Employment The Interview - What to do & say

[Crimson Azure]

This thread is for discussion on interviews. Many wonder what to do or say in an interview, what to expect & how to answer difficult questions. Being prepared is the key to interviewing well so anything you are unsure of, ask away.

Use this thread to ask for advice, give advice & discuss all things interview related.

 

[UpForGrabs]

I've interviewed dozens of people in the past few years and here's a few tips that I've picked up (95% of the people I've interviewed have been between 19 and 25):

(In no particular order)

1) Dress well

It doesn't matter what you think the dress standard of the job will be, when you are being interviewed, you wear clothes that will impress. Not saying you need to show up in a full suit with top hat, but you need to dress well. No jeans, no sandles, no untucked shirts for the guys, ditto for the girls (although I have to admit I've never had problems with the dress sense of female interviewees. At least none I can remember).

2) Confidence

This here is a biggie. Interviewers can pick up the confidence of an interviewee (or lack thereof) within the first 10 seconds, and within that time frame we can get a decent opinion on whether you'd be right for the job or not. However, nervousness shouldn't equate to a lack of confidence. You're allowed to be nervous. Nervousness and confidence aren't mutually exclusive. Confidence doesn't imply walking in there and thinking the job's yours before you've even sat down, it implies that you know your strengths and you know how they could translate to the job you're being interviewed for. We've read your resume, and judged you worthy for an interview. Sit down and engage the interviewer, and convince us that we made the right decision to get you in for an interview.

3) Research

My god. The amount of times I've sat down with people and they've got no idea about the company they're being interviewed by is mind-boggling. Who doesn't read up about the company they're applying to get a job at? Who doesn't do this before they apply, let alone before they get interviewed? It's OK to not know every nook and cranny, but to not know a single thing about who you're being interviewed by is a sure-fire way to not being considered for the position. And seriously, make sure when you do research that you don't research the major competitor of the company you're being interviewed by. Not a good look at all.

4) Bluffing

One of the biggest myths about applying for jobs that I've found is people bluffing their way through and then just hoping the interviewer sees something in them that will get them the job. Doesn't work (not in my experience). Good interviewers will pull you up on it straight away.

5) Interest

One of the more infuriating aspects of interviewing is sitting down across the table from someone who doesn't seem to actually want the job they've applied for. Don't waste your time, and especially don't waste ours. When sitting in an interview, follow the old chestnuts. If shaking hands with your potential employer, be forceful (but not overly so). Make eye contact regularly, but don't stare. Answer with interest. Don't be introverted, especially if the position you're going for is one which requires a high amount of communication with clients. You're selling yourself to your potential employers, and why would we choose the Corolla when we just looked at a Ferrari for the same price?

6)Resume

If you're going for your first 'real' job, we don't need to know that you worked at Macca's, Hungry Jacks and the local Hoyts as an usher. We don't need to know what Primary School or High School you went to. We only want to know what will be relevant to the position at hand. Again, don't waste our time with irrelevant matters.

7) Ask Questions

Such an important point. I can guarantee you that in every interview I've been involved in, I've asked the interviewer whether they've got any questions. If they say no, then to the bottom of the pile they go. It all gets back to engaging the interviewer. If you ask questions and make it seem as though you're interested in the position, then you're going a long way to getting employed. Ask about the company, its history, what the working environment is like, future changes to the company and more.

There's just a few tips to consider. You've got to remember that you can't rely on your resume to do all the selling for you. The resume is just the introduction... it's the thing which piques our interest. If we're interested, we'll have you in for an interview. Once that happens, then the real sale begins.

 

[ChrisWallace]

Great interview advice UpForGrabs. I'd like your feedback on my situation if I may.

I'm mid-30's, and have had a long battle with cancer but am now fully in the clear, and am so ready to get on with life. I had stopped working mid-2002 because of my cancer treatment, and returned to work in late 2007, but my immune system was still very weak and I was constantly getting sick, so I barely lasted a year before I decided I needed to give my immune system a chance to recover properly from the extensive treatment that I'd had. I've since given my body that time, and I haven't even had a cold for nearly 2 years. I'm very fit, strong and healthy, and can easily walk 20km distances. I'm cherry ripe ready to begin a new career, but it seems no-one is willing to give me a chance. I've applied for probably 50 different positions ranging from bank teller to trainee train driver to weigh bridge operator. I'm intelligent and have a masters degree, but unfortunately I've since fallen out of love with that particular line of work, and want to start afresh in something new.

