Interview Tuesday.

[ColJack]

on the subject of interview attire, while I agree that a suit and tie is a good idea for a managerial / clerical / office etc job, I'm not entirely convinced it's great for the trades..
after all it's not like we'll ever be wearing one on the job so need to look good in one to project a professional image..

I've been to a few interviews the last time I was out of work ( and one of the interviews during my current run ) where it was for a smaller firm and the guy interviewing me was in dickies and a polo shirt.

I felt overdressed and could imagine him thinking " he's trying too hard to make a good impression"..

 

[dexdeloup]

Well, you know what the company is like and will have a better idea of expectations.

 

[conny]

Good luck Col, Hope you get it.

Only tips I can give are dress smart but not like a penguin.
Relax and stay calm.
Research the company; what it does, does it diversify into other fields how large it is and one vital one, what kind of staff turnover do they have? If they have a large turnover of staff it could mean its a no good company to work for. If they have had the same staff for a long time is it because they are treated well or paid well.

At the end they usually ask you do you have any questions. If they have done their job right there shouldn't be any needed from you but I was once told that a good one to ask at the end is, "Is there scope for continuos improvement in my skills as I like to keep up with developing technologies."

You shouldn't need to ask about wages/holidays/working hours/sick pay/pension if they have done their bit but do ask them to let you know if you are not succesful and if so could they tell you why so you can brush up on that area.

Good luck mate.
Let us know how you get on.

 

[Johnmelad502]

Good luck CJ, hope you get the job.

If the company has a website, have a look at it, you might find the answer to some of their questions there, never hurts to know a bit about the company.

 

[skitzee2k]

Col, has any ever told you you look EXACTLY like Silent Bob/ Kevin Smith.

He rocks

 

[seco services]

the worst outcome is that I don't get it and nothing changes....

you could look at it like that and we'll keep paying you to sit at home.


good luck think positive.

 

[Blasphemous]

Yes good luck Col.

Having read some of your posts I'd be surprised if someone could 'trip you up' with a question regarding your work Col however conny and John have given some excellent advice with regard to interview skills, do act on it mate. Any interviewer worth his/her salt will be interested to hear what you know of their company. It's a fairly good indicator as to how interested/motivated someone is in terms of the particular role they are applying for. If they don't ask you what you know about them you can quote some relevant info in a question to them ie "I noticed whilst researching the company that you also do (a particular type of work etc). Would I get a chance to be involved in that?" You get the gist. And even if they don't ask you something about the company and you forget to 'show them you've done your research', it's not wasted as the research will help you relax in the knowledge that you're prepared for those questions.

To be honest with you, interviews are NOT a great way to recruit people. That may sound strange saying as most companies recruit using that process but the actual process is so unnerving to a lot of interviewees that they fail to do themselves justice. Someone could be excellent at what they do but are a bag of nerves in an interview. However it's the best tool we have (there are other tools that are used such as psychometric testing etc), but interviews allow the company and candidate to get a 'feel' for each other. Remember, you may go there and think I really don't like how this company operates or my boss seems like a complete bast*ard! So it's a two way thing. They have something you want and they need someone to do a job. You want a job and have something to sell 'you and your skills'.

Also, keep it professional. Some interviewers will 'lower' their standards sometimes to see if the interviewee 'follows' their lead. I've even heard of interviewers swearing in an interview to see if the candidate would follow the lead. It's a trick don't fall into it. Lets be real, we all swear, even at work sometimes depending on the time, place and audience but you can do that AFTER you've passed your probationary period, until then, keep the verbal professional!

As for attire, my advice is no different to what you've heard from the rest of the lads... keep it smart. As Dex says, it's easy to dress it down ie take off your jacket and/or tie but you can never 'dress up' casual attire.

You'll be fine.

 

[ColJack]

Col, has any ever told you you look EXACTLY like Silent Bob/ Kevin Smith.

He rocks

I do not...

<-him
View media item 21663 <- Me.. ( coincidentally, although at my cousins wedding, this is my "interview look" also.. )

 

[ColJack]

nevermind.. if you want more pics of me they're in my general album..

 

[dexthird]

You're younger than I imagined. As such, highly employable!

 

[Deluks]

If you need a reference, just direct them here for all the useful posts you've been thanked for.

Best of luck.

 

[HERTS P&D]

Hi Col,

Just be yourself, be calm, I've read a lot of your posts and you know what you are talking about!

The man sitting in front of your is no better than you in any way. He's just doing his job.

When they ask you about what what you do in your spare time you can mention that you help out on a daily/weekly basics helping diyers with there home improvements.

Best of luck.

Andy

 

[Nige F]

should I wear it or just go for black shirt, black trousers and a silver tie?
or maybe a light blue short sleeve shirt?

Go with the short shirt . Unless you`ve got tatts Shouldn`t make any odds for an ind. sparks job ( which you`re well qualified to do ) But you have to be PC now All the Best .

 

[Thermo]

on the subject of interview attire, while I agree that a suit and tie is a good idea for a managerial / clerical / office etc job, I'm not entirely convinced it's great for the trades..
after all it's not like we'll ever be wearing one on the job so need to look good in one to project a professional image..

I've been to a few interviews the last time I was out of work ( and one of the interviews during my current run ) where it was for a smaller firm and the guy interviewing me was in dickies and a polo shirt.

I felt overdressed and could imagine him thinking " he's trying too hard to make a good impression"..

doesnt matter what hes wearing, youre the one being interviewed. As an employeer, i would want someone to attend a little early and be smart. I wouldnt worry if its a suit or a smart shirt and tie (NO Trainers!) as long as they have made an effort. Not everyone can afford a suit and tie, but they can still turn up clean smart and shaven (and not tooo much lynx!). I would want them to know something about the company (just the scope of work etc), and be organised, ie have a pen just in case, Ni Number to hand etc etc. A confident hello, look me in the eye and offer of a handshake are all good first impressions.

Have a think about the type of questions you may be asked, ie technical ones, and ones and ones about yourself, ie what have you been doing whilst out of work, intrests etc. Have some basic questions of your own to ask at the end. Keep them simple, such as, if i am succesful when would i hear/start date/probationary period etc. Also worthwhile taking a copy of any qualifications and cv if applicable and offering them at the end of the interview (can also be shown during) They will probably already have them on the application form, but it shows organisation. (doesnt matter what the job is if youre organised and have a bit of forethought, as an employer it makes me think you can get out of bed in the morning and organise yourself at work)

You have nothing to lose so be as confident as you can and remember the guy asking the questions is only human.

only my thoughts and if only one bit helps then it was worth typing!

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

Good luck with the interview colonel, can't really add much more to what has already been posted, some sound advise been given.
I do most of the interviews for new employees where I'm based, it's very much an industrial setting, so I'm normally in my work clobber.
But I do expect the person coming to the interview to not only look presentably dressed, not really concerned about suited up but defo looking smart, trousers/shirt and tie and on time.
I always ask if they know anything about the company, it does impress me if they do know something. but not always a deal breaker, more about the person, his skill and what they can add to the company.
Good Luck pal. I appreciate it's been difficult for you over the last few months but from what you've posted, you know your stuff and come across a decent and pleasant person.
I'll have everything crossed for you, and once you get sat down and talking about the job the nerves will go.