.

[Swanny36]

.

 

[CasuallyDressed]

I wouldn't mention you slept in.

The fact you called makes you seem like you really want the job. I'm sure this guy has done plenty of interviews where people don't show and don't even call to say their not coming. The fact you called should work in your favor.

 

[Bonuspoints]

This morning I had a job interview at 8:30am, which I was extremely excited about as I feel it could be a great career path for me and I liked my chances because I interview very well.
Anyway, I missed it, purely because of bad luck.
I set the alarm on my phone for 7:00am this morning but for the first time ever the alarm didn't go off and it had to be today of all days.
Usually I wouldn't even need an alarm, but because of the lack of sleep last night due to the heat I figured I better be safe than sorry
So back on track, I still woke up in time, but only just, I woke up at 8am, checked my phone and asked it wtf? Shot up out of bed and got ready only to run out to the car to leave and whatya know, the car won't start (usually a reliable car).
So I rang the guy I was meant to have the interview with, told him what happened and apologised refusely.
He seemed to be ok about it and said he would reschedule the interview because he has to go out at 9am and there just wasn't enough time for me to get there and for him to meet me properly, etc.

I guess the point of this thread is I want to know your opinions on whether or not I've botched it for myself? and whether anything like this has happened to you or anyone you know? And if so what did you/they do about it and what was the end result?

You're not off to the best start as the interviewer will be looking for signs that what happened is typical behaviour for you or worse yet; a cover up. But given you've called quickly explained the car trouble and he's given you another interview it is recoverable. I reckon you should turn up 20 minutes earlier than the scheduled time and have a book or something to occupy you while you wait for your interview time. If during the interview they mention you being extra early or making it on time I would be saying that you didn't leave anything to chance so made sure you had extra time in case the worst happened again. Maybe say something like "in case I caught Murphy's attention again".

While at your interview ensure your grooming and presentation is sharp and matches the organisation you're looking to join. Rehearse some answers for the stock standard questions you get at interviews.

I've never had the bad luck on the way to an interview, but have absolutely bombed in an interview.

 

[76woodenspooners]

This morning I had a job interview at 8:30am, ...

Stuff happens. And when it does, it creates an opportunity to turn the situation around into a positive.

Chances are that the interviewer will be more aware and more sensitive and pay more attention to you than they will with the other candidates right now. That's because you're the guy who didn't show up. It's human nature that they'll be looking hard for reasons to fail you - take advantage of that, and instead make them look hard at why they should be impressed by you.

Obviously, the correct approach for an interview is so dependant in the industry, company, interviewer, role, etc, etc. The main thing is to be yourself and be comfortable with who you are and what you can bring to the role without being arrogant.

I'd suggest turning up to a coffee shop in the area an hour or so before the interview. Check out the people that go there and get the general vibe of the place. It'll also make sure that you turn up on time. And it's good, relaxing preparation that gets you into the right frame of mind. Read the paper or an online news service - but don't read your emails/twitter feed/BigFooty. That's because when you read the paper you control it, whereas active real-time updating services like mail/twitter/BigFooty can control you and that's not good preparation for an interview.

I'd suggest arriving at the company's reception 5 to 10 minutes early. I wouldn't suggest turning up earlier - candidates who turn up very early are annoying - do they think the interviewer spends their day sitting around waiting for them to turn up? The few minutes early is contingency in case you have to wait in line behind a courier, need to sign in, or reception sends you to another building, etc, etc.

If you do turn up early, and if you are dealing with a receptionist, make it clear that you are here for a "3 o'clock meeting with Mr Bloggs". That gives the receptionist the opportunity to delay notifying the person until the appropriate time - some companies work that way.

Treat the receptionist and anybody you get introduced to along the way as part of the interview process. Relax. Smile. Everybody likes a genuine smile. Be courteous. It's not uncommon for the interviewer to ask people on the periphery of the interview "What did you think of him/her?" or for people on the periphery to volunteer "Hey, that person seemed nice". It all helps.

When you sit down start by apologising "Appreciate your time is important, sorry I wasn't able to make the previous interview. My car is normally reliable but I turned up today with public transport to make sure it could never be a problem for me again" or something like that - use your own style. Once you have apologised, never mention it again.

Dress appropriately. Err of the side of being overdressed. If you do turn up and find yourself selfconscious of being overdressed then try lightening the mood with "Oops, I hope you don't think I've overdressed" or something like that.

Know your stuff. Know your CV and be ready to answer questions about it. If you have a trusted friend, lover or family member then get them to read your CV and get them to give you practice by firing questions at you. Know the company's website inside out. Find out who their competitors, suppliers and customers are, and study their websites as well. Look up any relevant trade / industry association or standards websites too.

