Job interview tips and tricks

[Monkeybum]

Will defo have some sticky prompts too as it's a virtual interview. Thank you

I had a zoom 'getting to know you' with a lady i'd virtually interviewed the other day

She said she thought it was really obvious she had posters with notes behind her laptop as she kept looking to read them for prompts and thought we'd know We just assumed she was looking up for inspiration so maybe consider this

 

[Begborrowsteal]

I am smugly proud of my record that I have got every job I have interviewed for. Before an interview, I cannot explain the anxiety I have. I spend days talking myself out of the job, I have nervous poos, I get ineffective breathing etc. As soon as I start an interview, I try and flip a switch - fake it til you make it. Act confident, talk with confidence, it comes across.

 

[Monkeybum]

I work for the civil service, we do competency based too, I've done a lot of interviewing so hopefully can help with what they're looking for the other side. It may not be the same for your area but this might help.

Basically we have almost a tick list of behaviours to tick within the competency, so try and make sure your examples cover as much of the competency as possible. If we ask additional questions it's because there's a bit you haven't covered, so try and find something to show you have experience of that, even if you have to say something like 'not in this example, but another time this happened and I did this...'. If we don't ask questions it's because you've covered everything.

I always get petrified going for interviews but from the interviewers side they want you to do well and are on your side From a government perspective, questions from the interviewee show an interest but aren't marked

Good luck! X

 

[mcfeez]

Read up on the company, definitely, show enthusiasm for whatever it is they do or make. Definitely try and up the charm game - I tend to come across quite aloof and a bit cold so I do try to make myself more open and approachable during interviews. Have answers prepared for common questions - working under pressure, resolving conflicts etc and examples of how you've done so in the past.

My most cringe moment was the last interview I had. I work in a technical field, however the CEO wasn't familiar with my particular area of work so called another guy at the company who was into the interview and had him draft the questions. This guy had never interviewed anyone before - because the interview was literally like an exam, with back and forth questions pulled directly from a certification popular in my profession. Totally mindless factual recall. Very little related to my actual experience or competency. About two thirds of the way through I snapped a bit and just said "I didn't realise it was going to be like an exam, I should have revised my *insert certification material here* books last night." There was this awkward silence and I could feel my face going red before the CEO chipped in saying he agreed with me that the questions were ridiculous.

Turns out I actually got the job in the end! I think the boss liked my candour.

 

[mcfeez]

First impressions count and dress appropriately!!! I cannot this stress enough. As a hiring manager (it’s awful I know) but you can usually tell straight away if someone will get the job. The amount of people who come in trainers, without a tie, skirt too short, skinny jeans. This is the most effort they are ever going to make and I think if you can’t be bothered to dress properly for today then you don’t have the right attitude. Obviously this applies to the corporate world but equally don’t turn up in a full suit to an interview at “pretty little thing” or Topshop, dress for the occasion.

Appropriately is definitely the key word. I've interviewed for software jobs in the past and been told, up front, to dress very casually for the interview i.e. jeans, jumpers - no suits, pencil skirts things like that. For these sort of situations looking neat and tidy is better.

My current workplace, the boss mentioned it multiple times before my start date, how important it was not to dress formally for the office haha.

 

[Happy Lady]

I don't think I got the local authority job. I'm kind of glad because the interviewers did not make me feel at ease at all. They were grumpy and one of them actually sighed when reading a question out.

I've been successful in a very similar role with the NHS though. So I'm happy

Well done you . That's great. Enjoy your new role

 

[emm]

I shouldn't laugh, that is absolutely disgusting and shocking what was the reaction to that?


I am going to use this one on Monday when they ask why I want the job. Thank you


Will defo have some sticky prompts too as it's a virtual interview. Thank you


Luckily I've prepped a few Star technique answers. Thank you

@Sardine good luck with the interview! I am sure you will do great. I wasn't in the interview room, my manager told me after. I asked how the interview went , he sighed and just shook his head then explained wha happened. I think the interview lasted about 5 min haha

 

[Ticktickmeh]

I don't think I got the local authority job. I'm kind of glad because the interviewers did not make me feel at ease at all. They were grumpy and one of them actually sighed when reading a question out.

I've been successful in a very similar role with the NHS though. So I'm happy

Congrats on the job

 

[TravellingPants]

Which comments on appearance? Just wondering, not being shitty

I am probably being oversensitive, but just some of the snap judgements that someone not dressing the part makes a bad impression... there are lots of reasons that might be the case. Maybe they’re not able to afford something new (wearing things too small, or showing signs of wear) or maybe they are a person with neurodiversity and they haven’t got the same idea of ‘appropriate’ as the interviewer. If they’re the best person for the job, part of their feedback in offering them the role can be a steer on dress code and making sure that’s not an issue.

Of course I’m not advocating rocking up in your PJs but personally it’s further down my list than others I guess!

