Looking for help with upcoming job interview

[brendannz]

I have a job interview this week

It's 35 hours working at the materials store in an art school.. It probably won't be a very high paid job, but I'll probably wear casual, and it's at an art school so it should be up my alley (and this is priceless to me) So I'll be able to work on my artwork on the side. Having to work 40-45 hours in a job I really don't like, can suck, quite a bit.

In the past, I have been nervous and tongue-tied in job interviews so this is something I'll have to work on, but i think if I prepare well then it should go well. As well, it seems like the sort of job where I'll be more able to be myself in.

At the moment, I'm working from home on an e-commerce store website for a company on the other side of the world. It's very cruisy, I've done this from home for a year and a half, and it's OK, but working late nights from home with no people contact. Plus it's probably not going anywhere, so probably time for a change.

Any advice for the upcoming interview would be appreciated..

I want the job enough to post asking for help

[CoolBee]

Ok first off, do you match or exceed the requirements for the job.

If you exceed the requirements - work on answering the inevitable 'you're too highly qualified for this job and you won't stick it if we give it you therefore we won't give it to you' orientated questions.

Given that it's a materials store at an art school, do they normally have student part-time workers or full-timers. If so, what is the difference between the work?

Focus on what THEY want from YOU and why you will fit it - you are presumably reasonably knowledgable about art supplies and capable of advising customers should they need it.

Are there specific areas you have got 'tongue tied' on before?

Think of some experiences in your life (work or leisure or uni) which show your competence at working with customers, in art supplies, handling difficult customers, complaints etc.

PS in the UK it would be normal advice NOT to dress down for an interview. It's a 'formal meeting' and should be dressed accordingly (unless of course you are coming straight in off the street in answer to a card in a window asking for staff or whatever!) - maybe it's different in your neck of the woods?

[Manomanman]

Sell yourself.

Take this resume and turn it into a script that you follow through the interview.

If your resume or application doesn't look like that, you're going to get inane questions like, "What color car would you be and why?"

Emphasize the 4 headline in the 2nd resume on that page in every response you give.

Bottom line:
FOCUS ON WHATS IN IT FOR THEM IF THEY HIRE YOU.

[roxyruby]

Brendz what are a few particular thoughts or beliefs that are causing you stress? Give em to me

[Angela]

What's the value you have to provide for them that lights you up, excites you and motivates you? What is it about them (the art school) that lights you up?

[marinik]

I had 7 candidates today. I loved 3 of them because they listened to my questions and answered them to the best of their knowledge and ability. The first of the 7 (I didn't like) told me that what she does in her free time has nothing to do with the work she will be doing for us. BS! on the contrary! I want to know who the person behind the diploma is. I need a team player and a coworker and not only a degree and set of skills. So dear B be yourself and don't worry about the stage fright and the tied tongue. We (HR's) are used to it. Just listen and be yourself.
Love m

[CoolBee]

Originally Posted by marinik

The first of the 7 (I didn't like) told me that what she does in her free time has nothing to do with the work she will be doing for us. BS! on the contrary! I want to know who the person behind the diploma is. I need a team player and a coworker and not only a degree and set of skills.

Very important point this!! If you are looking for people to work well with other people, it's not so much what you do outside work as the fact you have an outside life, particularly if you are looking for people to work in close relations with others, as in teams etc..

As a manager you may not particularly care whether someone has an outside life, wanting someone for their technical competence, but other people working in the team will care big time - and no, don't ask me how I know

[rei]

Originally Posted by CoolBee

Very important point this!! If you are looking for people to work well with other people, it's not so much what you do outside work as the fact you have an outside life, particularly if you are looking for people to work in close relations with others, as in teams etc..

As a manager you may not particularly care whether someone has an outside life, wanting someone for their technical competence, but other people working in the team will care big time - and no, don't ask me how I know

Are you saying this question is to weed out whether you have family or whether you can/will be more likely to devote time to the company?

I am confused and wondering if that's what you mean?

Brendan, a teeny bit of nervousness can actually help you. I agree with the idea of thinking about what you can offer them, why you are the best for the job, as well as think of why you would enjoy being part of their company so much. I think this will be reflected in your energy.

Really interesting that HR folks are not cool with setting boundaries about personal time... I did not know, and that's useful info!

[Angela]

Brendannz, try spinning. It's a great tool for job interviews.

[CoolBee]

Originally Posted by rei

Are you saying this question is to weed out whether you have family or whether you can/will be more likely to devote time to the company?

I am confused and wondering if that's what you mean?

Brendan, a teeny bit of nervousness can actually help you. I agree with the idea of thinking about what you can offer them, why you are the best for the job, as well as think of why you would enjoy being part of their company so much. I think this will be reflected in your energy.

