Job interview

[jauble]

I have my first real job interview on tuesday. Any advice from the esteemed members of RF.net?

[zathrus]

Make sure that you're prepared and don't be nervous. Most of all, don't be late.

[RhinoinMN]

dress appropriate, firm handshake, look at them in the eye when you are talking to them.

Confidence is key.

[Fez4PrezN2008]

Bring your own spit-cup, don't assume your new boss to be will be willing to share his spitoon.


It's just a common courtesey, like takin a bath every Sunday.

[angrymissy]

Be careful with looking them in the eye.

I was told to do that so many times that I think I overdid it once or twice and it turned into a staring match.

[ChrisTheCop]

2 questions that are inevitably brought up during an interview:

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

What do you think you can offer this company?


Have answers for those two. Have fresh breath, but dont chew gum. Smell clean, but dont wear cologne. Also, sometimes, the waiting before the interview is actually observed. So dont do anything you wouldnt want seen; nose picking, smoking, twiddling of thumbs, leg shaking etc... Maybe bring a book to read or a pad to write on. (not a video game).

Also-have questions for the interviewer. Not so much how much do i get paid? But is there a 401k? Do they offer direct deposit? Do they promote from within? Things like that show an interest in actually working there.

Good luck budday!

[epo]

Just from my viewpoint:

1. Be nice to everybody. The secretaries or assistants always get asked "what did you think of them?" These things are a simple character check.

2. Understand the reason for the question. Each question that an interviewer is asking you is categorized and about a larger topic. Make your answer fit the topic & the question.

3. Ask Questions. Chris is absolutely right about this one. In my past interviews I've had about 20 questions prepared ahead of time and when they turn it over with the classic "Do you have any questions?"...be ready with the ones that weren't answered during the interview that fit the mood of the room.

One of my favorites is: "In six months to a year from now, how will you evaluate whether or not the person in this role is successful?"

Good luck budday......

[spoon]

I have my first real job interview on tuesday. Any advice from the esteemed members of RF.net?

Chris brings up a lot of good points, yet the cologne thing I don't think is totally true. Just don't over do it like those 60 year old men and their Old Spice.

I just went through the process for the last two months for a major move in my industry and I was successful. Multiple interviews, multiple meetings with other sides of the company. So if you'd like to PM me, feel free. I've come to be a really good interviewer, and the people here make really good points. Yet knowing some key facts about the job ur looking into, and the company would help me do my thing and lend you a hand.

If u don't want it out there, or even in a PM to me I understand. It's your call and good luck.

[DonInNC]

Don't sweat it. People too often view job interviews as win/lose. While they're deciding if you're right for them, you should be deciding if they're right for you.

[spoon]

Don't sweat it. People too often view job interviews as win/lose. While they're deciding if you're right for them, you should be deciding if they're right for you.

That's exactly right as well. In my recent search, I pretty much ended two early bc I almost immediately knew it wasn't for me. I did however already have a good job to work with, so this always helps your flexibility. Yet even if you don't have a job in the field of your choice yet (eg. working at Home Depot just out of college while in a job search for a case manager spot at a financial planner office), it is important to be selective bc the wrong first job can set you off in a really bad direction. Know your worth (don't inflate it, but don't deflate it either) based on talent, drive, and experience.

[ChrisTheCop]

Don't sweat it. People too often view job interviews as win/lose. While they're deciding if you're right for them, you should be deciding if they're right for you.

"The guy didnt even use my picture when quoting me..."
http://www.jkrweb.com/newyork/celebs/Larry.gif

[Jughead]

Check a little in to the back ground of the company. Just know where the company came from..It will help you.....Im not really a car guy.......oh yes i am...Good luck J......

[topless_mike]

be confident, but not cocky.

dont bullshit. they can smell that a mile away.

firm handshake. be nice to all.

a good answer for " where do you see yourself in 5 years" is (and i used it and landed my current job) " in 5 years? "i dont know. i never thought i would be here for this interview, so i really cant answer that"

very short and sweet "thank you for your time" email the moment you walk in the door.


oh. and if they give you a question with choices, PIMB is not an appropriate answer.

[jauble]

well the interview is in 10 hours so if anyone has any last minute advice I would appreciate it. I decided to wear my finest suit for the occasion.

http://www.bumperactive.com/images/blogPix/kyle/98/boratFront.jpg

[spoon]

well the interview is in 10 hours so if anyone has any last minute advice I would appreciate it. I decided to wear my finest suit for the occasion.

http://www.bumperactive.com/images/blogPix/kyle/98/boratFront.jpg

Don't suck. Unless it's an interview to be a whore/Mafia Life Chris.

[Thebazile78]

Chris brings up a lot of good points, yet the cologne thing I don't think is totally true. Just don't over do it like those 60 year old men and their Old Spice.



No.

Do NOT wear cologne or perfume.

Ever.

I could smell a few of the interviewees from 10 feet away when they had people in for an open spot on another team and almost had an asthma attack. This is a very real possibility for any office environment!

