Interview Advice?

[glendalais]

Yea...I'm not going to discuss how it came about, but I have an interview with another Central Florida theme park shortly. I'll give you a clue, it's not the one with the whale, and it's definitely not Fun Spot. It's for a FT/PT Merch/F&B position.

Anyone have any advice on the process? How should I go about it? I know the obvious (look nice, ask questions, smile, etc.), but I'm wondering if there is anything I know. It's been a long time since I've interviewed for anything that wasn't an internal transfer, lol.

[darph nader]

The only other thing would be to talk about your present job in as much as a positive light as possible.

[CptnSkippy]

Do your homework on the company, and know what you're getting into.

One question I use a lot is "tell me what you know about the department and why you want to apply here"

If the answer is "uhhhh, I need a job" then that person needs a job somewhere else. If they at least state the basics from our website and some details about the school...I know they put some effort into it.

I also look for them to have questions at the end. Something, anything that they want to know. An acceptable answer to "Do you have any questions for us" would be "No, thank you, you've answered my questions throughout our interview"

[hobie16]

Interview them.

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

When I was on an interview board (we use three people) the red flag that we always noticed was when the prospective employee would always ask a lot of questions concerning sick leave, family leave, annual leave, and so forth.

It sends the message that they are more interested in leave than work.

(all that will be explained by HR when they/you are hired!)

Another question that the HR rep on the board usually asked was "what are you going to contribute to the goals of the organization"

that would make a good statement that you could bring up during the interview. It will help sell yourself.

good luck!

[jerlove]

I am someone who conducts many interviews. The advice I would give you is to be sure to keep your energy level up. If the person doing the interview has just interviewed 5 people before you they have had enough and will lose focus easily if someone comes in very monotone and offering only one word answers to questions.

Know the history and the culture of the company you are applying for ask the interviewer about their history with the company and what it is that they like about working for the company.

The other tips have already been given but hobie said it best... Interview them. Decide if this is a company you want to work for.

[Goofyernmost]

I am someone who conducts many interviews. The advice I would give you is to be sure to keep your energy level up. If the person doing the interview has just interviewed 5 people before you they have had enough and will lose focus easily if someone comes in very monotone and offering only one word answers to questions.

Know the history and the culture of the company you are applying for ask the interviewer about their history with the company and what it is that they like about working for the company.

The other tips have already been given but hobie said it best... Interview them. Decide if this is a company you want to work for.

I am guilty of doing the reverse interview thing. Sadly, most interviewers are either unaware that is happening or do not agree with it, so unless you are careful it can have a negative affect. Unfortunately, most questions linked to reverse interviewing are either close or exactly what others have warned are danger questions that make you appear that you are more concerned about your comforts then the needs of the company.

[LadySiren]

I always get the "What's your worst fault?" question. I've developed an answer that seems to work well for professional positions; not sure how it would go for a more service-oriented job. My stock answer is usually that I have a hard time delegating because I have a strong pride of ownership for any task I'm assigned. I can delegate if necessary, but it's not an easy thing for me to do. I also have a hard time saying "no", even if it means I end up with a heavier than normal workload (note: there is a danger here that this can be abused by employers but I have yet to have this happen).

Other good ideas: research, research, research. Know the company you're going in to interview with. Did they recently announce anything new (check the "news" section of their corporate website for recent press releases) or has there been a lot of news coverage for the company (check Google)? When they ask you what you know about the company, you can give an educated answer and show you've done your homework, which demonstrates you've already put forth extra effort for the interview.

If this is a salaried position and they ask you about your previous salary, don't lie. Even if you're really hoping to get a pay raise, don't lie. It's not a good idea because depending on how willing your current employer is to share info, your salary can be verified by the HR department. Instead, give a general figure plus any extra compensation that might be added in. In my case, I give them a rounded answer: "My current salary is $xx,xxx, not including benefits, vacation, and bonuses; I would prefer not to make less than that amount." In one fell swoop, I tell them that I expect benefits, and I've been receiving bonuses. I'm also indicating that they shouldn't try to low-ball me on the salary number.

This is going to sound dumb, but I'm a writer so you'll have to forgive me. Use power words when you speak but don't aggrandize (i.e. - don't say you're the world's greatest salesman unless you're really the world's greatest salesman).

For example, my response to what is your most recent accomplishment would be: "I successfully managed the strategic and tactical launch of Product X to the market. Under my leadership, our team of four accomplished each of our stated goals, elevating the product's visibility and exceeding revenue targets." (note: be sure you can back up your claims with facts and figures.)

In any case, good luck and hope it goes well for you. :)

[hobie16]

Good advice!