Beast Posted August 8, 2013 Posted August 8, 2013 So I have two job interviews tomorrow: One is for Aldi working part-time or full-time (preferably full-time) and the other is for a store called Bon Marche working part-time and I really need help because I really want another job because I need more hours. I need tips and advice that will help me because I get real nervous around interviews! Absolutely anything whatsoever would be brilliant, whether it's mock questions and answers or advice on calming nerves or whatever, ANYTHING AT ALL! Thanks!
Ashley Posted August 8, 2013 Posted August 8, 2013 Daft advised me recently that holding your hands above your head in a celebratory fashion for two minutes reduces stress and increases self-confidence. Just try and remember that you're awesome, if they've asked you to interview they have a strong interest in you and you have been praised in your current job for your outstanding customer service. At these places (more so BM, but both really) customer service is key, so talk about your successes there. Typical interview questions: - Tell me about a time you had a difficult customer - What could you bring to the team - What are you looking for from this role - If the store was busy and you had been asked by the manager to do x and a customer asked you y what would you do - Tell me about a time you went above and beyond for a customer - Give me an example of when you provided good customer service I've been to far too many interviews... Good luck
Murr Posted August 8, 2013 Posted August 8, 2013 (edited) If there is a jug of water on the table, pour yourself a glass when a question you cant insta reply is asked. Gives time to think what you want to say and shows the interviewer your comfortable. Take frequent swigs of your drink throughout the interview as again it gives you time to think answers over and also shows the interviewers that you're okay and still capable of doing things under pressure. (taking the time to drink during an interview can be seen and keeping calm thing in pressure situation, silly right?) EYE Contact... not like intense staring the shit out of them, but make eye contact when they're explaining things to you, when you're nodding in agreement, make eye contact. Don't just wander off and look around, stay focused on them. Don't play with your hands on your lap, put them on the table infront of you clasped together. When explaining things though don't shy away from using hand gestures (contradiction right?) Probably the hardest thing to do though is try to keep your voice stern and clear. don't mumble, don't speak quietly. dont rush your words out. They've asked you there to talk to you, so talk to them. Use examples of things in your previous jobs or experiences similar to it. If they ask questions like how would you deal with an irate customer? If you've dealt with one before you that example as what you'd do (if you dealt with them well that is :p) Honestly dude the interviews I've done that's the sort of stuff I look for. Granted I haven't conducted any interviews in 2013, but prior to that i'd conducted quite a few. It's just the persona of confidence needs to come from you, as you walk to the room, as you take your seat, as you talk to them, as you explain your previous experience.... etc. Good Luck! Edited August 9, 2013 by Murr
Ashley Posted August 8, 2013 Posted August 8, 2013 One question that bugs me is "what is your worst quality/what is a bad point about you" etc. Although I think I've now figured out an answer (although yet to have to use it) - learning names. Obviously it depends on the job at hand, but I think that's a reasonable one for me to say. It's an answer, which is what they're looking for, but not a really negative one. Plus I am terrible with names.
Murr Posted August 8, 2013 Posted August 8, 2013 One question that bugs me is "what is your worst quality/what is a bad point about you" etc. Although I think I've now figured out an answer (although yet to have to use it) - learning names. Obviously it depends on the job at hand, but I think that's a reasonable one for me to say. It's an answer, which is what they're looking for, but not a really negative one. Plus I am terrible with names. I've answered that as "I like to finish things!", then explained further with "If tasked with something that i'm struggling with due to not having much experience with it, I go out of the way to garner more knowledge about the practice needed in order to complete the task, when in reality I could ask a colleague for advice or help" Unfortunately doesn't look as good on the "Team player" type questions. I don't mind working in a team, I mean I do work in a team now, but get my mind on something and i'm stubborn and want to beat it. strange i'm not like that with computer games though
Pancake Posted August 8, 2013 Posted August 8, 2013 Just act at ease, even if you aren't. Take an opportunity to show you've got a sense of humour. Smile at any remotely humorous remark, etc (although there's a fair chance your interviewer won't actually have a sense of humour). Just act open and straightforward, they won't like you if you're hard to read.
Jimbob Posted August 8, 2013 Posted August 8, 2013 Just don't answer the Where do you see yourself in 5 years question with "In your job" and you'll be fine. All of the above is great advice and i recommend it myself, having been to so, so many interviews over the years.
Kaepora_Gaebora Posted August 8, 2013 Posted August 8, 2013 'Feel the fear and do it anyway'! Good book that, helped me with stage fright no end (think I recommended this to Serebii too...) Worth a read, but basically accept the fact that you will be nervous, don't fight it! And then work with it, being overly cocky sometimes is too much, but a little nervousness shows you care Another tip on the questions front is to repeat them back when you are asked them e.g "why do you want to work here?" "Why do I want to work here? Well I think that I can...etc" Just gives you time to process what they asked you and formulate a sensible and considered response, should you want to give one!
