Interview advice

**Poor Student** · 16/10/2006, 1:38 PM

I'm going for a job interview on Wednesday. I've never done a formal interview before and this one is in panel format. Anyone got any general advice? I always read they say you should ask questions to the interviewer(s). When is the appropriate moment to do so? Do you just butt in?

**Neish** · 16/10/2006, 1:49 PM

Its usually best to wait untill they have finished questioning you before you ask your questions. Most interviewers will ask you if you have any questions at this time. BTW: Don't simply ask questions about pay, usually good to ask questions about promotion chances etc.

See link for some interview advice
http://gaga.essortment.com/interviewhints_rmtj.htm

Good luck

**Dawn_Run** · 16/10/2006, 1:49 PM

They usually ask you at the end of the interview if you have any questions for them. Its always good to ask questions, show your interest yada yada yada. Also during the interview when you are talking about specific things, maybe fire one back at them. Like em, let me think..i dunno, if they are probing your education background, maybe fire in a question about the study program/skills program that they have in the company because you are always looking the learn new things etc etc.

Hope this helps. Thats what i usually do anyways.

**paul_oshea** · 16/10/2006, 1:50 PM

looking to move again myself, have done a couple in the last week, seriouslly, they are easy once you get one out of your way you are sorted. don't ask questions till hte end, they will give you the opportunity at the end to ask questions. make sure you ask relevant to the workplace, to your daily activities, whether you will be micro-managed or not etc. Just ask what you think they want to be asked, and that show you are very interested.

make sure you don't rush into your answers, and more importantly don't go on and on when you give an answer, informative and to the point are key. it shows you aint a waffler.

good luck, but seriouslly nothing to worry about, those interviewing are human, and they know you are only human too, and will be nervous.

ya ask if their is training provided/chances to take new courses etc.

**Real ale Madrid** · 16/10/2006, 1:52 PM

The main advice is to relax as much as you can - dont worry about the nerves - they will expect you to be nervous and will factor it in! As for the questions - every interview i ever had - the interviewer asked me if i had any questions. Otherwise wait until the end. However if you think of something important during the interview - then ask! It shows that you are interested.
Good luck with it.

**Poor Student** · 16/10/2006, 1:54 PM

I wasn't sure how common it was that they invited questions. The stuff I've been reading makes a lot more sense now that I hear they nearly always invite at the end. Dawn, I'll also take that on board about trying to slip in the odd one where relevant. I appreciate the help from everyone and by all means keep it coming.

**finlma** · 16/10/2006, 1:57 PM

3 simple enough tips:
Smile
When you go in remember the interviewers names and use them when you are talking to them.
Eye contact

**BohsPartisan** · 16/10/2006, 1:57 PM

Originally Posted by Poor Student

I'm going for a job interview on Wednesday. I've never done a formal interview before and this one is in panel format. Anyone got any general advice? I always read they say you should ask questions to the interviewer(s). When is the appropriate moment to do so? Do you just butt in?

What's the job?
Have an example of a time you used your initiative, even if you never have. Make up examples to use in advance. Exaggerate every achievement in your carreer. Have an example of how you participated in a team. Know your role in that team. Example of interpersonal skiils, effective communication and organising and planning. Have two examples of each. When you go in, shake hands with the interviewer, look confident. Remember, they want to give you the job. Structured interviews work on a points system and they are looking out for opportunities to award you points not to mark you down.
I've actually sat on an interview panel before and I can tell you it is actually nerve wrecking trying to look professional and ask relevent questions. If you are asking a question, its good to ask about what promotional opportunities there will be or what kind of training will be available.

Oh and always remember the magic "I". As far as interviews go there is no "We"

**Poor Student** · 16/10/2006, 2:05 PM

Originally Posted by BohsPartisan

What's the job?

It's a Services Assistant post at UCD. It's got a massively varied description as they are the people at the bottom who make the college work (or don't in many cases!)

I've actually sat on an interview panel before and I can tell you it is actually nerve wrecking trying to look professional and ask relevent questions.

That's an interesting perspective, BP. The animal is just as afraid of you.

