Interview help
Discussion
I have been unemployed for a while now and I have just had a phone call from a major manufacture dealership (VW) asking me to come to an interview on Monday. Duly I accepted. (I applied for this role back in early Feb. Then last Friday I get a call asking if I was still interested and available in the role etc).
As I am a little rusty at interviews and get i get a little nervous, I would like some help/tips as to how I should conduct myself as I would really like to get this job as it is a) foot in the door and b) being a big motor manufacture could lead to other possibilities.
The role is a customer facing role (non sales).
I know turning up 10 or so minutes before the interview in a presentable smart manor - Suit and tie.
What sort of questions should/could I ask.
Anything I should now about dealerships and how they work their interviews etc. But try not to scare me.
Ta
Darren
As I am a little rusty at interviews and get i get a little nervous, I would like some help/tips as to how I should conduct myself as I would really like to get this job as it is a) foot in the door and b) being a big motor manufacture could lead to other possibilities.
The role is a customer facing role (non sales).
I know turning up 10 or so minutes before the interview in a presentable smart manor - Suit and tie.
What sort of questions should/could I ask.
Anything I should now about dealerships and how they work their interviews etc. But try not to scare me.
Ta
Darren
Small stuff that people can forget to consider, but make sure you know the following:
1. Why you want this job, rather than any job. Why is this company and this role interesting to you?
2. What do you have to offer them based on your past experience (either from former roles, or experience outside of work)?
3. Know at least something about the company - national chain, or local? Is the brand selling well? Look at their website - what are they promoting at the moment?
4. What you want to know about the company.
The first two items will help you relax a bit about the interview, as you'll know exactly why you're there and what you can offer them. The second two questions will help conversation flow. You could mention you saw a promotion about X and either ask how it went or if they do this sort of thing every month/quarter/year, to show you've done a bit of homework. What is the corporate culture like? Do people have time to welcome newbies and show them the ropes, or are you thrown in and expected to sink or swim? Is this a new role, or are you replacing someone - if replacing, why did they leave? Have they moved in within the company, or gone elsewhere?
Ultimately, remember it's not a quiz, it's a conversation. You're there for a chat to see if you like the sound of the job they have going, and for them to see if they think you're right for it.
1. Why you want this job, rather than any job. Why is this company and this role interesting to you?
2. What do you have to offer them based on your past experience (either from former roles, or experience outside of work)?
3. Know at least something about the company - national chain, or local? Is the brand selling well? Look at their website - what are they promoting at the moment?
4. What you want to know about the company.
The first two items will help you relax a bit about the interview, as you'll know exactly why you're there and what you can offer them. The second two questions will help conversation flow. You could mention you saw a promotion about X and either ask how it went or if they do this sort of thing every month/quarter/year, to show you've done a bit of homework. What is the corporate culture like? Do people have time to welcome newbies and show them the ropes, or are you thrown in and expected to sink or swim? Is this a new role, or are you replacing someone - if replacing, why did they leave? Have they moved in within the company, or gone elsewhere?
Ultimately, remember it's not a quiz, it's a conversation. You're there for a chat to see if you like the sound of the job they have going, and for them to see if they think you're right for it.
One question I always used to ask in interviews is 'having met today is there any reason why you wouldn't invite me back for a second interview?' I feel it shows confidence, and can unearth any concerns they may have preventing a job offer.
Personally I always decline any offer of a drink. It's just something to fumble with and show your nerves.
Research the company and the position in depth. A common early question is 'what do you know about xxx/ the job position?'
Think of a great response to the question (of along the lines of) 'why should we offer the position to you over other candidates we're seeing?'
Not being sure of the area, but if city based or similar make sure you know parking options. You'd be sick as a parrot to turn up in good time then be 15 minutes late trying to find somewhere to park.
Take a deodorant and box of tic-tacs in the car to freshen up before you arrive.
Finally always offer a handshake and a 'thank you for taking the time to see me today, I hope to speak with you again soon' It shows respect and confidence.
Good luck.
Personally I always decline any offer of a drink. It's just something to fumble with and show your nerves.
Research the company and the position in depth. A common early question is 'what do you know about xxx/ the job position?'
Think of a great response to the question (of along the lines of) 'why should we offer the position to you over other candidates we're seeing?'
Not being sure of the area, but if city based or similar make sure you know parking options. You'd be sick as a parrot to turn up in good time then be 15 minutes late trying to find somewhere to park.
Take a deodorant and box of tic-tacs in the car to freshen up before you arrive.
Finally always offer a handshake and a 'thank you for taking the time to see me today, I hope to speak with you again soon' It shows respect and confidence.
Good luck.
Kermit's advice is pretty good
Research the company / role, have it printed out and any notes made.
Write a list of questions.