As a recruiter, would you automatically rule someone out because they're a cancer survivor? Should I somehow try to cover up my medical past (might be a bit tough considering the length of unemployment during treatment and recovery)? I'd much prefer to work for someone who hired me who knew my medical past and gave me a chance anyway, rather than landing a job without full disclosure. My doctor has even said he's willing to talk to any potential employers to explain to them I've fully recovered and am healthy, and I include his contact details in my resume (feels a bit like Jack Darling having to take police reports to the draft combine to show recruiters).

It's really a frustrating position. Before cancer, employers were tripping over themselves to sign me up, but since cancer it feels like I couldn't even get a job at Macca's. I'm just looking for any kind of employment, and have no problem starting at the very bottom and working my way up, and I'd reward any takers with my complete dedication and loyalty, but it just feels like there's brick walls everywhere I turn.

Can you offer me any suggestions and insight from the other side of the table?

 

[mrcurly]

One thing to be prepared for is the behavioural style of interview, often this will be advised by personnel consultants, though not always.

If it is a behavioural interview prepare for a STAR response - Situation, Task, Action, Response. To be successful you will need to be fully aware of your academic or professional achievements, break each situation down into the STAR components. There are many sample questions online to assist.

Be prepared, ensure you research this method of interview, it has become quite common, and keep in mind the methodical structured answer required - do not ramble.

 

[UpForGrabs]

Great interview advice UpForGrabs. I'd like your feedback on my situation if I may.

That's not a great position to have been in (to say the least). Great that you've come out to the other side fit and firing.

Here's a few points for you to consider:

It's a bugger that you can't get your foot in the door anywhere. Don't let that stop you though. You've shown immense determination to beat your illness, and it's that determination which will land you a job. Just keep at it.

I wouldn't try to hide your illness from potential employers. What I would do is turn it around to make your experiences, and how you got your way through them, into an advantage. Don't mention the Cancer on your resume, but if you're asked why you weren't working during that period, be frank and upfront. Tell them why and show your pride at beating your illness. If they ask how your health is now... assure them that you're fighting fit now, and that you haven't been ill for a number of years.

I know it's a poor substitute, but have you offered to do work experience? Workplaces may be hesitant to employ you on salary (for whatever their reasons are), but if they know that you're willing to come in, sit down and work for free just so you could show them what you were capable of, they may jump at the chance.

And finally, I know it's not something that you'd probably want to hear, but are the jobs you're applying for somehow related to what you studied? In my line of work, I don't even consider those who don't have the right education qualifications or previous experience. Not trying to offend these guys, but the interview process (especially when you're like me and not a professional recruiter or interviewer) can be a tedious process and you don't want to spend too much time considering someone who doesn't have experience or relevant qualifications. You just wish the first person to walk through the door was good enough to say "great - you're hired" and then turn around and tell everyone else that the position is filled. At least that's how I feel sometimes.

 

[ChrisWallace]

Cheers for the response UpForGrabs. I appreciate your perspective.

I hate mentioning my having had cancer on my resume. I just feel I have to include it to try to explain the massive gaps in employment. Would you consider someone if their resume suggested they had worked just 1 of the last 9 years without any kind of explanation? I just worry that recruiters might think I was in jail or something, so I end up explaining that I needed time for cancer treatment and recovery, but I'm now in perfect health. Maybe like you suggest, I should just leave it out altogether.

I have thought about applying for work experience, but I have absolutely no idea how that works. I spent half my life in the US, so I don't fully understand the options available. I've seen that companies sometimes offer work experience to Year 10-12 students, but I'm not sure what they would think of a middle-aged man applying for it. Is applying for work experience a formal process with lots of forms to fill out that companies would just see as a nuisance, or is it a very informal and simple process they would generally be receptive too? It would definitely be something I'd consider if it meant getting the chance to prove myself and possibly get my foot in the door for future employment.