Seeming as I have only newagents work experience, is voluntary work assisting the UCD supporters club and helping on matchday and that sort of thing valid examples of teamwork and experience?

**strangeirish** · 16/10/2006, 2:13 PM

BP's advice is good to follow and may I add, don't sit with your arms folded during the interview. It comes across as being very defensive, so do your best to relax and sit up straight.

Good luck.

**Neish** · 16/10/2006, 2:18 PM

C*rist I' d just came off line after posting above to make a bite, whilst doing so I got a phone call from Dunnes asking could I come in for a interview tomorrow morning.

**Poor Student** · 16/10/2006, 2:20 PM

Originally Posted by Neish

C*rist I' d just came off line after posting above to make a bite, whilst doing so I got a phone call from Dunnes asking could I come in for a interview tomorrow morning.

Nice coincidence. Best of luck, Neish.

**BohsPartisan** · 16/10/2006, 2:21 PM

Originally Posted by Poor Student

It's a Services Assistant post at UCD. It's got a massively varied description as they are the people at the bottom who make the college work (or don't in many cases!)

Then do exactly what I said as thats where I sat on the interview panel. I worked there for 5 years, 3 as assistant, two as supervisor.
Use both work and non-work examples. The UCD SC ones would be good.

**Drumcondra Red** · 16/10/2006, 2:36 PM

Use all examples of experience, ask questions as you see fit, eye contact, sit up straight, look professional, engage everyone on the panal equally, speak clearly and enjoy it, you can have a bit of fun at interviews as well you know...

Good Luck

**Green Tribe** · 16/10/2006, 2:40 PM

Don't look as miserable as you did when I spotted you at the game in Stuttgart!

I definitely think first impressions make a huge difference, make sure you come across as friendly and enthusiastic. Don't be over-confident, not many people like arrogance

Throw in a few questions at the end, maybe one or two.
All the best with it, I'm sure you'll do well.

**Peadar** · 16/10/2006, 2:45 PM

Turn up early, try to relax. Coffee etc. wont help your nerves.

Keep your answers to the point. If they're interviewing many candidates, they may get bored if you ramble on. The more you say, the easier it is for them to pick holes in your story.

Good luck.

**Babysis** · 16/10/2006, 7:52 PM

best of luck. just know about the role you are applying for. Think before hand about why your applying and why you know you can do the job - they are the examples and points you need to convey to the panel.This will also demonstrate your interest in the role (well thats what i used to tell my candidates). You will be fine, dont worry.

**ifk101** · 17/10/2006, 7:03 AM

Originally Posted by Poor Student

It's a Services Assistant post at UCD. It's got a massively varied description as they are the people at the bottom who make the college work (or don't in many cases!)

I thought from your post at the start of the thread that the interview was for a "proper" job.

Anyways I do have some advice.
1.) Make sure you wear a suit and are well groomed. Do that and you are one foot in the door.
2.) Be yourself and try to be open and "easy-going" in a professional manner. A lot of the services work is sitting around and they want people that they can easily communicate to - both when there are things to be done and where there isn't anything to do.
3.) The job isn't rocket-science, you're really just an information source, stock controller and a security guard. So if you can with any degree of confidence show that you are a good communicater, organised and responsible you should have a good chance of getting the job.
4.) If you have a good idea of where everything is on campus and the official names of buildings, that is a plus.
5.) Don't say you have internet-related hobbies.
6.) Don't come across as being "UCD-institutionalised".

Other than that, do what everyone else is telling you and Good Luck!

**Magicme** · 17/10/2006, 7:47 AM

As its a panel dont forget to direct the answer of the question at the person who asked it. Give them the majority of the eye contact but do include the others by drawing them in with your eyes too so that it shows that you are friendly and confident.

As everyone says, smile, relax as much as possible. Get there early and sit on your own so u can compose yourself. Take a few deep breathes, form a circle with your thumb & index fingers on both hands (this calls the angels to ya) and allow your self the thoughts that you are perfect for the job and it is perfect for you. When you go into the interview you will have convinced urself that they need you and this will make you feel more able for anything they throw at ya.