Really interesting that HR folks are not cool with setting boundaries about personal time... I did not know, and that's useful info!

Gosh no - it's not about that at all!!

Modern business it's all about TEAM work - this means people have to be SOCIABLE. This shows up in whether they have any kind of outside life (never mind whether it's banging that head that doesn't bang at death metal gigs or helping with flower arranging at the church). It's definitely not about 'job commitment''!

If you take on someone who has no outside interests other than work, then it can play hard with other team people, particularly if the person shows no interest in other people in the team and their outside life (eg not asking questions such as 'did you have a nice holiday X?' or 'who wants tea?')

You could have the most technically perfect person turn up for a job, but they can completely and utterly destroy a team if they have no social skillset. I've seen it happen at close quarters I'm sorry to say. In fact, one could say that amongst any reasonably qualified people - say any graduate in any subject - it is the interpersonal skills that far outweigh technical abilities in the modern corporate environment.

[Manomanman]

Originally Posted by CoolBee

Gosh no - it's not about that at all!!

Modern business it's all about TEAM work - this means people have to be SOCIABLE. This shows shows up in whether they have any kind of outside life (never mind whether it's banging that head that doesn't bang at death metal gigs or helping with flower arranging at the church). It's definitely not about 'job commitment''!

If you take on someone who has no outside interests other than work, then it can play hard with other team people, particularly if the person shows no interest in other people in the team and their outside life (eg not asking questions such as 'did you have a nice holiday X?' or 'who wants tea?')

You could have the most technically perfect person turn up for a job, but they can completely and utterly destroy a team if they have no social skillset. I've seen it happen at close quarters I'm sorry to say. In fact, one could say that amongst any reasonably qualified people - say any graduate in any subject - it is the interpersonal skills that far outweight technical abilities in the modern corporate environment.

In other words, show them you're the best fit for the job.

SHOW them.

[brendannz]

Originally Posted by roxyruby

Brendz what are a few particular thoughts or beliefs that are causing you stress? Give em to me

Nothing in particular, I think I just need to do preparation for it..

[brendannz]

Originally Posted by roxyruby

Brendz what are a few particular thoughts or beliefs that are causing you stress?

Actually, now that i think about it, I do have some "I'm not good enough" beliefs at the core to work through. But it will probably just be a matter of preparing the best I can for this interview. I'll go OK if I prepare well, and also realising that you can only do your best because they'll be interviewing many people..

I'll probably be a leading candidate though, but it may come down to 2 people for one position you never know, so you can only give your best..

I'm casually preparing.

[ellie]

Good luck Brendannz. If it helps I am terrible at interviews...but I still think I am smart

[marinik]

Spot on my dear friend! In the new job environment it is the "whole person" what counts apart from the skill set. When you have 2 or more applicants that are close in them (skills) you choose the one that has " a life" because he/she wold be more stable and a better team player as almost a rule.

Originally Posted by CoolBee

Gosh no - it's not about that at all!!

Modern business it's all about TEAM work - this means people have to be SOCIABLE. This shows up in whether they have any kind of outside life (never mind whether it's banging that head that doesn't bang at death metal gigs or helping with flower arranging at the church). It's definitely not about 'job commitment''!

If you take on someone who has no outside interests other than work, then it can play hard with other team people, particularly if the person shows no interest in other people in the team and their outside life (eg not asking questions such as 'did you have a nice holiday X?' or 'who wants tea?')

You could have the most technically perfect person turn up for a job, but they can completely and utterly destroy a team if they have no social skillset. I've seen it happen at close quarters I'm sorry to say. In fact, one could say that amongst any reasonably qualified people - say any graduate in any subject - it is the interpersonal skills that far outweigh technical abilities in the modern corporate environment.

[brendannz]

Originally Posted by marinik

The first of the 7 (I didn't like) told me that what she does in her free time has nothing to do with the work she will be doing for us. BS! on the contrary!

That's just snappy, and almost rude..

Very odd thing to say..

[rei]

Originally Posted by CoolBee

Gosh no - it's not about that at all!!

Modern business it's all about TEAM work - this means people have to be SOCIABLE. This shows up in whether they have any kind of outside life (never mind whether it's banging that head that doesn't bang at death metal gigs or helping with flower arranging at the church). It's definitely not about 'job commitment''!

If you take on someone who has no outside interests other than work, then it can play hard with other team people, particularly if the person shows no interest in other people in the team and their outside life (eg not asking questions such as 'did you have a nice holiday X?' or 'who wants tea?')

You could have the most technically perfect person turn up for a job, but they can completely and utterly destroy a team if they have no social skillset. I've seen it happen at close quarters I'm sorry to say. In fact, one could say that amongst any reasonably qualified people - say any graduate in any subject - it is the interpersonal skills that far outweigh technical abilities in the modern corporate environment.