It seems so many positions here in Australia require lots of qualifications. In the US, fewer companies require so much, and they prefer to train you themselves. I already spent 5 years of my life before cancer getting a Masters degree, but unfortunately I've lost interest in that field, and I simply don't have the funds to return to university for another 4 or 5 years to get another degree. All of the positions I've applied for don't require specific qualifications, which makes it all the more frustrating that I can't get a job offer. It's annoying, because I've brought success to every company I've ever worked for, and I know I have the ability to continue that trend. The last job I had, my boss said I was the best worker he'd seen in his 30 years in the industry, so I know I have what it takes to succeed at anything I set my mind to. I just need that first opportunity to prove myself.

My Dad has no sympathy for my situation, but then again he was once just a lowly janitor who was asked by a client if he would like to learn about computers and maybe become a programmer, even though he had zero qualifications and had dropped out of High School. Because of that one opportunity he's been making over $100,000 a year for 2 decades now and has been recognized as an Employee of the Year in a company of well over 20,000 employees. Maybe I should try to get a job as a janitor, but then again, I'm not sure I have the qualifications and experience necessary to land such an opportunity.

 

[Present Not Past]

Cheers for the response UpForGrabs. I appreciate your perspective.

I hate mentioning my having had cancer on my resume. I just feel I have to include it to try to explain the massive gaps in employment. Would you consider someone if their resume suggested they had worked just 1 of the last 9 years without any kind of explanation? I just worry that recruiters might think I was in jail or something, so I end up explaining that I needed time for cancer treatment and recovery, but I'm now in perfect health. Maybe like you suggest, I should just leave it out altogether.

Look, this is a tough situation to have, however, you may be surprised by how many people are affected by cancer, either directly or indirectly, and so can relate to your situation. I don't think it is a major setback. Also, I think people would respect your honesty. It is also who you are so don't feel that you have to hide it. It could also be a talking point with someone on the panel, a chance to strike up a rapport with and so make an impression. Good luck.

 

[juppy]

3) Research

My god. The amount of times I've sat down with people and they've got no idea about the company they're being interviewed by is mind-boggling. Who doesn't read up about the company they're applying to get a job at? Who doesn't do this before they apply, let alone before they get interviewed? It's OK to not know every nook and cranny, but to not know a single thing about who you're being interviewed by is a sure-fire way to not being considered for the position. And seriously, make sure when you do research that you don't research the major competitor of the company you're being interviewed by. Not a good look at all.

My god this is the biggest one. As someone that interviews a fair few a year they often over look this.

We can ask "What are there goals?" and they have no relevance to the companies goals.

Research your shit. Stand out in your resume (do volunteer work or something) and explain why you will make the person money.

Will work!

 

[big_e]

The best piece of advice I got in a job interview was from someone who told me that they can see your employment history, etc from your resume, but the interview is to find out what you are like as a person. So in addition to the rest of the good tips above, be yourself.

One question I'd like to ask the recruiters - do you ever google candidates? And if you did, would what you found make a difference to your decision?

 

[J Squad]

Don't wear tuxedos to an interview

Don't fart during an interview

Don't interview in partners/teams

Don't call the interviewee by the wrong name eg. Pan, when her name is Pam, not two M's, just one.

Don't ask how much the company makes before Taxes

Don't say that you get headaches from computers

Don't say you aren't a morning person

Don't suggest to interview the interviewee

Don't ask the interviewee controversial questions such as who they would prefer to have intimacy with, a relationship with, or kill.

And finally,

Don't put Jesus as a reference on your resume

 

[Crimson Azure]

One question I'd like to ask the recruiters - do you ever google candidates? And if you did, would what you found make a difference to your decision?

I no longer work in recruitment but am still in the employment industry. I used to look into some candidates but I find that an direct employer is much more likely to do so.

I have also heard of people not getting a job because of content they have had on social networking sites like Facebook that has put the employer off them. Thats why it's always good to make sure only people you want to see your information have access to your it.

As for Google, mostly they will connect you to sites like linked in or social networks anyway, but if you have information about yourself on public record then its hard to hide that sort of stuff.

 

[Docker Clint]

7) Ask Questions

Such an important point. I can guarantee you that in every interview I've been involved in, I've asked the interviewer whether they've got any questions. If they say no, then to the bottom of the pile they go. It all gets back to engaging the interviewer. If you ask questions and make it seem as though you're interested in the position, then you're going a long way to getting employed. Ask about the company, its history, what the working environment is like, future changes to the company and more.

