English Deutsch Français Italiano Español Português 繁體中文 Bahasa Indonesia Tiếng Việt ภาษาไทย
All categories

Hi I have an interview for a Personal Assistant tomorrow, I really want this job as the pay and prospects are excellent but I am terrible at interviews I just forget my words and my mind goes blank, I need to know confident answers to questions and how I should present myself during the interview, any help would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance.

2007-06-19 00:00:05 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Business & Finance Careers & Employment Other - Careers & Employment

Also I am wearing a blue pinstripe suit, my hair is long and blonde, should I wear it tied up (business like) or down ???

2007-06-19 00:01:16 · update #1

Its only my 4th ever interview

2007-06-19 01:08:16 · update #2

11 answers

Wear your hair up and have subtle make up - appear professional and interested.

the best thing to do is go on the copmpany website and download info on them so you understand tehir ethos and values.

If you are nervous the best way to break the ice is to actually so that you are nervous to the person conducting the interview - they will reassure you and see that you are human!!

Prepare questions about the company and about the role its self remembering to close the interview by asking how they feel you would fit in with the team, do they have any concerns regarding you abilities, will there be second interviews etc - this may appear pushy but actually gives you the upper hand in knowing where you can lead things on to - if there are concerns you can address them by asking how you would fit in you are planting an image of you working at the company.

Just relax and be yourself - everyone is nervous on interview by remember if you are capable you will be confident!!!

Relax, don't fiddle, remembering facts takes longer than making something up - lots of eye contact and a firm handshake

GOOD LUCK

2007-06-19 00:12:50 · answer #1 · answered by bevflower 3 · 1 0

Firstly, always remember that an interview is not a test but for the company to get to know you better, so relax and simply answer the questions as best as you can.

The do's

Research the company - know about their products and services, the type of organization (private, public, corporation etc)

If possible find out what are the functions of the specific job

Dress appropriately - (as you asked about your hair, i would suggest you wear it up instead of down) Your suit is fine.

Arrive on time for your interview (but not too early) about 15mins before the scheduled time - this gives you time to relax and get your thoughts together so as not to appear too flustered when you are called into the interview room.

During the interview

Just answer questions as asked and only offer additional information as and when necessary

Do not stray from the question - persons have a tendency to go and on and you can lose points this way

Keep in mind that you want this job and you want to convince the company to hire you rather than the other interviewees so show them why you should be their choice

If you can find examples where you have mastered any of the job functions, you can use these examples in your interview

Do not be afraid to ask your interviewers any questions about the job or the company when they ask if you have any questions for them

Try not to answer a question with a question

And most of all, relax and do not lose focus of the purpose of the interview.

So, go ahead and get that job!!! Good Luck!!!!

2007-06-19 07:31:07 · answer #2 · answered by ann t 5 · 1 0

First thing first - be yourself. If you act in a way that you aren't normally, you'll need to keep being that way whilst you're working and that could be pretty hard.

Next thing is to try to relax. Unless the person interviewing you is the actual owner of the company, chances are they had an interview at some point to get the job they have so will have been through what you're going to do and will know how you feel.

As for presentation, you should project an image that best suits who you are. If you normally have your hair up to be smart, wear it that way. Don't go overboard though, because making too much of an effort is just as evident as making no effort at all.

Questions and answers? Thats kinda tough because some people will want to know different things about you and previous careers. Don't be afraid to think for a moment about your answer but don't garble it either. If you find yourself getting stressed, give yourself a moment and take a breath. The interviewer will know you're keen to impress and that you're trying to leave as good an impression as possible so keeping yourself calm and considering your answers before you say them should help show that.

One thing that helped me in my last interview was that the gentleman was actually late because of an accident. I then spoke to him about it and we then didn't get to the actual interview until about 10 minutes later because we spoke about other things. Maybe try talking about how nice/awful a day it's been/is going to be and that might calm you down.

In any case, very good luck and I hope you do well!!

