Here are some interview tips
Ok I see too many posts saying people are not able to get past the interview. Here are some tips. I’ve been a Store Manager since 1999, I’ll tell you exactly what I look for.
- Come dressed, like you care. I AM old school with this, (don’t get me wrong I have blue hair, but you can still look great) I’m not saying wear a dress or suit but if you wear jeans dress them up with heels. Guys....I’m sorry it’s really rare that I see jeans dressed up, but if you do don’t wear tennis shoes.
- Smile....I know it seems obvious but sometimes people get so nervous they forget what their face is doing.
- Do NOT talk about how you just need a job! Talk about why you applied at that company, don’t make it look like you applied everywhere and for anything. You CAN talk about how you’re excited to get in the work force to really help out your family, just don’t go into details. This makes it look like you just applied at that company and it shows how caring you are without being a victim.
- Give real situational examples. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve asked, “give me an example of dealing with a difficult situation and how did you solve it?” and people tell me what they would do. I want to know a real example.
- Do NOT be late. People would come late to an interview and blame traffic. I get it, I do. Unfortunately that tells me you didn’t prepare and you might not put effort into the actual job.
- My most important rule BE YOURSELF! My favorite interviews are ones that feel like I’m talking to an old friend, not so robotic. First impression are EVERYTHING, I knew within seconds if I was going to hire someone. It’s not always about skills, those can be taught to the right person with the right attitude. I hope this helps! P.S. DONT GIVE A FLOPPY DEAD FISH HAND SHAKE
Number 3 is the hardest one for me, because I DO apply to a LOT of jobs, talk to a lot of recruiters. I hate when they ask if I've been to their website. Because if I went to every website and remembered something off that website, I'd need a second brain to keep train of it all. I know they want to feel special..but they aren't. Sometimes I just want to purposely flip out, jump on the table and scream, "I don't care about your company's rich history. I don't care about your website, and I don't care about you! Its all about the money, the moula, the cheese.. Stop wasting my time! Just hand it over!" I wouldn't actually do that. But there are days, where it feels warranted..
I always wear a suit. I am always amazed when I go to an interview and there are other candidates in the room just wearing slacks and a shirt. On occasion, I have seen jeans. It blows my mind. My experience with people is that when they are looking to hire, they have to whittle away those that don't fit. So you have to be perfect. Any weakness will get you eliminated. And not knowing how/when to dress appropriate IS a weakness.
Well I hope it works too I have a job interview Monday and I am so nerves so I hope it helps me
The only things I have to add is try to cover visible tattoos, come groomed with clean hair and nails, and I disagree as far as wearing high heels. I can't wear heels as I have bad ankles. I do wear nice shoes or boots in the winter though.
Great tips from an experienced manager ~ LOVE IT!!
Thank you Danelle, you shared some helpful tips I'll be sure to remember!
You knocked it out of the park with these tips Danelle, Good Stuff!! I'm torn between tip 3 & 4 as the biggest factor that keeps good potential employees from getting hired. "I need a job" is simply not a good enough reason for a manager to offer one.
Managers often rely on behavioral questions to get a better understanding on an applicants thought process and problem solving skills. Not being able to clearly articulate a workplace challenge was managed from ownership to resolution keeps many experienced candidates from landing a job offer. Thanks for sharing this information with the community.
Regarding clothing... the rule of thumb I've been given is to dress a bit nicer or more formally than you would when actually working at the job. Make sure the cloths are clean and in good condition. No matter how fashionable pajamas and ripped jeans are, they are not good interview cloths.