Expert Chat: Job Interviews

Carrie: How do you.. mentally prepare yourself for an interview? They're horrible.

Jade: They are! I always ask a friend to ask me questions, so i get some practice beforehand. Then I can go in feeling a bit more prepared and not having to think so hard. You can download sample questions from the internet, they give you some idea of the most commonly asked questions, such as how you managed a difficult situation, or something you feel really proud of. Lots of organisations will ask you why you want to work for them instead of all the other organisations out there. This shows whether you have done your research or not! Most also ask about your previous experience, and how you can use it to show you have the skills we need for the role - that's something you can (and should!) prep before the interview. It may also help to remember that everyone is a bit nervous before an interview, the interviewers want to see what you are capable of, not make your life difficult, and that a few nerves can help you perform better.

Jo7: There are some good tips on The Mix about preparation too :) http://www.themix.org.uk/work-and-study/getting-a-job/job-interview-tips-1218.html

Carrie: What if you don't have previous experience?

Jade: One of the things I have noticed from interviewing people for entry level roles is that loads of people are really bad at translating what they have done in their life (through volunteering, at school etc.) into skills and experience.

Carrie: Hmm I reckon that's a complicated one and has a lot to do with how they see themselves

Jade: I totally agree. People often have trouble selling themselves. But someone I interviewed talked about how she was responsible for getting her 6 younger siblings ready for school and then taking them there, because her parents worked shifts. She took that and said that she had fantastic organizational and problem solving skills, event management experience and conflict management skills. It was such an impressive answer! It takes practice, but employers are looking for you to demonstrate you can learn from your experiences.

Jacob: Is it true that the first 20 seconds of an interview is the only thing that matters?

Jade: It depends on what you do in the first 20 seconds! I would say no, although that first impression does count.

Jacob: So when you walk into an interview, how you're dressed and how you look that affects it a lot right? Do you have to wear like suits to every interview?

Jade: Appearing like you have made an effort always makes a good impression. But interviewers are looking for the best person for the job and their first impression can and does change. I think it depends on the organisation. If everyone comes to work in a suit then probably yes. Generally, you just need to look like you have made an effort - clean, tidy, in something comfortable.

Michelle: First 20 seconds of my first interview, I cried I was that nervous, still got the job in the end up. But yea I think how you like act and stuff does have an impact.

Jade: I dont know anyone that doesn't get nervous before an interview! Interviewers expect it, and normally want to try and help people relax to get a good idea of what they are like.

Michelle: Was my first interview too, but once I was offered the job I was given like feedback and thinks that I could improve if I was to have another interview. I liked that part of it.

Jade: Good point, feedback is so important! If you don't get feedback, you can always ask for it.

Sandra: How do you cope when your mind goes blank in the middle of the interview and you can't get the words out?

Jade: This is a really common problem and happens quite often. Put yourself back in control by saying 'can you repeat the question please' or just coming out with it - 'I'm a bit nervous and my mind has gone blank - could you ask me the question again please?' It would also be perfectly ok to say 'I've gone blank, could you ask me another question and come back to this one in a bit?'

James: For lots of people, good preparation can really help with nerves.

Jade: Yes, exactly! It takes out some of the unknowns, a bit like getting an exam question you know the answer to. Mock interviews are a good option, and help you think about what you want to get across to the interviewer and give you a few points in your head to work into answers.

James: Take a look at our Q&A on interview preparation, worth a read!

Jo7: What about at the end when they ask if you have any questions - what sort of thing should you ask??

Jade: Especially for entry level roles, I would ask what the organisation has in place to support staff, whether there is training available to the successful candidate, and what kind and maybe the three most important projects the organisation is undertaking in the next year (that one puts the interviewers on the spot!) You could also ask about the team the role is in, what other areas of the organisation you might work with regularly, if there are opportunities to progress in the organisation..

Michelle: Oo... My mother always told me to ask them something no matter how silly is it, just don't ask how much you are gonna be payed. I normally come out with do I have a uniform.

Jade: There is absolutely nothing wrong with asking what the position pays, who wouldnt want to know!

Carrie: Is it okay to say 'nope, no questions' or probably something better like 'I think what we spoke about has covered everything I wanted to know'.. Is that okay or would that put the interviewer off

Jade: The second option is better there. It is a bit hard to believe that someone can't think of a single question, I always think they just want to get out of there! Asking questions shows you have probably thought about what to ask, and are interested, rather than you just want to run away.

James: As an interviewer, what qualities are you looking for in an interviewee?

Jade: I think interviewers are looking for someone who can do the work but also for someone who will fit into the organization and get along with others. So the qualities they are looking for are good communication, flexibility, problem solving skills, but also how someone manages themselves - asking for clarification if they don't understand a question, and isnt afraid to be themselves

Jade: What I mean by that is don't be afraid to let your personality show! A lot of younger people I interview are so nervous and stiff that it is really difficult to tell what they are like. It seems that they are trying so hard to tell me what they think I want to hear that they don't really answer the question. I want to know how the candidate is going to get along with everyone and that they have opinions and a life outside work!