Went for a job recently that I was dead keen on and I had a couple of questions ready to go, but the interviewer pretty much covered everything I was curious about and told him pretty much that.

I think if I bluffed and tried to come up with something just for the sake of it, I might've accidentally asked something already mentioned and come across as not having listened.

 

[UpForGrabs]

One question I'd like to ask the recruiters - do you ever google candidates? And if you did, would what you found make a difference to your decision?

I admit that I do a quick Facebook search for potential candidates. It doesn't often turn up anything that's out of the ordinary, but if I want to have an idea on the person I'm interviewing then it might give me a tiny idea.

Also, the job I interview for is a creative writing role, so a quick Google search will hopefully reveal samples of work.

Went for a job recently that I was dead keen on and I had a couple of questions ready to go, but the interviewer pretty much covered everything I was curious about and told him pretty much that.

I think if I bluffed and tried to come up with something just for the sake of it, I might've accidentally asked something already mentioned and come across as not having listened.

Fingers crossed you get the job!

Interviews are a tough gig. You're entering a foreign environment with a limited time to impress yourself upon potential employers just that right amount. Not enough impression and they may be lukewarm on you... too much impression and they may be put off. It's all about finding that balance.

If I'm in an interview situation and I ask "have you got any questions?", the last thing I want to hear is a simple "no". In your case, I hope you said something like "I did have some questions for you, but they've already been covered". Did you mention to them what you were going to ask (even though they'd already been answered)?

Doing that and re-hashing what they said to you may kill a few minutes with repeated information, but it would have impressed upon the interviewer that you were not only interested enough to ask questions, but that when they crossed those areas in the interview, you were listening and taking in all the information they were giving you.

 

[Docker Clint]

I hope you said something like "I did have some questions for you, but they've already been covered". Did you mention to them what you were going to ask (even though they'd already been answered)?

Did exactly that. Didn't get the job, but he was impressed and said I'm next cab off the rank when another position comes up.

 

[UpForGrabs]

Did exactly that. Didn't get the job, but he was impressed and said I'm next cab off the rank when another position comes up.

Man, don't you hate it when that happens?!?

Bad luck - but good on for being prepared for your interview. Never thought there would be a situation where people wouldn't be prepared, but having interviewed heaps over the past 3-4 years I've seen and heard things I never thought possible in an interview.

 

[RandB]

Had an interview last week for a graduate program and happy to say I got the nod. In a month's time I'll have less time for dribbling slop on BF.

Was asked 1 particular question about the firm and its clients to which I didn't know the exact answer (even though I had a pretty good idea). Rather than meandering I simply said to the interviewer "I was actually going to ask you that" (which I in fact was). I'm not suggesting use this as a straight out tactic because recruiters see through that but keep it up your sleeve if you get a little stuck.

I probably made a few mistakes that I don't know about despite doing enough to get the position. When it comes to questions at the end I recommend asking the interviewer/s what they get out of their job and why they believe xxxx is such a great place to work and why they would recommend the position you are applying for. It's a good way of finishing the interview on a personal level, show's that you treat the interview process seriously and want to extract information.

With graduate programs in general I would suggest that communication skills are pretty important - especially Accounting/Finance.

 

[UpForGrabs]

I probably made a few mistakes that I don't know about despite doing enough to get the position. When it comes to questions at the end I recommend asking the interviewer/s what they get out of their job and why they believe xxxx is such a great place to work and why they would recommend the position you are applying for. It's a good way of finishing the interview on a personal level, show's that you treat the interview process seriously and want to extract information.

First off - well done on getting the nod!

Secondly - it's a great point that you bring up about finishing the interview on a personal level.

A lot of companies, when advertising a position, are looking for a certain set of skills, but in the end they're hiring the person as much as the skills.

I can't stress enough the importance of impressing yourself (as much as your skill set) upon your potential employers. I've seen countless potential employees put something on their resume along the lines of "great personality, fun and energetic" and when you sit them down on the other side of the desk they just go into a shell and don't come out.

Employers are looking for not only someone that will do the job well, but will also suit their work environment. With larger companies, this may not always be the objective, but with SME's, it most likely will come into play.

 

[RandB]

First off - well done on getting the nod!

