How should I prepare for a job interview? (at Limited Too)?

Question

Hi, this will be my first job interview on Saturday. I am applying to the Limited Too store and want to prepare for my interview. Any tips?

Answer 1

Follow these instructions and you will do well in ANY interview.

PREPARATION

1. Know your strengths and weaknesses. Be prepared with a solid presentation of your strong points so that your weaknesses seem slight in comparison. The interviewer will be constantly probing for weaknesses and testing for strengths.

2. Know the requirements of the job so that you can relate how your qualifications compare with these requirements. You must be able to show the fit between " what you can do" and "what must be done." You must be prepared to show why you should be hired.

3. Know the company: its products and/or services, its competitors, its history, size, location of plants and the like. A brief description of the company usually accompanies an advertisement for vacant positions.

It is also useful to find out who will interview you. Research of this nature can pay dividends in helping you prepare yourself and determine the direction the interview will take.

4. Know the difficult questions that are typically asked and prepare your answers to these questions.

5. Write down your own questions. Near the end of the interview, you will be usually asked if you have your own questions. This is the time to inquire about the nature of the work, the working conditions, working hours, training programs given to employees, chances for career growth and advancement, and any other points that may have not been covered yet. Questions pertaining to salary or benefits are never discussed at an interview unless the interviewer introduces them. You may ask these questions after the job is offered to you, and before you accept.

6. Attend to your personal appearance. Your preparation will produce negative results if you neglect your appearance. The people who will be deciding whether to hire you or not will be looking at you very closely.

7. Check details of the interview. Find out the exact time and place for your appointment and program yourself to allow for emergencies, such as a traffic jam or flat tire. If you are unfamiliar with the location where the interview will take place, you should check it out beforehand.

You should plan to arrive at the designated place15 minutes ahead of schedule. While waiting, you can use the time to review the points to be covered in the interview or to observe the office environment and the employees going about their work.

Bring also with you a pad and pen for jotting down things you need to remember such as the date and time of a second interview, names, correct titles, and addresses of those who interview you. You will need this information for your post interview thank you notes.

DRESS CODE

The following are accepted standards in the job market. Follow them if you want to make a positive first impression.

Women:
Ø Don't wear your skirts too short or too tight, heels to high, or blouses too low and too sheer.
Ø Skip the loud nail colors and long nails. Keep your makeup subtle.
Ø Carry an extra pair of stockings just in case and wear them, even in the summer.
Ø Don't wear too much jewelry; keep it simple. Don't wear lots of earrings.
Ø Conservative blouse and suit, with skirt not too short, sensible heels, subtle make up and jewelry.
Ø Fill only one hole with earrings if you have many. Never wear large hoop earrings
Men
Ø Don't wear an earring.
Ø Keep your nails clean and trimmed and remember to shave.
Ø Wear knee length socks that match your pants to avoid "the sock gap."
Ø A dark suit, white shirt, tie and dark oxford shoes. (This will vary from country to country and the type of job being applied for).

Everyone
Ø If you think you need a haircut, get one.
Ø Don't splash on too much perfume or aftershave. Many people are allergic to scents.
Ø Don't wear a nose ring.
Ø Take a shower that morning and wear a deodorant.
Ø Polish your shoes and press your clothes the night before.
Ø Absolutely don't chew gum or smoke.
Ø If you suffer from sweaty palms, keep a handkerchief with a little baby powder or cornstarch in it. Before your interview, go into the restroom and dry your hands with it.

CONDUCT DURING INTERVIEW

Ø Don't accept coffee, tea or even water even if it is offered; having a drink is a distraction you don't really need right now.

Ø Show enthusiasm for your present job (even if you are not that excited about it).

Ø Listen carefully to the question asked. Pause for a moment before answering. Paraphrase the question if you are not sure you understood it.

Ø If you don't understand the question, ask for it to be repeated.

Ø Make sure that by the end of the interview you've gotten across your strongest skills or characteristics. Be specific about them. It is always a good idea to prove your expertise and personal skills by giving examples.

Ø Leave the interview with a good closing impression -- a firm handshake, a smile, good eye contact, a "Thank You", and a closing statement like, "I am very interested in this position," or "When can I expect to hear from you?"

INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

Here are some questions that employers often ask candidates. Prepare answers for these and you won't fear them, or any variation of them. Be brief. Answers to questions should not take more than 90 seconds. Do not ramble during the interview.

All answers should relate to the heart of the issue: Are you qualified to do the job for which they are hiring? Never lose perspective of this. Look at each question as an opportunity to present your case. Exude confidence but do not be boastful or arrogant.

About yourself:
Ø What can you tell me about yourself?
Ø What are your strengths?
Ø What are your weaknesses/failures?
Ø Describe your long and short-range goals.

Business questions:
Ø Why do you want to work here?
Ø What special qualities do you bring to this job?
Ø What was your worst job?
Ø Discuss a problem you have had at work with your boss (or coworker) and how you resolved it. Watch out, this is a trick question. Never let them trick you into saying a negative comment about your former boss, co-worker, position or company. Always stress the positive behaviors you learned from difficult situations.
Ø How do you define success?
Ø Where do you see yourself, career wise, in the future? Watch out, this is a trick question. Remember that the main concern of the employer throughout the interview is to fill the open position with someone who will be successful and stay in it.

School questions:
Ø Do you think your school grades represent you?
Ø What was the main thing you got out of going to college (high school)?
Ø Why didn't you get a degree?
Ø How did your education prepare you for a career?
Ø What did you learn in school that can help you on this job?

And finally:
Ø Is there anything else I need to know about you?
Ø Do you have any questions?

An interviewer might also ask you to:
Ø Explain or defend any statement you made in your resume.
Ø Discuss any skill you may have listed.
Ø Discuss any lapses in employment times.

For an in-depth study on interview questions and the interview itself please go to this link. http://www.job-interview.net/

Peace and blessings!

Source:
My Counseling Files

Answer 2

Here are some tips that always help me in interviews:

1) The first thing to put into mind is... to be yourself!
2) Don't say anything you don't mean and be as positive as possible (who likes a negative employee anyway?).
3) Try to be calm even if the interviewers seem mean. Always plaster a smile on your face (see to it that you look like you're sincere about it, too!)
4) Dress as appropriately as possible.
5) Believe that you can do it!

Good luck on your interview!