Interviews...

[mile high]

On Friday, I had an interview for an admin job - and I just found out I wasn’t successful. Well, isn’t that just the latest whimsical way to feel rejected! I’ve been turned down for several jobs this month that I’ve finally acknowledged I’m fundamentally unable to give a fully conscious interview.

Firstly, I am an atrocious liar. Secondly, I'm terrible at self-advertising and I clearly rate my own skills as rotten. In interviews, this translates to an awkwardness around certain questions, such as “what made you apply for this job?” I had prepared a number of answers, about the changeable nature of my career path, and how each job will inform this new role in a different way.

But at this interview the tricksters threw in a role-play. I mean, but pardon me if that isn’t just encouraging my nervous, complicated, super-lying. Not only do I have to pretend something that isn’t happening is happening, when everyone knows it isn’t - I have to pretend that in this situation I would behave like someone who actually knows what they're doing.

During these times of spotlighted pressure, I get distracted, sleepy and epileptic. I should really have spent the entire previous week lying down. While pretending to handle their irate phone caller scenario (plastic phone in hand), my brain wanted so bad to have a seizure, that all I could do was laugh appreciatively. When I did eventually say something, it was so inappropriate that my body gave up in despair. From a sitting position in my chair, I somehow ended up with my free hand on the floor, propping myself up, for how long I’ll never know.

What does THAT say to an interviewer? A man who laughs insincerely at your customers while totally restraining himself from taking a nap on the floor? The only possible explanation could be “our interviewee is possessed”.

I can't remember much at all about what happened next. It seemed to be over like three minutes later.

Them: Well, thanks for coming in.
Me: Thanks for seeing me, I appreciate it.
Them: So, what could you bring to the company?
[three minute pause while having a seizure]
Them: Well, thanks very much for coming in
Me: Don't mention it.


So, g’wan...lets share our interview strategies and experiences.

[Cotties]

I got rejected last week....fark did it piss me off...It didn't even pay well

[mrdiscreet]

Hey, I've been out of a job before. Knowing you need a job adds to the pressure and makes it that much harder to present well.

Where I live there is a job-seekers group through the local library; I thinnk this is pretty common. I used it to practice interviewing and it helped me alot.

If ou can deal with some humor at the moment, I have to say I think the RP with a phone is hilarious! I'm trying to think of all the "what ar eyou wearing" comments I'd have to stop myself from blurting out!. Maybe some deep breathing would have gotte n you the job!

[Shiane]

If you can deal with some humor at the moment, I have to say I think the RP with a phone is hilarious! I'm trying to think of all the "what ar eyou wearing" comments I'd have to stop myself from blurting out!. Maybe some deep breathing would have gotte n you the job!


I can't imagine role playing in a job interview. I have had to do it during a supervisors meeting. RP w/ a mad coworker. The key is to never be judgemental, and always repeat their answers into leading questions to gain more information and encourage them to open up and discuss it. ie I hear you saying you are angry because blah blah blah.
Yeah don't feel bad, I giggled too. That would be a wierd situation for just about everyone.

[Annie]

'25 Reasons Why' book series

September 2, 2007 - If you're having trouble finding work, maybe you're committing one of several common mistakes while job-hunting. Or maybe you have to learn how to overcome some unfair but common hiring practices.

Zenja Glass has interviewed thousands of people as co-owner of a successful recruiting firm. She is also the author of two advice books, "25 Reasons Why I Won't Hire You," and "25 Reasons Why They Won't Hire You."

For more information visit 25reasonswhy.com

http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=recipes&id=5623919

[rainbowhigh]

I recently had a job interview where I was asked to role play what I'd do if I saw someone shoplift something...


After looking dumbfounded for a few seconds, I just flat out said I had no idea, having never been confronted with that situation. The interviewer understood since I hadn't worked in retail before. Somehow I got it worked out so that we just talked about it. I didn't have to pretend anything - thank goodness!

I managed to get the job - not for my great interviewing skills, but for the fact that I could work the hours she needed worked. lol I think the interview was just a hurdle I had to jump. And hurdles are not my forte...

[mrdiscreet]

I think rainbow makes a good point: her honesty showed through in the interview; creating a positive impression that you are candid and give thoughtful responses is a big "hurdle" jumper

[cherokeered]

Some people are bad interviews....now I am a terrible interviewer...I know that...lol


But, I can read people...I depend on it...I can also tell if I am comfortable around you and if you are comfortable around me...
I don't like cockiness...people who tell me they are wonderful...people who act like they know it all....I also dont like negative people...or people who talk about their current employer or co-workers in a negative way....
What most interviewers look for is...capability, confidence, reliable, sincerity, independant and yet, team oriented.....and a big chunk of it is actually how you dress, how you look, and how they like you....it is for me anyway....

[p.J]

I have to interview from time to time. We are all human, and we all have the same fears, same dreams and goals. I like to think I provide enough compassion and understanding while interviewing a candidate. Not one interview is the same, the basics yes, but every interview should be tailored to the candidates CV. Unfortunately, a lot of interviewers do not analyse the CV’s in advance.



I do remember one job I applied for; the interview room was hot and stuffy and I had a streaming cold, my nose started running, and I wasn’t prepared, one of the interviewers said something that made me laugh. I blew an enormous snot-bubble, which burst onto his notes… while apologising profusely I tried to wipe the paper with my hand!! I still got the job!! :D

Whatttttttttt??? I get colds too you know... :)

[Sneaky]

I do remember one job I applied for; the interview room was hot and stuffy and I had a streaming cold, my nose started running, and I wasn’t prepared, one of the interviewers said something that made me laugh. I blew an enormous snot-bubble, which burst onto his notes… while apologising profusely I tried to wipe the paper with my hand!! I:D

:)

:lmao Jenny, you crack me up!

[Sneaky]

Mile High-


I do a lot of interveiwing myself. I have asked potential candidates to some role playing. But I always try to put them at ease first, like the others before me have said. I have started interviews and addressed the nervousness issue right away to talk about it an put it away. I can see them start to relax after we talk about it and I am able to get a better feel for who they are.

Like Char, I also go much more by the "feel" I get from the person than thier answers. Someone can answer each question with perfection, but if I can tell from a vibe a get from them that they will not be a good fit in the deparment or position we are discussing, or there is something that just is not clicking, the smoothness in answering questions, and the suaveness of the answers will mean nothing.

I have also not hired certain candidates because I thought they would be "too good". Meaning, they seemed to be one that would not fill the position for too long before they are on to bigger things.

On the flip side when I interview for positions I am a big chatterbox and the craziest things fly out of my mouth. When I interveiwed for my current position, my boss now, who everyone is morbidly afraid of, was laughing and joking and having a good time with me. And at one point in the converstation I asked her how old she was (and now I reallize that she lied about it--LOL). I should not have done it but I got the job.

That was probobly not the right place for you anyway. Remember when going for an interview you are also determining if this would be a good employer for you. Maybe then you will feel less judged and able to relax and show that wonderful charm all of us know you have in bucket fulls.

I think you are right though. The way interveiws are set up it does encourage lying and self promotion that can be very difficult for a modest person. Try to talk yourself up a lot on the days you are interveiwing. They won't be able to resist you.
:kk