 

[frustrated]

Don't slag off the company before your interview on Twitter or lie about already having worked for that company in a different department on LinkedIn. Also if the meeting is on Zoom/Teams make sure your camera is on. All of these happened with one candidate that my husband was interviewing for a job this week - stuff that can easily be checked. I'd say make sure your social accounts are either locked or squeaky clean.

 

[Sardine]

I remember someone who came to interview where I work, he had a shirt which was basically too small and the buttons were bulging open, meaning you could see his stomach, he then came into the interview room sat slouched in the chair, leaning back and burped. Surprisingly, he wasn't hired

I shouldn't laugh, that is absolutely disgusting and shocking what was the reaction to that?

A friend works in recruitment so a lot of his work is coaching people for interviews, she says you should explicitly say "I really think I'd be good at this job", most people aren't so direct, and it can seem a bit cringe but I generally do well at interviews and always say this

I am going to use this one on Monday when they ask why I want the job. Thank you

I have had and sat in competency based. You're telling a story. It doesn't have to be entirely factual, base it around facts but make sure its full of content and shows you know how to and can do something even if you havent had the opportunity to yet. And its I, I did this, I helped with this. Even if it was your colleague or manager, I, I, I!!!
If they ask a question they usually want more content so give it. Did you have any feedback from that? Yes I did, I was contacted and told that my processes would be implemented in future guidance, which I've since heard are having 50% more positive results than they were previously.
Did the customer thank you? Yes he did (but add in that he sent an email of thanks to your manager who fed back to you how grateful he was). You can usually take notes in for competency based aswell.

Good luck

Will defo have some sticky prompts too as it's a virtual interview. Thank you

Situation
Result
Action

For the compentcy base ones I've had they look for the above. And if you don't have a specific example. Try saying I would do this...and tie it into the above. Have questions in advance would help. I wish they did that here it would make interviewing easier.


Good luck.

Luckily I've prepped a few Star technique answers. Thank you

 

[Happy Lady]

CVs these days. Don't include your date of birth or address. Ensure your mobile number is included. Check spelling and facts. Use bullet points only, along with professional wording throughout. Short but effective profile with about six points only. No more than two pages. I've worked in different HR departments, for directors, so have read plenty of CVs from directors who have a wealth of experience, but manage to condense it into two pages.

As you say this role is within HR, your dress sense will be taken into account. Smart suit, never wear a cardigan when a jacket will do. Make sure all clothes and shoes are clean, pressed and presentable. Some corporates would say no mules. Hair and make up nicely done, not too much make up. No chipped nails.

Having read through the questions and everyone's super advice on here, do you feel comfortable and confident if they were to suddenly call your mobile and wish to carry out an initial phone interview?

 

[Sardine]

Well done you . That's great. Enjoy your new role

Thank you!

 

[Sardine]

Read up on the company, definitely, show enthusiasm for whatever it is they do or make. Definitely try and up the charm game - I tend to come across quite aloof and a bit cold so I do try to make myself more open and approachable during interviews. Have answers prepared for common questions - working under pressure, resolving conflicts etc and examples of how you've done so in the past.

My most cringe moment was the last interview I had. I work in a technical field, however the CEO wasn't familiar with my particular area of work so called another guy at the company who was into the interview and had him draft the questions. This guy had never interviewed anyone before - because the interview was literally like an exam, with back and forth questions pulled directly from a certification popular in my profession. Totally mindless factual recall. Very little related to my actual experience or competency. About two thirds of the way through I snapped a bit and just said "I didn't realise it was going to be like an exam, I should have revised my *insert certification material here* books last night." There was this awkward silence and I could feel my face going red before the CEO chipped in saying he agreed with me that the questions were ridiculous.

Turns out I actually got the job in the end! I think the boss liked my candour.

Thanks for the reply Wow! I'm impressed reading that. Definitely bold, not something I'd feel confident doing so well done

 

[Sardine]

Due to both of your job roles, any advice on how to even get to interview? Without sounding big headed I’m a fantastic employee. Always the one who goes above and beyond, generally the most competent and just got my head screwed on. I find it so hard to get this across on CV/Cover Letter and I KNOW I could do most jobs as I am good at learning but how do you even get to that point without any previous experience?

Have you had someone who recruits take a look at your CV? I had a really old fashioned looking one and then changed mine completely after starting my last HR job. It's now modern, bright but professional. You could take a look at examples online or use an MS word template.

I think I've managed to get to interview stage so many times because I spend lots of time on the applications. I spent ages one day writing out a statement of suitability that details all my skills and experiences and I can easily edit it for different companies. Look at the person specification and add points on how you fit it.

I haven't managed to get an interview based on my CV alone. Usually on indeed they will send me a further application form to complete.

I hope this is a little helpful? I'm no expert and I'm still waiting to hear back