Originally Posted by marinik

Spot on my dear friend! In the new job environment it is the "whole person" what counts apart from the skill set. When you have 2 or more applicants that are close in them (skills) you choose the one that has " a life" because he/she wold be more stable and a better team player as almost a rule.

Just now checking this thread, I appreciate the responses. And I'm glad I misunderstood!

Okay, so I have some friends who I meet up with regularly to do metaphysical things. Many are witches. I live in the Bible Belt (U.S.). How am I supposed to explain this in a way that is authentic and not off-putting for the likely mainstream Christian who would be talking to me?

Technically religion has no bearing in a professional setting. Practically speaking, around here it often does. I don't want to lie but don't want to conjure up (lol) images that are not based on the reality either. And I don't think I could draw from any social circles comprised of "safe" people either. Not for the mainstream views of the area...

@Brendan: Did you go through with the interview? How did it go?

[dendennz]

Hi hi

From a fellow Kiwi perspective, here's the things that I'd be really clear on in my head:

1. That you know art supplies - you buy them regularly
2. That you're highly organised - you keep your own supplies tidily, other places you have worked require you to be tidy, and that you're not afraid of a bit of physical effort to ensure they are kept in appropriate places.
3. That you're resourceful e.g. you know that just because someone comes in asking for (i don't know art paint brands so go with me here!!!) Dulux 456-7 and that you don't have it in supply that Resene 458 will help.
4. That you are well versed on good qualities of art supplies - brushes, canvases, chalks, paints, pencils, easels, paper, card, adhesives etc and their uses.
5. That you know how to sell : your Friday night market is a classic example and your TradeMe sales.
6. That you know art - take in one or two of your own pieces just quietly in a bag in case there is an opportunity, along with your photography.
7. That you are keen to learn more about the art world - other media types e.g. chalks, decoupage, mixed media, steampunk (!) even..
8. That you know of good books and books that are considered to be "the" oracle of certain art types.
9. You know how to engage a person in conversation, about art things and that you may be the "face" of the store that causes the people to come back to buy more.

The other things like punctuality, attention to detail, time keeping etc are givens.

I figure this may be a little too late - hope it goes/went well hon.

Cheers,

Jenny.

Originally Posted by brendannz

Any advice for the upcoming interview would be appreciated..

I want the job enough to post asking for help

[ssandra]

Originally Posted by rei

Okay, so I have some friends who I meet up with regularly to do metaphysical things. Many are witches. I live in the Bible Belt (U.S.). How am I supposed to explain this in a way that is authentic and not off-putting for the likely mainstream Christian who would be talking to me?

I have a group of friends and aquaintences with whom I regularly meet up to discuss spirituality. Although it is nothing formal, I am often the one who organizes the group and arranges the meet ups. I believe I can take this skill with me in this position as well, seeing as I will have to organize several organizations working together.

You are not lying, and you are telling the whole truth. You are also continuing the conversation in a way that makes it relevant to the job, by mentioning that you are the main organizer of the events and how that will benefit them when they hire you.

(I'm just assuming that this is true... you can have several things you can use here such as "Often I am one of the leaders in the discussion" / "At times I have to mediate between differences in opinions" etc).

[ssandra]

Originally Posted by dendennz

Hi hi

From a fellow Kiwi perspective, here's the things that I'd be really clear on in my head:

1. That you know art supplies - you buy them regularly
2. That you're highly organised - you keep your own supplies tidily, other places you have worked require you to be tidy, and that you're not afraid of a bit of physical effort to ensure they are kept in appropriate places.
3. That you're resourceful e.g. you know that just because someone comes in asking for (i don't know art paint brands so go with me here!!!) Dulux 456-7 and that you don't have it in supply that Resene 458 will help.
4. That you are well versed on good qualities of art supplies - brushes, canvases, chalks, paints, pencils, easels, paper, card, adhesives etc and their uses.
5. That you know how to sell : your Friday night market is a classic example and your TradeMe sales.
6. That you know art - take in one or two of your own pieces just quietly in a bag in case there is an opportunity, along with your photography.
7. That you are keen to learn more about the art world - other media types e.g. chalks, decoupage, mixed media, steampunk (!) even..
8. That you know of good books and books that are considered to be "the" oracle of certain art types.
9. You know how to engage a person in conversation, about art things and that you may be the "face" of the store that causes the people to come back to buy more.

The other things like punctuality, attention to detail, time keeping etc are givens.

I figure this may be a little too late - hope it goes/went well hon.

Cheers,

Jenny.

His interview is coming week

Just wanted to mention that I think this is EXCELLENT advice!

