How To Ace A Job Interview
[ 29 July 2008 ]
Oh, job interviews. One of the most nerve-wracking experiences ever, especially if you’re going for a job you actually really want! While you probably won’t get every job you interview for, there are definitely some things you can do to help increase your chances. Here are my tips for impressing the pantaloons off anyone in an interview.
Be on time
This is the most important thing. Really.
When I used to go to job interviews, sometimes if I realised I was going to be late, I wouldn’t bother showing up at all. Naughty, perhaps, but honestly, most of the time, being late is almost impossible to recover from. If I was late for a job interview — theoretically the time where you are trying to be most impressive — what were the interviewers going to assume about my actual work?! It sends a pretty loud & clear negative message. I figured it was better to stay home & get some sleep instead!
Of course, there are exceptions. Sometimes there are very real & unavoidable reasons why you’re delayed. If this is the case, make sure you let your interviewer know as soon as possible, & let them know that you’re open to rescheduling if that is more convenient for them.
If you’re someone who is chronically late, step it up, toots! Being late makes other people feel like you don’t respect them or their time, & time is precious to everyone. (Read this for more information.) If being late is something you always struggle with, start writing your appointments down for half an hour before the actual time!
Make conversation
Because work is where people spend the majority of their time, most employers are pretty conscious of the kind of people they want in their workplace. As a general rule, people want to hire other people with whom they get along. While weird, awkward, socially stunted people do get jobs, they will often be passed over for someone with comparable skills but a lot more charm. It just makes everyone’s life easier.
What this means is that you should make every effort to show how lovely you can be. If this statement confuses you, let me break it down for you. Smile! Laugh! Be positive! & above all, make conversation! It doesn’t have to be the world’s most scintillating discussion, but even throwing in a little anecdote about your morning or what you did on the weekend will make your interviewer feel like they’re actually talking to a real, relatable person & not some terrified robot or freaky automaton.
When it comes to an interview, usually you won’t get to that stage unless you have the skills you require for the role. So look at an interview as your opportunity to prove how super & cool you are, how awesome you’d be to work with, & how much fun you’d bring to the team.
(For more tips, see How To Be Charming!)
Have questions to ask
...Other than “How much are you going to pay me?”, which should typically be left until later in the piece!
Why should you do this? Because it shows that you’re keen enough to take an active interest. It illustrates to the interviewer that you’ve thought about the job — you’re not just there because they were the only place to call you back.
Coming up with a few questions doesn’t have to be a big mission. I would often think about the role on my way there (while I was on the bus or in a taxi) & jot down a few thoughts about it. So you might like to ask them how long the role has been around — whether it has evolved & will continue to, or if it’s fairly static. You could ask about the level of autonomy you’d be gifted. You could ask who was in the role previously, why they left & where they went. You can enquire about the culture of the team or company, how social they are, what they’re like. & if you really want to score points, you could ask the interviewer how they got to where they are today. (Everyone loves to talk about themselves.)
You don’t need to get all Spanish Inquisition on it — just a few well thought out questions will do the trick & make you stand out from the other applicants.
Be enthusiastic
I know I say this all the time, but enthusiasm cannot be overestimated!
Everyone loves an enthusiastic person! Except for really grumpy people, but who wants to impress them anyway?!
This means you should demonstrably show your excitement about the role. (If you’re not excited about it, perhaps it would be better for you to find something that actually turns your crank, rather than bouncing from similar role to similar role, expecting things to change… We’re all guilty of this one at some point.)
You don’t need to skip into the interview room, but definitely smile, appear alert, lean in towards the interviewer when they’re talking, mirror their body language, say, “I’m so excited about this role!”, & let them know you’re looking forward to hearing back from them. Honestly, even just saying you’re psyched to be there will make them smile. Everyone wants to hire someone who really wants it! There’s nothing worse than a gaggle of lack-lustre, bored-looking applicants. Make an effort to stand out!
You’ve probably heard this before, because I mentioned it in my How To Make Your CV Impressive article, but I once got an awesome job as a book buyer — for which I was wildly underqualified — because I was so enthusiastic. Never fear! Enthusiasm will get you there!
