Erinna1112;502253 wrote: "Why should we hire you?" (or "what will you bring to our company?" Same basic question)
Be specific. Everyone says they're hardworking, motivated, and a "people person." This is your chance to toot your own horn - DO IT! Don't be modest here. Take the opportunity to lay out your strengths, talents, skills, and things you're enthusiastic about. Your childcare experience has made you flexible, adaptive, and responsive to changes in your environment. Say so. Don't use generic, cliched answers.
"What is one of your weak points?"
The key here is to be honest, but demonstrate how you turned it into a strength. If you've been disorganized in the past, tell how you took steps to make it better. This shows that you recognize you're not perfect, are self-aware enough to realize what exactly needs improvement, and have the initiative to correct it.
"Where do you see yourself in five years' time?"
Keep your ambitions to be a racehorse trainer or CEO of your own consulting firm to yourself. The interviewer is looking for some commitment to the company, a decent amount of ambition to move up within it, but not Alexander the Great.
"Do you have any questions?"
Never, NEVER, NEVER say no to this question. Research the company at which you are interviewing, and come up with some questions based upon that research. Other good questions would be, "What's a typical day for someone in this job?" "Why are you hiring for this position?" (lets you know if the company is growing - which you should know from your research - or if the previous person left, why they did so) But you should always, every time, have questions specific to the company where you are interviewing. Two or three are enough; it's not an interrogation.
A few tips from someone who's been on both sides of the interview desk:
No matter what you've seen other people in the office wear, WEAR A SUIT. It is much, much better to dress too conservatively than not.
Lay off the perfume and heavy makeup.
Have extra copies of your resume, and something in which to keep them tidy - a leather portfolio is best, but a paper folder is much better than nothing at all.
Arrive ten to fifteen minutes early. Any earlier, and you look desperate, which (as you noted) isn't good. Arriving late, however, will probably cost you the job.
Greet the receptionist politely. This is your first impression, and if your interviewer doesn't ask the receptionist about you, I'd be surprised.
When you meet the person you'll be speaking with, stand up if you're sitting, make eye contact, and shake hands firmly. Don't squeeze, and don't make "fingertip" contact. But also, don't do what my dad does and wind up like a major league pitcher. He (seriously) starts a handshake with his hand back behind his right hip, thrusts his hand forward like he's trying to open a sticky door, and makes a hard enough contact to make a slapping sound. I've seen people wince, shaking hands with him. Don't do it that way
When asked a question that has more than just a simple yes-or-no answer, pause for just a second. If you jump right in with the answer, you sound rehearsed and insincere; a slight pause will make you sound sincere. Also, don't rehash information that's included on your resume.
Don't feel the need to fill in silences. Some interviewers use this as a tool. Answer the question, briefly but completely, and be still. Don't let the other person's silence make you fidgety, or - worse - come across with too much information. After a few seconds, ask "Is there anything more I can clarify for you on that point?" And then stop talking again. Asking them a question forces the ball back into their court.
Never, ever ask about salary at the first interview!! Don't do it. You look like you're just in it for the money. They know you want to get paid. They plan to pay you. Salary negotiation happens after you get the offer, NEVER before.
Hope this helps - and good luck!!
Wow Erinna! This is also really good advice. Thankyou.
The only question I have is about wearing a SUIT!
Yikes! I don't own one! I tend to wear long 'goth' style skirts and tee shirts.
I was going to wear a long (ankle-length) dark green skirt and a black tee-shirt top with a diamante bow on it. Then I drape a black shawl over my shoulders. It looks nice. It's smart-casual. Will it be too casual do you think?
I don't wear make up but was going to wear a little bit for the interview.
Also, can I write some notes on a piece of paper or does that look too rehersed?
Sorry to be so panicky about this. I'm sure I'd be okay once i got the job - it's just getting it!
Thanks for your help everyone - it's VERY much appreciated!
