Job interview!

#1

Job interview!

Posted: 7/1/08 at 1:50pm

I have one tomorrow! I've been unemployed for too long, so I'm more excited than I should be. It's for a box office position at one of my favouritest theatres, so I'm also more terrified than I should be, because I REALLY WANT IT. What kind of things are they likely to ask me? What kind of things should I have ready to ask them? Any hints, tips, and general juju will be most gratefully received! ^_^

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Notes from the Earlham Street Gutter

#2

re: Job interview!

Posted: 7/1/08 at 1:55pm

If they ask the old chestnut "What is your worst quality?" they want you to say "I'm a workaholic."

Seriously, I have always found that the best interviewees ask questions. Why did the previous person leave this position? What do you think is the most important quality I should have to succeed in this position? What would be my goals for the first year in this position? It forces the interviewer to visualize you in the job and makes them more likely to hire you.

#3

re: Job interview!

Posted: 7/1/08 at 1:56pm

For the chestnut, they also will accept: "I'm a perfectionist."

#4

re: Job interview!

Posted: 7/1/08 at 2:30pm

We were discussing this the other day and I was relaying stories from my 'past life' where I had job applicants say things like "Probably my drug habit" and most memorably, "My uncontrollable rage."

#5

re: Job interview!

Posted: 7/1/08 at 2:39pm

Damn, JoeKv99 , such qualified applicants!

I've found this question to work: Is there anything specific about this job that you think I should be prepared for?

#6

re: Job interview!

Posted: 7/1/08 at 2:42pm

Never complain about your last job or your last boss. Say you loved them but left because {insert POSITIVE reasons here}. The worst thing you can do is be negative or sour about past jobs or bosses, even if you have good reason to be.

Who would you hire?

Q... why are you leaving your current job?

Applicant 1...I hate the hours and my boss has some real anger issues.

Applicant 2...It was a really great experience, but I think I'm ready for some bigger challenges.

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#7

re: Job interview!

Posted: 7/1/08 at 2:56pm

I think it's acceptable to say you are leaving, or have left your old job because you want a better job that better fits your interests and long term objectives.

A period of unemployment always has to be explained. I think it's best to be honest. People usually know when you're bull****ting.

#8

Posted: 7/1/08 at 3:03pm

Updated On: 1/22/09 at 03:03 PM

#9

re: Job interview!

Posted: 7/1/08 at 4:19pm

If you've been unemployed, be sure to mention that you used that time off either taking classes to improve your resume or volunteering because you like to keep busy.

#10

re: Job interview!

Posted: 7/1/08 at 4:30pm

I have just been unemployed. Well, I still am. It's only been two months. Are "improving my computer skills" and "providing childcare for heavily-pregnant sister" sensible things to mention here? Obviously I'll leave out the "sitting around on my backside overdosing on 'Six Feet Under'" and "eating cupcakes" parts.

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Notes from the Earlham Street Gutter

#11

Posted: 7/1/08 at 4:31pm

Updated On: 1/22/09 at 04:31 PM

#12

re: Job interview!

Posted: 7/1/08 at 4:35pm

If all else fails, blow the interviewer.

Ok, back to the seriousness.

Cause I WAS kidding.

Really.

#13

re: Job interview!

Posted: 7/1/08 at 4:44pm

Oh, so is that what I should have done last week when I had my interview? LOL!

Whatever skills you have and feel are necessary for the job, mention them. Also, don't show that you are nervous, and be honest. If you are not sure of something they ask, tell them. It's better to be honest about those sorts of things so they don't expect that knowledge from you if you do get hired.

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#14

re: Job interview!

Posted: 7/1/08 at 4:48pm

If you want to use the "Caring for a relative" line be sure to say "I suspended my job search to care for a sick relative. Now I'm ready to work."

A friend in HR told me you want to seem in demand- even a month off is too long unless you have a really strong reason to be out of work. And whatever excuse you use to explain your unemployment, STRESS that it's gone and you are in FULL-TIME work mode.

#15

job interview!

Posted: 7/1/08 at 4:54pm

if the interviewer is a woman remember to compliment her on her breasts even if they are tiny.

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#16

job interview!

Posted: 7/1/08 at 4:55pm

"Obviously I'll leave out the "sitting around on my backside overdosing on 'Six Feet Under'" and "eating cupcakes" parts"

Weez, that sounds exactly like my life.

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#17

job interview!

Posted: 7/1/08 at 4:57pm

It'll be two men. Should I blow them both at once, or in order of hierarchy? What if they've got man-boobs, should I compliment those?

(Note to self: trawl the internet and make sure there is NOTHING that could connect your real life to this website.)

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Notes from the Earlham Street Gutter

#18

job interview!

Posted: 7/1/08 at 4:59pm

WEEZ - that was funny!