Do your research
If you know a little bit about the company you want to work for, you’ll be doing better than most of the people you’re up against. Google them before you go to the interview & read up on some vital stats or their latest news. You don’t necessarily need to demonstrate your knowledge in the interview, but if you have the opportunity, you should. If you don’t really get the chance, or it would be out of place to start reeling off facts, at least you’ll feel more secure in the interview!
Have ideas
This isn’t always going to apply, because often you won’t know much about the role you’re applying for until you actually get into the interview. But if you already have the low-down on what your job might entail, going into the meeting with a bunch of ideas is always a positive thing.
When I say ideas, I mean things you could do to improve their situation, which might range from implementing a new system to changing the way you deal with incoming phone-calls. While your ideas may never be implemented, just having them in your mind & expressing them to your interviewer speaks volumes. It will show that you take initiative, that you’re a good problem-solver, & that you’re invested in the role.
The one caveat I would add is that sometimes people are threatened by a bold thinker, so if you’re going to talk ideas, make sure you do it in a way that doesn’t imply that you’re going to bulldoze their entire department!
Pick up the interviewer’s slack
Let’s face it, your interviewer isn’t always going to be mind-blowing. In fact, often the task of interviewing just falls to the person who is available, not necessarily the person who is best qualified to do it, or even happiest doing it.
If your interviewer — let’s just say it — sucks, then it’s your job to pick up their slack. If you look at it objectively, they have nothing to lose or gain from the interview, really. They’re just doing their thing, & if they don’t like you, they won’t hire you, & then they’ll go back to their cubicle & play with their stack of Post It notes & then go out for their lunch break. But you? Well, if they don’t hire you, you have to send out more applications, go to more interviews, & keep looking for a job. You have much more riding on the situation. So it’s really in your best interests to do whatever you can to make sure you’re the person who gets the role.
Picking up the interviewer’s slack might include giving longer answers than you think they’re expecting, volunteering information that is relevant but hasn’t been asked for, being ultra-charming or asking them questions in the hopes that they will bounce them back to you. Really it’s just about taking the initiative, & taking control of the interview (in a non-threatening way).
Sell yourself
Most people go along to interviews, answer the questions, nod their head, smile nervously, shake hands & bolt. While they will eventually get hired by someone, it’s not what anyone is really looking for.
Make yourself sound like you would be an asset to their company, rather than just someone who is going to sit around & suck up a salary! How you do this will depend on your personality & the role you’re going for, but basically it’s important to make yourself sound like you’re worth hiring. If you have amazing skills, talk them up! If you’re the queen or king of conflict-resolution, say so! Don’t hide yourself away. You might be the world’s most wicked spreadsheet whiz, but if you don’t mention it, no one will know! An interview is not the time to be shy. In a situation like this, it’s much better to be cocky than forgettable.
Be appreciative
Let your interviewer know that you are thankful that they’re taking the time to meet you. This doesn’t mean kissing their feet or grovelling or putting yourself in a subserviant position (“Oooooh interviewer, thank you for picking meeeee, I’m not worthy!”), it just means showing your appreciation in a real way.
One of the best ways to do this is to look in their eyes while you shake their hand & say, sincerely, “Thank you for taking the time to meet with me”, but you can show your appreciation in other ways too. You could say thank you a billion times, but if you slump in your chair & stare out the window & chew gum, no one’s really going to be very convinced. Make sure your body language echoes your sentiments.
Do practice interviews
If interviews really freak you out, it can be helpful to have a couple of practice runs with someone you know. Have a friend ask you some typical interview questions (here’s a list!), & then take your time while you think about them & answer them. Honestly, you can do this on your own, you don’t need a buddy to help you, but it can be good to have someone else there to bounce ideas off.
Know your career objectives
You don’t have to know what you want to be doing in the next thirty years to make a good impression in an interview. The fact of the matter is that most people don’t know what they want to do with their lives until they’re about 35… & lots of people never really know.
