I recently had a job interview. It went very well. I have tried for this position about 7 times and never gotten past the initial phone interview. This time I landed an in-person interview and am greatly looking forward to it.
In the past I wasn’t prepared, stuttered and stammered whereas this time I prepared myself and decided to just be me. I have the necessary qualifications or I wouldn’t have applied for the job in the first place. So “just be me” seemed appropriate. You shouldn’t try to make yourself fit the position, you should already fit.
I have been reading a lot of articles on interviewing and I think you cannot get enough advice and prep for an upcoming interview. The article I read last had thirty interview questions and how to prepare for each one. It was very thorough. From the classic “tell us a little about yourself” to “where do you see yourself in 5 years” and how do you handle difficult situations. I did some serious thinking about each question and gained some insight that I believe will come in handy.
I also sat down with my sister-in-law and her sister for a previous interview and we brainstormed questions and answers and it was very helpful. Don’t hesitate to ask family and friends for help preparing. Every little bit helps.
I know I will be nervous at the interview. It is a job I have wanted to pursue for many years and I’ve finally gotten a chance to prove myself worthy. It’s okay to be nervous. It’s okay to write down notes and ideas and take them with you. It shows that you care and are prepared. Remember to have some questions to ask them like “what are the next steps in the hiring process?” or “what does a typical day look like?”. Show that you are interested in knowing about them as much as they are interested in knowing you.
I have been at my current job for 14 years. And the job before that I was at 10 years. I’ve also been at my retail job just short of 5 years. Having long term jobs hasn’t prepared me for job interviews. So please don’t think I’m an expert on the subject. I just know that preparation is the key to being successful.
When I interviewed for the initial job that got me into my current employer I remember one interview question that totally threw me for a loop. The question was “If you could invite three people to dinner, living or dead, who would they be and why?” I believe it is to see how you think on the spur of the moment. Fast thinking. And it does tell a bit about your personality. That question has stuck with me for 24 years. Not something I was prepared for at all but I just answered “as me.” And I ended up getting that job.
Have you ever had any off the wall questions in an interview? Or, any questions that have stuck with you? Let me know what they are. I’d love to hear your comments. As always, thanks for reading and live life to the fullest.
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