Post # 1
Member
342 posts
Helper bee
Hi again – I’m sorry for all the posts related to job searching. It’s just that this will be a major milestone if I get this position that I’m interviewing for since I will finally be able to live with my DH.
Basically, I work in a field that is not very common (at least not in this area of PA according to my DH and others. It’s common here in NJ). The position that I’m interviewing for is related to my field. The company is just starting this particular department, so if hired, I will be helping to organize it. From what I understand, there will be other candidates interviewing who have experience in my field. When I told DH this, he was surprised, as my field is very uncommon in the area where I am interviewing.
I am creating a portfolio with all my certificates that I received from various training courses in the company, my cover letter, resume, etc. Is there anything I can do to rise above the other candidates? Do you know of a website that is legit and offers a lot of advice about job interviews?
Bees in HR, do you happen to see a lot of candidates bring portfolios to interviews? Not only do I want this job so I can live with my DH, but I really need to get out of the crappy place I work at now. I do know not to badmouth my current company at the interview. 😉
Any advice is appreciated. Thanks!
Edit: I do know the basics of interviewing. I’m hoping to see if there are any rules and/or tips that may not be so common. It’s been awhile since I’ve interviewed, as I’ve been at my current company for a long time.
Post # 3
Member
7691 posts
Bumble Beekeeper
@SM1982: I dont know about websites but I always read “What color is your parachute” before applying for and going on a job interview. It is sold in any bookstore everywhere and it is the go to book on how to get a job and how to get ahead.
Many people refer to it as the “Job Hunters Bible”
Here you go – http://www.jobhuntersbible.com/
Post # 4
Member
56 posts
Worker bee
I would rather have you tell me your accomplishments, then bring me all your certificates to look through. Its hard to give advice, b/c I don’t know what kind of job it is, but you should try to have specific examples of things you have done or worked on. If they ask you a general question, you should repond with one of those examples. Try to relate the duties of the job to what you have done in your past employment. Hope that helps!
Post # 5
Member
342 posts
Helper bee
@Mrs.L:
I actually do have specific examples of projects I’ve implemented. I just figured the portfolio would be the icing on the cake, so to speak.
Thanks!
Post # 6
Member
4822 posts
Honey bee
The best thing you can do is make a list of all possible questions and practice rehearsing them
Be able to tell them about yourself, your resume and all the projects you have worked on that really shows you know your field.
Why you are the candidate for the job
What are your strengths and weaknesses
They love the questions that begin “tell me a time when….. you made a mistake, encountered an unethical situation, took the lead, etc”
Do lots of research regarding that company as well as current trends in the field. You will want to ask them intelligent questions so they know you know how to think and are really interested in the job and company.
Having a portfolio is great, but I wouldn’t show it to them unless its a natural lead in during the conversation. Pull out projects as you talk about them, show certificates only if they ask about your qualifications.
good luck!
Post # 7
Member
200 posts
Helper bee
I am not an HR professional, but I am an excellent interviewer. As in I have never not been offered a job I interviewed for. So here is my advice:
Smile and make eye contact. You’ll look confident and it makes me feel more confident.
If you have to pause and think before answering a question, that OK. DON’T say umm and try to fill the silence. Smile. Pause. “That’s a good question” Pause. Answer.
Be ready to talk about yourself. This is not the time for humility. Be able to answer what your strengths are. Have a good backhanded compliment answer to what your weaknesses are, i.e. “I like to take the lead, so in collabrative settings, sometimes I take charge more than reaching a consensus. I think sometimes that steps on toes, but I always try to listen to what the team has to say” See how that sounds like you are a leader?
Look professional. A black dress always looks very pulled together. Now is not the time for your ruffled girly look. Pull your hair up.
Don’t talk over your interviewer. Let them really finish before you jump in to answer.
Have some questions ready to ask about the position and the company. This shows you have done your homework and that you are taking this position seriously.
Good Luck!
Post # 8
Member
1801 posts
Buzzing bee
Make sure to have specific examples of your prior experience, such as handling a difficult situation, how you handled a failure to execute your duties, a time you took initiative, etc. I always take a enough copies of my resume for each interviewer, as well as a padfolio to write any notes and their names in (unless you can get their business cards) to write a follow up thank you card.
Don’t worry as you go in, be confident and good luck to you!
Post # 9
Member
2203 posts
Buzzing bee
ABC- Always be Closing!
Ask them what they are looking for in a candiate, demonstrate how you fit all of those qualificfations, ask them is there any reason they wouldn’t hire you? When they say no (bc of course they will!), then ask what are the next steps for you to move forward into the position…
Don’t let them leave the meeting with any doubts.
Post # 10
Member
3176 posts
Sugar bee
I completely agree about giving specific examples!!!!! My last job I interviewed all new applicants and it was so annoying to ask a question and get a very generic answer back, like if I asked about childcare expereience (it was a daycare), people would say I babysit and was a nanny, thats great but really doesn’t tell me a lot, instead a better answer is, I’ve been responsible for X amount of kids, ranging in age from x to x, when I worked for x. Same for if your proficient in somthing, like office works, don’t just say you can use it, let them know HOW you’ve used it.
Post # 11
Member
342 posts
Helper bee
Thanks everyone for the great tips! I won’t be able to make it back online until Sunday. I am going to prepare over the weekend since the interview is on Wednesday.