You don’t need to know that in 10 years time you’d like to be CEO of Taco Bell — in many jobs, it’s really only important that you have some idea of what you’d like to learn. Don’t worry about slapping a title on it. So if your interviewer asks you, “What are your career objectives?”, it’s perfectly okay to just say the kind of skills you’d like to obtain.
Even if all you can think is that you’d like to work in human resources, or editing, or production, just say that. A vague direction is better than nothing at all; it gives them an idea of where you’d like to head (& creates a picture of what you might do within their company), & if they employ you, it will help them point you in a direction that is interesting to you.
Well, those are the things that have helped me get through job interviews over the years. (Believe me, I’ve had plenty!) Tell us your secret hints!
Super-love & cupcakes,
Gala
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This just came right in the nick of time! My next goal is to get a job this semester and this article will sure help (as well as the CV one wink wink).
Thank you.
Kisses.
Oooh, this article is so awesome and useful that it makes me almost wish I had a job interview I could go to! (Haven’t had a job interview since 1994; man, my career has been all about networking . . . !)
Aw, just 2 weeks late for my recent job interview but reading this, I realized I did the right things (and perhaps that’s why I got the job ;)
Great tips.. and I love that typewriter picture
smile! and if you can make them laugh.
also i have an awesome work story involving a gang member, a trespass order, and my great customer service. think of awesome things you did in you old job and how they might relate to the new role, and keep them in mind.
Oooooooooooooooh Gala, thank you! I have an interview tomorrow that is super daunting and this will make it so much easier!
This is so perfect!
I have the worst time with interviews and this is just the advice I need.
Thank you!
Enthusiasm is very important! Especially in a position when you are guaranteed to have to work with customers.
Though its a bad idea to squeal from excitement when on the phone with a potential employer, not that I would know anything about that! :D
Nice article, Gala :) I agree with you completely – I think one of the most important things to demonstrate in an interview is enthusiasm, enthusiasm, ENTHUSIASM! While a job interview is quite possibly one of life’s most daunting tasks, I think it’s really, really important to genuinely act like you’re pleased to be there (and if you’re super nervous and can’t quite rise to this? Fake it!). And I definitely think that it’s important to show your personality/sense of humour/manners/kindness – I think people want to know that who they’re going to hire is going to fit in well with everyone else, and is really going to be a wonderful, funny, charming addition to the team!
What a refreshing take on this old topic! Most articles about interviewing, that I’ve read, are about the questions asked, and it’s usually the same few questions that I’ve never once been asked.
I’d LOVE to see an article on your take on how to get to an interview: the cover letter &.c.!
Secret hints? Flirt like crazy and sleep with the boss.
lol, I am SOOO kidding :P
hi gala
quick question! how about when you’re soliciting for work? do you have any tips for that?
I do believe I will be doing this soon, e-mailing lots of companies who I’d like to work for my resume/brief cover letter.
Any extra tips would be appreciated! x
you know, come to think of it, i haven’t actually had to ever go through a major job interview before.
my first job was right after high school (when i rebelled and didn’t want to go to university! haha!) and i worked in a travel agency my parents owned and ran a staff of 40 with my sister! my next job was a 3 month “for fun” thing where i worked in a nail salon (because i love nails and i love nail art) and all i did was walk in with my own nails all nicely painted and full on nail art, and i was hired after 3 minutes. my job after that was a project manager and personal assistant to the bosses of this amazing graphic design company, and i got the job because they were my most regular customers at the nail salon and wanted me as their p.a.! when i was in tokyo, i worked temporarily as a salesgirl in one of my favorite shops, and go the job just walking in there and after speaking to the manager for a few minutes. and now, i’m part-timing at the most amazing place on earth, pat field, and i got the job because my hair stylist recommended me for it.
in all, i think i have been almost too lucky with all my job “interviews”, which were mostly casual talks done while standing up and just chit-chatting, before they hired me. like nadine, a lot of it was through meeting people and networking! i don’t know why but i hope this luck doesn’t run out. in any case, if i ever do need to have a proper interview, i hope i charm them off their feet! haha! thanks for the tips!
