Okay, you are experiencing the same thing we all have had, and I can help you
1) Questions - ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS ask questions, do not EVER say "no". It sends a message that you really want to leave. What I usually do is think back to something that they didn't elaborate on, like for instance if they say to you 'we handle data files for over 200 patients and put them into a computer database', you might want to ask them something about the computer system or what kind of information they enter about each patient. Maybe that isn't the best example, but hopefully you get my point
now, as far as questions, there are some things you NEVER want to ask, such as questions about salary, benefits or hours. That will all be told to you when the job offer is made.
also, find out as much as you can about the company. Finding out things like the history of the company, and how it became the corporation it is today are always good things to talk about. It shows that not only you are interested, but that you took the time to research it on your own
2) make sure you have a resume for them, even if you have sent it to them. Keep it in your pocket of your suit jacket or folder. And make sure it is updated. And make sure you update it on a computer and not just write on it. I have seen resumes with footprints, coffee stains, handwritten addendums, you name it. One time I could tell this guy had experience in banking, but I also knew he had pizza the night before. I actually had to wash my hands after handling this guy's resume. Needless to say he didn't get the job.
3) DRESS APPROPRIATELY - This probably should have been # 1, but I wanted to answer your question first. The minute you walk through the door, if you are not dressed appropriately, you can lose the job before you even have the interview. If you are a guy, always wear a suit and tie. If you are a woman, always wear a nice dress or a nice outfit. But don't wear jeans, sneakers, t-shirts, football jerseys, tube tops, etc.
4) WEAKNESSES - the key here is to find a weakness and turn it into a strength. Now, first, I agree with you, do NOT mention attendance problems. All you will be telling them is that you are not responsible and can't get to work on time, and I guarantee you that you will be shooting yourself in the foot. NEVER EVER mention things like that. You will not get the job if you do, and it doesn't matter what the reason is, they don't care about that. What they care about is what you can do for them and if you will be there to do the job. And since your current employer can only verify employment, there is no way they can find out anyway.
as far as what you should say, think about something your supervisor/manager may have mentioned to you, like for instance 'I have the tendancy to want things to be done right the first time, and some people think I spend too much time on that, but that is because I want it to be done right the first time, and I am someone who strives to be the very best I can be'.
don't ever say things like 'I have a hard time working with certain people', or 'I have a tendancy to be late to work a lot of times'.
also, don't fidget, don't chew gum, don't pick your nose, do not interrupt the interviewer, and if you have a cell phone - TURN IT OFF!! Don't put it on vibrate, TURN IT OFF!! Actually you should leave it in your car and not even bring it in with you.
here are some other tips too:
if they ask you how much you are making at your current job, DO NOT TELL THEM! They are asking you that to test you, because if by chance they offer you a job and your salary happens to be higher than people who have been there awhile, they might think that you will tell them and it will start all kinds of trouble. They are not doing that to figure out what to pay you, they are seeing if you can be trusted to keep your mouth shut. Actually in some companies, you can actually get fired for telling someone what you make. Figure out a tactful way of telling them that you can not discuss it, but do not say to them 'it's none of your business'
yes, I know you may be thinking 'DUH', but as someone who has conducted interviews, I can tell you, I have heard it all.
let's see, what else - do not ever badmouth a previous company that you worked for, even if you were fired, and you hated their guts. Once again, you will be indirectly telling them that you will badmouth them to someone else.
if they make you an offer, and you have to leave your current employer, always give at least 2 weeks notice. Any decent employer will understand that you want to give courtesy to your current employer, as you would to them if you ended up leaving their company
Okay, that should be enough for you
GOOD LUCK!
Answered By: tiero416 - 7/13/2008 |