Job Interview Coming up, Any Tips?

[interspark]

i've got an interview for like my dream job approaching, i kinda know what i'll be preparing but any tips would be great. It's a part time job at an animal park kinda thing, a miniature zoo if you will, i reeeeally want this job, any help'd be great!

edit: all this help has been fantastic! some really interesting stuff here, i already knew most of it but it's really reassuring to hear it from someone else!

 

[Psykoma]

Over-exaggerate your ass off. They expect this and if you don't, they'll still have expected it and you'll look even worse.

 

[ductape10]

Be your self, dress appropriately and good luck

 

[Duck Sandwich]

If you're asked to rate yourself on something on a scale of 1-10 with 10 being perfect, don't rate yourself as 10. I recently had an interview where I was asked to rate my people skills out of 10. I said 7, after which my interviewer told me that the guys he interviewed before me said 10, which he thought was a load of crap.

A good interview is more like a conversation than an interrogation. If you're a part of some group/club that's not necessarily work related (ie: you play a sport, or you do volunteer work) try to find a chance to mention that.

Bring a copy of your resume, just in case the person you handed one in to isn't the same person that's interviewing you. And if it's a suit and tie interview, be prepared to wait a long time. And come early in case they want you to fill out some form before the actual interviewing commences.


"Cornelius, achnow" .... These captchas keep getting weirder and weirder.

EDIT
- Research the company you're applying for. Even a cursory glance at Wikipedia can give you some decent info
- Think of at least 2 questions to ask the interviewer
- Remember to thank your interviewer for taking the time to interview you afterwards

 

[Zer_]

If you're asked to rate yourself on something on a scale of 1-10 with 10 being perfect, don't rate yourself as 10. I recently had an interview where I was asked to rate my people skills out of 10. I said 7, after which my interviewer told me that the guys he interviewed before me said 10, which he thought was a load of crap.

A good interview is more like a conversation than an interrogation. If you're a part of some group/club that's not necessarily work related (ie: you play a sport, or you do volunteer work) try to find a chance to mention that.

Bring a copy of your resume, just in case the person you handed one in to isn't the same person that's interviewing you. And if it's a suit and tie interview, be prepared to wait a long time. And come early in case they want you to fill out some form before the actual interviewing commences.


"Cornelius, achnow" .... These captchas keep getting weirder and weirder.

EDIT
- Research the company you're applying for. Even a cursory glance at Wikipedia can give you some decent info
- Think of at least 2 questions to ask the interviewer
- Remember to thank your interviewer for taking the time to interview you afterwards

This, especially the questions. Asking THEM questions shows interest in the field, and interest in the job.

 

[Daaaah Whoosh]

Act like you know what you're doing, and just basically be a normal guy. If you're working with animals, the one thing you need is the ability to interact with living things with a delicate, yet commanding attitude.

 

[Chris Sandford]

Spit in your employers face, that way they know you wont take their crap.

Sincerely,

The unemployed person next in line for the interview.

OT: all the above things. Wear neutral colors. (blue, grey, etc) Avoid wearing black and red.

 

[OverweightWhale]

Always keep eye contact and sit up straight. Try to sound as confident as you can.

 

[kypsilon]

Confidence and competence is a must. Talk like you know the job and try and put that fact forth in your attitude. During the interview, I try and put myself in the position of the guy who is doing the interview, as opposed to being the applicant. It goes a long way towards convincing them that you belong.

 

[Coffinshaker]

here's my general tips:
- always research the company! know a lot about it before you talk to anyone.
- remember peoples' names'! always a good thing.
- be confident, look people in eyes, shake firmly, dress nice, etc.
- NEVER talk about what you can't do. they'll probably ask you some weird stuff that you don't know how to do, but don't sweat it! tell them what you can do! you're trainable. we're all trainable.
- smile. and don't look nervous!
- oh, and you should probably not mention your fully decked out 85 warlock till after you're tenured... same goes with dating... just sayin. >)

good luck!!

 

[M4t3us]

First thing you need to do is relax, the Oatmeal can help there:

http://theoatmeal.com/comics/interviewees

http://theoatmeal.com/comics/interview_questions

Good l-... Wait... Break a leg!

 

[twistedmic]

Turn your cell phone off, or to silent at the very least. Dress nicely, wear slacks, a dress shirt and a tie and dress shoes instead of jeans, t-shirt and your everyday shoes. Also, remember to shave (if you are a guy) before your interview and do not swear at all during the interview.

 

[viranimus]

When you lack the exact same experience as the job your applying for, Illustrate your understanding of what the job entails by explaining your relatable skills.

 

[AmbitiousWorm]

Try throwing up, it worked for me once. Although it has to be the right situation.....and can't be because you are hung over. Actually for your situation forget I said that.

Make sure you ask questions!! Not stuff like "Whats the pay?" or "Can I get time off when RAGE/ME3/D3 come out?" But questions that show you are interested in the field (maybe not the specific job) as long term/permanent employment.

Do research on the company so you won't be surprised when they explain what you might be doing.

Also if you are over qualified, say have a degree in feline biology (tehe! seriously....no jokes.) Don't mention that. It may seem like you could be after the job of the person doing the hiring. This is a rare case.

 

[Hawk eye1466]

Look up the company for basic info
Have some questions ready for them it shows you care
Wear a nice outfit but nothing to flashy
If they ask you what you think your biggest faults are say you take things to personally or something like that (it tells them you really care about your work)
Tell them your favorite color is green (some study a while ago showed that the majority of people with higher IQ's liked the color green.)
Be confident
Get there early

Good luck!

 

[Aur0ra145]

Don't say you're a perfectionist. It stinks of lies.

 

[Kakashi on crack]

What most everyone has said above me. I will add though that while you don't need to sound professional, you should speak formally, avoid slang and vulgar words if you can.

Be prepared to tell a story if they ask you to answer about "if you had a time when you..." but keep it short and to the point, because it makes you seem a lot more creative (employers tend to like this)

go in with a smile, be happy!

Shake people's hands when you introduce yourself. It's a sign of respect, and trust.

Preferably a full-length tie, not a bow-tie. (they look snazzy, but are almost comical in nature)

If you can, get to know your employer ahead of time, perhaps visit the area once or twice, ask some questions.

Bring a pen in case they want you to fill out paperwork

Your interview will probably be the most formal outfit you will have to wear, if you have a uniform, great! Otherwise, if the employer asks if you have any questions, ask about employee policy, and specifically dress code.

If you can have a flexible work schedule and work when they need you to, make sure to mention this in the interview. An employer likes someone who can work more often.

Generally have a good time and while being formal, and acting formal, feel casual about it as if its second nature

Also, posture can say a lot about a person. Stiff upper lip (or a smile), chin up, shoulders relaxed, try not to stomp around, and keep your back straight (If you can't force it, don't. You should have a natural curve even when your back is straight.)

 

[DudeistBelieve]

Lie your ass off.