These are all very good tips. And for the nervous types like me, some breathing and relaxation exercises help too!
What about group interviews. You know the ones where they make you do activities as a group and judge your personality by making you stand up in front of people pretending like you are selling something? It kind of feels like a year 9 drama class and they don’t ever give you one on one time, they just judge on the activities
Thanks Gala! I have an interview today, and by lucky coincidence, this is your article. It’s made me feel much less nervous and more positive. I’m going to go out there and smile – so thank you :)
I thought of some good tips:
Try and pamper yourself the day before so that you are feeling in an utterly fantastic mood on the day, do your nails pretty, wash your hair with your favourite shampoo & conditioner so it smells great, shave your legs/underarms, do some light exercise, take a bath!
Also PLAN YOUR OUTFIT the night before!
That way when you wake up in the morning you should feel on top of the world!
Also give yourself PLENTY of time to get ready, you want to be feeling great, not feeling bleary eyed and unprepared.
On the day, you want to be having a great breakfast (I’d suggest a fruit smoothie with berries, wheatgerm & yoghurt) & perhaps a bowl of porridge/vegemite & butter on toast.
You should be feeling fantastic after that!
Then take the time to do your hair in a lovely way so as to charm your interviewer. Pop on whatever makeup you do, no rushing as an eyeliner pencil to the eye is sure to make you grouchy…
Then put on a spritz of your fav perfume! Not too much though as you don’t want to asphyxiate anyone.
Get dressed & you should be ready to go!
xox
As someone who’s been an interviewer quite a lot, one of the things I’d be careful about is not being so enthusiastic that you come across as sycophantic or ‘needing’ the job too much. Enthusiasm is great, and I definitely want to know you want the job and why – but I’ve had a couple of occasions when it was too much.
The first was someone who sooooooooooooo badly wanted the job that she was (almost) begging – and in this particular position a little bit of maturity and even-headedness was important, so unfortunately for her that kinda blew her chances…
And the other one was when someone was a combination of really nervous and really eager – she needed to have found a way to calm herself down before the interview, because she spent the whole thing talking REALLY LOUDLY and freaking us out a bit. I’d suggest doing the practice interview thing, finding out what your nervous ‘tic’ is and practicing toning it down. If you know you speak more loudly when you’re nervous, practice being able to hear when you’re doing it and finding a way to be a bit more quiet :)
thank you for posting this gala…it comes at the perfect moment!i’m searching for a new job right now and reading it helps me a lot… :.)
Yay! You’re back already! I was getting ready for, like, a whole week without you and already you’ve blasted back in with a super article! I’m duly noting all of this stuff even though I’m only 14, I know it will help! So..thanks in advance!
When I’m rich I’ll buy you something pretty ;)
And we have a room in the house that would look perfect with that typewriter! :D Long live the vintage!
Vixxie.
Both me and my boyfriend are job hunting. I’m currently working up an application for a new job and fingers crossed will get an interview. I’ve had some good feedback in the past, so I’m not too scared, but if you really want a job the interview is so much more intense!
I was also interviewing some candidates for a job this morning (first time I’ve ever done this) – they were all super and it’s going to be a tough decision. Interviewing is actually pretty hard, and if the interviewer cares at all they will be nervous too, and they will be really trying to draw the best out of you.
I completely agree with everything you said in this article. Don’t forget to write a thank you note after the interview as well!
You’re very right about coming up with questions before the interview. During my last job interview, the interviewer asked if I had any questions and I just sat there, dumbfounded. I couldn’t believe I hadn’t thought of any, and my mind went completely blank. I ended up asking some inane question like, “How long would my lunch break be?”
Thank you! For this article and for always keeping positive.
I have been in kind of a slump lately being unemployed for a while, not really wanting to work in the industry my education is good for and so on… But i found this really good quote that cheered me up:
“Just because I spent $100000 on a hammer, I don’t have to spend the rest of my life driving in nails”
& then stumbled on to your great blog after being away for a while – and you are truly inspiring.
