I have a halfhour job interview on wednesday. I've done practice interviews but never done the real thing. It's for an Electrical apprentice opening. Does anyone have any tips for me that might make me more successful.
I don't really have much experience with interviews being as I'm only 21 and I've never really had to interview for a job... but some of the things I would try to do if I were in an interview would include... 1. Have a good appearance 2. Be confident.... but not cocky 3. If you've had great experiences with your previous employers, encourage them to talk to them. I think that while knowledge and ability is important, your willingness to learn and presence of a good work ethic are much more important. Someone can get straight A's through college, but have the worst work ethic in the world when it comes to actually doing their job. 4. Try to show an interest/passion in whatever it is you're interviewing to do. No one wants to hire a person that is going to hate what they are doing. That's about all I have for now. Sorry I'm not really of much help due to inexperience. Best of luck with the interview, and be sure to let us know how it goes!
Go online. Learn all you can about the company. It'll come up (a reason for you to show what you know), during the interview. Good luck.
Good advice above. Dont be late. If they ask a question and you are unsure of the answer, try to spin your answer to something related so you can atleast show you know something. Do your best not to be nervous, dumb **** happens when you're nervous
This is the make or break question if I am ever on the fence when interviewing candidates. I always ask why our company and what do they know about our company. 95% of the candidates fail this question I would also make sure you come across humble and eager. Make sure you talk to the fact that you want a career in the field and would be appreciative of an opportunity with the company and possibly a career. I would also make sure you ask questions if given the opportunity. Make sure they are company focused and career advancement focused questions. I would also ask if they have education backing to further your education if applicable.
Don't take advice from me Every one I thought I did good on, I didn't get the job. Those that I felt I bombed, or didn't care for the position I got offers.
1. BE ON TIME 2. Turn off your phone, or leave it behind 3. Look the interviewer in the eyes when you respond to questions 4. Don't belittle or trash previous employers do some research on the company you are looking at, bring some references if you can Good luck - I was out of the USMC for a bit and used to do hiring for a large construction company in South Florida, so I have been on the other side.
Remove all nose rings,ear rings, chains from ear to nose, put band aids or makeup on facial gang tatoos, get a haircut and shave, don't wear tie-dye shirts and pants.
Thanks for all the great advise! I will find out what I can on the companies web site... as for the career thing goes, I want to make a career of it but their company isn't an electrical company... they just do the apprenticeship part and hire you out to different contractors. No piercings or tattoos so im good there. Got my haircut yesturday and ill be wearing my carharts and danner workboots. Thanks again for all the advice. I really appreciate it. I will let you guys know how I score on the interview.
I conduct 20-30 interviews per year and there are a few things that really draw my attention to a candidate.... 1) I give every candidate the opportunity to ask me any questions at the end of the interview. A candidate who takes this opportunity to educate themselves on what I am offering shows me they are truely interested. If you have zero questions about a new job at the end of an interview, then you probably don't have much interest in it. 2) Preperation: Take time ahead of the interview to think of any and all possible questions you might get asked. Write them down and then answer them. It is obvious when a candidate has prepared for an interview or not. If it takes a candidate forever to answer every question and stammers through the interview, it tells me they didnt prepare, and probably arent that interested. 3) Maintain eye contact and confidence, but NOT arrogance. Speak up, don't be shy 4) Assume the interviewer has not read your resume and knows nothing about you. Detail your relevant work experience and don't short change your skills and talents, too many people short change themselves. 5) To an extent, dress the part. If I am hiring outside maintenance to mow grounds and you come in a suit and tie, I would question if you are a good fit for that position. That said, grass stained jeans and a tshirt isnt a good option either. 6) After interviews, it impresses me the candidates who call the next day NOT to ask about a decision, but to simply say thank you for the opportunity to interview. Any time you can make yourself pop into the heads of the interviewers again, is a good thing, they remember that. 7) Shake hands and thank them for their time at the end. 8) Dont fart
Many companies now use what is called "Targeted selection" it envolves what's called "STARS" When asked a question they may want Situation Task Action you took Results I agree with the others with the be on time, turn off cell phone, and never bad mouth your previous employer. I had to interview a young man the other day and used several references that didn't seem to fit. Some of his experience did not add up. One of his previous jobs stop me in my tracks, he stated that he worked at a company that I had. The dates would have placed him there working for me.
Avoid nervous mannerisms. Pay attention to nervous mannerisms you might have such as clicking your pen, jingling change in your pocket, twisting your hair, biting your nails. Control these impulses! Everyone is nervous to some extent; the key is to appear calm and collected.
