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12/15/2005 4:07:00 PM
Hey
sooooo
I graduated on Dec.2 and now I'm slowly looking for a new job
I haven't had a job interview in almost 4.5 years and well I was recommended to this job through a friend so I pretty much had it before I got to the interview.....
I have a job interview for a big company in vancouver on monday and I just wanted some tips for interviews....I get nervous for some reason even though I know I can handle the job (from description)
I REALLY want it because its way better pay then my current job PLUS benefits (which I totally need..having a kid n all) and yah, the lady I talked with described the job and it seems similar to what I'm doing now (love my job BUT dont' get paid enough to live comfortably)
any tips for me?
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12/15/2005 4:38:00 PM
Well, research the company is number. Read some press releases and find out what they are up to.
They WILL ask you in the interview "why do you want to work with us?".
You can then say, well I was impressed with the organization's approach to __________ new big idea/product launch/R&D spending...yadda yadda, whatever they are up to over the last little bit.
They WILL ask you why you are leaving you current employer, what is your biggest weakness (have five) , you biggest strength (again have five), what is a major accomplishment, where do you see yourself in 2, 5, 10 years.
Have answers WELL scripted but not so much that it looks obvious.
If it is a behavioural interview, which is all the rage these days, they will ask you stuff like "tell us a time that you provided outstanding service", tell us a time when you resolved a problem with a co-worker", "tell us a time when you faced an irrate customer/client/stakeholder"
thats a start.....
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12/15/2005 4:38:00 PM
Answer for the dreaded "What's your weakest quality?":
Use the "I used to..." As in, "I used to have a problem delegating..." and follow with how you solved it. This is most likely what the interviewer is looking for (I've done interviewing myself - I look for this kind of thing in an employee). Sooooooo:
"I used to have a problem delegating. I realized that the office would run more efficiently if I would spread tasks among my coworkers/subordinates and I wouldn't be unnecessarily drowning in tasks."
It's hard to say "this is why you shouldn't hire me" because that is what it sounds like they're asking, but they're probably testing you problem-solving skills and how you overcome negative work habits.
Don't treat this interview like it's the last one you'll ever get. Act like you have 1,000,000 other interviews booked and job offers spilling out of every orifice - just don't SAY that, suggest it through body language.
Also, remember key words (and actually know what they mean - don't spew drivel 'cause they'll probably have bull****ting safeguards in their method of questioning). Key qualities:
Multitasker
Good ATTENTION TO DETAIL (can't stress this one enough)
Good at prioritizing (another biggie)
Works well under pressure and time constraints
Take pleasure in quality of work
Good working alone or as part of a team (both are important)
In addition, DON'T BE AFRAID TO STATE WHAT KIND OF ENVIRONMENT YOU'RE LOOKING FOR AND BE HONEST. No sense in lying your way into a job where you'll be miserable. You won't thrive as a worker and the quality of your work WILL suffer. You will do best in a position where you're happy - you'll probably discover strengths you never knew you had.
If you aren't going through a recruitment agency, I strongly recommend it. Good ones are:
Staff Systems (they're great - you can be totally candid)
Angus One
Holloway Shulz (*WARNING: a lot of their clients are asses, but they're high end))
Also, don't be afraid of temp positions. They offer good experience, a reference, and can often lead to full time employment. Temp-to-perm positions are good to 'cause you get a good feel for the company before you take the job.
AND...
AVOID PROPERTY MANAGEMENT POSITIONS LIKE THE PLAGUE!
Tidbits that people should know and don't seem to:
Don't chew gum
Dress above the part
Mind your grammar (seriously - "I seen it"? - Christ!)
R
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12/15/2005 5:29:00 PM
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12/15/2005 5:30:00 PM
Best of luck at your interview!!
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12/15/2005 6:46:00 PM
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12/15/2005 7:17:00 PM
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12/15/2005 8:37:00 PM
be prepared for questions like:
describe a situation where you had a difficult collegue to work with and how did you deal with it
if you heard a rumour about a co-worker that if true could get him/her fired. what would you do?
describe a crisis situation at work and how you dealt with it
and other questions along those lines
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12/15/2005 8:52:00 PM
NO the best awnser for whats your worst quality should be.
"well some times I get stuck on things because I need to make sure there perfect. I can get to caught up in a project."
hence your bad quality points out good qualitys as well. all awnsers should follow the same patern.
also Lie if you need to. not a huge burning lie. but more of a embelishment or possitive spin personaly when I've done Phone interviews for the company I work for if the person can't sell themselves to me in a possitive light why would I help higher them to sell the company. make it sould like your a benifit to the company.
do some research on the company and there products. nothing more annoying than asking them about product" A,B,C" and them going what are thoughs Iv'e never heard of any of that. easiest way is to check there website. sometimes in the FAQ you can find how they like to have responses frased as well.
PS don't send an email from your crap ass Email account like
"Pimpstress_4u@hotmail.com"
swear to god it happened
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12/15/2005 10:03:00 PM
^ bwahahahahahahaha so true.
And be prepared. Bring an extra copy of your resume, a pen, and references.
Good luck.
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