First Interview: Anyone have any advice?

kate.m

So I'm 18 - handed out my first C.V and surprisingly got an interview on short notice in a music/gaming/dvd shop in town.

I was wondering if you guys have any advice?
I'm not expecting to do amazingly - not quite sure what I'm doing...

The interview is 30mins. I've kind of prepared - looking over the usual questions. Researched the ccompany...I've two specific questions;

1. When they ask if you've any flaws and you're supposed to disguise a positive trait as a flaw - what should someone use? That sounds realistic?

2. I was looking at what to wear (as a girl) and was told smart casual - but I kind of look like I'm going to a funeral....black trousers, black shoes, black shirt. I'm pretty confused about what smart casual is for girls - I was told not to wear a suit...could I wear shorts and tights?

Any advice??

hearny

Congratulations on getting the interview.

I cant give you much advice as to what to wear (not being an 18 year old girl and all), but I would agree that smart casual is probably better than wearing a suit given the fact that you are 18 going for a sales job, no disrespect but I think it would be overkill for the position. Its important to be comfortable with what you are wearing, looking like your going to a funeral is not really a problem.

As for your flaws well I would be surprised if they asked you that but if they do depending on the tone of the interview you could have a light hearted response like it depends on who you ask (only if the interviewer is not that strict as the small bit of banter is something that you would expect from someone working in a shop), then answer the question seriously but focus more on the positive(s) of your flaw and how you use it to your advantage. So for example you could say that your friends joke that you have an OCD about your attention to detail which they might view as a flaw.

Its your first interview so the most important thing is to relax really, if you came across as confident, enthusiastic and friendly you would be half way there. Take your time and think about the answers, you dont have to sprout the first thing that pops into your head.

If nothing else its going to be good experience with an interview under your belt so just view it as that you have nothing to lose.

Best of Luck with it.

kate.m

thanks for the advice!

My brother just came home and asked me 'who died' so I changed the shirt to a lighter one...I think once I'm not wearing trainers and jeans it's ok. I totally agree on the suit!

I was going to say (if asked) that I'm a perfectionist - but it might sound better if I say it your way.

I'm just not sure what to expect - I'm sure it won't be a disaster and even if it is...ah well

I'm trying to relax and everything now - but I feel like I should prepare more.Probably overthinking it. They have my C.V and I hope they ask about that..I didn't apply for a specific job - just handed in my C.V...have to find out what I'm applying for tomorrow.

Thanks again for the advice. I'll let you know how it goes!

mbiking123

When they ask if you've any flaws and you're supposed to disguise a positive trait as a flaw - what should someone use? That sounds realistic?

They may not ask that question, could always pause and say cannot think of any at this moment

I would think they may ask why should they employ you and what would you bring to the shop.

best of luck

sarkozy

Hi. Congratulations on the interview. Say to yourself: it's just a conversation and you're going to enjoy yourself.

But please do try to stay focused in your responses. I took a jobseeking skills course and found it very helpful. As this is a starter job, you're not expected to be an expert at anything - simply give them an experience of who you are and what you can do for them.

To do this, simply draw on some good examples from your life experience. A good way to think about this is using the STAR method: describe a SITUATION briefly, explain the TASK(S) involved, the ACTIONS you took and the RESULT that arose from those actions.

Your main worry is a familiar one: how to handle a 'strengths and weaknesses' question. The advice I got was: be honest about a weakness you have and explain how you are or will be addressing it. MOST IMPORTANT: do not pick a weakness directly related to the job - only mention one slightly related to it (but not totally unrelated).

On a practical note, I use 'Mind Maps' to brainstorm answers so I have a picture in my head when responding to questions/topics. I find it helps a lot and there's plenty of websites about these.

bbam

kate.m wrote: »

.could I wear shorts and tights?

No I think that would be way too casual...
Stick with the black trousers and stuff you described..

Nothingbetter2d

kate.m wrote: »

So I'm 18 - handed out my first C.V and surprisingly got an interview on short notice in a music/gaming/dvd shop in town.

I was wondering if you guys have any advice?
I'm not expecting to do amazingly - not quite sure what I'm doing...

The interview is 30mins. I've kind of prepared - looking over the usual questions. Researched the ccompany...I've two specific questions;

1. When they ask if you've any flaws and you're supposed to disguise a positive trait as a flaw - what should someone use? That sounds realistic?

2. I was looking at what to wear (as a girl) and was told smart casual - but I kind of look like I'm going to a funeral....black trousers, black shoes, black shirt. I'm pretty confused about what smart casual is for girls - I was told not to wear a suit...could I wear shorts and tights?

Any advice??

1.
i hate that question too... i often said that I have a tendency to be a little bit ocd when it comes to double checking things. in fact i said it last friday at an interview and i start work this monday

2.
change the shirt to a white or cream blouse not a black one have your hair neatly done and don't over do the makeup... and no fake tan... older people hate fake tan it makes them think you are hiding something.

here.from.day.1

Dont say you're a perfectionist.

Try "I find it hard to say no to people" or "I like to be involved in everything."

Eoin

I tend to focus on a particular skill I don't have, rather than a characteristic. e.g. "I don't have as much experience as I'd like in [blah], but I'm keen to address that".

Don't say "I work too hard" or "I'm a perfectionist".

Would it be worthwhile brushing up on the latest game titles etc do you think? I might be wrong, but I'd imagine that they'd like to hire someone who has an interest in what the shop sells.