topic Re: Job Interview Insight in Community Chat

Job Interview Insight

JBKO — Wed, 10 Feb 2016 22:47:15 GMT

f think I like getting my period more than going on a job interview. Has anyone been on the other side and interviewed candidates for your company? How many people on average are interviewed for a position? I know every industry is different, but I would like any tips from anyone who knows more about this than me. TIA

Re: Job Interview Insight

lovethgedress — Wed, 10 Feb 2016 22:52:24 GMT

I work in a medical field and find it challenging to find qualified candidates. We phone screen to determine their experience and narrow our selection but rarely interview more than 2 or 3 in person.

Re: Job Interview Insight

winamac1 — Wed, 10 Feb 2016 22:55:24 GMT

Phone screens are the norm, and then they usually bring 6 to 7 candidates in to interview. At least that's how it is in my field. They narrow it down to 3 and those 3 go to a Regional Vice President. After that, they select their candidate. I think it just varies from industry to industry.

Good luck!!

Re: Job Interview Insight

Kachina624 — Wed, 10 Feb 2016 22:58:19 GMT

If you feel that your interviewing skills are rusty, consider taking part in a job search workshop at your local workforce center. It's free and they can help with resumes, making cold calls (the worse), as well as interviewing. Look in the government pages of your phone book.

Re: Job Interview Insight

scotnovel — Wed, 10 Feb 2016 23:04:40 GMT

What kind of job/what industry? Are you looking for entry level or do you have experience?

Re: Job Interview Insight

truffle — Wed, 10 Feb 2016 23:04:48 GMT

I interviewed some people for a clerical - data processing job many years ago and in walked this beautiful woman with an impeccable resume and when I told my boss it was my intention to hire her she put the kibosh on that. She told me to hire an average woman. So, there you have it. Perhaps she would have only used that job as a springboard but she was the best qualified. It was the first time I had ever interviewed and quite the eye opener. My boss and I differed in opinion on who we ultimately hired; I should say who she ultimately hired and that's where I will end this convo because I quit my job in disgust or I should say that was the last straw.

Re: Job Interview Insight

sassenach1 — Wed, 10 Feb 2016 23:08:37 GMT

Role play. Practice. Be confident, but humble. Interviewing can be intimidating, but if you want the job, you need to be professional and show yourself in the best light. Make a list of common challenges you have encountered in your work life. How did you overcome them and how did you work it out? What have you done in the past to make yourself successful? Write these things down and be able to bring them out when needed.

Project positivity. The interviewer can feel negativity and you don't want that.

Google how to interview successfully.

Re: Job Interview Insight

JBKO — Wed, 10 Feb 2016 23:09:12 GMT

I have 5 years part-time experience working in cultural institutions you would all have heard of. I am not sure if that is entry-level or not. I haven't been able to get full-time work.

Re: Job Interview Insight

fortune — Wed, 10 Feb 2016 23:14:40 GMT

@DiscountDiva wrote:
f think I like getting my period more than going on a job interview. Has anyone been on the other side and interviewed candidates for your company? How many people on average are interviewed for a position? I know every industry is different, but I would like any tips from anyone who knows more about this than me. TIA

When looking for a person to fill a job, I always looked for the person who had experience in doing what the job required. Do your homework to find out what that particular position requires. Then, do a resume' that is tailored to that job. Also, if they call you for an interview, dress for success and portray experience and confidence!

Re: Job Interview Insight

elated — Wed, 10 Feb 2016 23:36:27 GMT

These interview tips cover all the basics you need to know to ace a job interview. From checking out the company to sending an interview thank you note, make your interview a success when you follow these tips.

Tim Kitchen/Stone/Getty Images

Avoid Interview Mistakes

What shouldn't you do when interviewing? Check out the most common job interview mistakes, blunders, and errors a candidate for employment can make. Then take the time to prepare before your interview, so you don't have to stress afterwards.

