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So I have a second interview for a job that I really want. I need to talk it out with someone because I am nervous and I do want the job.
The first interview was on the phone Thursday and it went really well. She immediately scheduled the second interview for Monday. The interview was also very thorough. We talked at length for about 50 minutes and she asked some pretty indept questions so I am trying to figure out what else she would want to know about me other than the fact that obviously she has to meet me in person. This is for a fairly entry-level type position in human resources.
I am starting to get really nervous. I've of course already researched the company but what can I do to prepare for the interview tomorrow!
More than likely you will meet other people during the interview. Maybe people you would be working directly with or more senior leadership in the company. They may ask you additional questions and they may ask you questions you've already answered.
If they ask you the same questions again it is usually because the other people involved may not share the opinion of the telephone interviewer about what constitutes a 'satisfactory' answer. Obviously body language and your rapport with the people you meet will count for a lot.
Also, remember you are interviewing them--you want to find out what kind of office culture they have, what kind of people you would be working with or reporting to, etc.
Dress your very best. Suit for sure. Get plenty of rest. If time allows, go to a gym and get a good workout prior to the interview. Haircut, Visine (eyes white), clean and trimmed nails. Don't drink coffee right before you walk in - your teeth will be brown. Brush your teeth. Make sure cell phone is off. Be well hydrated but make sure you don't have to hit the restroom right in the middle of the interview.
Answer every question in terms of how it will benefit the company. Questions such as "What are your weaknesses?" should be an opportunity to turn a negative into a positive "Well, I am behind the curve on the new XYZ database tool; I'm planning on taking that class at ....."
What I've done, if I have a pretty good idea of what they'll ask, is simply write down those questions on individual strips of paper. I then pull them out of jar to try to make it random. I also have a friend perform a mock interview.
Finally, likability is probably number 1 thing to get a job. I have two tests for people. Would I want this guy to be my next door neighbor? Would I want this guy to marry my sister? Think in those terms.
Thanks for the tips! I have my suit all pressed and ready to go. Was thinking about taking a walk in the morning, interview isn't until 1pm. I've just been a stay at home mom (other than a few part-time gigs) for the last seven years. I just completed a two month temp assignment and besides that interview, this will be the second interview in over ten years for me!!!! So I am a bit out of practice so of course I'm nervous.
So keep sending those good vibes for me tomorrow! I am sure it will go just fine I just want that extra bit of pizazz so that they pick me of course! I do firmly believe I will do a great job but I also am pretty darn sure that there are others more qualified than me, so I really need the likeability factor!
More than likely you will meet other people during the interview. Maybe people you would be working directly with or more senior leadership in the company. They may ask you additional questions and they may ask you questions you've already answered.
If they ask you the same questions again it is usually because the other people involved may not share the opinion of the telephone interviewer about what constitutes a 'satisfactory' answer. Obviously body language and your rapport with the people you meet will count for a lot.
Also, remember you are interviewing them--you want to find out what kind of office culture they have, what kind of people you would be working with or reporting to, etc.
Have a good question prepared to ask them about the company--something that shows you know what's going on with the company and what they do there. You should be able to get that from Googling business pages and the company website.
So I have a second interview for a job that I really want. I need to talk it out with someone because I am nervous and I do want the job.
The first interview was on the phone Thursday and it went really well. She immediately scheduled the second interview for Monday. The interview was also very thorough. We talked at length for about 50 minutes and she asked some pretty indept questions so I am trying to figure out what else she would want to know about me other than the fact that obviously she has to meet me in person. This is for a fairly entry-level type position in human resources.
I am starting to get really nervous. I've of course already researched the company but what can I do to prepare for the interview tomorrow!
Did you already research common interview question on the web? Try preparing answers for them. Google Interview Mastermind and read the article “How to Answer The 13 Most Common Interview Questions”. It’s a very informative article, I’m sure it would interest you. You can also sign up for their newsletters and get tips and subliminal tricks so you won’t be seen as just an “ordinary candidate”. Good luck! I hope you’ll get the job!
Answer every question in terms of how it will benefit the company. Questions such as "What are your weaknesses?" should be an opportunity to turn a negative into a positive "Well, I am behind the curve on the new XYZ database tool; I'm planning on taking that class at ....."
TECHNICALLY, your weaknesses should be a positive for the company.
Not saying that this is the WRONG answer, just that there are better answers.
Such as....
workaholic. when they ask how that is bad, you explain that your family life suffers.
deatail obsessive/perfectionist. when they ask how that is bad, you explain that it occasionally takes longer for you to complete your work since you like to assure that everything has to be perfect(this is especially a good answer for positions where details are everything).
Keep in mind that interview coaching was a big part of my job as a recruiter, if my people didn't get hired, I didn't get paid. I also gave interviewing classes at the local job center and a few colleges. So my perspective is a little different than those that haven't been "professional interviewers/interviewees." So not belittling your answer, just trying to improve it a little
Congrats on getting a second interview, this mean they are interested. I am sure you are not the only one who has been asked to come back, so look your best and present your best. I have worked in human resources and always asked the receptionist what they thought of the person coming in after the canidate had left. So always treat the receptionist with as much respect as you treat the person interviewing you, the receptionist without knowing it just may be the person who provides the final deciding factor as to who they will hire.
TECHNICALLY, your weaknesses should be a positive for the company.
Not saying that this is the WRONG answer, just that there are better answers.
Such as....
workaholic. when they ask how that is bad, you explain that your family life suffers.
deatail obsessive/perfectionist. when they ask how that is bad, you explain that it occasionally takes longer for you to complete your work since you like to assure that everything has to be perfect(this is especially a good answer for positions where details are everything).
Keep in mind that interview coaching was a big part of my job as a recruiter, if my people didn't get hired, I didn't get paid. I also gave interviewing classes at the local job center and a few colleges. So my perspective is a little different than those that haven't been "professional interviewers/interviewees." So not belittling your answer, just trying to improve it a little
I completely disagree with using those weaknesses. People who let their family life settle either burn out of end up with all the drama that goes with a divorce. Neither is good for a career.
We just fired a guy for taking forever to get anything done because he crossed the line between doing a good job and being an obsessive perfectionist.
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of course! I do firmly believe I will do a great job but I also am pretty darn sure that there are others more qualified than me, so I really need the likeability factor!
