What did I do wrong during a job interview and how do I correct it?

Question

It wasn't for a real salaried job or anything, just at a clothing store. I didn't get the job, which I found to be absolutely ludicrous. I answered the questions truthfully and straightforwardly. I was polite to the girl who interviewed me and was quite well dressed (better dressed than her...). Granted, I had no work experience other than as a student aide in my old college, but the fact that this was a job as a junior sales associate should have negated that.

Perhaps they saw me as overqualified? Could the fact that I go to an Ivy League school have caused me a problem? Could it be that they thought I wouldn't devote enough time to them?

What are some tips on getting a job like this? I have to do something this summer and really have no desire to work in an office or to do an unpaid internship. So how do I bs my way into a job? Because for some reason I feel as though my interview wasn’t strong enough. How should you respond those silly questions they ask you?

Answer 1

you have a right to ask them what went wrong, if anything. just say you want to know why you didn't get the job so you'll know for the next job interview.

Answer 2

first of all there may have been a better fit for the job whether or not you answered all the questions truthfully. They may have thought you over qualified and would not stay long - that drives up costs because if an employee quits soon after hire - they have to advertise and re-train.

Find a job you like - answer truthfully and sell yourself. It may sound corny but be aggressive - particularly in sales.

Common Questions: Why are you interested in this job? Where do you see yourself in the future? Why should I hire you for this position? How many days did you miss in the last year (either school or job)?

Answer 3

Jobs like this should be easy to get, perhaps you either asked for too much pay, something they either can't afford or don't think the job is worth.

Also when applying for retail jobs its ok to mention your school, but better to not repeatedly bring it up or make a big deal out of it because (whether you mean it to or not) it may come off condescendingly, since a lot of people do make a career of retail and don't just use it as a summer job. A lot of the people you may be working with haven't gone to college and may be touchy about it.

But do take into account that you are looking for summer employment and your needs may not have matched theirs, they may have wanted to hire a full time for the year, or only part time for the summer while you want full time work. Or it may not be worth it to train you and have you only work there for a month, if your going back early.

So it could be any number of these factors or just one. Either way good luck!!

Answer 4

From what I see, what you did wrong was go in with a bad attitude and a complete lack of tact.

Just from your vague description, I can list quite a few things you did wrong.

1)You went in with the attitude that the work was beneath you, that SHINES through to an interviewer.
2)You went in and focussed on the attire of the interviewer and on your own superiority to her. That shines through as well.
3)They did not see you as overqualified. By your own statement, you have no experience
4)There is honesty and there is attitude. You can be honest and not complain, which from the tone of your post, I think you did a bit of.
5)You went in with the attitude of wanting 'something to do' those were your words. If I'm looking for somebody to work for me, I want somebody who wants to work for me as opposed to someone who wants 'something to do'.
6)You don't BS your way into anything... EVER, people pick up on that, and if they smell even a wiff of BS, you're not going to get the job.
7)The questions aren't silly, they're designed to cut through the BS.
8)The way you answer those "silly questions" is with tact, honesty and sincerity demonstrating a desire to work.

Answer 5

You will not always get every job you apply for. It does not mean you are not wonderful. Maybe the interviewer felt you would be hard to manage (over qualified) maybe the interviewer thought you would be bored by the job. Don't worry just keep interviewing.

They do not have to tell you why you were not selected; it is their business.

Answer 6

incorrect on the advantages (for the main area). Many employers pay a fastened quantity of the advantages top rate it is comparable to single coverage. some have cafeteria plans the place each worker gets a undeniable quantity of greenbacks to pay for reward. the only element might desire to be a element in a activity it is earnings and demands extra time. A single guy or woman is plenty extra possibly to have the flexibility to stay late. besides the fact that, a single lady has the stigma that she might desire to get married and pregnant. Be very casual with regard to the way you carry that up.

Answer 7

Perhaps you should start by losing the arrogant little 'tude. If it comes through in your writing, it most certainly came through to the interviewer. I've interviewed thousands of people and I wouldn't hire anyone with that attitude on a bet.

Retail sales is about customer service, not about covering your insecurities by comparing your clothing, educational background, "overqualification", &tc. with that of everyone around you.

When you decide to put some time and effort into learning about the company and the job, and conveying to the interviewer that you want to work hard and do well, perhaps you won't have to "b.s. your way" in.

BTW, I think you should ask for your money back from that school you're so proud of. They obviously failed to teach you basic life skills such as humility and etiquette.