An interview is as much about finding out if the company is compatible with you - but don't be arrogant about that. Ask them intelligent questions (don't just ask them a question for the sake of it). If you think of questions during your research then note them down and take them with you to the interview.

If the interviewer launches into some long monologue or presentation, then be ready to note down any questions you may have without interrupting their train of thought.

If you're applying for a CTO role in some funky startup and your interviewer is a Gen Y wearing Vans sneakers, then by all means take in your tablet PC. Otherwise a pen and paper might be safer.

Be yourself, smile, enjoy getting a peek inside the company (I once went for an interview with the F1 Maclaren racing team - didn't care if I got the job, I was stoked just to get the interview and have a look around).

Don't be afraid to fail or succeed.

Good luck! And be sure to post back here to let us know how you go

 

[spudmaster]

Also, if the receptionist is hot, slip her your number. That way, you're a winner regardless of the outcome of the interview

 

[bushpie]

Ha.... I interview about ten people a month..... and the thing that annoys me the most.......NOt turning up !!!!! probably 3 out of the ten..... But on the rare occasion if someone does ring me I will re schedule...... So I hope your bloke does the same ...... if he does your'e fine

If he dosent ..... don't dwell on it the next interview is just around the corner..... Good Luck

 

[76woodenspooners]

Ha.... I interview about ten people a month..... and the thing that annoys me the most.......NOt turning up !!!!! probably 3 out of the ten..... But on the rare occasion if someone does ring me I will re schedule...... So I hope your bloke does the same ...... if he does your'e fine

So are you going to take it easy on Swanny36? Will you call him back and give him another chance?

 

[Magpie Girl]

Good luck Swanny36 and thanks to the others for great advice. My daughter is in the process of looking for a job and busy fine tuning her resume and going through the interview process. I will pass on the tips

 

[The Royal Sampler]

Don't be afraid to fail or succeed.

Good advice, because chances are you'll do one of these two.

Seriously though there's some great advice in this post. As someone who does some interviewing for my organization I can tell you that often the applicants will be similarly qualified and motivated, and it just comes down to who seems the best fit personality-wise for the group of people you have already.

So do your best to relax and be yourself, come prepared because that will help you relax, and try to view it as an opportunity to find out whether the organization will be a good fit for you and help you achieve your goals.

 

[MegaBob]

Hey there, didn't want to hijack this thread, but I was just wondering if this job advertisement seems like something worth pursuing. I'm not adverse to moving interstate because I'm still young and don't have many obligations holding me back here. I'm just asking because I'm still naive to job advertisements are and if there is something to read between the lines here.

 

[76woodenspooners]

Hey there, didn't want to hijack this thread, but I was just wondering if this job advertisement seems like something worth pursuing. I'm not adverse to moving interstate because I'm still young and don't have many obligations holding me back here. I'm just asking because I'm still naive to job advertisements are and if there is something to read between the lines here.

OK, so the gig is to go to Melbourne for six months training before returning back to Adelaide?

My thoughts ...

(1) In general, and IMHO, if you're young and have no responsibilities to others, and receive an opportunity to live somewhere else - jump at it! It's great for the soul to have different life experiences. It's not for everyone, but there's no harm in trying it. And if it sucks, then it's only 6 months - and that can pass in a flash.

(2) There are many people who move to somewhere temporarily and then never want to leave. They could love the lifestyle, they could find a lover. Or they can develop into somebody who loves themself more (happens a lot). So the last thing they want to do is move back into their old environment. The way everyone responds is different - go into is being aware that this is a possibility.

(3) Melbourne is a great city. Sure, there are the Collingwood home games, but there's more than that. Chances are you'll have a great time.

(4) I have no experience of Financial Advisors. But I could easily imagine that it'd be a really tough gig for young people. It'd be very competitive, and it's one of those professions that would really favour those with age and experience. But old financial advisors were once young financial advisors, and for those who succeed and stay in the industry, the rewards would be huge.

(5) If this role would offer you education you don't already have about the way the financial world works, then that can be very useful life knowledge to have.

(6) Try to get opinions about this from people who work within the financial services industry.

 

[bushpie]

Haha, thanks 76WoodenSpooners, there is some very useful information in there that I'll be taking into consideration, especially the checking out their website, I didn't even think of that and never have. But never had a problem in interviews either, but there is definitely no problem with a bit of extra knowledge.
I'll post back how I go after I hear from them, I'm not holding my breath though, pretty down about the whole thing really as it was/hopefully still is a dream opportunity for me.

Yeah like I said BushPie, I called straight away and this has literally never happened to me before, just so happened to happen on an important day.

Swanny ...... did it get re scheduled??????