Now things feel lighter :)
Have a safe journey – love
Hiya, you make some good points here, but I have to disagree with something you say in the very first tip. Being on time is of course important, but if you’re running late and decide not to show because of that, then you’re DEFINTELY not getting the job, whereas a quick phonecall made with a calm demeanor and a simple explanation, telling them exactly when you will be there, can get you out of it just fine. Anyone who just doesn’t show up without notice for something work related is branded forever a loser in the eyes of the person left waiting.
Fabulous advice, and virtually comprehensive. Really great pointers as always, Gala! The only thing I’d add is to dress slightly more conservatively than you normally do for work situations. Better to err on the side of frumpy and dull than lose out on a great job for showing too much skin!
Lovely! In addition to asking the interviewer how they got where they were, sometimes I ask them what their favorite/most challenging thing is. It’s another opportunity for them to talk about themselves, it’s kind of a bonding experience between the two of you and it gives you insight into the realities of the job.
I agree with Sarah Von. Its a date – you decide if you like them/they decide if they like you.
Find out as much as you can of the bad stuff without sounding like you are. By asking them the most challenging questions you get to see that other side – just like if you talked to the ex girlfriend of a guy you were about to date.
I like to ask: Tell me about something that has surprised you the most about your company in both a positive and negative way.
I am some kind of job interview leper. I’ve had heaps of interviews and never got a job from one. The thing was, they’d usually call me up afterwards to tell me how wonderful I was and how much they loved me. This was obviously untrue – if they loved me they’d have hired me!
It was frustrating though, because I could never get any kind of feedback – I’d ask for it and they’d say there was nothing else I could have done, they just wanted someone else.
I would have loved this a few months ago when I was looking for a job, except that my job is so awesome, I didn’t need an interview! I just heard from one of my friends that they were hiring, called up the boss, and the conversation went something like this.
Me: Hey, how are you.
Boss: Good, yourself?
Me: Good. Hey, Kaitlin said that you guys might need someone to take over for her while she’s in Europe.
Boss: Yeah, that’s a good idea. Why don’t you find out when Kaitlin’s coming in on Monday and you can come with her for training?
Me: Okay.
Boss: Okay, see you on Monday!
The End.
I freakin’ love my job.
This is extremely goofy, but it works: I watch Leno or Letterman or basically any talk show interview of someone i admire & aspire to present myself like. I make sure to watch it either the night before or the day of the interview & channel that energy when i am being interviewed.
I do my best to answer questions, but when i can’t think of a satisfactory answer to a question in time i will steer the topic to something related that i would rather talk about. Of course, I don’t do this with EVERY question I am asked; it’s kind of like a clever pass on a tricky question or something I am not comfortable answering.
I listen carefully to everything the interviewer says, in case I am questioned about it later in the interview.
I always make sure I answer questions thouroughly & confidently, but also that I don’t talk too much. Pay attention to when you are being cued to wrap it up; you can usually sense or see in someone’s face when they have a satisfactory answer.
I make sure I look fabulous, have a good meal beforehand, & my favorite scent on. I also try & do something that I enjoy beforehand so I’m not obsessing over the interviews & I feel confident & happy about who I am.
I ALWAYS do my morning pages before interviews & tell myself how good i am for the position, good qualities about myself, etc. This makes it easy to remember in the actual interview.
I’m normally kind of a shy, awkward girl, but I do well under pressure & I’m really, really good at interviews & getting jobs. I have gotten many jobs that I was underqualified for just because of my ability to do well in an interview!
this is so funny, I have a job interview today!
I’m not that nervous about it because I’m thinking I’m qualified enough.
tips I’ve used in the past (and will use today!) *dress the part! employers will hire a person who puts effort into their looks, because it means they can expect the same effort in their job. *act like you were born for the job! even if it just a stop in your career.
ok wish me luck!
ohmygosh I can’t believe you posted this today! I just had a job interview yesterday and came here to see if you wrote anything about them a couple days ago! It’s ok it went well anyway and you gave me lots of help on what to wear :D
What you wear is just as important as what you say. You have to dress for the job you want, but even slightly over-dressing demonstrates you’re serious about the interview process. It doesn’t matter how good your resumé or answers are; if you show up looking too casual/disheveled/whatever, the interviewer will expect the same poor judgement in your work, especially if you’re applying for a job where they treat you as a sort of “face” for the company.
