Why are job interviews so daunting? [Archive]

View Full Version : Why are job interviews so daunting?

Stickchick

5th November 2007, 08:01

Str8 Jacket

5th November 2007, 08:03

Stickchick

5th November 2007, 08:05

I went to my interview for my current job really hung over. That helped me relax.....

If i had known that I would have made sure I drank more last night. My interviews is today unfortunately and drug tests are compulsory so can't have that kind of substance either

Str8 Jacket

5th November 2007, 08:09

If i had known that I would have made sure I drank more last night. My interviews is today unfortunately and drug tests are compulsory so can't have that kind of substance either

Drugs are bad mmmkay!

To be honest I cant really give you advice as I was really lucky with both my interviews, they were both like I was catching up with old mates. If they interview really sucks and the people really scare you or make you more nervous than maybe you dont wanna work there anyway!

The Pastor

5th November 2007, 08:11

i'd suggest having a beer before you go.

I dont worry about job interviews

jrandom

5th November 2007, 08:12

I've always found that the trick is to realise that you are evaluating the company.

Remember, you can do the job in question, no sweat, piece of cake. If they're dumb enough not to realise that, you certainly wouldn't want to work there! Worrying about how to respond in the interview is pointless. Just speak the truth, speak slowly and carefully (you'll tend to get nervous and excited and talk way too fast), and when in doubt, pause and think before responding. Look people you meet in the eye.

Above all, just shrug, know that you're good enough, that you're as good as anyone else in your profession (usually better) and that the people interviewing you are probably crap at conducting interviews and dumber than you are. Take control of the interview. Put the interviewer at ease. Enjoy yourself!

Well, that's what's always worked for me, anyway.

:D

Good luck!

:grouphug:

And don't listen to any idiots suggesting that alcohol or a hangover will somehow improve the way you come across to a potential employer.

Joni

5th November 2007, 08:13

Just be prepared.... know the company, do some research so you are not in the dark.... I always talk through everything I have done in my past positions before I go in to an interview so all is fresh in my mind... What are your strengths, what will you bring to the position... answer those questions without them asking you. Prepare a few question to ask at the end.

Stay calm.
Think clear...
I always think "what will be will be" and then jump in and do my best....

The Lone Rider

5th November 2007, 08:15

i'd suggest having a beer before you go.

I agree with this, but change it slightly.. dont have one RIGHT before you go or they smell it on ya a bit.

Stickchick

5th November 2007, 08:16

Just speak the truth, speak slowly and carefully (you'll tend to get nervous and excited and talk way too fast)

Thats half the problem I do get nervous etc and when I speak, I know what I'm saying but always have trouble expressing it in words and the interviewer looks at me strangly and makes me feel like an idiot....Which I know I'm not. I want tips on how to relax that part of the mind so then my words do come out clearly and my personality also shows.

MSTRS

5th November 2007, 08:20

Just remember that they are only human too. They possibly have on holey undies, or have a big zit on their right cheek, or ... or... or... etc
Don't elevate the interviewer to god-like status, cos they are not

Usarka

5th November 2007, 08:24

Friend of mine often wears fishnets to a job interview under his trousers. Reckons it makes him more relaxed and lends kind of a rebellious "haha I know something you don't" while acting all professional.

Go commando?

Joni

5th November 2007, 08:26

I think a person get so very nervous because you are worried about the end result... wanting all to be perfect and putting so much pressure on yourself that the words come out all muddled... and you land up sounding not confident...

That’s why I take the pressure off myself before I go in, what will be will be... if its not mine then so be it. Then there is no pressure of consequence...

Does that make sense?

That was what changed interviews for me, and since taking that approach I have never had a problem with them. Anyway, it works for me... Good luck!

Stickchick

5th November 2007, 08:27

MotoGirl

5th November 2007, 08:28

The jobs I've got have been because I interviewed the interviewer and asked loads of questions. It shares out the pressure so it's not all on you. My objective for attending the interview wasn't solely for the sake of getting a job, it was also to determine whether I wanted to work for that company and if it would give me what I want.

Like Joni said, what will be will be. This interview isn't the end of the world so don't come across as too desperate to get a foot in the door.

