General Question

shpadoinkle_sue's avatar

I have a job interview, any tips?

Asked by shpadoinkle_sue (7188points) March 16th, 2010

I haven’t had an interview for a while. Every interviewer is different. I got my first job because I didn’t “pester” the person hiring with phone calls. Lucky, no? I’m applying at other places while I’m at maybe get a couple part time jobs.

I have a job interview today at a movie theater. It isn’t one of the big ones. You sign up on a list and get an interview later that day. Are there any things that I should definatley do? Questions I should ask afterwards?

Observing members: 0 Composing members: 0

16 Answers

CMaz's avatar

Dress nice. Keep your cool.

edmann13's avatar

When it comes to something like working at the movie theater, it doesn’t really take much. Just be confident, smile, make sure you look sharp, and be attentive. As long as you don’t give off the impression of being an idiot, you’ll be fine.

starshine's avatar

eye contact, politeness, dress one cut above what you think the job requires, but don’t look snooty.

ucme's avatar

Lights camera action.You’re hired.

Shae's avatar

Shirt tucked in, wear a belt. Make sure your clothes are ironed. Most of the people I never hired were based on my first look at them.

silverfly's avatar

Make sure you eat a good healthy meal and drink water. That should keep your brain nice and clear. Good luck!

shpadoinkle_sue's avatar

It’s an open interview, should I bring an updated resume with me? I’ve never had to before.

starshine's avatar

@py_sue , yes. do. there’s nothing wrong withbeing over prepared. Having your resume with you says that you’re smart and anticipating of needs. both good things.

makemo's avatar

My former employer told me his trick before important business meetings was to arrive 15 minutes earlier, borrow their toilet and make thorough use of its intended purpose. I have no idea about the beneficial value of doing this, but for some bizarre reason he felt he got an upper hand on them.

Val123's avatar

Be polite.

figbash's avatar

I have to tell you from hiring, X-factor is a huge element.

* Research the company or place you’re working for and know it well.
* Be appropriately deferential and positive.
* Ask a good question or two

A dream employee is someone who is dependable, customer-focused, takes initiative, likes to be hlepful, is passionate about what they do and contributes to a positive work environment by being optimistic, and not complaining unless the suggestion is constructive.

shpadoinkle_sue's avatar

Apparently “open interview” really means you and 5 other people sitting next to you answering the exact same questions you just answered. Felt like a firing squad. Way harder than a normal interview. Coming up with different answers than everyone else on the spot like that is weird. I think I did pretty good. Thanks to everyone for their advise. It helped bunches!

Jeruba's avatar

I’ve seen some very good advice posted here before. The words “job interview” in the fluther search box up there on the right bring up lots of prior responses to this and similar questions.

JeffVader's avatar

If you can keep calm, you’ll be alright. There are many things you can do to impose calmness, or at least the appearance of calmness. When you sit, plant your feet firmly on the floor & keep them there. Place your hands on your knees, thigh, table & hold them still. Consciously regulate your breathing. I don’t know why, but when u force your body to do the things it would normally do when relaxed, it just relaxes.

makemo's avatar

(Disclaimer: My advice below is primarily written with the underdog type of person in mind (like myself in many situations). I.e. the one who doesn’t necessarily possess all the merits on paper, for some jobs, but whom I think can (and should) compensate for said shortcomings by means of being extra creative in their way of handling job interviews.)

One key method that I always practice before job interviews, is to drill my mind through all the thinkable questions and scenarios that I might be confronted with. Of crucial importance, you should try to map all the delicate stuff – the stuff you’re MOST uncomfortable dealing with – that might risk harming your chances for success if not handled properly. This is really the most important excercise before meeting with your possible employer.

If you give them a shady, undiscernible uttering of an answer, simply because you really don’t KNOW what to say, and due to the awkward fact that you really haven’t thought about this particular ‘thing’, you’re the only one to blame.

This (harsh) way of thinking may seem like a counter-productive state of mind (having to prepare your arguments, counter-arguments, double-arguments and whatnot rhetorically useful, and blaming yourself if you did not), but it’s rather relieving:

Should you walk out the door knowing you’re not getting the job, you know that you at least presented what you’ve got, and you did so by doing the proper groundwork of assessing probable situations that may arise.

Furthermore, in times when there’s an obvious drawback working against your odds in the competition for a particular job, the simple rule of no surprise applies. When or if this Achilles heal is stepped on, you’re the one who will show that you’re not surprised and not willing to look down the floor just because of that. Simple. Why should you? You know you’re good for 5 times the talent of the competition anyway. (Of course, don’t get cocky just because of that: keep being balanced. Know that this is martial arts, just in other form. Some people have all the kinds of weapons and tools when they go to a job interview; but you – you are open handed. Like a real ninjutsu demigod. See where I’m going with this. It’s all about passion. Sure, thinking in terms of martial arts and that, it’s just rubbish. But again, passion is number two in importance during job interviews. You NEED to have some sort of inspired mental image before going to the job interview. Almost like you’re carrying with you, your very own semi-absurd, yet warm and comforting inner companion that prods you in the right direction during the meeting. And you NEED to let the essence of this special trick of yours exude, in the way you talk, act, move, think.

Granted, this sort of technique may not apply in some types of job interviews at all, depending on the job’s niche, where in some case there’s just a matter of hunting recruits with the best education and the longest and most meriting work experience.

A final word. Act like you’re mature. Or should I say, use your maturity. And if you lack maturity alltogether, simply go back to square one and put on some flesh first.

Answer this question

Login

or

Join

to answer.

This question is in the General Section. Responses must be helpful and on-topic.

Your answer will be saved while you login or join.

Have a question? Ask Fluther!

What do you know more about?
or
Knowledge Networking @ Fluther