Be confident, without being an arse, speak, listen, maintain eye contact but don't stare, look away briefly every so often so it's not awkward.
Researching the company and having your work history/relevant experience to hand, and being able to recall these when asked, and being confident will go very far. More so than your CV in most cases, Cv is just a foot in the door.
Don't be afraid to say hold on for a moment, let me just check my notes, if they ask you something and you aren't sure.
Don't fumble or say lots of ums and arrs
Obviously if they ask you what your weaknesses are just say you try too hard to please everyone or some other "negative" quality.
Also don't forget it's just as awkward for the interviewer in most cases so just try and treat it as a friendly professional chat.
I hate interviews, but managed to get offers for every job I've gone for so must just be able to talk a good game
Research the company / role, have it printed out and any notes made.
Write a list of questions.
Be confident, without being an arse, speak, listen, maintain eye contact but don't stare, look away briefly every so often so it's not awkward.
Researching the company and having your work history/relevant experience to hand, and being able to recall these when asked, and being confident will go very far. More so than your CV in most cases, Cv is just a foot in the door.
Don't be afraid to say hold on for a moment, let me just check my notes, if they ask you something and you aren't sure.
Don't fumble or say lots of ums and arrs
Obviously if they ask you what your weaknesses are just say you try too hard to please everyone or some other "negative" quality.
Also don't forget it's just as awkward for the interviewer in most cases so just try and treat it as a friendly professional chat.
I hate interviews, but managed to get offers for every job I've gone for so must just be able to talk a good game
Fermit The Krog and Sexy Sarah said:
One question I always used to ask in interviews is 'having met today is there any reason why you wouldn't invite me back for a second interview?' I feel it shows confidence, and can unearth any concerns they may have preventing a job offer.
Personally I woudn't ask that. It can feel quite arrogant and pushy (IMO). If i was the interviewer I would reply"We're interviewing X other candidates for your role. We'll call back those who we think best fit the type of person we're looking for".
Countdown said:
Fermit The Krog and Sexy Sarah said:
One question I always used to ask in interviews is 'having met today is there any reason why you wouldn't invite me back for a second interview?' I feel it shows confidence, and can unearth any concerns they may have preventing a job offer.
Personally I woudn't ask that. It can feel quite arrogant and pushy (IMO). If i was the interviewer I would reply"We're interviewing X other candidates for your role. We'll call back those who we think best fit the type of person we're looking for".
It's enough to put people on the spot and before they've got the chance to put up a smarm barrier they're already thinking of the answer. There's absolutely no harm in finding out whether you're about to get lied to or fobbed off. Based on that, you could also deduce whether you're going to get on with that person and if being PR'd or bulls
tted is likely going to be a regular occurrence. OP - two way street. What are they like to work for? The person who you'll be working for - how do they manage their staff to get the best out of them?
These questions will bring answers that can be potential red flags or extra reassurance you're likely not working for a nobhead.
andy-xr said:
I like it, I used to use a variation of that for sales jobs, along the lines of 'based on our conversation so far, do you think I could do the job?'
It's enough to put people on the spot and before they've got the chance to put up a smarm barrier they're already thinking of the answer. There's absolutely no harm in finding out whether you're about to get lied to or fobbed off. Based on that, you could also deduce whether you're going to get on with that person and if being PR'd or bullstted is likely going to be a regular occurrence.
It does indeed put people on the spot which (a) wont necessarily please them and (b) might result in them lying just to get you out of the door. Bear in mind that, unless you're the final candidate, they won't have made they're mind up who they want to appoint. So let's say they answer "Yes, you're great and we think you can do the job. We're seeing a few other people and we'll be in touch". they might be saying it just to get you out of the door without a long debate. there is nothing that stops them from writing to you to say "Yes, you were great but somebody else was better".It's enough to put people on the spot and before they've got the chance to put up a smarm barrier they're already thinking of the answer. There's absolutely no harm in finding out whether you're about to get lied to or fobbed off. Based on that, you could also deduce whether you're going to get on with that person and if being PR'd or bulls
tted is likely going to be a regular occurrence. Another variant that people have used is "Are there any questions which you don't think I've answered fully to your satisfaction?". basically they're wanting the interview panel to tell them which answers were weak so they can have a 2nd bite of the cherry. It doesn't really work like that. You don't get 2 or 3 goes to say what you think we want to hear.
As has been mentioned always read about the company (if it's a franchise read about their other sites too) just so you know everything about them. What services do they offer? Sales? Expansion plans?
If it's service facing they might ask what would you do if...customer is angry about <whatever> bring late. How would you deal with them, what would you say to them etc. They might ask about recent PR probelms re dielse emissions. What would you say to customer who asks about it...