[rei]

Originally Posted by ssandra

I have a group of friends and aquaintences with whom I regularly meet up to discuss spirituality. Although it is nothing formal, I am often the one who organizes the group and arranges the meet ups. I believe I can take this skill with me in this position as well, seeing as I will have to organize several organizations working together.

You are not lying, and you are telling the whole truth. You are also continuing the conversation in a way that makes it relevant to the job, by mentioning that you are the main organizer of the events and how that will benefit them when they hire you.

(I'm just assuming that this is true... you can have several things you can use here such as "Often I am one of the leaders in the discussion" / "At times I have to mediate between differences in opinions" etc).

Thank you, Sandra. I guess if they interpret this to mean bible study, it is on them ^_^

I wonder if the HR department of a social services agency would have similar interests? Yeah, I guess you can go into social services and still not have very good interpersonal skills.

Now I am wondering if introversion is seen as a problem. Not shyness... Goodness, guess it would be better to start a new thread huh? Sorry Brendan!

[ssandra]

Originally Posted by rei

Now I am wondering if introversion is seen as a problem. Not shyness... Goodness, guess it would be better to start a new thread huh? Sorry Brendan!

I think you would have to be careful mentioning it, because many people still think introversion is the same as shyness.

I think it is good to package introversion differently.

I work very well in a team and have natural leadership abilities. But often I feel I am at my best working alone, since that gives me the space to really be the best I can be.


Of course, only if working alone is one of the requirements.. don't say this where a team player is extremely important

Edit: Ask a friendly Mod to make this last few into your own thread?

[rei]

Well, I already have a lot going on and don't really have my perspective solid enough for a thread right now... without just asking a bunch of random questions... so I will say again, sorry to Brendan! Mods can split this from his thread if they want to, up to you

[brendannz]

Hey guys,

The interview was today. They didn't really ask the typical job interview questions, they were more interested in who I was as a person.. which makes a bit of sense for the role. Would be a cool place to work..

It was quite interesting. I think I did quite well in the interview.. Will have to wait and see.

I didn't really use the feedback in this post, so much, but I think the 2 years I've been on this forum, the feedback I've received has been really helpful in general, and I think I was more able to put my best self forward at the interview with help from these forums over the years.

[brendannz]

Originally Posted by rei

Well, I already have a lot going on and don't really have my perspective solid enough for a thread right now... without just asking a bunch of random questions... so I will say again, sorry to Brendan! Mods can split this from his thread if they want to, up to you

I'm a bit puzzled what happened here.. haha

[brendannz]

[QUOTE=dendennz;565773]

From a fellow Kiwi perspective, here's the things that I'd be really clear on in my head:

This was probably the best response I got, but I didn't read it in time..

2. That you're highly organised - you keep your own supplies tidily, other places you have worked require you to be tidy, and that you're not afraid of a bit of physical effort to ensure they are kept in appropriate places.

When they asked a weakness, I mentioned I make a bit of mess with my own prints business (cutting the cardboard) but I'm considerate of others and make the effort.. But I think they said something about them being a messy workplace or something, haha

5. That you know how to sell : your Friday night market is a classic example and your TradeMe sales.

Yep, I talked about my trademe store..

6. That you know art - take in one or two of your own pieces just quietly in a bag in case there is an opportunity, along with your photography.

I talked about my artwork, but my mum told me not to bring along prints, I probably should've since they're A4 size and I brought references anyway.. But anyway I talked about how I sell prints of my artwork online and at stores, and also talked about how I work on an e-commerce site which they're thinking of doing in future, so that went quite well..

The other things like punctuality, attention to detail, time keeping etc are givens.

I was pretty marginal with getting there on time, which was a bit of a problem (trouble finding it) but the receptionist was busy and she took a while to come down, so most likely it wouldn't have been noticed. (I hope)

I told her I drove past the place, anyway.

[rei]

Originally Posted by brendannz

I'm a bit puzzled what happened here.. haha

I am getting ready to do the job application thing, so I stopped myself from hijacking your thread

I am glad to hear your interview went well! Hope you get it

[dendennz]

All the very best Brendan - hope you don't have to wait long for an offer/response!

Sounds like the interview was fairly laid back. Isn't that a PAIN when you can't find the place: I always do a reccy of somewhere on the weekend before (if it's possible) to suss it out esp. when i think time is really important.

Fingers crossed now

Cheers,

Jenny.

[brendannz]

OK guys,

I was supposed to hear back this afternoon, and now it's 5:40pm and I haven't heard anything.

So the likelihood is that I didn't get the job. But it's not definite.. Ahh well..

2 months ago I was cruising through life, and now it's a struggle, but something will work itself out, or I'll work something out.