Thanks mate.

I can't stress enough the importance of impressing yourself (as much as your skill set) upon your potential employers. I've seen countless potential employees put something on their resume along the lines of "great personality, fun and energetic" and when you sit them down on the other side of the desk they just go into a shell and don't come out.

Absolutely.

I did post grad but before that worked in support and had to train junior staff. Personality, teamwork, versatility all very important - I didn't interview anyone but it's how people will fit into working life that interviewers (I think) are trying to engage as much as anything else.

To my mind you have nothing to lose by being yourself. If in the process you make a mistake you're prospective employers get a better insight into your strengths and weaknesses and may judge you higher on what they know than what they don't know and don't want to find out the hard way 6 months down the track if they take you on. The odds of not saying something that could go against you (in some capacity) are slim IMO so just roll with it and be open, precise, honest and friendly.

I also think by being yourself you learn more about yourself and how you fit into the bigger scheme of things which is important for subsequent interviews if at first you get knocked back. You don't want these professionals to judge you on your window dressing you want them to judge you on you - this is where real feedback comes from.

I must admit, had I just come out of Undergrad Uni as a 20 yr old prior to this interview I would have done exactly what you are talking about, in fact I probably would have been as nervous as anything which in turn makes the interviewer/s uncomfortable.

It wasn't a mistake as such but my interview went overtime due to my questions at the end which could have gone against me. The director didn't mind because she thought I showed enthusiasm but by the end of it I think the partner was pretty happy to get back to his work lol - so it's important not to over cook it.

Anyway this subforum is a great initiative. I'm sure people with the industry insight like yourself, Crimson and others will be of a great help to many people young and old looking for that first/next job.

 

[SmackAdder]

I've been a part of selection panels for a few years, and although I've moved out of that and into an internal HR position, I also went through the interview process myself a few times over to get aforementioned internal HR role.

So, a few tips that might help that haven't really been covered.

1) Being nervous is okay.
No, really. Everyone's been there, including the people sitting across the table from you. It's not a sign of weakness to admit you're a bit nervous, and sometimes it can lighten the mood a bit (e.g. "I'm a bit nervous" "I'll try not to be too scary, then haha").

2) Remember that this is a fair trade.
The company wants your talent as much as you want a job from them. You'd be surprised how much keeping this in mind will relax you and help you present more confidently at interview. Keep in mind that this is a trade, not one-sided. Interviews are rarely the first stage of the recruitment process. They asked to interview you for a reason; focus on that. Just don't let it get to your head to the point where you become obnoxiously arrogant.

3) Be nice to the receptionist.
It sounds stupid, but it can make a difference.

I know a number of companies who look at the receptionist as the first point of reference to suitability. Were you polite to the receptionist, or a total dick? How you treat others who you don't perceive as directly relevant to you, can say a lot about you as a person. Employers can take it into account, as it can prove a greater insight into a person's temperament and personality, than the facade that they're putting on for interview.

My former employer did just this when they wanted to know more about a candidate they were interested in. They would ask the receptionist her opinion on the person, and it would be seriously taken into account.

I recently had someone tell me of a friend who was interviewing a candidate, while their normal receptionist was on lunch break. She had to do the preliminary admin stuff, seating the candidate and telling them to wait, all the normal things that happen. The candidate was incredibly rude and impatient with her. Much to his surprise, the interviewer that stepped through the door 10 minutes later, was the same woman that he had been very disrespectful to a little earlier. Needless to say, he didn't get the job.

The broader point here is that everything is a test. From the moment you submit your application, your every action can be examined. For example, if communication is important to the job you're applying for, they may consider your phone manner, and how you approached corresponding with them via email.

Hope these help. I would say more, but most of the formal stuff's been covered already.

 

[whelan=legend]

With graduate programs in general I would suggest that communication skills are pretty important - especially Accounting/Finance.

True that.

I'm in my penultimate year of study and just landed some Vac work for this Summer at a large mid-tier firm. Marks weren't the best but I really put time and effort into the application & the interview. I have very good personal skills and I think that's what would have put me ahead of many other people who had much better marks than me. That, and I researched the shit out of the company.

 

[UpForGrabs]

1) Being nervous is okay.
2) Remember that this is a fair trade.
3) Be nice to the receptionist.

