All interviews for any position in any company are about SELLING YOURSELF....nothing to do with trying to learn typical questions & answers...
1. Most interviewers have made a decision within the first 2 minutes of a meeting...
so remember:-
"FIRST IMPRESSIONS CARRY A MASSIVE SWAY IN OPINION MAKING..."
you need to stand out as a polite, smart, individual with something to offer the company you are wanting to join...
Im hopeful i should have this covered. I can generally hit it off with anyone. Im always concus in Interviews/Formal meetings to stand up straight, not to slouch when sitting, always shake hands and the biggest one make eye contact with the person speaking and acknowledge them. Body language counts more than words, especially when dealing with HR types.
2. What are your positive points...
what have you got to offer your prospective employers?
qualifications are helpful.. but experience is a bigger factor normaly...
This is what i consider to be my stumbling block so need to pay particular attention to in my preparation. Ive only been in the game for 6 years. 3.5 as an apprentice, 2.5 qualified. What i have had in this time is a mound of experience with alot of variety ranging from your usual domestic work to fire alarms in listed buildings, intruder alarms, commercial heating control gear and emergency lighting just to name a few. As well as working with most if not all of the mainstream wiring systems. Singles in galv conduit/trunking, T&E, FP200. Only installed MI on my AM2 but have had to joint it/repair it in the past.
3. Research the company you are applying to on the internet..
find out what they do..
how long they have been in business..
what is the company structure..
Is it team work?
or working alone out on the road?
are you versatile and flexible for unforeseen changes of your working day due to breakdowns, emergencies, other staff off ill etc..
This is hopefully another strong point for me. The company im applying for are the landlord and maintenance team for all council owned housing in the area. I currently work for another local councils joint partnership contractor and was TUPE'd across to them from the council during a merger. So in many respects i have an insight and experience into their business. I would say im versatile, ive been thrown into several difficult situations and had to work my way through them. Whilst ive only been in the game a short while my experience has been quite extensive.
4. Try to get some thoughts about how you can fit into this employers business structure..
then sell those points to the company..
don't wait for them to ask all the questions..
Another point well made. I think it shows an interest in the company if you fire the occasional question back to them as well as allowing yourself a couple of minutes breathing space while they answer.
5. Think of at least two questions you want to ask your prospective employer..
(NOT how much you will get paid, rather other work related questions)
Helps you to show a keenness & interest in where you hope to work..
e.g..
If you were to be involved in testing.. you could ask about the types of test equipment they use?
do they provide kit? or are you providing your own?
what make megger/fluke etc... etc...
Its about opening up conversations with the interview panel
Haha. Pay was stated in the advert. One question i have is regarding whether my local government pension would be transferable to them although that would have to wait and be asked if i were to be offered the job.
I would like to ask them if generally the work they do is lone working or teaming up with other members of staff on larger jobs etc.
Is it acceptable to ask what their working hours are? The job is listed as 37 hours per week + being on a callout rotor. Hours aren't an issue for me it would just be nice to know if everyone works 8-4 or is it staggered. Some on 8-4, others on 10-6 etc. Frequency of callout shift
awe...
nope me brain has just gone empty now...
need to fill it back up...
GuinnessGuinness
so I will just say..
Good Luck Russ!