Altrendo / Getty Images

Dress for Interview Success

The first impression you make on a potential employer can make a big difference. The first judgement an interviewer makes is going to be based on how you look and what you are wearing. That's why it's always important to dress appropriately for a job interview.

Improve Your Interview Technique

A job interview gives you a chance to shine. What you say and do will either move you to the next round of consideration for employment or knock you out of contention More »

Take the Time to Say Thank You

Taking the time to say thank you after a job interview not only is good interview etiquette, but also reinforces your interest in the position. Use your thank you letter, as well, to address any issues and concerns that came up during the interview. More »

Tara Moore

Practice Interviewing

Taking the time to review typical interview questions you will probably be asked during a job interview will help give you a framework for your responses. It will also calm your frazzled nerves, because you won't be scrambling for an answer while you're in the interview hot seat. Practice interviewing with a friend or family member ahead of time and it will be much easier when you're actually in a job interview. More »

Dimitri Otis / Getty Images

Use Your Contacts

Who you know at the company you are interviewing with really does matter. Here's how to use your contacts and connections to get an insider advantage so you can ace the interview and impress the interviewer More »

Check Out the Company

How much do you know about the company that just contacted you to schedule an interview? It should be plenty, and all the information you need is available online. Here are tips on how to research a company, get the inside scoop on the company culture, and use your connections to get an interview advantage. More »

Image Copyright Getty Images / Sam Diephuis

Prepare for a Phone Interview

While you're actively job searching, it's important to be prepared for a phone interview on a moment's notice. You never know when a recruiter or a networking contact might call and ask if you have a few minutes to talk. Review these tips for advice on how to pull off your phone interview without a hitch.

Re: Job Interview Insight

Tantallum — Thu, 11 Feb 2016 00:09:37 GMT

@lovethgedress wrote:
I work in a medical field and find it challenging to find qualified candidates. We phone screen to determine their experience and narrow our selection but rarely interview more than 2 or 3 in person.

I couldn't agree more. I am also a hiring manager in the medical field and do the same thing. We phone screen a lot, and bring in no more than 5 candidates. Sometimes only 2-3.

I have interviewed a lot of people. Here are my top few observations and recommendations

1. Do as much research as you can on the company and position. That will impress the interviewer.

2. Be honest about why you want the position, but also...be excited. The job I hire for hires nurses and pharmacists, but it is actually an office type job. When people tell me they want this job because they get to sit down instead of be on their feet all day OR they say 'I've been out of work so I applied to everywhere that was hiring, I just need a job, any job", those are an automatic no thanks. Same for people that interrupt me to ask about the time off days, and if they can have a flexible schedule, and what is the maximum they can work from home, etc. we want someone who wants to work here because they like the mission and they will be passionate about the job! You would be surprised at how many people fail what I consider to be the most basic interview question "why do you want to work here?" The real question behind this is, 'what will you bring to the job, tell me why I should pick you over the others'

3. Have a really good explanation for any job hopping in your resume. it is always said that missing periods on your resume is alarming, but to me job hopping is worse. There's a reason someone can't or won't stay at any one job for more than 18 months and I don't want to find out myself after I spent months training you. Maybe more important for my organization because there is so much training involved in new hires.

4. I always ask potentially negative-answer inducing questions like, 'what did you think of your last/current boss?' and 'what type of people do you find it hard to work with?' If someone has a tendency to be the complaining type, here is where it will come out.

5. As I mentioned we hire health care professionals and they are always surprised when we ask them clinical questions like, tell me about X medication or how you would treat Y. we also have them take a math test. If your job requires specific knowledge or skills, be ready to show them off.

6. Most important: the interviewer is exactly as nervous as you are and enjoys the process just as much (which means not at all!!) I have had so many doozy interviews, I could fill pages....

but I digress, best of luck to you on your job search! I have hired 2 awesome people in the past 3 years, so the painful interview process is all worth it when a job and an employee find a good match!

