would say you will be dealing with people so any examples of not being fased by strange situations is great.

I would say being a mod on a forum would be a good example of taking responibility and working in a comunity try working it in.

look up body language on the internet! best thing i ever did. and adjust to your interviewer. male female young old.

clean fingernails!!!! and shiney shoes !!! and defo get your interest for books in soon and back it up.

don't forget these people will have to work with you make them want to spend time with you.

I've just got a new job and one i'm happy with too. have had loads of interviews in the last six months and would say body language is the best advice i ever got. you can never correct a first impression

[Tim.Bennett]

btw Good luck you'll be grand!!!

[McStumpy]

I know this doesn't help you Dave but I just wanted to tell everyone that I read recently that some companies won't employ a CEO until they have played a round of golf with a psychiatrist (still can't spell - tut) un-beknown to him/her because you can tell a lot about a person by the way they play golf.
It's a bit sneaky but it's a good idea me thinks.
Jo


That's a very good idea, you see some people's true colours on the golf course. And, if I'm interviewing, a round of golf on company time!

[Bill Poster]

McStumpy - you're recruiting, I'm recruiting.

We could get two rounds out of this :biggrin:

Or four if we both needed 2nd interviews :wink:

[Marcus]

A joke is a way of showing you will fit into a team well and also a way of showing confidence but not arrogance.

I was always told not to make jokes in an interview unless the interviewer does first & then build on it,

and Bill, how many people are you recruiting, organise enough interviews, and its free golf with no actual work for a year!:wink:

[Bill Poster]

Dave - I've done a lot of recruiting and the old adage of about first impressions (as in "you don't get a 2nd chance to make a first impression") is spot on.

When I meet an interviewee I'm looking for somebody smart and personable. So smartly dressed and smiley. Not an idiotic nervous grin but a friendly "I'm glad to meet you" smile.

The tips about being relaxed are spot on - a good interviewer will spend the first ten minutes prattling on about nothing in particular just to let the interviewee gets used to the surroundings and relax a bit.

As an interviewer I'm looking for somebody who can bring something positive to the job - the comment about the relevance of you being a moderator on this forum is right on the nail.

To do your mod job you need to be enthusiastic, calm, not get flustered in potentially confrontational situations but do what is expected of you to do your job - all of which is relevant to the library job. I'm not sure about the "reading" comments - most librarians that I knew were excited about the cataloging and indexing systems - it's all about being able to find the book that you want and put it back where it should be. You won't get a chance to read when you're at work.

And make sure you get enough sleep the night before. Why are you still up reading this?;)

Good luck and let us know how you get on.
:biggrin:

[Bill Poster]

I was always told not to make jokes in an interview unless the interviewer does first & then build on it,

and Bill, how many people are you recruiting, organise enough interviews, and its free golf with no actual work for a year!:wink:

:) LOL Marcus.

I could make "being a golfer" a mandatory competence.

Or - alternatively - a keen caddy may get a favourable review:wink:

[Creosote]

At interview:-

Always tell the truth.

Be polite, chatty but dont ramble.

Dont be negative about anything, dont talk about the exploits of others, keep it focused on your own skills, ambition and desire.

Be nice.

Let your bubbbly personality shine through but dont get silly and kid like.

Dress smartly in the medium that the job would expect. Clean shoes, clean fingernails, wear a wrist watch.

Get there early.

Relax and be yourself.


Good luck!

[Longshot]

:yes:

It's a library assistant job, 7 hours on a Saturday, pays really well, perfect location, perfect hours, perfect activities. I still have tim to play golf in the week and on Sunday's, and means I can buy more kit if I get it!

Dave

From what I've seen of librarians, you should tie your hair back into a bun, wear thick rimmed glasses and a very sensible skirt - definitely below knee length.



In all seriousness, the guys have given you your answers already. Keen, not cocky. Friendly but not TOO friendly. Smart and clean - shoes, clothes, findernails, hair. Turn up on time.

All the obvious stuff.

[GedK]

The guys (& girl) have said it all already.

Be yourself and if you show your genuine love of books you'll do great. (liked the bit about sneaking in being a moderator). Think about the admin side of the library too....

Good luck, and let us know how you get on!

[PowerPenguin]

Wow, I never knew so many people cared! :smile:

I'm back and I think it went pretty well actually! Considering it was my first interview anyway.

I went dressed in my black suit, white shirt, and a lilac tie (not bright lilac). I was there nice and early, before the library opened in fact! I went in to do the book test, sorting into non fiction and fiction, and putting them in alphabetical and mumber order. I think I did that pretty well.
I the went into the interview, shook hands with the interviewers, smiled, and then sat down. They started off with some questions, to which I answered quite well I felt. I expanded on all of my answers, hopefully not prattling! I did mention about being a Mod, on the IT and the responsibility in pressured situations questions! I then asked some questions of my own, which mum said makes you look interested, and like you want the job, which I do.

I'll get a phone call tomoro if I get the job, but if not, I'll be disappointed yes, but it's good experience and I should be proud I did my best.

Thanks to everyone who posted on this thread! Now, like Nick's 'think goals' thread, think 'Job for Dave!'. :smile: Especially you leftie, because you can have that bag cheap then!

Dave

[Longshot]

I'm sending you some job winning mojo mate. Good luck.

[Tin Pot]

Boa Sorte!

[Mike]

Penguin Pal

Just a word from an old hand at interviews. Keep your confidence. When I was your age I went for a part time job at a local bank and thought I'd done brilliantly. In the end I didn't get it as for that type of work (and your library one) there are often more appropriate mature candidates. Facts of life I'm afraid.

Anyway, it didn't put me off. I soon got another part time job and since then must have had 50+ interviews and now really enjoy them. They're a challenge and an opportunity to shine. So whatever happens, keep the faith little fella! :yes:

Mike