Job Interview???

[Mr Black]

Job Interview???

I’m currently working in an Architectural firm, which has been axing people at the beginning of each month since December. Right now, I’m part time so I think I’m safe. However, I’ll be graduating from school in May and will have to go full time, and I don’t think my ‘A-hole’ boss is going to keep me on. (It’s a feeling I have.) It’s a very crappy company and I would have left a long time ago, if there were others whom were actually hiring.

Anyway, in 2 months my school will hold a job fair, where hopefully, many firms will be there interviewing about 50-100 out-of-work, desperate, soon-to-be graduating kids. It’s a tough time to graduate.

My questions are:
1. Should I try to sound cocky and borderline narcissistic, in an effort to exude confidence?
2. Should I speak fast, or slow? Which sounds better?
3. Should emphasize my limited experience A LOT? Many of the other kids have never worked in a firm.
4. Should I use complicated college boy words, or just simple ones, which everyone can understand?
5. Is inserting a joke during the interview, a good move, or bad?
6. Should I pretend to be stern and tough, or should I smile a lot?

I’m real interested in your personal experiences during a job interview. This is why I’m posting in this forum, and not looking at some web-site with a boring list of things to do.

REAL people, with REAL advice!!!

Also, I don't want the "be yourself" advice! Because sadly, sometimes "being yourself" is not good enough.

 

[col]

Biggest mistake people make is to try and second guess what answers they think the other person wants. I interview staff applying and it stands out amile when someone starts to bull****. Its not about 'being yourself' but about being honest and giving YOUR answers.

What most employers want is someone who is enthusuastic and convinves them that they really really want the job and that they have what it takes to do the job.

Try to decide honestly what qualities you think the job needs and how you can make what you have done demonstrate those qualities.

Confidence comes from knowing what you are talking about. It doesnt come from being cocky, talking fast, being stern or making jokes.

Remember what they really really want is someone who will be good at the job. You just have to convince them that that person is you.

 

[delsully]

Don't forget, people like other people that are similar to themselves. Interviewers will tend to hire people whom they think share their views, interests, and values; assuming they are qualified.

 

[Bozo Erectus]

Originally posted by Mr Black
2. Should I speak fast, or slow? Which sounds better?

Heres an idea: speak normally

 

[Michael York]

Be sure that your resume has anything special.

I won two jobs before the interview stage because I started college early. I also increased my stock with one of the companies from having worked in a similar job before.

 

[Pirate]

I'm a Landscape Architect so our interview process will probably be much the same. First, don't worry if they flip through your portfolio in about 8 seconds. They know what they are looking for - good graphic style and control, creativity and communication ability. All your college-boy theory is nice, but in your professional life you will be presenting to clients who are not designers and don't give a damn about 'platonic solids'. Instead, the interviewer will want to know that you are a person that can explain the nuts and bolts of a design concept without all the jargon. Yes, emphasize your professional experience, what projects you worked on and in what capacity - that has helped in my experience. Above all, don't bulls*** because these people have been doing this for years and can spot it a mile away. Be honest and straightforward.

 

[sysyphus]

Originally posted by Mr Black
1. Should I try to sound cocky and borderline narcissistic, in an effort to exude confidence?

NO!!!!!!! Nodbody wants to hire someone cocky, no matter how good they may be, especially if they are young.

Originally posted by Mr Black

2. Should I speak fast, or slow? Which sounds better?

Like DP said, speak normally.

Originally posted by Mr Black

3. Should emphasize my limited experience A LOT? Many of the other kids have never worked in a firm.

Cite specific examples of skills you applied and major accomplishments (even if that means little more than a new filing system, it still looks good). Otherwise, don't give an attitude that since you have that advantage that you are in for certain.

Originally posted by Mr Black

4. Should I use complicated college boy words, or just simple ones, which everyone can understand?

Use INDUSTRY lingo, it shows that you are familliar with the industry. Otherwise, use plain simple language.