If it had been me interviewing, I would have sent the candidate home. (I guess it's lucky it wasn't me!)

[zathrus]

relax and let us know how it went

[jauble]

The interview went well, I got called back but the place reminded me way to much of the movie bolier room and internet research kind of agreed with me. I have another one on thursday so here's to that...and thanks to all the buddies for the advice and support. (For Topless Mike when I saw PIMB as a possible degree I knew the job was not legit)

[Freitag]

The interview went well, I got called back but the place reminded me way to much of the movie bolier room and internet research kind of agreed with me.

QFT. There are a LOT of MLM (Multi-Level Marketing) schemes out there that get you in the door and then you realize they are fly-by-night door-to-door selling places. They are all over the place on Monster and a bunch of people have gotten suckered into them.

Although salary is a touchy thing to ask about during interviews, asking about benefits is not. If they bring up stuff like a 401(k) and health benefits, then the legitimacy is a little more solid. A lot of these places don't offer benefits like that.

I'd also be wary of companies that have longer than a 90 day qualifier for health care.

Do research on the company you're applying for. A good thing is to run it through ripoffreport.com.

[gmat]

Congrats on the first interview and good luck on the second.
If you still need advice. I interview people all the time and if they ask you what you weaknesses are; be honest. Don’t give the textbook answer: I work too hard. Most interviewers know this is bullshit. Just tell them the truth, you are human, and you don’t know all the answers, but you will do your best to research the answer. One of my bosses at one of my entry level jobs told me this answer actually got me the job.
Also just be able to explain what you have done previously and how it can relate to the new job. It is not so much what you say, but rather if you can communicate what you do effectively.

[jauble]

I feel good about this one but the question is should I put whatley posse on my resume?

[PapaBear]

I feel good about this one but the question is should I put whatley posse on my resume?
Flash the Posse sign first. If they respond, you won't even need a resume.

[thejives]

Be very positive!
Smile!

Don't use that wry black humor you're so obsessed with.
Save that for when they lay you and everyone you like at the company off.

[thejives]

Oh... and take the cock ring off your middle finger when you flip them off.

[TeeBone]

I have my first real job interview on tuesday. Any advice from the esteemed members of RF.net?

I interview people all the time, in fact today at 10:00, I have to interview someone. Here's what I look for:
Honesty (be yourself, if you are not, the interviewer will see right through you)
Desire (think long term----apply for your job but be prepared to talk about you long term goals with the company.)
Experience (you apparently have none, so pay close attention to the first two items I discussed)
Aptitude (can you do whatever it is you are applying for and can you do it efficiently?)
Also, make sure you know about the history of the company and its recent successes. Do a little research. Nothing is more 'job-killing' than someone who shows up and doesn't have any idea about the company they hope to work for.
And finally, ask questions and close the deal. In other words---have some prepared questions to ask relating to growth opportunities, compensation structure, etc... Most importantly; CLOSE THE DEAL. Assume they will hire you confidentially and ask when you can start in a professional way. Don't be a jokester asshole. Reserve that for the Holiday party.

You'll be fine.

[zen]

On a related note, I have a "phone screening" with a large engineering firm tomorrow. Recruiter said the process usually takes about 20 minutes. Anyone privy to what these things involve? Is it just another maddening step in the process, a pre-interview? I feel more comfortable interviewing in person where I can see and react to the interviewer. Not quite sure what to expect from a phone screen.

[jauble]

Second interview went really well. I have a pre-contract meeting with them on monday. Not a guarantee but a step in the right direction. Once again thanks for all the advice and support.

[thejives]

Second interview went really well. I have a pre-contract meeting with them on monday. Not a guarantee but a step in the right direction. Once again thanks for all the advice and support.

Woo hoo!!!

Go for it!
The sooner you have a job the sooner you can post about hating it!

[Tenbatsuzen]

On a related note, I have a "phone screening" with a large engineering firm tomorrow. Recruiter said the process usually takes about 20 minutes. Anyone privy to what these things involve? Is it just another maddening step in the process, a pre-interview? I feel more comfortable interviewing in person where I can see and react to the interviewer. Not quite sure what to expect from a phone screen.

They ask you a couple of generic questions, like past experience, salary expectations, etc.

At least, the ones I've been a part of.

[IamPixie]

Time for Pixie to grow up. Wish me luck buddays.....

[lleeder]

Time for Pixie to grow up. Wish me luck buddays.....

Good luck. Whatcha doing...

[jauble]

Good luck Pix, you'll do fine.

[fezident]

Wow.

I literally JUST landed my first "big boy" job a few days ago. This is my first gig outside of the music industry and... I'm kinda looking forward to the stability. (healthy salary, full benefits, and... oh my god... SICK DAYS and VACATION TIME!!)

I'm actually going to MANAGE people!! Whudda thunk it?

Aaaanyway, the interview process was rather long and, it seems, I handled it well.

I was very relaxed and quite confident.