Oakie

5th November 2007, 08:40

A good interviewer will put you at ease as that's the best way they have to see what you're really like.
I interviewed a person on Friday who was really nervous at the start but half way through was so comfortable that she admitted that she'd told me something that she hadn't told her husband of 19 years. (No I won't tell either).
The best way to go in is just to be yourself and have some fun with it if you can. If you think being an interviewee is hard, have some sympathy for us interviewers. We need to try to find someone's abilities, their motives, their weaknesses and the truth of what they're actually saying in about an hour, knowing that if we get it wrong and make a bad decision it can take months or years to put right. For that reason, infrequent interviwers are often more scared than their interviewee.
Anecdote: When I was applying for my previous job I was talking to my mum a few days before the interview. She asked how I was going to approach it and I said "oh I'm just going to be myself, have some fun, entertain them a bit". She replied in horror "Oh Richard, you do want the job don't you?" Well I did what I said I was going to do and I got the job in the end so yeah ... don't be afraid just to be yourself.

car

5th November 2007, 08:42

I've always found that the trick is to realise that you are evaluating the company.

...

Take control of the interview. Put the interviewer at ease. Enjoy yourself!

That's some good advice right there.

Another good idea is *not* to just go for interviews for jobs you know you'll really, really want.

I was on the market for a new job recently and made the mistake of only applying for great jobs I knew I'd want. The upshot was that I went for three interviews (for great jobs I knew I'd want) with a knot in my gut because they were so damned important to me.

As expected, performance was not as desired -- too nervous, total block on technical questions, talking shit at 100 miles an hour.

Got the third (yay me) and it's a corker, but I still regret screwing up the interviews for the first two. So, if you have the luxury, get a couple of "practice" interviews in, sharpen up your technique, get used all those retarded "what three words would your friends use to describe you?" questions.

BuFfY

5th November 2007, 08:43

Thats half the problem I do get nervous etc and when I speak, I know what I'm saying but always have trouble expressing it in words and the interviewer looks at me strangly and makes me feel like an idiot....Which I know I'm not. I want tips on how to relax that part of the mind so then my words do come out clearly and my personality also shows.

Do mini role plays on it. I know... lame... but it does really work. That way you will learn to think on your feet and get the words out in a good order. Also that person will help you on points you could improve on. If you can't do it with anyone in person, ring someone.

I would think that if you were going for similar jobs they would ask you similar questions? So think about what they might ask you and have answers ready.
I would think having a beer etc would make you ramble more, so I would suggest having a nice cup of tea or something before hand :)

And I like the idea of getting to know the company first. I am going in for interviews at schools and they love it if you know something about the school. They also ask if we have any questions about them at the end of the interview, so having something interesting to ask is always a plus. Then they think you want to work for them, not just to pay the bills etc.

Good luck :)

DMNTD

5th November 2007, 08:53

I've found myself interviewing them...seeing whether they are worthy of hiring me. Just be yourself...go with the flow and NEVER allow them "power" over you. :oi-grr:
Never seen the point of stressing...it just stresses me out! :eek:

The Pastor

5th November 2007, 08:55

I agree with this, but change it slightly.. dont have one RIGHT before you go or they smell it on ya a bit.
yeah have it half an hour before hand, and then brush your teeth and suck some mints :D

0arbreaka

5th November 2007, 09:02

Have a big feed before hand, you probably wont feel like it if your nervous but It helps, if that fails then have a beer or wine instead. that will generally loosen you up enough. Ive fucked up an interview before and its not very nice, but I did learn from it.

justsomeguy

5th November 2007, 09:02

Hi Stickchick,

I work in recruitment, conduct and coach others for interviews for a living.

If you like I can call you or we could use some kind of online chat like MSN messenger, etc to talk through your interview.

Speaking on the phone is better as it more accurately simulates the actual situation but keeping in mind privacy issues it's your choice.

PM me your decision. I will be free for the next half hour or so.

Kind regards,
Ujwal

ManDownUnder

5th November 2007, 09:03

Does anyone have any tips for me that might relax my state of mind etc? I know I can do this job and that doesn't bother me, I don;t come across very confident at all and that is what does worry me.

Practice practice paractice... the more you do the better you get at it. Riding, sex and interviews all have that one rule in common (so do many others but I thought I'd just share my personal favourites alongside the interviews).

Remember this one thing - they are daunting from both sides of the fence. An employer is looking to spend thousands of dollars on a recruitment agency, and the law is against them (the employer). They're unable to ask the questions they really need to in order to make a sound longer term investment in an employee (yound lady such as yourself - are you married, do you plan to start a family etc... both of which can imply you'll be leaving them soon and their money is lost).

And once you're on board if you do anything wrong it's very very difficult to get rid of dead wood so they're nervous about that... and unless they're experienced employment type it's hard to really gauge the fit of a person into the org from a skills and personality perrspective all at the same time.

You're not alone in the nerves.