Ashley Posted August 8, 2013 Posted August 8, 2013 Amy Cuddy: Your body language shapes who you are I tend to find the concept of body language to be whack. There may be truth in there, but I dislike the notion that people may decide how I'm feeling based on how I'm standing when I could just find a position more comfortable. So I guess I have a problem with over-reliance on it. However, watching that I do some of the "high power poses" quite often at work. Guess I must think that I am powerful Although I do touch my neck during those awkward "I'm having to make small talk with you" moments. I do agree with "fake it 'til you make it" though.
Beast Posted August 8, 2013 Author Posted August 8, 2013 Thank you all so much for this! I'm seriously feeling so nervous now. I recently had an interview for Tesco and I didn't get through but I recently met the boss and he said the reason why I didn't get in was because he had to hire someone internally but the next job is mine (not that I'm holding my breath)! I just can't remember what I did last time, lmao. Daft advised me recently that holding your hands above your head in a celebratory fashion for two minutes reduces stress and increases self-confidence. Just try and remember that you're awesome, if they've asked you to interview they have a strong interest in you and you have been praised in your current job for your outstanding customer service. At these places (more so BM, but both really) customer service is key, so talk about your successes there. Typical interview questions: - Tell me about a time you had a difficult customer - What could you bring to the team - What are you looking for from this role - If the store was busy and you had been asked by the manager to do x and a customer asked you y what would you do - Tell me about a time you went above and beyond for a customer - Give me an example of when you provided good customer service I've been to far too many interviews... Good luck Thanks. I always get stuck on "If the store was busy and you had been asked by the manager to do x and a customer asked you y what would you do" because I'd say always help the customer but would that be the right thing to say? I go with my gut on most questions but there are some where I'm not sure what to do. The questions have really helped me and I also hate the "What are your weaknesses?" type questions as well. I try to make it into a positive by saying I need to finish a job or I'm too organised but I doubt they buy it (even though it's the truth!) Ugh, I'M SO NERVOUS! lol.
Iun Posted August 9, 2013 Posted August 9, 2013 "What are your weaknesses?" FFS don't say "Kryptonite" otherwise they'll know that you are actually Superman. ...ah, shit,I just said it...
nightwolf Posted August 9, 2013 Posted August 9, 2013 One question that bugs me is "what is your worst quality/what is a bad point about you" etc. Although I think I've now figured out an answer (although yet to have to use it) - learning names. Obviously it depends on the job at hand, but I think that's a reasonable one for me to say. It's an answer, which is what they're looking for, but not a really negative one. Plus I am terrible with names. I always use this: 'I worry too much about my job, in the sense that I care about my work and want to do everything right and will worry if I do not. I find that whilst this is a negative quality, it does lead me to ensure everything is done to a high standard and can sometimes work to an advantage'. Done pretty well with that one the last few years and it is true. Good luck @Animal you'll do just fine! People will know your nervous!
Beast Posted August 10, 2013 Author Posted August 10, 2013 Disaster! Absolute disaster! First of all, I went to the Aldi one at 9am. It was a group interview and everybody seemed friendly. We had a bit of a laugh before the interview started and introduced ourselves and stuff. Anyway, the receptionist called us upstairs to an office Apprentice-style. We sat down in the chairs and she was all "Everybody introduce yourself to each other" and the girl told the interviewer that we all knew each other's names because I got them talking. She looked at me and smiled so I was happy. Then we had to work as a team and pretend we were stranded in South America because the plane crashed and that we were only allowed to take seven items with us until rescue came. We did that. I did awesome. Was seriously going well, I actually had hope. And then a MATHS TEST happened. Me and numbers do not gel whatsoever but I gave it my best shot. Questions that may be simple to you are not to me so I wasn't happy about it at all. I tried my best anyway and that's all I can do but I don't think I have that one! The next one was Bon Marche which took FOREVER to find but I found it after half an hour or so running round the town centre. So I go inside and look around the clothes to familiarise myself with the brands and styles in case they ask me something. I get called by an assistant to go upstairs into this office. They sit me down and the manager asks me that she wanted to clear my availability up because it says I have a part-time job. I said I did and that it was 12 hours. She asked how it would work because she'd need me available for at least 25 hours. I was stuck. It's a 12 hour job but the availability must be at least 25 in case something happened. She said I don't think we should carry on because I'm not sure how this'll work. I agreed with her, I wasn't prepared to pack my job in for the same hours and same rate of pay. She said "I'm guessing you're disappointed" and I told her the truth. I said "I am a little, really. It's taken me about 45 minutes to get here, a bit of petrol and about £4 in parking just to be told nothing should happen" and she said "Yeah, I'd be angry too and it's a real bad shame because you have all the experience you need and you seem like the perfect person to go for" so I made a suggestion and told her to keep my CV. She agreed and said to give her a call when I'm stuck for a job because they're always recruiting. I did feel like saying "Why did you bother calling me if you couldn't hire me anyway? You knew I had a job" but I was so tired, haha. I then had a phone interview with Go Outdoors and they asked me a bunch of questions only for them to say that they can't take me on because I have another job. With this one, I did tell her. I asked politely why she phoned if she couldn't take me on for another job. She replied because she thought I might leave my other one. IT'S A 4 HOUR CONTRACT. DAFUQ? Anyway, I'm hopeful for Aldi but after the maths test, I won't hold my breath on it. I find out on Sunday if I get it or not.
