Hi all,

i have an interview which I have been waiting weeks and weeks for, it will be a job of a life time (for me) and I am really excited that I have been given the opportunity to apply. BUT, I have never really had an interview before as have not needed them. So my question is, what sort of things should I ask? any thing in particular I should do or say? It is working with animals and I know most of the staff there but unfortunatly the ones interviewing me I do not know so cant be as relaxed with them.... Anyone have any advice please? Oh and of course are there any 'routine' questions that they ask me?

At my interview they asked me to tell them about myself which I was totally unprepared for! I did get the job though - luckily!! Just think about each question carefully. They cant hold it against you if you say "can I just think about that for a moment"

Be yourself and relax ! Don't think of it as an interview more of a getting to know how the place works and what the job will be.

Be prepared for questions about your experience and try and aim it how your skills will fit to the job you have applied for.

Also prepare a few questions that show you have done some research on the place.

Be enthusiastic but not over the top and when they are talking make sure you keep eye contact and nod your head and say yes periodically to show you are listening and taking an interest.

Also at the end if you are interested do say that you really are very interested and think that the job is just what you have been looking and thank them for inviting you there !

Good luck and hope you get it !

Lucy
xx

Hi Zoe
A few of our interview questions are:
"what would you say was your best quality"  
"What would you say was your worst quality"
"why do you think you are suitable for this role"
"What methods would you use to motivate staff"
And don't forget to ask questions.  Good luck.

Brilliant thankyou guys... I especially like the 'say yes periodically so u seem interested' as I do have a fairly short attention span at times and my mind tends to wonder lol and i start thinking 'hmm, she has really long nails' and stuff like that   So i reckon remembering to do this will keep me focused :D Anything else?

Ahhh, but will you be saying yes at the right time? :d

It also depends upon what kind of job you're going for as to the questions asked/.

I don't know how many interviews I have her down but being honest about 50 maybe more. My biggest turn off is when people over sell themselves to the point of driving you insane. I shamely sometimes think hey if this person is like this now what would the be like to work with.

You can be confident in so many ways. Be nice, look interested. Listen. Smile and be freindly but not over powering.

I know the old book is that the interviewer wants the candidate to do all the talking and to be the centre of attention BUT I don't believe that to be true to be honest. OR not to the point of you nearly saying shut up :-D 

Sorry not putting you off but a gentle word of guidance. :-)

Most of all good luck if it is meant it will happen ;-)

Thank you for all this :)

Also, I have read that I shouldn't ask about salery or holiday etc. though. But although I have been given a 'guide' about salery how and when will I know what is the actual amount? Do they say once the job is given and then I decide if I want to accept?

Sorry I sound such a novice...well, I am :p but as I said, I've never had an interview and I really want this!

Also, what kind of things are good to say when they ask about strengths and weaknesses? Im guessing saying stuff like 'I'm shy' etc is bad especially for a position where I'll be instructing.

For some reason today I cant spell salAry :rolleyes:

It is best not to mention salary as that will be up for discusssion when they offer you the job !

Try and think what strengths would be needed for the role and then that will be one of your strengths ! Weaknesses is a bit more difficult ! Be honest but also say that you know it is a weakness and you are working on the to try and resolve it and explain how you are doing it ! That way they can see you are trying to improve yourself which shows initative;)

Good luck !

When is it ?

Lucy
xx

The person conducting the interview will and should give you all these details maybe  not 100% all of it but the outline of it , terms and cons normally come either at 2nd interview or with offer.

Whatever the roll is  pick bits from this and say you enjoy doing this..IE if it is instructing people, say you enjoy working with people and training people. If it is PC circled then say you enjoy working with your PC. Just be yourself.   

If the person comes across nice to you don't be afraid to say this is your first interview. I would be happy if someone told me that.

To be honest I am a person who cuts people slack at interviews as the best candidate sometimes is in amougst the people with the bag of nerves , they just want the job so much they are over anxious. :-)

Don't worry.

thank you its on Thursday :) Blue did you mean 'dont' be afraid to tell them its my first interview? or did you really mean 'do' be afraid? I am so nervous lol, dont think I've been this nervous before, think it's cos I really want it and in a weeks time I could be ready to start a new job or ready to move back with my parents

Once the interview is over I shall tell you what it is, dont want to atm in case they are watching lol

Yes sorry changed it now DON@T be afraid to say it. Get a little bottle of rescue remedy if you think you are going to be really nervous to the point of sick :-)

I've never had an interview or a 'real' job , i suck :p