Also, answering the questions as though you have the job can sometimes can help confidence in nervous applicants.
Well, I must say I wasn’t expecting a full-length article this soon. Way to go girl! You’re back on the horse in no time!
Great piece I think I’ll be needing this for college very soon…=)
In the interview for my current job I got asked for 1 of my weaknesses that I would like to improve. It totally threw me since I hadn’t prepared anything ‘negative’ about myself, I mean interviews are supposed to be all about the good stuff right?!
I thought about it for a little bit (don’t be afraid of a little pause while you think in an interview!) and came up with a sensible, honest answer. Knowing yourself, where have come from, where you’d like to be and how you are going to get there is going to be extremely helpful.
Also larger companies may use 2 people to interview you at the same time -they take turns to ask questions while the other makes notes.
I agree with Mikolina, pretending you already have the job is really relaxing in the interview room.
This is so great! I have a job interview tomorrow at a place I would LOVE to work, this is amazingly, deliciously, fantastically perfect timing! And everyone’s hints and tricks are fabulous. Yay!
My number one tip for interviews? ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING.
This year I have been for 3 positions:
The first, I told myself “I probably won’t get it, its my first interview and how many people get a job first go? It’ll be fine if I don’t get the job” I went for the interview, never heard back.
The second, my first interview went well and the guy seemed impressed with me. My confidence was up, and I was called back for a second interview with the Managing Director. I then found out the job was a much more difficult and complex job than it was first made out to be. SO I went into the second interview with the attitude of “I am so not qualified for this job and they know it. I am soo not getting this.” I never heard back.
The third was a job that I really really wanted. So for my 1st and 2nd interviews, I told myself repeatedly – out loud and in my head – YOU WILL GET THIS JOB. YOU ARE THE RIGHT PERSON FOR THIS JOB. THEY WILL SEE YOUR POTENTIAL AND YOU WILL GET THIS JOB. As I write this, I’m on my lunch break at that very job. And I believe my attitude and mindset is totally, 100% to thank for that.
Positive thinking leads to positive results, so no matter how hard you try, keep the negative from creeping in. Tell yourself you are utterly fabulous and exactly what they’re looking for, and it will show thru your interview performance. I know that I was alot more confident, talkative and assertive in the interviews once I changed my way of thinking.
I know this may sound a bit odd, but make sure you price yourself appropriately – I use the word ‘price’ instead of ‘value’ because value has a very broad scope – and I’m talking about how you answer the question “So what salary range are you looking for?” (or the oblique way of asking this “So what are you currently earning?”). I think it’s pretty standard for recruitment agencies to ask this, but some interviewers will ask as well (often as a gut-punch at the end of the interview – doesn’t everyone get uncomfortable about the topic of money?) I was talking to a recruiting agent, and she told me a story about a client who hadn’t even been getting interviews because he was asking for a salary that was $NZ20,000 more than what the industry was paying for someone with his skillset and experience. If you are directly asked what you expect to be paid, naming a number that either isn’t appropriate to the job or your skill level (whether over or under) can be off-putting – being too far out of the ballpark can suggest unrealistic expectations in general or a real lack of industry knowledge. Not naming a number at all can also indicate this (and a lack of confidence!) Picking the right number can be particular pain if you’re jumping industries or geography, so do a bit of research on what you can expect to be paid. In some ways I think it’s harder if you’re asked what you’re currently being paid – if you’re pretty sure you’re being paid less than what they’re prepared to offer, you don’t want to encourage them to base their offer too much on what you’re currently being paid – so use it as a forum to indicate that you are worth more than that, the specific reasons why, and your (reasonable and researched) desired remuneration. If you’re currently being paid more than what you think they’re going to offer, money is obviously not your first consideration, but your prospective employer may need reassurance that you’re not too expensive for their budget and that your expectations of the role are in line with the actual position being offered (due to the fancy-but-somewhat-misleading titles in a previous role, I’ve had potential employers express concerns about whether a position applied for would provide me with enough prestige – in a similar way people have trouble understanding why people apply for jobs that will pay them less than they currently earn, and worry that it means that you expect them to pay you more than the going rate for the job).