Re: Job Interview Insight

luv-the-Q — Wed, 10 Feb 2016 23:47:16 GMT

I think the interviews are the easy part. It's the actual job that is a challenge.😏

Re: Job Interview Insight

gardensla — Thu, 11 Feb 2016 00:50:56 GMT

I've been on the hiring manager side of the table many times. Let me give you a few pieces of insight that you might useful:

1. I want you to be "the one" and am rooting for you (it might not look that way as I aks challenging questions and follow-up, but believe me, if you got as far as a sit down with me, you have what I want)

2. I want you to come in with an understanding that I am at a point of pain and need someone, now. To that end, come in prepared to give me concrete ideas about how you're going to solve my problem. They don't need to be the exact answers; I just want to understand how you think and how you approach problem solving. Can you make us more efficient? Can you save us money? Can you bring a past experience that can be tailored to us? Can you hit the ground running?

3. I don't want you to tell me what you think I want to hear. Remember, I've been on your side of the table and read all the same articles you have about how to give the "right" answer to questions. I'll know when you're playing it safe. Tell me what you honestly think and if I'm not asking the correct questions, don't hesitate to try and redirect the conversation.

4. Look me in the eye, give me a firm handshake, and know that it's not much more comfortable being on the hiring side of the desk. I'm nervous too.

Re: Job Interview Insight

photodreamr — Thu, 11 Feb 2016 00:54:00 GMT

I have been on both sides. What I found is helpful is taking a course or read something on how to inview people. It helped me, because you get to learn some of the skills the person who is interviewing you may have amd what they may be looking for.

Once I started interviewing people to fill positions my skills of preparing for an interview went up. I leaned the questions and what were the better ways of answering the questions.

Other than that prepare, prepare and prepare. Always be honest.

Re: Job Interview Insight

hoosieroriginal — Thu, 11 Feb 2016 02:16:40 GMT

Don't get discouraged! In 2008 when the bottom dropped out I was laid off and it took 6 months to find something. It takes people so long to get back to you when you interview and sometimes they don't even contact you to let you know you didn't get it - so you never know. It's frustrating. I went on interviews I was certain I was getting and -- nothing. Then one day I got called with two job offers - so hang in there! Your perfect job will come along.

Re: Job Interview Insight

JBKO — Thu, 11 Feb 2016 02:41:47 GMT

That is so sweet hoosiergirl! Really? Two offers in one day? I'd feel invincible if that were to happen! THank you everyone for your replies so far. I have to say that about 4 years ago I had people on this forum be so cruel to me when I was going through a hard time (still am). It is making me cry just thinking about it. But I still keep coming because some of you are so helpful and wonderful.

Re: Job Interview Insight

blackhole99 — Thu, 11 Feb 2016 02:58:54 GMT

I've been retired since 2004, but I can still remember the interview I had for my last job. I had a lot of experience and was no kid and made sure I used all the buzz words they wanted to hear They hired me on the spot and I stayed at that facility for 6 years.

Re: Job Interview Insight

pattypeep — Thu, 11 Feb 2016 03:18:29 GMT

I hired and fired for many years prior to retiring; however, I worked in Government, so the applicants had to go through our personnel department where they were screened and tested prior to our interviewing them. We usually ended up with about six applicants.

Re: Job Interview Insight

Desertdi — Thu, 11 Feb 2016 04:49:22 GMT

Glad I'm retired. I have been told at interviews, "Your references must all be dead".............and, "You're older than my grandmother".

Re: Job Interview Insight

Chrystaltree2 — Thu, 11 Feb 2016 18:55:53 GMT

I've interviewed hundreds of job candidates over the years. HR does the initial telephone screen and then does a fact to face interview with serious candidates. They present me with a list of 8 to 10 "possibles". If I am only filling 1 job, I only interview the ones I think are the top 3. If I am filling 2 positions, I interview the top 5 or 6. I don't like interviewing prospective candidates. I don't know anyone who does. Tips? Be prepared, be focused, be on time, dress appropriately. Ask questions! And turn your phone off before you go into the interview.