Prepare and be oragnised. Take 2 copies of your CV (not the bland Recruitment agency one that manages to make you look like every single other one they put forward - thereby actually reducing your chances of getting a job). Give one to them and keep the other on file for yourself so you have a copy of what you gave them

Jot down a list of questions you really need to know. Don't make shit up to sound good, but ask them about the size of the company and if it's been growing (i.e. job security for you if you sign up). What's their policy on training staff (gives you the chances to show them you're enthusiastic about learning/development - and might get you some free education)...

That kind of stuff.

Also - without hitting on you (too hard) use your personality. You're outgoing and good fun. Relax and go with the flow - rely on "you" doing part of the job too.

Hope that helped and good luck!

NighthawkNZ

5th November 2007, 09:05

Why do Job interviews have to be so daunting? I have no problems see a recruitment agent but when it comes to meeting the actual employer I go to pieces.

Does anyone have any tips for me that might relax my state of mind etc? I know I can do this job and that doesn't bother me, I don;t come across very confident at all and that is what does worry me.

I normally turn the cards round and ask the questions... Evaluating the company,

Why do I want to work for this company... not why the company wants me...
What can this company offer me... not what I can offer the company (though here it goes both ways)
Would you want to work for the person that is interviewing you... essentially your new boss
Believe it or not, the person conducting the interview is usually just as nervous
be yourself and relax... don't try and be someone/thing you are not...
Find out about the company behind. What they actually do... even down to there corporate colours
Find out the boss name
Prepare you CV so it points or highlights out the skills the job needs.
Prepare a list of questions you may have... and don't be affraid to ask them during the interview not just at the end when he asks do you have any questions.., ie starting wage/salary, hours, holidays, weekends, overtime, etc etc etc
Relax
Make sure you find out? what is the offical job title, job description, job requirements and your role would be, starting wage/salary, hours, holidays, weekends, overtime, advancements,

The worst the out come be for you is they say "Sorry but, No thanks..." the worst that the out come can be for them is "Sorry but, No thanks..." similar isn't

MSTRS

5th November 2007, 09:06

Stickchick

5th November 2007, 09:11

To those that say 'Have fun' ... the approach needs to reflect the job...Accountant. Where's the fun in that?:chase:
Just be relaxed, SC - you might want the job, but you don't need it. There is a big difference.

Now, now I'm may not be qualified but I'm an assistant accountant and I can be fun!!!! Just jrandom :devil2::whistle:

Thanks heaps for all your advice, I really appreciate it and funny enough has settled me quite a bit. I'm more nervous at the fact that its Auckland. Do you interview like you do in Wellington, I know full well you aren't as relaxed as the Hawkes Bay.

Justsomeguy...pm sent

skelstar

5th November 2007, 09:44

I convinced myself that I didn't want the job I have now (I didn't need it) and ended up ace-ing the interview. I was the best one by far cause I had nothing to lose and was confident.

Hitcher

5th November 2007, 10:04

Be yourself. After all that's who this organisation will be hiring. If you pretend to be someone or something else they'll find out soon enough.

And be honest, particularly with yourself. If you really want the job, tell them.

The interview is as much an opportunity for you to find out about your prospective new employer as it is for them to find out about you. Ask them about the things that you're interested in or need to know. If they offer you a job doesn't commit you to taking it. You always have options. Accept that and turn it to your advantage.

Mrs Busa Pete

5th November 2007, 10:16

Her_C4

5th November 2007, 10:30

I agree with comments made earlier here – I have been interviewing people for over jobs for well over 20 years, with a wide range of seniority. As a prospective employer (of both contract and permanent staff) I very quickly sort out the chaff from the wheat in both short listing and final interviewing, and as a part of that I have taken on staff members that were TERRIBLE in the interview, but still managed to convey during interview that they had taken the time to prepare as well as their level of commitment and willingness to learn.

There is some really good advice in this thread. As stated earlier – relax and see it as you interviewing them about a job that you MAY want to take as well. You have a vested interest in ensuring that you have as much information as possible about the organisation, its key players, its vision, AND the role before you make a decision to take the role or not.

Remember that your life does not depend on any particular role and the worst they can do to you is by saying ‘no thanks’. Be honest and for goodness sake BE YOURSELF. Any Interviewer (and / or panel) worth their salt will see straight through anything that is false and unconvincing.

Regardless of your level of nervousness (and as mentioned previously in this thread), prepare. Dummy the interview setting before you go and get someone to practice asking you for examples as to why you meet the core competencies of the role. Jot those points down for reference.

Find out about the organisation, the role, where it sits within the organisation structure, why you want the role, for how long, where it is going, what support they have in place, induction, training, travel etc.

