Interview Tip(s)

[angel_luv]

It's been a long time since I have been on an in-person interview. As a remote freelancer everything is email and occasionally phone. But the last time I did, the thing that stood out to me was the way others in the waiting area were dressed. Sandals, shorts, shirts not tucked in, sneakers. It was crazy. Do people still dress this casual?

Yes and it drives me crazy.

Another pet peeve I have is people who come in to fill out an application but do not bring a pen.
My parents taught me to go to apply already prepared to interview- i.e. dress nice and have a resume on hand.

Tip to add to the list:


Be prepared to answer a random question.

I remember my manager at the Terrace Club asked me," What do you want to be when you grow up?" ( Even though I was already 22 )
I told him I wanted to be Buck Harvey.

[Silver21_Black20]

I have to disagree with the job qualifications part, I've been hired for jobs I wasn't totally qualified for, I'd have to imagine for one of two possible reasons:

1. I'm a good bull ter
2. They needed people

And these weren't crappy jobs either.

Just my .02

I agree. I just got hired for a position I wasn't completely qualified for.

[SrA Husker]

Research the company beforehand. Know exactly what they do, and ask questions based on what you find out.

*!*!*!*! Visit the company the day before the interview. Take a note of how long it takes you and how bad traffic gets. Check out the parking situation in case you have to park 10 minutes away. Based on what you figure out, walk in the office at least 10 minutes early 100% ready to roll.

[katyon6th]

I have to disagree with the job qualifications part, I've been hired for jobs I wasn't totally qualified for, I'd have to imagine for one of two possible reasons:

1. I'm a good bull ter
2. They needed people

And these weren't crappy jobs either.

Just my .02

My comment about qualifying for a job was mostly situational. For most of the positions I staff, there are specific requirements I have to adhere to. But of course, if I'm looking for a Graphic Designer that needs 5+ years of print and flash design experience and the most awesome designer who would fit in perfectly with my client comes in and only has 1 year experience, I'm definitely going to consider them for the position.

[katyon6th]

I want Katy to interview me.

I would face the out of her.

Then, I would ask for the real thing.

I missed this through all of the awesome interview tips.

Totally unacceptable.

[Steve Irwin]

if i remember correctly katy is a hawty

[Fillmoe]

Is asking for head acceptable?

[j-6]

I have to disagree with the job qualifications part, I've been hired for jobs I wasn't totally qualified for, I'd have to imagine for one of two possible reasons:

1. I'm a good bull ter
2. They needed people

And these weren't crappy jobs either.

Just my .02

I can't stress this enough.

If you're a bull artist, please spend at least an hour researching what you think you'll be talking about in a prospective interview. I'm going to strangle the next bag I talk to that's saying they've gotten every job they've ever applied for. That means that your arrogance is going to prevent you from getting hired because you couldn't be bothered to get some info on a company that you hope will sign your paycheck.

And if you have to think about if you're a bull ter or not, then you're not.

[katyon6th]

I have to disagree with the job qualifications part, I've been hired for jobs I wasn't totally qualified for, I'd have to imagine for one of two possible reasons:

1. I'm a good bull ter
2. They needed people

And these weren't crappy jobs either.

Just my .02

Oh, and another thing... if a company is hiring you just because you think they needed people, that doesn't say much about you and it also doesn't say much about the company. I imagine you're still not working at any of those companies?

[Johnny_Blaze_47]

I can give one tip tied to previous posts that I used in my last job interview.

If you research the company and see the words they use to describe themselves, A) make sure you know what the they mean and B) drop the word at least once in a proper answer. Don't overkill it, once or twice is good.

Funny story about that same interview. I dressed business casual (no tie) to the interview and the interviewer (who would end up being my boss since it's a 2-man operation) was wearing the exact same color shirt, slacks and shoes as I was.

[MoSpur]

Always look them in the eyes.

[j-6]

Jack, I know you and I can go on forever with this thread.

It's not even noon and I've already awarded my Stupid er of the Day Award.

A candidate I had in Denver this morning kept yawning throughout his interview. Showed up on time, but looked rumpled and a little bleary-eyed. It's an 8 AM appointment, it happens.

When the client asked if he was OK about a third of the way in, the candidate said yes and they kept going. Client then notices that the candidate kept one of his hands stuffed between his hip and the side of the chair the entire talk. So the client finally asked the guy what's wrong with his hand. Turns out that he still had the stamp and the bracelet on from whatever club he went to the night before.

[Dex]

It's not even noon and I've already awarded my Stupid er of the Day Award.

A candidate I had in Denver this morning kept yawning throughout his interview. Showed up on time, but looked rumpled and a little bleary-eyed. It's an 8 AM appointment, it happens.

When the client asked if he was OK about a third of the way in, the candidate said yes and they kept going. Client then notices that the candidate kept one of his hands stuffed between his hip and the side of the chair the entire talk. So the client finally asked the guy what's wrong with his hand. Turns out that he still had the stamp and the bracelet on from whatever club he went to the night before.

What a . It's funny that he tried to play it off the whole time, which caused you to finally call it out.

I guess Beno's looking for a new line of work?

[j-6]

Take off your goddamn Bluetooth headset before interviewing with the Director of Operations of a hundred million dollar company, bags. You don't look cool and a $40 piece of equipment from Motorola dangling off the side of your empty ing melon doesn't shift your sorry ass into the mover and shaker category. It was bad enough that the receptionist and the other people in the lobby had to watch you talk to yourself for the last twenty minutes.

[katyon6th]

I haven't had any good stories lately, I'm really disappointed. Mostly just people showing up late or having their cell phones turned on. Boring stuff.

I think Bluetooth headsets in general are pretty lame. I mean seriously, you're really not that important.

[PM5K]

Oh, and another thing... if a company is hiring you just because you think they needed people, that doesn't say much about you and it also doesn't say much about the company. I imagine you're still not working at any of those companies?

I always figured it was because I am good at interviews, but I was putting a list of guesses for other possible reasons, incase I've overestimated myself, and that would certainly make sense.

I'm currently self employed.

;-)