Nobody will hire me if...

[Mustang Sally]

I can't even pronounce my own name correctly during the interview! God, I hate and dread those things. Had my first big one this afternoon. Big, meaning it would be my first career-related job and I really want it! Unfortunately, this woman's interviewing style didn't agree with me. She described the job and showed me what I would be doing, then asked "Any questions?" and THAT'S IT! I was prepared to answer questions like: What are your three biggest weaknesses? Why should I hire you? etc. But I was so nervous I couldn't form any coherent questions for her. *sigh* Look, I know I can do the job. I'm a good employee. HIRE ME!!

Anyone else have this problem? Any tips? Any interview horror stories to share?

 

[Mustang Sally]

Oh, I forgot to say my thank you's for the good luck wishes this morning. TN-vixen, macdaddy and Alyrahh - thanks so much! Alyrahh, no it was a different job than the one we talked about. Would have been a much better situation for me. OH well, it was practice for next time, right?

 

[TN_Vixen]

Questions..

are the most important thing.

I won't hire someone unless they ask a lot of them. I've found that unless the person asks questions, they'll never know *exactly* what and why they are doing what they've been hired to do. I've had people work for me who have not asked any questions out of fear of looking stupid, but then did the project completely wrong.

I would prefer that you ask a lot of questions, no matter how meaningless you might think they are. It shows curiosity, initiative and gives the employer the feel that you're really interested in the business and/or the position.

Next time instead of preparing answers, prepare questions. and Good Luck!!

 

[Dragonlady]

Sally I have the habbit of imagine them naked Let me tell you that it works (Just rember not to laugh at the person who is interviewing you!!Hope this helped http://smilecwm.tripod.com/net4/orb.gif



Happy Job Hunting for you Carrerhttp://smilecwm.tripod.com/net4/star.gif

DL

P.S. I'm addicted to the smilies I jUst can't seem to help my self

 

[Bobtoad777]

If think not being able to pronounce your name is grounds that an employee wont hire you. try putting in your education area Three years of "Fundamental bible College". I just about disqualifies you for every job that is out there from burger flipping to pumping gas to management.

Get this for flipping burgers, I was over educated. and for pumping gas I didnt have the required education. Not the required eduaction for pumpming gas, It didnt matter that befre college from grad ten I pumped gas, managed a convience store/gasbar for 6 years, but now 3 years of bible college dis qualifies me. yet I was manageing a gas bar before graduating high school.

In the work force dont let anybody know your a christian if you are.

 

[Latina]

My advice, as the former owner of a resume shop:

Go to local library, and look up company's most recent annual report. Look up company's web site. Find out all about their products and their financial performance.

I bet you'll think up questions about what you've read about the company, stuff that the annual report/web site touches on but doesn't really give much detal about. And the interviewer will be impressed that you are interested enough in their company to have done this research, and prepared some questions in advance.

Think back to a work situation that you don't think a former boss handled very well. Without mentioning the name of the company or your old boss, and without sounding negative about it, tell the interviewer about that suituation and ask, if he/she were to be your boss, how would he/she handle a similar situation? That will tell you a LOT about whether you really want to work for that person. Remember, you are inteviewing the company and the manager, to determine whether you want the job, every bit as much as they are interviewing you.

Ever watch TV talk shows? Often the host has a question he/she is busting to ask, and asks it even if it has NOTHING to do with the answer the guest just gave to the previous question. Ever watch Larry King? He listens to his guests, and asks a qestion ABOUT the previous answer. Be Larry King: listen to the interviewer, pick out a key thought or idea and draw the interviewer out to expand on that topic. He/she will like that you were actually LISTENING!

Hope this helps.

-- Latina

 

[Nobody Special]

Of corse I would Hire you, Mustang Sally, but it does depend on the job that you are offering tho and don't let the G/F find out tho.... (she is kind of possesive about me) BTW what kind of Job do you want me to hire you for??

E

[Edited by Nobody Special on 10-30-2000 at 02:53 PM]

 

[Dragonlady]

Nobody Special

Can I Have a Job To!!!!What do you want me to bang onhttp://smilecwm.tripod.com/asian2/pdrums.gif



KISSEShttp://smilecwm.tripod.com/asian2/pkiss2.gif DL

 

[BlondeBeauty]

I have some quick tips for a professional interview!

-Always make eye contact when you're speaking. Downcast eyes sometimes indicate low self-confidence.
-Firm handshake. You don't have to be Superman, but don't be a sissy either.
-Under no circumstances should the words "um, yeah, okay, or yep" enter the conversation...
-You're right-QUESTIONS are important-ask about the company, about the people that work there, heck, ask questions even if you don't care-it makes you look good.
-Wear something professional, but not too over- or under-stated...
-Make sure your resumes are up to date, in fact several companies offer resume workshops for cheap prices...
-Last but not least, smile ALOT and be friendly-no once wants to hire MR. GRINCH as their employee...

If I think of more, I'll post back later!
Love, BlondeBeauty

 

[NewEnglandBBW]

Mustang Sally

It's a good idea to have a short list of prepared questions you can ask, and it's alway OK to have a notepad or clipboard in front of you to take notes (and keep track of the questions/answers should they be covered in the interview before "question time") I always bring a list, and ask the questions, even if I'm not interested at that moment in the answers.

The questions, of course, depend a lot of your job field, but some that I keep in mind (as far as being a nurse) are:

*Who will my immediate supervisor be?

*Please describe the chain of command.

*How many ancillary staff are assigned to the floor? (or how many techies in which department, or how many sales clerks will be reporting to me? etc)

*What is the history of employee turnover? layoffs? cutbacks?

As well as all the basics like benefits packages, retirement plans/matching, etc..

Good luck!!

NEBBW

 

[R Nitelight]

Never refer to your previous employer as 'That asshole Jeff'.

 

[Mustang Sally]

Thanks for all the tips, guys. Nitelight, as usual, you really get right to the heart of the matter. lol

That kind of reseach preparation wasn't really possible for me today, but I do usually try to do that. My downfall is my nerves! I fear and dread interviews. You know - shaky, clammy hands, slightly stuttering type of nervous. I've NEVER had a good interview. The jobs I've had I got through connections or by pure luck! My beautiful resume can get me an interview, but it won't get me a job. *sigh*

 

[BlondeBeauty]

Hi Mustang Sally

Mustang Sally, here's another idea. Grab a friend and act out different scenarios. Goof up on purpose and practice what you would do if that actually happened. Now, keep in mind that I'm not saying you should practice "accidently" showing up topless, I'm not encouraging that at all (hehe), I just mean that should practice dealing with rude employers, know how to bluff your way through hard questions, learn how to pretend you're confident even when you aren't...and if worst comes to worst, just picture yourself breaking their nose with a flying karate chop. That eases the tension for me every time!

 

[KillerMuffin]

I'm the worst interviewee on the planet. I have the air of a domestic violence victim chipmunk. I get hired straight from pity. I give great resume though. I must be a let down when I get to the interview...

Anyway, try telling them that you have an uncontrolled seizure disorder. Eyes cross, lips get sucked in, and their eyes bug out as if they expect you to make like the exorcist chick. *sigh*