Take with you into the interview your CV, and some notes about key points as well as a number of relevant questions about the role AND the organisation. It is important to review the JD and have some examples jotted down to provide real examples of where you have experience in the core competencies. These can be key words or sentences, whatever you need to jog your memory.

At the commencement of the interview, ask the interview panel (or interviewer if there is just one), ask if they mind if you refer to your notes throughout the interview. Ask for a drink of water and have the glass next to you throughout the interview. LISTEN to the questions asked and to be sure that you have them in context, use active listening skills and repeat the question back to them. This does two things – shows that you are actually listening, and gives you time to think up a suitable response. If you find that you are stressed, ask if you can take a moment to collect your thoughts – better still take a slow sip of water.

Ask questions – take notes, don’t wait until the interview is finished before asking your questions, but be sure to hold one or two back.

Good luck:cool:

klyong82

5th November 2007, 10:47

I would research about the company before going into an interview. During an interview I like to ask performance and processes questions. Think about your strengths; how you can contribute to the company and how you deal with your weaknesses (don't say anything about weakness unless they ask you but it is good to have one thought up). Main thing is to be/act confident and pay attention (eg.nod your head) when they are talking or asking you questions. Take notes or scribble something. Would give them a good impression. All the best!!

jrandom

5th November 2007, 13:04

Well, folks, I'm pleased to announce that either the good advice in this thread paid off, or she's just so fuckin' awesome that nervousness couldn't hide it, because it looks like Miss Stickchick has a job offer on the way.

:niceone:

Welcome to the JAFA dark side, Jody. We'll have you sucking down the triple-shot trim lattecinos with extra artificial sweetener in no time.

MSTRS

5th November 2007, 13:07

Good God, man....does this mean that there will be escort duty to get her and the EL to Orks??

Stickchick

5th November 2007, 13:26

Lock up your single male sons...Stickchick is moving to Auckland.

Yahooooo!!!! Thank you everyone for your advice. Justsomeguy thank you so much for your advice this morning but I didn't need it. My CV said it all and all they wanted to know was whether I had the personality they needed in their team. And apparently so. I just had a call from the recruitment agent about checking references and that the new employer is rapt with me being me so it is just a formality. I'm looking forward to working there also as the boss is awesome and pretty easygoing.

So hopefully my referees speak kindly of me (how can they not I'm awesome) and then in a month's time I will be a jafa!!!!

jrandom

5th November 2007, 13:29

So hopefully my referees speak kindly of me (how can they not I'm awesome)...

Heh.

Someone's in a better mood than they were when they woke up this morning...

Stickchick

5th November 2007, 13:30

Heh.

Someone's in a better mood than they were when they woke up this morning...

That would explain why you took off so early this morning, not keen on confrontation babe?:bleh:

MSTRS

5th November 2007, 13:31

:woohoo: ooops I mean :weep::crybaby::bye:

Joni

5th November 2007, 13:32

Congratulations Missy! :clap:

yungatart

5th November 2007, 14:53

Oh man! Does that mean we in HB lose "the town bike" and the pink bits and someone to carry the handy dandy notebook and send flowers! Oh f**k!

Seriously, well done...but we will miss you:love:

Stickchick

5th November 2007, 14:59

Oh man! Does that mean we in HB lose "the town bike" and the pink bits and someone to carry the handy dandy notebook and send flowers! Oh f**k!

Seriously, well done...but we will miss you:love:

Don't forget the President of the HB Wimpy Club, may have to hand that title to Robertydog....just cause I can :clap:

Thanks Tart...talk to you when I get back...Slap your husband in the back of the head...I know he will miss me too

Stickchick

8th November 2007, 11:06

Well I have officially been offered the job that I started this thread over. I would like to thank Justsomeguy, jrandom and mystery for helping me stay calm so that my personality shone through and they love me and want me to work for them. Now for the big move to Auckland.....

MSTRS

8th November 2007, 11:12

.... Now for the big move to Auckland.....

Ummm...I think I'm having my hair done that weekend....

Disco Dan

8th November 2007, 11:14

hmpf hmpf... fie fi fo fum I smell the smell of a girly coming to auckland.....

congrats new jobs are always great fun! :clap:

chanceyy

8th November 2007, 11:20

congrats there girl .. wot exactly do you do job wise .. (i know you give all the guys a hard time as a hobby :lol:)

Stickchick

8th November 2007, 11:26

congrats there girl .. wot exactly do you do job wise .. (i know you give all the guys a hard time as a hobby :lol:)

I'm an Assistant Accountant

chanceyy

8th November 2007, 11:27

I'm an Assistant Accountant

woo hooooo good on you chicky ... take care in them big city lights :)