Make sure they know you're reliable, & keen to learn, enthusiastic
If it's service facing they might ask what would you do if...customer is angry about <whatever> bring late. How would you deal with them, what would you say to them etc. They might ask about recent PR probelms re dielse emissions. What would you say to customer who asks about it...
Make sure they know you're reliable, & keen to learn, enthusiastic
Countdown said:
It does indeed put people on the spot which (a) wont necessarily please them and (b) might result in them lying just to get you out of the door. Bear in mind that, unless you're the final candidate, they won't have made they're mind up who they want to appoint. So let's say they answer "Yes, you're great and we think you can do the job. We're seeing a few other people and we'll be in touch". they might be saying it just to get you out of the door without a long debate. there is nothing that stops them from writing to you to say "Yes, you were great but somebody else was better".
It's such a simple and direct question and the response tells you everything you need to know about the person in how they answer it. It's fine to say 'good one Andy, like it'. Also fine to say 'you could do it standing on your head, as can anyone we're interviewing. We're thinking more about who's the best fit'. It's also fine to say 'No, you dont appear to be who we're looking for'
What the answer says is going to determine whether you're likely seeing someone who cant make a decision either through lack of power or wanting a unicorn that they're prepared to let good people pass by. It also completely levels the field, wheras the interviewer might feel they have a balance of power (which is another issue altogether).
When you think about it from the perspective of the person asking it, I've taken time out of my day when I could have been seeing 2/3 other companies, gone through the process and for what - to be lied to and fobbed off?
Companies interviewing often set traps for interviewees. It's not particularly pleasant to be asked 'what are your weaknesses' or 'tell me about a time where.....some impossible thing that you couldnt ever achieve'
It's just batting one back over the net to see whether they can take as well as give, and brings a lot of clarity to how possible future conversations around decisions will likely go. Brush me off and likely I'll put more effort into the other opportunities I have, so second/third interviews and possible competing offers from others will get preferential treatment
If they cant answer the question of 'Do you think I could do the job' without being arsey about it, there'd be a 'fit' problem for me.
Edited by andy-xr on Friday 7th April 09:36
Well done on getting the interview - the fact they held your details and called you back is a great sign. It doesn't mean you are 'in the door' but it does show you have something they want.
On top of the good advice already stated above, also consider:
Proper handshake with eye contact. When I interview candidates, limp handshake - higher chance of shorter interview and no job.
Good personality. Be yourself, but if you aren't personable and cheerful/smiley then you should aim to be for an interview.
Know about VW and their products (both Car and CV)
Start the interview thanking them for calling you back, tell them how you only apply for jobs you really want, so you're grateful for the opportunity, and tell them how much you love the motor industry, etc. At the end, ask about next steps, if they don't tell you during the wrap-up.
Good luck.
On top of the good advice already stated above, also consider:
Proper handshake with eye contact. When I interview candidates, limp handshake - higher chance of shorter interview and no job.
Good personality. Be yourself, but if you aren't personable and cheerful/smiley then you should aim to be for an interview.
Know about VW and their products (both Car and CV)
Start the interview thanking them for calling you back, tell them how you only apply for jobs you really want, so you're grateful for the opportunity, and tell them how much you love the motor industry, etc. At the end, ask about next steps, if they don't tell you during the wrap-up.
Good luck.
I don't think the old "what are your strengths and weaknesses" question gets used anymore but if you get quizzed on something you're not so good with, I found a good answer many years ago which worked for me. Tell them about your strong points, you're there to sell yourself but don't say you don't have any weaknesses. We all do and it shows arrogance if you say none. Instead, offer a solution to any shortfall.
For example, years ago I was a junior software developer and I had an interview at Siemens. I had experience with SQL, Access and VB6 which was the main job at the time but I had no experience with Stored Procedures in SQL. This was a desirable rather than a pre-req. I just said that I had limited exposure to stored procedures, however, if I'm, successful, I can gain the experience required and also take part in any courses or on the job training as needed. It's a good way to propose a solution to overcome your short falls.
Not many people tick every single box on a job application so if others just say "I've no experience or I don't know" it paints you in a better light in my opinion. I got the job back then although I can't say if that was because of my answer or not!
For example, years ago I was a junior software developer and I had an interview at Siemens. I had experience with SQL, Access and VB6 which was the main job at the time but I had no experience with Stored Procedures in SQL. This was a desirable rather than a pre-req. I just said that I had limited exposure to stored procedures, however, if I'm, successful, I can gain the experience required and also take part in any courses or on the job training as needed. It's a good way to propose a solution to overcome your short falls.
Not many people tick every single box on a job application so if others just say "I've no experience or I don't know" it paints you in a better light in my opinion. I got the job back then although I can't say if that was because of my answer or not!
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