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I am currently unemployed due to a layoff. I finally landed an interview after several months. This will be my first interview for a new employer in over 15 years and I'm really stressed about it. Would anyone happen to have any pointers or advice about interviewing. Any questions I should ask? Any advice on staying relaxed. I'm concerned that my nerves will be my downfall. I know it seems silly but any constructive advice would be appreciated.
Be prepared to answer the stupid unfair questions: "What do you consider your negative traits?" "Describe a time went unexpectedly during a project, and what would you have done differently?"
Relax. You're in command. They aren't interviewing you... You are interviewing them! The key to your success is repeating that in your mind during the interview. Good luck.
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
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I had a business for 16 years, and when I went back to try and get a job in 2008, it had been longer than that since I'd been interviewed. I did it and so can you. I ended up being interviewed at two places without being selected, then got the job on the 3rd.
Have been there 5 years now with two promotions and as a manager now I do some interviewing.
It's very improtant to research the company ahead of time, know what they do, and be prepared to mention some of the good things you have heard about them. When asked if you have any questions at the end, find something to ask that demonstrates your knowledge of their operation.
Make it clear that you want to work for them, not just that you are looking for a job.
Try to make good eye contact and even if you are nervous remain calm and think before you answer. Ask them to repeat the question if you are unclear on what they asked.
Anticipate that they will create situations and ask you how you would handle it, or to give examples of a situation where you handled it in a past job. Try to come up with some ahead of time and be prepared, if you make something up good interviewers can tell and will do follow-up questions and get you confused.
Be prepared to answer the stupid unfair questions: "What do you consider your negative traits?" "Describe a time went unexpectedly during a project, and what would you have done differently?"
Oh goodness. So basically questions that put you on the spot. I would say two of my negative traits would be that I tend to be a bit too analytical and sometimes too competive. Would that be a decent response or would that response get me shown the door?? I know it's kind of late to be asking these questions. My interview is tomorrow afternoon.
Be prepared, research the company, and be personable. Try not to seem too nervous.
Good luck.
Thanks for the advice!
Quote:
Originally Posted by andywire
Relax. You're in command. They aren't interviewing you... You are interviewing them! The key to your success is repeating that in your mind during the interview. Good luck.
Thanks for the confidence booster and advice
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hemlock140
I had a business for 16 years, and when I went back to try and get a job in 2008, it had been longer than that since I'd been interviewed. I did it and so can you. I ended up being interviewed at two places without being selected, then got the job on the 3rd.
Have been there 5 years now with two promotions and as a manager now I do some interviewing.
It's very improtant to research the company ahead of time, know what they do, and be prepared to mention some of the good things you have heard about them. When asked if you have any questions at the end, find something to ask that demonstrates your knowledge of their operation.
Make it clear that you want to work for them, not just that you are looking for a job.
Try to make good eye contact and even if you are nervous remain calm and think before you answer. Ask them to repeat the question if you are unclear on what they asked.
Anticipate that they will create situations and ask you how you would handle it, or to give examples of a situation where you handled it in a past job. Try to come up with some ahead of time and be prepared, if you make something up good interviewers can tell and will do follow-up questions and get you confused.
Good luck!
Awesome, this is really helpful! I will definitely prepare and use this advice during my interview! Thanks so much.
Does not matter how well you answer their questions, they are gauging your personality. If you are nervous this will not be good. You have to sell yourself to them, and the way you do this is to be open and yourself. If nerves get in your way it will be very difficult. Good luck.
Does not matter how well you answer their questions, they are gauging your personality. If you are nervous this will not be good. You have to sell yourself to them, and the way you do this is to be open and yourself. If nerves get in your way it will be very difficult. Good luck.
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