Great points. Great story with #3 as well!

I'll add one from this year as well.

We were interviewing for a vacant position, and were intrigued by a particular CV, so we got him in for an interview. Now, before I go on, I should say that my boss is someone who a) is an awesome boss, but has no time for bullshit, and b) likes throwing massive curveballs in interviews.

Anyway, we get this kid in for an interview.

First thing you notice is that he's wearing sandals. Next thing you notice is that he's in jeans with a t-shirt and jacket on. None of his clothes look like they've ever seen an iron.

So, off to a bad start. We sit down, go through the regular stuff to start with, then we ask whether the guy knows anything about the company (which he should because I told him prior to coming in that he should go through our company website and prep himself for the interview). Kid says he knows a lot about the company so my boss says "Prove it. What can you tell me about X". Kid just stares blankly. Next question - same response.

My boss sits there and tells him the interview's over as the kid is out of his depth, but tells him to come back the next Monday with 400 words about what the company does. The next Monday comes along and he turns up with EXACTLY 400 words. Don't know why, but the fact that he actually came back impressed my boss. Didn't get the job though (well, he eventually got another job with us, but that's a different story altogether).

Moral of the story guys is to prepare, prepare, prepare. Goes a long way when trying to impress yourself upon your potential employers.

 

[slashin_velvet]

Moral of the story guys is to prepare, prepare, prepare. Goes a long way when trying to impress yourself upon your potential employers.

Id take this with a grain of salt.

Yes its a good idea to be prepared, but its more important to be interested when you ask a question about the company and you are given a response.

I recently got a new job, and the most important part of the interview was me understanding the job i was applying for. This was shown through me asking the appropriate questions.

 

[SmackAdder]

Yes its a good idea to be prepared, but its more important to be interested when you ask a question about the company and you are given a response.

I recently got a new job, and the most important part of the interview was me understanding the job i was applying for. This was shown through me asking the appropriate questions.

Understanding the job you're applying for is only a part of the recruitment process. Yes, it's important, but it's not the only thing.

In telling people to prepare and to research, what's being said is that you need to understand the culture of the company you're applying for, and what the company in general is about. Companies that only gave a damn about the job, and not the people filling it and how they'd interact with others, or whether or not the person understood what the company is really about are usually the ones that experience higher turnover rates.

By understanding what a company is about, what it does, and all the rest, you're building the potential organisational commitment that will develop within that employee, how invested they feel in the company. That's important. It improves retention rates, which will save money in the long term for the company as a whole.

And I would have thought it would be a straightforward common sense thing to actually listen and pay attention to what was being said to you in an interview, particularly when it's relevant to the company you're working for, and the job you'd be doing, and to ask questions if you had them.

 

[gimp!]

I am thinking about applying for a job in sales within my industry. Never been in sales before, but don't think that will be a problem. However, I have not even really been in a proper interview, as my profession is pretty easy to get into (offered job while at uni). I was wanting to know, are beards a problem? I have a beard that's not out of control, I keep it pretty neat. I would hope not ... I hate not having one. I checked out their website, and a heap of their staff have similar looks going on. Just wondering, with the whole first impression thing.

 

[slashin_velvet]

I am thinking about applying for a job in sales within my industry. Never been in sales before, but don't think that will be a problem. However, I have not even really been in a proper interview, as my profession is pretty easy to get into (offered job while at uni). I was wanting to know, are beards a problem? I have a beard that's not out of control, I keep it pretty neat. I would hope not ... I hate not having one. I checked out their website, and a heap of their staff have similar looks going on. Just wondering, with the whole first impression thing.

I dont tend to follow the norms, so my advice is not gospel. My approach to these things is to be yourself. If that means a beard, then you will be more comfortable in the interview, looking the way you prefer. A company that wants you to be someone you're not will not have a good culture and low staff turnover.

I applied for a vacation job during uni and was told in the interview that the job was mine, but i needed to get a haircut before i started. I took the job, got a haircut, and was well out of place with the other team members.

I got a second vacation spot with a larger firm (big 4) who made no comment on my hair, and was a much better fit for my personality at the time.

That quickly taught me that there's no point trying to be someone or something you're not in an interview - even if you get away with it during the interview - you probably wont be successful in the actual job. There's a reason interviewers ask the questions they do.