Interview Wednesday - guys I need you to prep me

[UnatcoAgent]

Hey everyone, I've got an interview this wednesday with the City of Ottawa for a traffic counter position. It's nothing huge but it would mean I don't have to start looking for a job and it pays really well.

Anyway, if you can chip in some advice as to how to handle an interview / things to expect, it would be so appreciated.

Thanks guys!

 

[StageLeft]

Maintain eye contact, smile a lot, always interject into their boring crap with questions (I mean, when they're rambling wait until opportune moments to allow them to ramble even more, but make sure it's not just them talking and you sitting waiting to die), as if you give a damn about what they're talking about. Try to illustrate relevance between the boring crap they're talking about and something in your own life or experiences. Ask them how their company is doing and how they see the industry changing and crap. Really pat their ego

 

[RagingBITCH]

Look up "interview preparation" or something along those lines in Google. The toughest thing is the questions - print off a list of the most popular ones and practice your answers to that. Your ability to quickly spew out an answer and what you say in the answer is what a lot of your interview is based off of, in addition to how you come off to them and your appearance.

 

[bleeb]

My guess is that they'll ask you the standard, typical H/R Mob questions:

1. What kind of work environment are you looking for?
2. What is your dream boss?
3. What experiences do you have that will enrich the current one you are applying for?
4. What are some bad qualities?
5. What are your best qualities?
6. What do you bring to this position?
7. Describe a time when you had problems with co-workers/boss/customers/etc.
8. If you were a professor, how would you describe you?
9. What would your old boss say about you?
10. How do you manage time?
11. What are your goals? (short & long term)?
12.

 

[badmouse]

Be interested in the interviewer. At the beginning, say thank you a lot and ask a generic question, such as "how long have you been doing this?" or "nice chair, I had one of those at my last job" or "interesting mousepad" etc (they hear an awful lot about the weather, but there's nothing really wrong with the weather). Don't talk about the traffic.

Other than that, be professional (polite), think ahead of time about what you need to ask such as when would I start, what are the hours, anything I need to know about the job?

Don't ask about perks and benefits until after they offer you the job.

Say thank you again, it was nice talking to you, and smile when you leave. Be sure to note down the name of the interviewer and send them a note later.

Practice at home, in front of the mirror, saying hello and some of your generic chitchat. It helps. If you have another person handy, have them ask you the standard interview questions (see other posts) so that you get some practice.

 

[UnatcoAgent]

Truly helpful, thank you so much guys.

Anyone else have any advice?

 

[djNickb]

No matter how hot the receptionist is, refrain from hitting on her until you have got the job.

 

[z0mb13]

strong first handshake is a must..

 

[PingSpike]

Send a thank you note after the interview, and try to make it a good one that they can connect your face too. I usually forget to do that, but actually remembered this time.

 

[Kyteland]

Quick test question:

"If you could be either a peanut or a wombat, which would you be and why?"

If you get it wrong you have no chance of being hired.

 

[Raj]

THREE THINGS.


COVER LETTER,

RESUME

FOLLOW UP LETTER.

on and dress well. most people underestimate how important the follow up letter is.

 

[UnatcoAgent]

Originally posted by: Raj
THREE THINGS.


COVER LETTER,

RESUME

FOLLOW UP LETTER.

on and dress well. most people underestimate how important the follow up letter is.

So should I bring a copy of the cover letter / resume which I submitted earlier ? And then also bring a follow up letter, or just submit it afterwards ?

 

[dirtboy]

Be confident, even if you're not.