Guy Posted August 10, 2013 Posted August 10, 2013 If an interview is going particularly badly, I usually slide a twenty across the table. The real trouble comes when they slide it straight back.
Iun Posted August 10, 2013 Posted August 10, 2013 If an interview is going particularly badly, I usually slide a twenty across the table. The real trouble comes when they slide it straight back. A twenty what?
jayseven Posted August 10, 2013 Posted August 10, 2013 @Animal the aldi job isn't good for you. Aldi is about getting customers in and out as quickly as possible, minimising overheads and keeping staff levels to an absolute minimum. Don't do it!
MoogleViper Posted August 10, 2013 Posted August 10, 2013 Yeah, if you want to use your customer service skills I'd say you'd be better going into high end fashion or jewellery. Maybe technology as well.
Iun Posted August 10, 2013 Posted August 10, 2013 One would assume a pack of twenty nude selfies. Wha...? HIRED!
Beast Posted August 11, 2013 Author Posted August 11, 2013 @Animal the aldi job isn't good for you. Aldi is about getting customers in and out as quickly as possible, minimising overheads and keeping staff levels to an absolute minimum. Don't do it! I do and I don't want to but right now, I need more hours. Also, my store has bugged me a little bit because I feel like there's no progression at all and when there is, it's 10p more than I'm on now. Even the supervisor there is like "Well...erm...I wouldn't say it's worth it" and stuff. And my boss has lost my workbooks so I couldn't go back and check things anyway! Yeah, if you want to use your customer service skills I'd say you'd be better going into high end fashion or jewellery. Maybe technology as well. I'd love to do jewellery or work in a game/movie store. Hard to get into though . I've handed my CV literally everywhere reachable and applied online to a LOT of companies. Hopefully someone will get in touch soon...
Ashley Posted August 11, 2013 Posted August 11, 2013 Well the summer is usually an awkward time for retail as uni students tend to migrate back so it clogs things up. You may have better luck in September when they bugger off and people start thinking about Christmas.
Guy Posted August 11, 2013 Posted August 11, 2013 By twenties I meant a 20 pack of Rocky Robin caramels. I'd say to try and exploit any friends who work at places with availability. A recommendation can go a long way from a trusted employee.
Charlie Posted August 12, 2013 Posted August 12, 2013 Thanks. I always get stuck on "If the store was busy and you had been asked by the manager to do x and a customer asked you y what would you do" because I'd say always help the customer but would that be the right thing to say? I go with my gut on most questions but there are some where I'm not sure what to do. Customers come first. A lot of supermarkets have this thing (which I cannot remember the name) where if a customer asks you a question then it its you who deals with it until the end no matter what it is (unless it needs a manager or specialist). You can't palm them off to someone else. The questions have really helped me and I also hate the "What are your weaknesses?" type questions as well. I try to make it into a positive by saying I need to finish a job or I'm too organised but I doubt they buy it (even though it's the truth!) Ugh, I'M SO NERVOUS! lol. I always use this: 'I worry too much about my job, in the sense that I care about my work and want to do everything right and will worry if I do not. I find that whilst this is a negative quality, it does lead me to ensure everything is done to a high standard and can sometimes work to an advantage'. Done pretty well with that one the last few years and it is true. Those questions are so much BS. A good interview wouldn't ask you what your biggest weakness is. There are far better ways to screen candidates. The only thing they show is how good you are a BSing.
Blade Posted August 12, 2013 Posted August 12, 2013 Ive got an interview with my current employer this friday. Basically same job as im doing now but with more responsibilty over my own work and more ££££. It's competency based interview. Im normally very good at interviews as im a chatty type of person and I think I make a good positive impression. They received 41 applications and got them down to 5 which I am one of them. Only can try your best.
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