Originally posted by Mr Black

5. Is inserting a joke during the interview, a good move, or bad?

Depends on the intwerviewer and what kind of sense of humour they have. My advice, refrain from jokes unless the interviewer(s) crack a few of their own, then go ahead, but be very careful not make it anything contreversial.

Originally posted by Mr Black

6. Should I pretend to be stern and tough, or should I smile a lot?

See answer to question #2

Originally posted by Mr Black
Also, I don't want the "be yourself" advice! Because sadly, sometimes "being yourself" is not good enough.

You asked for real people with real experiences, and I am one. I've also done some hiring and worked at an employment agency.

I say you are wrong there. When you're not acting yourself, it shows and it makes a very bad impression.

That said, good luck Mr. B, there's little more exciting than your first job after graduation.

 

[Pongui]

Keep in mind that the company/position may not be right for you. The interview is your chance find out. Interviews cut both ways. If the interviewer insists on a game where you beg the favour, then you know at least that one employee of the company is a really cool guy, and you can guess what kind of people are getting hired. Sell yourself, but also let them sell the position.

 

[Drewcifer]

I interview people who are looking for jobs.

If someone is giving me a false face, trying to play a con game or giving me some bs front I can usually tell right away. I don't hire them. Try to sound like you know what you are talking about but be willing to admit what you don't know. Think about what you have to offer beforehand and tell them (but don't be arrogant about it). They are probably interviewing a bunch of people and are looking for someone who can justify why they should be the one hired; give them a reason. Don't promise more than you can deliver; most interviewers have a very potent bs detector. They will ask you why you want to work there. Have a good answer.

If they don't hire you you probably didn't want to work for them in the first place. Fitting in with the culture of the business is as important as having the proper skills; if they don't hire you because they don't think you are a good mesh with their business culture they are doing you both a favor. In six months the job market will probably be booming. Be patient and wait for a job that you actually want - provided you can find another source of income until then.

 

[bobgote]

be honest and don't second guess the answers. take a bit of time to think over the question so you don't spout the same old crap. just relax for the interview, these people want more than anything someone who will integrate into the company smoothly, and being a cocky know-it-all won't get you there. as people have said, interviewers can tell when you aren't being genuine and that can only count against you.

 

[thestonesfan]

Forget honesty - just try and look good.

 

[bobgote]

Originally posted by thestonesfan
Forget honesty - just try and look good.

if your hair isn't perfect, you've lost before you've begun.

 

[thestonesfan]

Originally posted by bobgote

if your hair isn't perfect, you've lost before you've begun.

Right. Apply so much hairspray it would make your hair deflect a bullet.

 

[Pirate]

They do have a point about looking good. Even if you are applying to be a fry-cook, wear a suit.

 

[Goober]

Make sure you stick out, not like a sore thumb, but make sure you have all the requirements down pat. You need to make sure that he is gonna recognize you, so you do not just blend into the background. I remember when I got hired, I had everything necessary, resume, etc., but I also had a nice, kinda bright red fleece vest, that really made me stick out. I don't know, I think it worked. But ya, don't be overtly nervous, look good, but not a Tux, etc.

Good Luck!!!

 

[stratego]

1. Should I try to sound cocky and borderline narcissistic, in an effort to exude confidence?

Originally posted by sysyphus

NO!!!!!!! Nodbody wants to hire someone cocky, no matter how good they may be, especially if they are young.

I wouldn't agree with that completely. You don't want to take all the credit for past group achievements, but you do want to present yourself as being one of the main contributors to the groups. You want to point out all the good things you have done that others won't do as well. If you feel that your statement might sound arrogant, precede the statement with "I don't want to sound arrogant, but...."

 

[Ohkrana]

Originally posted by Mr Black
My questions are:
1. Should I try to sound cocky and borderline narcissistic, in an effort to exude confidence?

In 99% of circumstances arrogant behaviour will definately work against you. Like it or not people who perform interviews with the intent to hire are put off by the same things we as individuals are put off by. Like arrogance and a cocky attitude which can make you like look a hositile person (which would imply you are unsuited to team/group work).