Wow,
That turned into an essay!
impeccable timing as always gala!
Great advice!
I have to agree with Rorosto though— You should ALWAYS call if you’re going to be late. Because if you don’t, not only will you not that get job, but you never know who the interviewers are going to speak to about you missing it. So if you decide to try to get a jobb at the same company or university or whatever, you may have a harder time of it. It’s just easier ot make that call the first time around saying that you’ll be late.
And to go along with Ginny’s comment, I agree that it is really important to know the going wage of the position you’re applying for, but do not be afraid to ask for a bit more than they originally offer. A friend went to a seminar for women in the working world, and the leader there told them that women rarely ask for more than they are offered, while men usually do. It’s really not asking for too much if you think that your position can be paid more. You’ll thank yourself later!
“Secret hints? Flirt like crazy and sleep with the boss.
lol, I am SOOO kidding :P
Ivy”
Hehe. I know a boy who flirts with his interviewer at every interview he gets. It works for him because he’s more of a charming flirt than a obvious one. He’s the sort of person who notices things and knows just what will make you smile with glee and feel good about yourself.
I’m so gald you wrote about this Gala! I’ve just applied for a few jobs and I’m hoping to hear back soon about interviews so this has come at just the right time. I think, keeping your advice in mind, if I get an interview I’ll do well, because I am a confident, happy, creative, kind person. I’m also really excited about getting a new job! I’m a 18 year old fashion student and all the jobs I’ve applied for are in retail but I think I’d really enjoy any of them especially the ones in clothing stores. I’d get the chance to practice my social skills and work on charming the pants off of people. I get to help people which makes me happy! Even at my old job in a coffee shop it made me really happy if I solved someones little coffee problem and made them happy! Yes, I’m that bonkers. It gives me a chance to meet people my age as retail stores often employ students of my age. Also the clothing stores give me all sorts of oportunities! I could get to work on the displays, probably not the window ones but I may have some room to get creative with the way I put out the stock, putting things that go together etc. I’d get to give advice to cutomers, something I’m pretty skilled at as a fashion student is what suits what colouring, shape etc and what goes with what! It also gives me so the opportunity to tell people how fabulous they look in what they wear everyday without sounding weird!
So really I’m just what these people are looking for. I think I expressed that in my applications and CV and if I get an interview I’m sure I’ll have no problem getting that across. I’m only a little bit worried that I’m actually too enthusiastic, they might think it’s fake. It’s not…I am genuinely this loopy! This is what I really love doing as weird as that is. It’s not fashion design which is my ultimate goal but it’s still in that area of things I love so much I get loopy about them! =D
Also good luck to anyone else applying for jobs! : )
Sorry about the double comment but i just thought of something helpful.
I was talking to one of my mothers friends who we bumped inot in a coffee shop when I was writing my application form and she was talking about some people she’s interviewed that she just cringed at the whole time!
Don’t go over the top to try and impress people, aparently people often go over the top when talking about team work/independant work and using examples. Like one man talked about how he was in a brass band and tried to show how he was comfortable working in a team as well as independantly by saying that as a band he could work together with the other musicians but alone he could make beautiful music.
She says that’s one thing that happens so often that would make her automatically think “I cannot work with this person!” Simply because it’s so cheesy. That’s not really a normal thing to come out with!
I think there are so many better ways to tackle this question. I thought it was maybe something to mention if a lot of people do it.
I just adore your site, it’s great!
I made use of your tips in a recent job interview for a job I really really wanted…
Unfortunately, I didn’t get the job. But I did make a friend out of the interviewer!
So thanks for that!
lovelove.