Interviewing tips?

Question

Yesterday a bank called me to schedule an interview. I want this job very bad because it is exactly what I want to do. I have a couple issues that are probably going to come up during our talk. For instance, I earned my degree 3 1/2 years ago and I only have five months of experience in my field. This gap looks really bad, but I put forth a diligent effort to try to find a job. Secondly, I was fired from my last job because they said that I did not seem interested in my job and I came late to ONE meeting, ONE time. I really want to do a great job in this interview and land it. If you could help me out, it would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

I would not be too concerned about the employment gap. It should have been documented on your resume in one form or another, and you were called for an interview anyway. (If you were not honest on the resume and/or application, look out. Realize that you have creative license to a point.)

The key is that YOU are confident that you can do the job and YOU are not uncomfortable with the employment gap. If you are uncomfortable with your qualifications or aspects of your career history, can you expect someone to risk their credibility for taking a chance on you? Selling yourself through the gap is NOT something to worry about. Know your qualifications like the back of your hand. (Appropriately) communicate your excitement and strong desire to be a part of their team.

Firings are always interesting obstacles. My suggestion is that you figure out a way to tell the truth without (1) sounding like you are an uninspired employee, or (2) saying or implying anything negative about your former employer. Why did you appear to be uninterested in your job? Did you apply for that job in the same manner that you are applying for this one? My suggestion: "I learned something in my previous position. When I applied, I thought the job would be xxx, but it turned out to be a lot of xxx. I was not a great fit for that type of position. I knew it and my employer knew it. I've learned to be very careful about the positions for which I apply, and that is why I am asking so many questions today. "

One more thing. You say this is exactly what you want to do. That is fantastic. But don't ignore the fact that most jobs rely very, very heavily on the people you will be interacting with. It could appear to be the most fantastic opportunity in the world, but your co-workers, managers, customers, can wreck it. I recommend you pay close attention to the culture and to the people and ensure that you will fit in.

Good luck!

Answer 2

I saw you posting similar question earlier today. There is no way that you were looking really for a job for 3 1/2 years and did not find anything up until five months ago. You should had your priorities better in the past. Punctuality is very important in some companies so being late even for ONE meeting can be a big deal. What were you doing during those 3 1/2 years? Don't tell me unemployment benefits because they are only for six months and that is taken you had a job previously. So what did you do during all this time?

Answer 3

I agree with Someone. When hiring, I look at unemployment gaps as a bad thing, IF the person wasn't working at all. People who don't have to work don't tend to make great employees. Now if you were working, just not in your field, it's easy to say that you were waiting for the right position, rather than entering the field in a position where you and potentially your employer would have been wasting time. Employers put a lot into employees and want to see the potential longevity factor. As you know, I already answered the other issue :)

Answer 4

I would have some questions for you but you have not listed your email addy with Q&A.

You didn't say how long you were at your last job. And that's important for me to know to answer your question.

You didn't say what type of job you are looking for at a bank.

If you have a degree (economics or finance) and want to work at a bank you would contact their credit or trust department and ask them when their internal classes start for training of college grads. Their training lasts several months and you graduate from that and then they disburse those students throughout the bank into responsible positions.

also occasionally check the Wall Street Journal for listings of when these classes begin as sometimes the training is listed there.

These days, even for minor positions companies are interviewing each person they consider 3 times. So know all you can about the bank and use all your contacts (thru networking with vice presidents) to get your foot in the door.

Answer 5

Plan Ahead - Do a little homework! Research the company and the position if possible, as well, the people you will meet with at the interview. Review your work experiences. Be ready to support past career accomplishments with specific information targeted toward the companies needs. Have your facts ready!Eye Contact - Maintain eye contact with your interviewer. Show you want the job with your interest.Be Positive - In particular, avoid negative comments about past employers.
Listen and adapt. Be sensitive to the style of the interviewer. Pay attention to those details of dress, office furniture, and general decor which will afford helpful clues to assist you in tailoring your presentation.Try to relate your answers to the interviewer and his or her company. Focus on achievements relevant to the position.
Encourage the interviewer to share information about his or her company. Demonstrate your interest.

Answer 6

Relax. Don't think of your experience gap as an issue, think of it a glitch in the local employment trends. Let them know how much you wanted to do just this kind of work so felt that you should keep yourself available for when the chance arose but don't talk too much. Think economy of words. Do not offer what they have not asked. Good luck and take a deep breath before you go in and put your most professional and least crazy smile on. You'll do well!

Answer 7

Hey there, just explain to them about the unemployment gap, and tell them you were trying to find work, but that the economy was doing poorly. Was your last job like the one you are going to be interviewed for? If not, then you can tell them that you want to switch careers to the banking field, and you didn't really enjoy your last job because it wasn't really what you wanted to do with your career. I stress career because employers are looking for long term employees when they hire. Don't say job, say career. Good luck!!