going on my first job interview in PA.. it is for a store management position.. I think that I am reasonably qualified... any tips.. I have spent the last ten years interviewing others.. but it has been some time since I have been interviewed..

Don't drink or smoke pot beforehand.

 

Just kidding. Do your best to be relaxed and personable. A good attitude and willingness to learn count for more than you know in interviews. You can teach a person procedures and protocol if they are intelligent. You can't teach someone to have a personality or deal well with others. I think most good management understands that. Unfortunately, in this job market they can often hold out for the person with the skills and the personality.

Good luck Anthony!

Ant, if you have been interviewing people for the last ten years. Interview yourself, no not like jump from one side of the table to the other. I mean, think of why type of question you might be asked and come up with answers. Just think what would sell you on someone if you were interviewing them.

Have a well prepared answer for "Tell me about yourself." I hate that question and still haven't figured out exactly what to include and what to leave out.

 

Keep tabs on your body language. If you're at a table, lean forward onto the table every once in a while to remain engaged. And if you're only given a chair, sit up straight. And always maintain eye contact.

 

Don't wanna sound like I'm talking to a 5 year old, but I think those aspects are important. Lol. Good luck! Just remain calm and confident, and don't be afraid to sell yourself.

When I interview people I want them to talk and let me know their knowledge and personality. Hate it when they give short answers that might technically answer the question but don't give me enough information to make a decision.

Have a well prepared answer for "Tell me about yourself." I hate that question and still haven't figured out exactly what to include and what to leave out.

 

Keep tabs on your body language. If you're at a table, lean forward onto the table every once in a while to remain engaged. And if you're only given a chair, sit up straight. And always maintain eye contact.

 

Don't wanna sound like I'm talking to a 5 year old, but I think those aspects are important. Lol. Good luck! Just remain calm and confident, and don't be afraid to sell yourself.

 

Tell me about yourself can go from a difficult question to an easy question if you practice. Sometimes I'll ask that just to see how the person answers it. If they reply with an obvioulsy practiced speech I figure they are responsible and diligent. Plus, it gives a chance to talk just about anythng they want to.

Let's not forget the "Tell me about your strengths and weaknesses." question.

(Some of this is repeats of above posts)

 

- Do research beforehand and demonstrate knowledge (about company, industry news, etc)

- Do not answer yes/no quick type responses. Explain yourself.

- Dress appropraitely, get a haircut, shave - dont chew gum etc

- Observe your surroundings, what's in the office? Desks? etc. These can be talking points.

- Don't slouch, fidget, (or pick your nose)

- Take notes

- Have questions ready for them when they ask "Do you have any questions" (And not How much $$ or how much vacation!)

- Have extra, quality, copies of your resume to hand out

- Write a follow-up thank you letter incorporating what you took notes on. Do this for each person you meet/talk/interview with.

No buzzwords. "I excel at team building and am results oriented". BLEECH! LOL.

When we interview people, we look for a few key things: Interest. Is the position this person is applying for reflected in the person's previous work history, the jobs their currently applying for, education etc. We don't want someone who will take ANY job. For a management position: Are they people oriented? Do they genuinely want a leadership position (again, previous history, current job applications)? Do they have good values (Hardworking, honest, etc)? Finally, do the skills we see from the interview process imply a good chance for success? Good active listening skills, confidence, not a fast talker, not long winded etc

 

My best advice. Just be honest, be on your best behavior, dress to impress, and don't try to be somebody you TRULY aren't. Good interviewers will easily pick up on misleading answers etc.

TanJovi had some excellent points. Have questions! What training is available? How will performance be judged? Take notice of things as you enter or have some small talk. First impressions count.

Leave the cell phone in your car! I can't believe how many people interview and their cell phone vibrates or rings. That simply puts the persons resume and job app in the garbage as soon as they leave.

 

Try to listen more than you talk. You've interviewed people, you know what a pain in the arse it is when the interviewee doesn't shut-up long enough for you to talk. Another resume and job app I toss.

 

I like being the boss and decide who I want to hire. I don't have a lot of time or patience for interviewing people, I don't need to, I'm making the calls.

 

I wouldn't mention that you love Russian-made guns until AFTER you land a job and find others that are into guns as much as you!

 

Good luck Ant!

You've interviewed plenty of people. Try and take the things you liked seeing and hearing from people when you spoke with them.

 

Good luck. You'll do fine.

thanks for all the positives.. and points.. even though I have interviewed for so long, I never assume that I know everything there is to know.. always better to ask..

 

just to add I had what was supposed to be a short conversation with the hiring manager yesterday which ended up going almost an hour.. speaking to him seemed very natural..

 

something I will do is definitely think of a few questions I have several.. but if I could jot them down it would likely be to my advantage... so I dont forget.. or get all jumbled up..