Discussion
Ok... well after working for the family business since leaving school in 1989... It is time to move on..
I have just received an email inviting me to an interview for a job (cabinet maker) in the Forest of Dean.
This is my first ever interview (I'm 42!!) I remember my practice interviews at school age... but I bet it is a whole lot different these days..
So apart from the usual... Looking smart and presentable... what advice do you good people have please? :-)
I have just received an email inviting me to an interview for a job (cabinet maker) in the Forest of Dean.
This is my first ever interview (I'm 42!!) I remember my practice interviews at school age... but I bet it is a whole lot different these days..
So apart from the usual... Looking smart and presentable... what advice do you good people have please? :-)
Research the company you are going for. It is a common interview question (I always open with it) for them to ask what you know about them. If they do ask and you are prepared it is a real gift of a question. You would be surprised how many people turn up to an interview and know knack all about the company. Other interviews I have done and been in start with "Tell me about yourself". Make sure you have a response to this prepared, highlighting your skills, qualifications and experience.
Also think of some questions to ask them about the role, the company, their direction etc. Again I have interviewed people who when you ask "do you have any questions" they just shrug their shoulders and say no. Doesn't show that they are very interested in the role. I interviewed a senior software develop once who thought long and hard for about 2 minutes and then just said, "do the developers have two monitors?" Thanks, don't call us! Remember an interview is as much about you finding out if you like the company as if they like you. But asking relevant and searching questions can also be a good way of showing your interest in them and knowledge about the company, industry, and role.
Think about the questions they may ask you. Some do competency based interviews, with questions structured like "Tell me about a time when you had to handle a difficult customer etc." Others are more informal and may just pick things from your CV and ask more detailed questions about something in particular. Take some copies of your CV with you so you can refer to it if they ask about it and also to give to other people who maybe in the interview but that didn't bring a copy.
Google for interview questions related to the job you are doing. 9 times out of 10 that is what the interviewer has done to find questions to ask so you maybe prepared for the same questions.
Mostly try to relax and just be yourself.
Also think of some questions to ask them about the role, the company, their direction etc. Again I have interviewed people who when you ask "do you have any questions" they just shrug their shoulders and say no. Doesn't show that they are very interested in the role. I interviewed a senior software develop once who thought long and hard for about 2 minutes and then just said, "do the developers have two monitors?" Thanks, don't call us! Remember an interview is as much about you finding out if you like the company as if they like you. But asking relevant and searching questions can also be a good way of showing your interest in them and knowledge about the company, industry, and role.
Think about the questions they may ask you. Some do competency based interviews, with questions structured like "Tell me about a time when you had to handle a difficult customer etc." Others are more informal and may just pick things from your CV and ask more detailed questions about something in particular. Take some copies of your CV with you so you can refer to it if they ask about it and also to give to other people who maybe in the interview but that didn't bring a copy.
Google for interview questions related to the job you are doing. 9 times out of 10 that is what the interviewer has done to find questions to ask so you maybe prepared for the same questions.
Mostly try to relax and just be yourself.
Munter said:
Do you have any nice photos of previous work you have done. (not a scruffy A4 print out). When doing your pitch about who you are, and what work you have done, it might be nice to show them something you are proud of.
^ Good point. When I was starting out in web development / design I did some sites for friends / family. I put a portfolio together of my work in a faux leather binder from Staples. Went to an interview and they were really impressed with it as no-one else had bothered, they even asked to keep it. I got the job.Quick list of questions
1, What made you apply for this role
2, What do you know about our company
3, Have you seen any of our products for sale ?
4, Are you willing to relocate,
5, You worked in a family business, why are you looking to leave ?
6, No really, after 20 year, why quit now - be honest ?
7, Tell us about a creative or bespoke piece of work you made
8, What Salary are you looking for
9, What is your notice period
10, How would you describe yourself
11, What do you think you still need to learn/development areas
12, Tell us about the last big mistake you made (professionally)
13, What are your weaknesses
14, Would you mind dancing to this Daft Punk song whilst we video it
Sorry - I got question fourteen from the Currys list I was copying .....
1, What made you apply for this role
2, What do you know about our company
3, Have you seen any of our products for sale ?
4, Are you willing to relocate,
5, You worked in a family business, why are you looking to leave ?
6, No really, after 20 year, why quit now - be honest ?
7, Tell us about a creative or bespoke piece of work you made
8, What Salary are you looking for
9, What is your notice period
10, How would you describe yourself
11, What do you think you still need to learn/development areas
12, Tell us about the last big mistake you made (professionally)
13, What are your weaknesses
14, Would you mind dancing to this Daft Punk song whilst we video it
Sorry - I got question fourteen from the Currys list I was copying .....
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