Job Interview HELP!!!!!!!?

Question

I have a job interview tomorrow for a part-time position as a secretary. I've done tons of interviews and I always feel unprepaired for them. I never feel like I say what I should say, ask questions that need to be asked or answer the questions properly..
Does anyone have any advice on answers to questions that might be asked or any particular questions that should be asked. Or something I should do to 'win' over the interviewer????
I really want a job and this is a job that I would enjoy doing..So I really want this job and I don't want to screw it up with a bad interview...THANKS!!!

Answer 1

I've learned that if you don't have at least one question to ask when the time comes that they say, "so do you have any questions for me" it looks bad. So, here's some good "generic" questions YOU can ask THEM:

1) what are the strengths you are looking for in a candidate?
2) what is the economic outlook for the future of the company? will this be a company i can stay and grow with?
3) can you describe a typical day on the job in this position?

Be prepared to answer about your work and education experience as well as strengths and weaknesses you have. Try to think ahead about a weakness you have that you can actually make look like a strength. Like: "I'm a nit-picker about accuracy so sometimes I have to remind myself not to spend too much time trying to resolve a variance of 5 cents" (I work in the accounting field).

Be relaxed, smile, make eye contact, don't fidget, dress well, shake hands, ask when you can expect to hear from them, thank them for their time, and remember the thank you card!!!!

Answer 2

First, if you're a secretary, you need to use "spell check" or a dictionary: the word is "unprepared" (and, yes, you definitely are!).

Second, secretaries need to be short and to the point. Your "details" are excessive, and lead me to believe that you are a chatty individual. Bosses do not like chatty secretaries.

Third, you claim to have had "tons of interviews", so I can't imagine why you're bothering to ask anyone about it, especially since most secretaries are only given a typing test, and asked if they wouldn't mind fetching his/her coffee, as well as being asked if they wouldn't mind being chased around the office during holiday parties! ;)

Fourth, your "question" should have been "How do I nail an interview for a secretary's position?", not "Job Interview HELP!!!!", which is so generic that most people would just ignore it. That indicates that you are evasive and/or do not know how to get to the point. Again, bosses won't like that.

Given all the above, I would not hire you,
but I'll still wish you (and your future employer) luck.

Answer 3

Make a list of possible questions and think about the answers you would give. Don't memorize exact phrases, or you might come out souding canned or worse, stumble on your words. Just think about general ideas. Some questions they might ask are: why do you want to work here, why would you make a good employee, what are your strenghts, what are your weaknesses, what did you like best about your last job, what did you like least about your last job, or where do you see yourself in 5 years.

When answering questions like "What are your worst qualities?", emphasize positive attributes. Say something like "I tend to be a perfectionist" or "I can be hard on myself when I make mistakes". It is still a bad quality, but it makes you look good to an employer. You don't want to say something like "I'm always late" or "I'm impatient". Same thing with questions like "what did you like least about your last job/employer?". Don't say something that you are going to have at your current job, or that will make you look bad. Emphasize something that won't be a problem at your current job like a specific task or schedule you won't encounter. If the jobs are essentially the same, list the reason you quit or are looking for another job, something like "I like the job, I'm just looking for something similar that pays better/I'm looking for something closer to home so I have a shorter commute" or "I loved the job, I would have stayed if I could but I moved for my husband's job/they had cut backs and 20 people were let go including myself/etc".

Try to always have a question or two to ask, it shows you are really interested in the job. If they cover everything you were thinking about asking, say so ("I had several questions, but you covered them already"). You can ask about the work schedule (especially since it is part time) or specific duties of the job. Don't ask about pay or benefits until you are offered a job, it is usually considered impolite.

Get a business card, or if they don't have one, write down the interviewer's name. When you get home, send a thank you note. I would use a professional looking card that just says "thank you" on the outside, and is blank on the inside, or one of those sucess type cards with a pretty picture and saying about opportunity or success. Inside, handwrite something like "Thank you for taking the time to meet with me, I appreciate the opportunity to get to know you and your company. After hearing more about the position I believe I would be an excellent addition to your team. (insert something specific, such as a specific skill or experience they are looking for). I look forward to hearing from you again soon." Make sure to sign it, and include your address and phone number.

Good luck!

Answer 4

Just relax yourself and apply your knowledge to the questions. It's basic 1+1=2 don't complicate things in your head.

Be up front let them know that your the type to take charge of general task. Keep eye contact, smile relax. Don't try to sound like your desperate and or dizzy, no offense. Act like your speaking at home with respect. Don't say to much but try to make yourself look and sound interested in the conversation during the interview. Eye contact, eye contact,

The key is eye contact, shake hands and be interested in the conversation that's how they know if you can handle the job.

When you get your first check don't forget me.....

Answer 5

I hate the stupid questions that businesses ask!!! Be honest. i grew to become into asked at a job interview: What do you sense this job can furnish you? I reported a pay verify I have been given the job, i think of for being honest.

Answer 6

Its not easy to say what you will be asked, but if you go in with appositive mental attitude, and let them think your keen, and ensure you give them the impression that you can and will do a good job for them. Show an interest in the company, see if you can find out anything about them before going, that should help. above all look interested, let tell them that you can do the job, and don't forget to smile, (mind you not to cheesy)

good luck..
.

Answer 7

See if you can tell yourself that doing things wrong is ok till you learn it (atleast your tried ) and You'll be able to easily say things that you are not able to say currrently.

Its probably because you think others know more than what you can imagine, just get over it and you will do fine.

Gud luck on the interview.

Answer 8

you said the most important thing in your Q


that this is a job you would enjoy doing.
Be sure to tell the interviewer.

Answer 9

i have a document i can send you which i got from my job recruitment agency a couple of weeks back. would be happy to send it.

If not...
- research the company and find out as much as you can about them. show the interviewer you've done your research
- keep natural eye contact
-try and show them your personality

Answer 10

a lot of questions i get asked are things about my strengths and what i can bring to the company, my skills and experience, and weaknesses. i also get asked about what i know about the company so make sure you look at the website. i keep my resume in front of me if possible so i can refer to it to make sure i dont leave out anything in my work history and experience. smile and be energetic and enthusiastic! good luck!