2007-06-19 07:23:50 · answer #3 · answered by Damo 2 · 1 0

Wear your hair however you are comfortable and don't play with it...A nervous habit.. For starters for an interview, be early or on time. Answer all questions truthfully, however don't give up too much info.. Excessive talking- may give interviewer bad impression.. Don't bad talk a former boss, but be direct.. IE. "Why are you leaving your previous position at your last company." if you didn't get along with a superior you can simply say. I'm looking for something more challenging." If you were let go... try and give a positive spin, if you can... For salary requirements aim a little high, the worst that can happen is that they offer you a little less instead of asking low and getting less. You might be surprised. Ask about the company, how long its been around, how long that person has been in their position..IE shows interest... I'm sure you'll be fine....Just try and relax..Good luck

2007-06-19 07:13:04 · answer #4 · answered by pebblespro 7 · 1 0

I once interviewed someone very promising. Unfortunately, they had a nose bleed prior to the interview, and was too nervous to tell me. Imagine my alarm and distress, when I opened my office door to be met by a rather large gentleman covered in blood and offering no explanation for this!!!

If you have any trouble prior to the interview - do yourself a favour and say so. The interviewer will not think badly of you,l in fact just the opposite. It's either that or completely freak the interviewer out!

Above all, try to relax. You are not in any trouble, and a lot of the questions probably do not have right or wrong answers, as the interviewer is just trying to gauge what kind of person you are.

Good luck

2007-06-19 07:12:26 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1 0

One other tip on top of the good stuff earlier - don't forget that they want good people as much as you want a good job. An interview is a two way process.

Remember it's a no-lose situation: if you don't get this job you're no worse off than you where PLUS you've gained experience. If you have that in your head when you start the interview it'll really help deal with the inevitable nerves.

2007-06-19 09:07:20 · answer #6 · answered by simonraybould 1 · 1 0

Hair tied up, make-up but be conservative.

DO:
Have questions ready
Research the company
PAUSE, think about the answer, then answer instead of rushing
Shake hands
Talk to the interviewer and use his/her/their name.
Nod and seem interested
Use eye contact


DONT:
Go to sleep
Look at the floor
Say umm a lot
Be afraid to take your time


The most valuable advice I can give you is have some questions prepared, and get them in as early as you can in the interview. It makes you look interested and while they're talking you can calm down a bit!!

Best of luck, I've had a ton of interviews recently but just seem to keep getting beaten to the job at the last minute!

2007-06-19 07:11:14 · answer #7 · answered by smsgreaves 3 · 0 0

Personal.

1. Research as much as you possibly can on your boss and the company your working for. Play on their strengths and voice uncontroversional opinions.

2. Don't show any desperation. It can be disasterous and brings to surface personal weaknesses.

3. Be friendly and polite, making sure to smile at all times. Be curteous and have a good firm handshake.

4. When responding to a question, always look at them and never away.

5. Make your hand visible and try your hardest not to twitch.

6. When asked about your personal life, make sure to mention something that is unique and unlikely to be said by other candidates. DON'T LIE!

7. Always elaborate on answers.

Dress.

1. General neutral colours with bright accessories makes you inoffensive but noticable.

2. Do not dress provocatively. If the interviewee is a man it may work, but if there is a woman present, forget about the job.

2007-06-19 07:13:55 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1 0

You say you mess up during interviews, well you have been to a few so you know what they ask and expect. Try to have a few interviews in your head, write down as many questions as you can think of that they might ask you, try not to have anything sugery before the interview (makes you excited) but have a herbal tea or something calming (not horlicks, you dont want to sleep!). As for your hair, if you are seeing a man, wear it down, if a woman wear it up (if you have advantages, use them). Good luck.

PS and like the other duide says dont fart!

2007-06-19 07:10:29 · answer #9 · answered by Jon M 3 · 0 0

I'd tie your hair up, you'll only play with it and look nervous

As for tips, I do two things, first I pretend I don't really want the job, but it could be good do stay interested but not over excited, secondly, and this really is odd but works to calm me down - turn up early and try to have a poo in their toilet, if you are confident enought to do that then the confidence will filter into your interview, also you'll be so shocked at what you just did, it will distract you from being nervous

2007-06-19 07:09:11 · answer #10 · answered by Jody W 4 · 0 0

fedest.com, questions and answers