Please help.. job interview thursday.. need some tips..

Maniacle

So I applied for a job in the new liffey valley clothing store last week and theyve called me in for an interview this coming Tuesday.

My question is how do those of us with no proper job experience answer the job interview question "tell me about yourself?" I know that the question is really about bring your experience and skills to the table not actually ABOUT yourself ie not about your hobbies etc. I DO have job experience.. just none that's relevant to a retails position.. I worked with the Hanly centre a while and that was a couple of years ago.


I'm 18 and the job is a part time position as I'm in college. Im currently doing a Marketing course. I really need this job..
Please help

genericguy

open with

"i'm interested in this position because..." two sentences.

"previously i have worked with the hanly centre..." and explain how you enjoyed dealing with people and were successful at making many sales (I presume it was chugging that you were doing)

then talk about your studies and say that as a marketing student you understand the fundamentals of what makes people want to buy things and how you could extrapolate upon this in a retail environment. be ready to answer when they ask you more specifics about these things. don't be afraid to use clubs and things that you are involved in as examples of your skills, as retailers generally only care that somebody is very good with people - anyone can stack a shelf or fold a jumper and you'll be shown how to do that to their specifications anyway.

good luck.

RedXIV

Ditto on above, as long as you come across as someone who gets along with people and can sell, you'll be fine

CokaColumbo

Focus on the job description and find common ground between it and your previous experience in life, college, and employment regardless of how minor you may deem it to be. For example, the job is obviously people orientated so tell the interviewer that your time in the Hanley centre helped you to develop your inter-personal skills; and give an example of this.

Also, find examples of how you've shown initiative or good judgement in a difficult situation. Find examples of teamwork if its necessary for the job.

If they ask you why they should hire you instead of somebody else, I would definitely acknowledge the fact that although you do have "modest qualifications", what gives you an edge over the competition is your work ethic (develop); the importance you put on showing respect to others; your eagerness to learn & perform well... and some other characteristics you deem to be appropriate.

Aside from that, remain positive, give a firm handshake, maintain eye contact, sit up straight, get a good nights sleep beforehand, and try to put your best foot forward. It's your first interview so nobody is expecting a miracle.

Hope this helps. And remember, try to give examples instead of relying on buzz words and generalities.

piby

+1 to everything that's been said so far.

Also practice some of the interview obvious interview questions aloud. Tell us about yourself? What are your strengths? Why do you want to work here? If you prepare them and say them aloud you'll go in there and give a much more structured and intelligent answer. Don't just think about them and go in thinking you'll just remember them and wing it.

Be Prepared!

Maniacle

Thank you so much.. all your advice has been really helpful