Current Events > Have my first ever job interview tomorrow, any pointers?

(+) Yeah! (+)

I made a topic a few days ago asking how to get a job if I never had one before and I got some good advice in there. Anyways this morning I applied for a Togo's/Baskin Robbins two in one restaurant, and I got a message back for an interview tomorrow. This is going to be my first one ever. I'm really nervous and not sure what to expect. Any pointers and advice? Like what questions will they ask and what should I wear?

just be honest and wear what they tell you to.
but for real -- be honest. above all else. you may be meeting your future boss and friend.
---

Sound sincere like you want the job, but don't lay it on thick.
---

One question they'll definitely, 100% ask is "tell us about yourself" so have a little spiel ready for that. Try to include some info that you think would make you right for the job.

They'll probably also very likely ask stuff about how well you work with a team and what your idea of "teamwork" is etc. so I'd advise being ready for that. Maybe something like "What do you think makes a successful team?" There could also be variants like "If one member of your team isn't puling their weight what would you do?" etc

I'd also think they'll probably ask something about how you deal with angry or irate customers.

I'd wear business casual, probably don't need a tie. Not sure if you'd even have to do that but it's probably better to be a little too nicely dressed than underdressed.

Don't be honest.

Say the obvious answers.

"I'm punctual"
"I like working hard"

Etc.

Say your greatest weakness is that you are hard on your failures, but it allows you to learn from them to always improve.

Welcome to the team.
---

it's probably better to be a little too nicely dressed than underdressed.

if they ask, say you wanted to look like you wanted the job.
---

This is all excellent advice so far, thanks guys. Although the answers are a little conflicting, one's telling me to be honest, while another is telling me to not be.

one's telling me to be honest, while another is telling me to not be.

use your head dude. would you hire a liar?
---

Pancake posted...

one's telling me to be honest, while another is telling me to not be.

use your head dude. would you hire a liar?

Hmm, I suppose you're right.

Use your head.

"How many times have you been tardy in the last 6 months?"


Answer a: "umm, like, only three times."

Answer b: "I've never been tardy. I feel like arriving on time is extremely important in teamwork and starting the work day."



Who do you hire.
---

Lol, I think I got the idea. Bend the truth a little if necessary, don't want to start an argument between the two of you.

Use your own discretion. You should know dumb answers Vs smart answers.



Try not to bring up weaknesses or things you've little experience with.

Have scenarios ready for examples of showing teamwork or dealing with others (you play a sport? Group projects? Etc)

And for the love of the lord, arrive early.
---

Thanks fam, that's grade A advice. Tbh I'm beyond surprised I got called in. I didn't even attach a resume like the ad requested, since I didn't have one. But I did spend about one hour writing a well crafted note about myself, that kind of served as a resume replacement.

Answer a: "umm, like, only three times."
Answer b: "I've never been tardy. I feel like arriving on time is extremely important in teamwork and starting the work day."

Who do you hire.

the one who is telling the truth and not giving the canned answer. jesus christ, your writing sucks. i wouldn't hire you.
i've been late a few times to my job. a few times. go ahead and ask.
---

Best thing you can do is prepare for common questions like "where do you see yourself in 5 years". You can find common questions from google

Do not be negative on anything. If you must, such as specifying your weakness, be sure to accompany them with a positive message such as learning from your failures
---

Itachi157 posted...

There could also be variants like "If one member of your team isn't puling their weight what would you do?" etc

When these sorts of questions pop up, give them an answer that shows you have empathy for other human beings.
---

Pancake posted...

Answer a: "umm, like, only three times."
Answer b: "I've never been tardy. I feel like arriving on time is extremely important in teamwork and starting the work day."

Who do you hire.

the one who is telling the truth and not giving the canned answer. jesus christ, your writing sucks. i wouldn't hire you.
i've been late a few times to my job. a few times. go ahead and ask.

Too bad I hear my managers all the time laughing at people giving honest answers. The idea of being "professional" is nothing but being fake. Either put on your mask, or handicap yourself.

But for the sake of tc, agree to disagree.
---

There could also be variants like "If one member of your team isn't puling their weight what would you do?" etc

'my job'
---

honesty is the worst policy

Too bad I hear my managers all the time laughing at people giving honest answers. The idea of being "professional" is nothing but being fake. Either put on your mask, or handicap yourself.

your managers are shit.
---

Pancake posted...

Too bad I hear my managers all the time laughing at people giving honest answers. The idea of being "professional" is nothing but being fake. Either put on your mask, or handicap yourself.

your managers are shit.

but the reality is that there are tons of shit managers out there. Sadly, there's no clear way to know who you got in an interview
---

but the reality is that there are tons of shit managers out there. Sadly, there's no clear way to know who you got in an interview

and this never means you should tank yourself. have principles and put out many applications. someone will figure you out.
---

As you walk in to the room, try to notice something that stands out to you and comment on it before introducing yourself. Something fast to not delay the interview, but important to let them think your observant. Use this only if it's their personal office and not a meeting room or something less personal.

A firm, strong, and eager handshake to start things off shows that you're interested any employer. I always like to set the rhythm to catch them off guard. You want them to know that that's your natural intro shake.

Make stern, yet gentle eye-contact when listening and responding to questions. Have your eyes drift off for brief moments for the more heavy questions, gently nod as if you're understanding the question. That small gesture can go a long way since it gives off the imoression that you know what you're going to answer before it ends.

Don't go 'uhhhhh...' or 'ummmmm'. It's obnoxious and really bums down the interview.

No slang. Volume of your voice should be as if you're speaking to somebody across the other end of the dinner table, regardless of how close they are sitting to you. A strong voice is good. Very good.

Relax. The worst thing they can do is hire you.
---

don't overthink any of it. they look for that.
---

Just be yourself.
Be cool. Don't think too much. Be natural.

Ask questions about what your daily routine would be, advice to be successful in the job, shake everyone's hand and introduce yourself before sitting down.
---