Obviously, I was there on time, I brought my daily planner and a pen and LOOKED prepared to write things down. (ultimately not needed in this sitch... very conversational.)

I brought a printout of my resume with me just so she "wouldn't have to bother printing one out".

I answered their questions completely and with detail but, I also did not ramble. I would confidently stop talking when I was satisfied with my answer. No trailing off "sooo.... ummm.... yeah...ummm... did that answer your question...?" None of that.

I asked thoughtful questions. Nothing too rehearsed sounding.

I offered a few suggestions about job related matters. I didn't want to disparage the guy I was replacing but, I let them know that I saw an opportunity to tweak this or that. They seemed receptive.

I have a decent command of the English language, and I think it helped. People are ssslightly impressed when you use just the right word in just the right context.

Finally, I used humor. Just little icebreaker stuff. Nothing too "dig me!!" but, just a little something here and there to make them feel relaxed and to show that I'm relaxed. It was very effective.


Having said all that... I can't believe I'm gonna Project Manage so many people. I'm anxious to start in a few days!!

[zathrus]

congrats!!!! there's nothing like earning sick & vacation days!!:drunk::clap:

[fezident]

congrats!!!! there's nothing like earning sick & vacation days!!:drunk::clap:

You ain't kiddin'.
I've always been in the low-to-mid-level music biz. "The show must go on".... yada yada yada. Never got a sickday. Never once got paid for vacation. I had to miss an awful lot of funerals, weddings, bar mitzvahs, anniversaries, and births to do shows because "there are a million kids out there who'd KILL to do your job for FREE!".

I'm so f'ing glad that I now I'm a low-to-mid-level manager at a legit company in NYC. Waking up at 6:30am everyday is gonna sssuck but, the security is just so damn appealing to me now.
Let somebody else record bass tracks for the fuckin' Jonas Brothers.

[Freitag]

You ain't kiddin'.
I've always been in the low-to-mid-level music biz. "The show must go on".... yada yada yada. Never got a sickday. Never once got paid for vacation. I had to miss an awful lot of funerals, weddings, bar mitzvahs, anniversaries, and births to do shows because "there are a million kids out there who'd KILL to do your job for FREE!".

I'm so f'ing glad that I now I'm a low-to-mid-level manager at a legit company in NYC. Waking up at 6:30am everyday is gonna sssuck but, the security is just so damn appealing to me now.
Let somebody else record bass tracks for the fuckin' Jonas Brothers.

This... this sounds strangely familar to me. Yet... I don't know... why.

Congrats, welcome to Cubeland.

Was it weird during the interview describing how your music/entertainment background would translate to what you're doing now?

I took a complete 180 from what I was doing and even though I didn't have a good grip on the product, I sold my marketing and promotions experience up and down the board.

I've been working for my company for 18 months, and I've realized that I've almost eclipsed the time I put in at my last radio job.

[fezident]

This... this sounds strangely familar to me. Yet... I don't know... why.

Congrats, welcome to Cubeland.

Was it weird during the interview describing how your music/entertainment background would translate to what you're doing now?

.

Somewhat. I really and truly believed they were listening NOT to what I was saying, but rather, how I was delivering it. I already worked for their company in a very small (freelance) capacity so, there was already a certain comfort level there.
I walked in there thinkin' I had it.
I walked out KNOWING I did.

Two days later; "we'd love to have you on the team."



Congrats on your recent occupational upgrade. See you at the company picnic.

[TeeBone]

So I hosted a Job Fair today for my company in which I hoped to attract 9 retail associates that I currently have openings for in 4 locations around town. I was expecting between 100-200 applicants throughout the day and out of that; would be lucky to attain the desired number of candidates. It always shocks me when people show up looking like they just walked off the beach, have no resume and have no idea of the position or the company they are applying for. There are a few tips for going to an interview at a job fair which I would like to pass along to anyone who is on the job hunt:

1. Show up on time. Don't arrive when the company is packing up for the afternoon and expect special consideration. The company advertises the job fair for a week and the time is clearly marked.
2. Dress like you want a job and not a bag of pot. I am serious when I tell you that people show up for at this with flip-flops, tank tops, jeans, hats and tennis shoes. Its hysterical. I will absolutely talk to anyone/everyone who comes in but please be professional.
3. Bring a resume. How in the hell is the company going to talk through your work history if you have no proof of a work history?
4. Be honest on all materials you fill out. We check into your history. If you have a felony, just be honest. We hire felons but not ones that lie about it.
5. Avoid using the word, 'FUCK' during the interview. A girl used it today and it was awesome. I almost threw her out right then and there but had to hear more. Needless to say, she will not be getting a call-back.
6. Don't bring your kids to an interview. Again, this happens more than you think it does.
7. Avoid telling your perspective employer that your former employer was an 'asshole' and that you were fired for no reason. - No explanation needed -

If you follow these 7 things, you should be fine. (provided you have some level of intelligence and some semblance of logical thought.)