And MegaBob looks ok to me if you have good selling skills and love dealing with people get your application in

 

[MegaBob]

OK, so the gig is to go to Melbourne for six months training before returning back to Adelaide?

My thoughts ...

(1) In general, and IMHO, if you're young and have no responsibilities to others, and receive an opportunity to live somewhere else - jump at it! It's great for the soul to have different life experiences. It's not for everyone, but there's no harm in trying it. And if it sucks, then it's only 6 months - and that can pass in a flash.

(2) There are many people who move to somewhere temporarily and then never want to leave. They could love the lifestyle, they could find a lover. Or they can develop into somebody who loves themself more (happens a lot). So the last thing they want to do is move back into their old environment. The way everyone responds is different - go into is being aware that this is a possibility.

(3) Melbourne is a great city. Sure, there are the Collingwood home games, but there's more than that. Chances are you'll have a great time.

(4) I have no experience of Financial Advisors. But I could easily imagine that it'd be a really tough gig for young people. It'd be very competitive, and it's one of those professions that would really favour those with age and experience. But old financial advisors were once young financial advisors, and for those who succeed and stay in the industry, the rewards would be huge.

(5) If this role would offer you education you don't already have about the way the financial world works, then that can be very useful life knowledge to have.

(6) Try to get opinions about this from people who work within the financial services industry.

Beautiful. Thanks for all that information. I've always wanted to live in Melbourne, have a decent amount of family here, and I just legitimately love being in Victoria, also helps Safeway now sells Farmers Union Iced Coffee. I chucked my application in and as usual, counting my eggs before they hatch, but it seems like it would be a good job and experience to have.

 

[Magpie Girl]

Yes you do have to move on, and sometimes when you 'let it go' miracles happen.

It's tough out there so it's really important to keep believing in yourself and keep trying.

 

[bushpie]

Aww Swanny that is a bugga ..... after him saying he would re-schedule...... That's way worse then........ well

But you are on the right track so keep at it and good luck lots of positive thoughts .......

 

[bushpie]

Good Luck...... that's great news all fingers crossed

 

[The Royal Sampler]

Hey there, didn't want to hijack this thread, but I was just wondering if this job advertisement seems like something worth pursuing. I'm not adverse to moving interstate because I'm still young and don't have many obligations holding me back here. I'm just asking because I'm still naive to job advertisements are and if there is something to read between the lines here.

Just practice saying this 10x in front of a mirror:

"Milk bar".

 

[Optimax]

Also, if the receptionist is hot, slip her your number. That way, you're a winner regardless of the outcome of the interview

Last interview I had the secretary kept making comments about how good my suit looked, I as sbeing strictly professional at the start and as such didn't flirt back. After the interview which I thought I did a shit job in*,I thought why no give it crack? Gave her my number and had some fun out of it.

*didn't blow the interview either, apparently did quite well, but had already accepted another job on a longer term elsewhere

 

[DThomas]

Last interview I had the secretary kept making comments about how good my suit looked, I as sbeing strictly professional at the start and as such didn't flirt back. After the interview which I thought I did a shit job in*,I thought why no give it crack? Gave her my number and had some fun out of it.

*didn't blow the interview either, apparently did quite well, but had already accepted another job on a longer term elsewhere

#winning

 

[Magpie Girl]

Well alls well ends well I suppose.
I have an interview tomorrow and although it's not in the field I wish to have a career in, I am still excited as it's still something and something is 100x better than nothing
Plus you never know, I might be there for a while and find that I really enjoy it. Never know if you don't try.
Wish me luck

I'm sorry this is a bit late but I'm just wondering if you have found something and if you are enjoying it?
hope so

 

[Magpie Girl]

Nope, didn't get it unfortunately..
But just keeping the head up and still plugging away trying to find something. Anything really haha
Applied for 17 jobs last week (by phone, email, website, fax, in person, etc) and have not received even ONE response, it's annoying more than anything really.

Good on you for being so persistent and staying positive. It's hard work and it's frustrating as hell.

My daughter is still applying as well. Fortunately she has a part time job that keeps her going but she wants the career starter. A few times she's been in the last two, and then they want experience. It's a bit of a vicious circle.
Can only say again that I wish you success, and soon!!!

 

[DThomas]

Nope, didn't get it unfortunately..
But just keeping the head up and still plugging away trying to find something. Anything really haha
Applied for 17 jobs last week (by phone, email, website, fax, in person, etc) and have not received even ONE response, it's annoying more than anything really.

Been there, done that. It's a shitty feeling, but the important thing is to be persistent and eventually you will get through. Most places don't even have the decency to at least tell you that you've been rejected either, which is annoying because it keeps your hopes up and then nothing eventuates.

Something will come eventually.