A
female
age
30-35,
anonymous
writes:Hi! I have been given the opportunity to attend an interview day for my dream job and it is in the same city as this guy I like. I really really want this job but I seem to be a very anxious person and mess up interviews. The last interview day that I attended went bad cause I wasn't confident and the competition was high so I got scared to even try proper. I got rejectec :( Getting this job might also mean I can pursue things with this guy I like cause I won't be like 5 hours away.Does anyone have any tips to help me " shine" at the interview day and secure this dream job?? The interview days includes: a group task, an individual interview, role play and a maths test. I want to be the best I can be at the interview but struggle greatly with nerves and often become really anxious and unconfident. I would appreciate any advice :) Reply to this Question
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male
reader, Silius Sodimus  +, writes (12 February 2013):
I've given tips on how to do well in interviews and without boasting everyone who spoke to me got their job.Firstly when it comes to the 1 on 1 interview always have an answer for everything, never say "I don't know", even a "wrong" answer is better than "I dont know".As for the group task and role play they wan't to see your personality type, are you the leader, the follower, the observer, the do-er e.t.c This is alot harder because your personality will naturally come out during this phase. Depending on what the job is try your best to "act" out the requirements, e.g if it is a management role, you need to bring out leadership traits. Get it?As for the maths test you need to be more specific. What kind of maths? Is it theoretical stuff? Algebra? Basic arithmetic? This area will depend on how good you are at math.General tips: If you ever respond with a negative always end on a positive. They want an interview which means your already half way there, so they already have some confidence in you, remember that.Remember these interviewers and all that are involved are human like you. Do not see them as gods, see them as people who wan't to know you and you wan't to get to know.Always ask questions, provide facts and statements about their company, as the interviewer for example "how did you get into your position, are there courses that can be done through your work", comment on the history of the company and anything that interests you about the company. This will get them thinking you are on the ball and you have a genuine interest in the company. Companies don't just wan't someone because they want a job, they are investing time and money into you so let them know you have every reason to be employed with them.
A
female
reader, anonymous, writes (8 February 2013): For the individual interview, definitely research the company and prepare answers to some of the most common interview questions in advance (why do you want this job, why should we hire you etc...) so you don't go blank if they ask them. Also look at the job description and see what the competences or essential skills are, then think of some examples from your experience that shows you match that skill. So if they want communication skills, tell them about a big presentation you did etc.
For the group task, make sure you participate in some way but don't take over, and make sure you listen to everyone else's point of view and take it on board.
For the maths test, find out if you can get practice papers for it. If not, they generally prefer that you take your time working through the questions and maybe not complete them all, rather than you rushing to get them all done and making silly mistakes.
In general, remember that you wouldn't have got invited to the interview if they didn't see potential in you so stop thinking you don't deserve it. Act relaxed (hard I know), polite and interested and you will do fine. A killer interview outfit will also help boost your confidence :) Good luck!
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A
female
reader, k_c100 +, writes (8 February 2013):
 Practice your maths as much as possible - that is the one area that you can practice easily between now and the test.
Make sure you learn A LOT about the company you are going to. Make sure you have read every page of their website, if they have a careers website then chances are they will have hints and tips on there to help you. Look at what attributes they are looking for in an individual and think of examples of when you show these attributes.
Research the position you are applying for and make sure you know the job spec inside and out, and can give examples in the one on one interview of when you have done elements of the job before and examples to show how good you would be in the role.
The group task and role play are harder - the group task you want to be somewhere in the middle. Dont be shy and quiet letting every one make the decisions, but equally dont try and be the leader being really forceful and loud. Make sure you have an opinion, and make your voice heard, but equally make sure you listen to others and are a good team player.
They will be looking for someone who is a good team player, who isnt as quiet as a mouse but also doesnt try and dominate a situation either. As for the role play, chances are they will give you the material before hand and you will have a few minutes to prepare yourself.
This careers website is quite useful - http://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/interviews/role-play-interviews.htm
Has a lot of different stuff on it, from role plays to numerical reasoning tests. Google around all the areas you are being tested on and see what you can find online, chances are people will have been through the same interview day at the same company and will post about their experiences online.
Good luck!
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A
female
reader, anonymous, writes (8 February 2013): Don't over think it, I know that its probably hard not to but when we overthink things then we tend to make ourselves more nervous. But something to definitely try is to every morning up until the job interview write down or say in your head eight reasons why you deserve the job but don't think of it as reasons to give them, but reasons that you believe yourself and also revise information that you need to know in the job and if you find yourself over thinking it then don't push the thought sway just let it be there and then go and do something else.Good luck.
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A
female
reader, aunt honesty  +, writes (8 February 2013):
 Firstly you are not alone in this. Majority of people struggle with interviews, the get nervous, over think everything and nothing comes out right. So you are no different to most people.
I think you need to begin by reminding yourself that you can do this job. Prove to yourself that you would be good for this position and then it will be easier for you to convince others. Most important is to just be yourself. Use plenty of eye contact, smile, be polite and professional, ask questions in the individual interview, as it shows interest. Also if you don't understand something then don't be afraid to be honest. You are only human so just be honest and true to yourself.
Practice for the group task and the maths task. Show how passionate you are for this position and do your research on the company. The more you look in to it and prepare the more confidence that you will gain. Good luck.
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