Recently, I have been on countless interviews and have heard a lot of different questions. I actually think that my inability to actually get a job has given me some much needed practice in the interview process. Although I am not interviewing for a career job at the moment I have still gotten some knowledge on how to "win" a position. That's what it is after all, a competition. I have been interviewing for jobs in hospitality but as you can imagine there are a lot of people going for the same job especially since I was going after serving jobs posted to craigslist. I have gotten the "Tell me about yourself...", "What can you bring to this restaurant if hired?", "What would your previous manager say about you?", "What is a piece of criticism you have received from a previous employer?"....the list goes on and on. Like I said I've been on a lot of interviews. With fine dining they take this stuff seriously. Ultimately, I learned what they wanted to hear and finally got a job.
So, basically here's what I have learned in a nut shell. Modesty needs to go out the window! The fact is that even if you have trouble talking about how awesome you are or even feel like talking yourself up is lying, I promise you there are other people that have no problem doing it. Those people will take the position from you if you let them. The on the spot questions about previous experiences (i.e. Tell me about a time when you had to think on your feet?) are the ones you should anticipate before hand and have an answer ready. The truth is there is no way for the employers to weed out the ones who are lying about their capabilities but they will choose who gets the chance to prove them self. So, bottom line? BE CONFIDENT. Believe you're awesome and the best person for the job. Worry about proving yourself later because you'll have nothing to prove is you can't wow them in the interview.
Other situations you may come across are phone interviews and panel interviews. These are probably likely for those of you wanting to teach abroad. I have personally not experienced either one but I assume the same applies. Speak clearly and articulately. Confidence can be heard as well as seen. Finally,there is the issue of salary. I have never been asked about salary in an initial job interview. However, from the experience of others, I can say that this is not something to be discussed until you are offered a position. With most entry level positions I assume negotiating may not be in your best interest. However, with some experience under your belt, you may be confronted with the question of salary negotiation. The general rule though? Wait for them to make you an offer before you spring the salary conversation.
So, to continue the interview topic...have any of you ever had to answer a tough interview question? How did it go? OR have you ever had a bad interview? Bad interviews can be great leaning experiences.
After reviewing what is written I would like to add these thoughts. Phone interviews are all about tone of voice. You must be warm, positive, and polished. Stay away from "um" and "uh" in excess. I actually enjoy panel interviews. I have been in a few because of Disney. Acknowledge each person with good eye contact. Your goal is win over each person, but if you cannot then at least the majority. Sometimes you might be able to find from the person who schedules your interview who it is that you will be speaking with. Try to do some research on them.
ReplyDeleteIn regards to salary for entry level positions, you may be asked "what is the salary that you expect?" DO .... YOUR.... RESEARCH. It is generally easy to find out the average salary / rate for the position you seek.
I have had one interview and it went generally well, although I found myself evaluating it greatly afterwards and wish I had done things a little differently.
ReplyDeleteNatyeli, it was really great to hear your encouragement in being confident. I sometimes lack confidence in myself which, like you said, can be a poor factor when being interviewed. I have a hard time talking so highly about myself, but I realize that in an interview, they want to hear this type of stuff and how well I can sell myself.
I was asked the question of how much I expect for a salary in my interview. I was somewhat caught off guard because I was not expecting to be able to give my preference, but in the end, they ended up giving me what I asked for.
I was asked a few questions that was not prepared for, such as "What are your strengths and weaknesses?" Again...I have trouble answering the strengths because I didn't want to come across prideful and arrogant. This interview was really great practice and something that I has increased my experience with interviews and what I can do differently in the future.
Natyeli,
ReplyDeleteI like how you state to be confident. While i have not done many interviews yet, I can imagine how some really confident people might make up situations that could lead to them getting further interviews. I dont see it as a difficult thing for some people to do. I will most definatally keep that fact in mind and do my research the ngiht before.
Yes, I really agree with making sure you do research before your interview. It looks very professional when you have a firm understanding of the position and company that you are applying for.
ReplyDeleteI have only had one or two interviews, neither of which turned into jobs, but I guess they were good learning experiences. I'm kind of worried about the salary question, but I guess research would help there.
ReplyDeleteAmanda Farmer
Yes, experience is probably a key factor to getting really good at job interviews. I just recently actually applied to the Marriott for various positions after realizing the way my manager treats his employees and customers and making a decision not to stay at my current job after the semester. Anyways, The human resource manager called me and we briefly talked, then she asked me several interview type questions saying she was going to pass it on to the mager. Let me just say, I was not prepared! I thought it was very coincidental that we were just talking about what I was presented. Also, I found it interesting that she would ask over the phone right away, maybe it's something new to "prescreen" candidates. What are everyones thoughts on that? Has anyone else have that happen?
ReplyDeleteBeing confident is definitely a must when interviewing. Not only does an employer want to hire someone who they feel will become compentent in their new job, but it could also come off as you don't know what you are talking about.There are a couple of times when I "tooted my own horn" but it worked out in the end. Also, sometimes when I am asked questions such as "explain a time when you dealt with a customer complaint" I always feel that I have not had any serious problems so I will ellaborate on the subject, in the places where it fits.... They will never know exactly whether it happened in that particular sequence or not.