Real confidence shows and will always make you attractive to an employeer (in a work related capacity).

The last impression you want to give is 'oh he's just finished college/univeristy and things he knows it all'.

2. Should I speak fast, or slow? Which sounds better?

I'd say speak clearly and at your normal pace you want them to not only hear what you are saying but also to listen to it.

I'd just interject maintaining a positive body language to match it to your presentation. Things like maintaining eye contact speak to them not at them. Using mirroring techniques to establish some kind of rapport etc.

Ultimately you don't want to control the interview you want to engage them in the interview.

3. Should emphasize my limited experience A LOT? Many of the other kids have never worked in a firm.

I'd probably say you want to mention not just your expereince but high light how that helped you. Both as a person and in applying what you've learned in your course to 'real world' situations in the work place.

An example would be...

In my employment experience I found out just how important communication skills were and this gave me opprtunity to develop and hone them further.

And cite an example of where you used communication skills to assist in your job etc.

4. Should I use complicated college boy words, or just simple ones, which everyone can understand?

If you want to alienate people sure use complicated college words. You want them to also understand what your saying as well as listen to it. You want to attract their attention and then to also keep it.

It sounds like this job fare thing you mention is a bit informal? So you want to maintain a friendly enthusiastic persona. I'd probably say ask them what their company does and enquire into whats involved job wise. I've never been to one of these job fare things you mention so I'm not sure how best to go about it.

I'd probably say recognize the fact in conversation with them that you've just finished your course and you've got alot to learn and are looking for somewhere to start work wise. Don't emphasise money - it's fine to enquire about pay rates or salary packages but you want to express that gaining expereince and employment is your main motivation. That is your 'eager to apply what you've learned in your course etc.

5. Is inserting a joke during the interview, a good move, or bad?

Cracking a joke absolutely not - you don't know these people as inidviduals or how they would react to it. A risk best not taken. Also keep in mind when people are working on the job their persona's and attitude can be very different to what they are like off the job.

Some people when working in an official capcity can be very serious and frown on any attempts of humour. Even though off the job they'd probably enjoy such humour.

6. Should I pretend to be stern and tough, or should I smile a lot?

I'll say it again and others will say it to. You need to make yourself approachable. No need to smile alot unless your that way naturally because it can make you look a little goofy.

Myself I'm very serious and dry in such situations and I've had to modify that somewhat in my dealings with interviews.

I’m real interested in your personal experiences during a job interview. This is why I’m posting in this forum, and not looking at some web-site with a boring list of things to do.

REAL people, with REAL advice!!!

Also, I don't want the "be yourself" advice! Because sadly, sometimes "being yourself" is not good enough. [/B]

I'm probably going to waffle on a bit here...so be a little patient

The points col and Drew made are spot on. Especially admitting to a gap in your knowledge and skills but you willing to learn to address said gap.

It's not about 'just being yourself' but you need to present yourself as employable. Such things as competent marks in your course you don't need excellent marks (if you do thats great) but good marks will suffice. These days employeers are looking for much more than just a great transcript. They also are looking at what sort of person you are in the context of is this person suited to the job and can they work with others as well as by himself.

If I can suggest that firm you mention you work for. Maybe you could approach somebody in that firm who has had expereince with these job fares or in hiring people in general. So you can ascertain from them what is it they look for in person - what turns them off about hiring such a person etc.

From my own experience indirectly related to this. My initial attempts at cover letters and resumes were lousy and I was lucky enough to have a friend who works in a similar area to me and also has expereince in hiring. He's criticism while at times a little harsh was invaulable and made my cover letters and resumes much much better.

If such an oppurtunity persented in converse with a potential employeer you might even mention that you weren't entirely sure of what to expect or how to conduct yourself in such an interview situation. So you asked people with expereince in hiring and employment in general for advice and criticism. Maybe you can use that maybe you can't up to your judgement.

Anyway best of luck and don't let it stress you too much.