Interview advice

[titankore]

I'm going in for a job interview tomorrow for an after school program. If I get the job I will be teaching either art, chess, or computer skills and I was wondering if I could get some advice. I already made a portfolio of some of my artwork. and I already showed them in my resume that I had a large amount of experience, in chess, tech support, art and child care. I even have a curriculum made up for some of these classes.

 

[Midnight Crossroads]

Be prepared for annoying questions like, "What is your biggest flaw." or "Describe how you've done such and such in the past." Act a little like they're wasting your time by even considering calling you up for an interview in the first place. Speak clearly and look them in the eyes.

 

[Amethyst Wind]

Craft every answer you give as if they'd asked the unspoken follow-up question of:

"How can you show this will relate and improve your work in the role?"


They aren't trying to catch you out or sabotage you, they want to give you the job because interviewing sucks on both sides. They are on your side, give them a reason to stay there.


Body language and general attitude in an interview is huge. Don't go in depressed, they'll pick up on it and pick you apart. Don't be in your face but be confident, friendly; firm-but-not-crushing handshake, lots of smiles, eye contact, a sweet suit helps (no matter what the job is, you can never really overdress).

 

[Chewster]

Don't ask them if ever press charges.

Most employers seems to be a bit uppity about that one.

 

[RaphaelsRedemption]

Smile. Honestly sound like you want the job, and are interested in the work. Enthusiasm is great!

I think I've gotten most of my jobs on appearing bubbly and enthusiastic despite often having limited experience. Enthusiasm suggests that you have willingness to learn, to go above and beyond the bare limits of your job, and to make greater effort to co-operate and communicate with your co-workers.

I remember my last job interview. I was called in for a chef's job of a cafe that hadn't yet opened. The employers were a young couple starting their first business. They showed me their menu and we ended up having a two hour-long problem-solving discussion on the logistics of the menu. It was great! At the end, it was almost an afterthought for the couple to tell me I had a job. I knew that already; no-one would spend two hours discussing a job they didn't intend to give to an applicant. I'm still there, and life is going pretty fine.

I'm not an expert, but I've only ever lost a job at the interview stage once, so I figure I must be doing something right

 

[Midnight Crossroads]

Act a little like they're wasting your time by even considering calling you up for an interview in the first place.

As someone who has hired more people than I care to count, that is HORRIBLE advice. You give off a superiority complex you are done.

Most people don't win the job in interviews, they lose the job during interviews. The successful candidate is often the one that screwed up the least.

As someone who has been hired many times, it is good advice.

 

[Still Life]

I'm going in for a job interview tomorrow for an after school program. If I get the job I will be teaching either art, chess, or computer skills and I was wondering if I could get some advice. I already made a portfolio of some of my artwork. and I already showed them in my resume that I had a large amount of experience, in chess, tech support, art and child care. I even have a curriculum made up for some of these classes.

Dress and groom yourself. MAKE yourself presentable -- I can not stress this enough.

 

[Kermi]

Act very professional and formal at first, then when they're done talking about your experience and qualifications and get into the more personality type questions, try to act more casually so you come across as someone who gets along well with people. Crack a joke, smile a lot, speak less formally (but don't swear or anything like that).
It will leave the impression you were very comfortable speaking with them and therefore were not intimidated by their questions - if you're too nervous they will have doubts about your capacity to do the job.

 

[titankore]

thanks everyone i've been getting cleaned up for the last two hours to get ready

 

[Still Life]

thanks everyone i've been getting cleaned up for the last two hours to get ready

Good luck!

 

[GriZZlyWulF]

Good luck mate, this threads helped me out as well as I should be getting a job interview soon and I have next to no clue of what I'm doing seems like some good advice in here too, thanks for the thread and thanks for all the advices escapees ^_^

 

[titankore]

The interview went extremely well. Halfway through he stopped using "if you get the job" to "when you start". He also used a number of other indicators and we had a very awesome conversation. He also stated that all the positions I applied to they were having trouble finding qualified applicants so he used the term "god send" with me and my resume.

 

[Still Life]

The interview went extremely well. Halfway through he stopped using "if you get the job" to "when you start". He also used a number of other indicators and we had a very awesome conversation. He also stated that all the positions I applied to they were having trouble finding qualified applicants so he used the term "god send" with me and my resume.

Congratulations.

 

[titankore]

Yay I start the job today thank you all for your advice. I also want to announce I am going to try to enter the escapist film festival as well Im feeling lucky!!

 

[quiet_samurai]

ALways look them in the eye, be confident, and tell yourself that you are a catch and they should be so lucky to have you and then act as such.