ReplyDeleteResearch is a good point brought up. I have always thought it would satisfy, or even impress, the interiewer on how much knowledge one may have on their company. Here are a couple benefits to showing your knowledge including how eager you are and willing you are to work for the company, also it could be looked at one less thing the trainer would have to train you on. I have never had to deal with the salary question, as I have only gotten hourly and it was set pay, no negotiations. However, I do know the Marriott will discuss your pay based off your experience.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't necessarily say that I have had a bad interview but I have been on interviews where I know that I won't get the job once I leave their office. I had this one interview where I was asked what I knew about their company and I had no idea. That was the one thing I forgot to prepare for and after I drew a blank, all my confidence went out the window. That is one thing I know that I lack is confidence in an interview. I have gotten better since my last interview three years ago for my current job in the confidence department but I am not one who likes to talk about myself. I definitely know that is something I will need to get over but it's just hard for someone who doesn't like the spotlight.
ReplyDeleteIn response to the part where the blog mentioned that sometimes one has to sort of embellish a little, my brother is a perfect example. When he was interviewing for a job at a very established italian restaurant, he told the employer that my parent owned an italian restaurant and he worked there when he was younger but my parents are far from italian seeing as my last name is Perez. Although that might have been a tiny fib my brother still got the job because he seemed confident and he is never afraid to embellish a little or "toot his own horn" as Jess stated. I think that is something I need to work on... Anyone have a story on when they may have embellished a little on an interview?
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure that embellishing and "tooting your own horn" is the same thing...haha I don't see that it's really a good thing to lie in an interview...
ReplyDeletewow.. ok, so after I posted my previous posting, I got called for a Job interview tomorrow! I completely did not think it would happen so soon, but I am excited and feel like I am completely prepared because of several of the things we have talked about! I think its completely hilarious that things in my life always happen like this! I will let you all know how it goes!
ReplyDeleteAmanda Farmer
I will have to agree with you on the confidence, and trying to sell yourself. I can be pretty shy and have to warm up to people, but when I applied as a bartender; I had to make sure I had the biggest personality in the room. Don’t get me wrong, a person has to be sociable to work as a bartender, but that is different. Interviews are intimidating and scare me. That is probably why I stick to a job for so many years, that way I don’t have to be interviewed so many times
ReplyDeleteI have gone through a panel interview, and it was the hardest interview I have ever done!! It is uncomfortable, and instead of trying to think of what you are going to say next, you have to listen to the person talking before you and make sure what they said isn’t repeated. Everyone is competing for attention, and it is much less personal. I bombed that interview, but I was glad, because I didn’t want to work there in the first place.
Wow...I can't imagine what you went through for the panel interview. I've never really heard of that interview style, but I can definately see how it would be very intimidating and difficult trying to make sure that your answers are not the same as someone elses...
ReplyDeleteI definitely can agree on the shy thing, Amber. I am not as shy as I used to be but when it comes to interviews I get so tongue-tied and nervous. I also went through a panel interview where there was about 6 or 7 other people applying for the job and it can be hard to not repeat what was just said by the person before you. I know that getting a job is a competition between a number of people but I would rather interview with just the employer and not among the other interviewees. I don't plan on leaving my current job anytime soon but if I do I think that these last two blogs about interviewing will definitely help me if I plan on making a job change.
ReplyDeleteJust this past Saturday I had an Audition/Interview and it went very well! I am scheduled for my callback tomorrow at 3pm and and very confident that I will get the job. I have to admit that I didn't fully research the company before my initial interview and when asked if I took a look at the company's website I told them I honestly did not have the chance to check it out yet. And the interviewers chuckled and said "thank you for your honesty" Even tho I didn't do my research they loved the fact that I was honest about it and my overall first impression was a positive one. For tomorrow I will be able to answer all their questions about the website.
ReplyDeleteI believe the best time to talk about salary is in the second interview if not at the end of your first and only interview. I for one do not bring up salary, I write my preference on the application and wait for the manager to bring it to my attention and then discuss the salary with them.
ReplyDeleteWhen it comes to on the phone interviews I think the best way to handle them is to treat them like a face to face interview. Make sure you are fully awake and alert in a quiet location on a reliable phone. I think its best to fully prepared in an interview and its import to try and schedule your interview accordingly and if it is an unplanned phone call, its best to ;eave everything around you and focus on the interview.
ReplyDeleteCristina G... first off good luck tomorrow! Second, I will have to agree to not ask about the salary portion until a second interview or until they offer you the job. At least at that point you can decided if that is suitable or not. Also, I will have to agree to just be honest as well. If you didn't look at the website, and you said yes. When they ask you a simple question about the site, you could end up looking like a liar... and nobody wants that. You did the right thing.
ReplyDeleteErica,
ReplyDeleteYeah they are pretty awful! I don't think higher paying jobs do it in that style, but if you are looking into food or retail, something to just get by, they have a lot of applicant. It is probably the easier way to weed out people. I wish I knew what I was getting myself into when I showed up, because I probably wouldn't have bothered.
Thank you Amber! =)
ReplyDeleteAnd that's exactly what I was thinking about the website. That i didn't want to look like a liar.