Job Interview - General advice please
dcfaithful
Posts: 13,076
Hey everyone,
Perhaps you are familiar with me and that I had my own radio show (briefly, for 7 months) at a pretty underground and rickety radio station called UtahFM until it folded. There was/is a thread around these parts on it but it's most likely buried now because there has been nothing to post about it for a while.
Anyway, I recently submitted an application to be the weekend on-air announcer for the University of Utah's public broadcasting station. I had to do an audition where I read a script over the phone to a message line for their review. I've been selected as 1 of 3 finalists and will be interviewed after Thanksgiving. The position would be from 2 - 7 pm on Saturdays.
I'm grateful and looking for any advice, tips, or good info you can give if you have any. It's been quite a long time since I have interviewed for a job. Now, while I don't need this job financially, it is a very important opportunity to me as it appears to be a great opening to continuing my career in broadcasting. An opening that will be more reputable too.
Suggestions on what to wear? I don't want to overdress, but I want to look professional...
Also, would it lessen my chances if I made it known that I work a full-time job during the week? I'm trying to schedule my interview and am wondering if I should openly tell them that I would need to schedule time off to make the interview.
Lastly, any advice/suggestions you can give as to how to answer interview questions is greatly appreciated. (again, I'm very rusty and am beginning to get nervous).
Perhaps you are familiar with me and that I had my own radio show (briefly, for 7 months) at a pretty underground and rickety radio station called UtahFM until it folded. There was/is a thread around these parts on it but it's most likely buried now because there has been nothing to post about it for a while.
Anyway, I recently submitted an application to be the weekend on-air announcer for the University of Utah's public broadcasting station. I had to do an audition where I read a script over the phone to a message line for their review. I've been selected as 1 of 3 finalists and will be interviewed after Thanksgiving. The position would be from 2 - 7 pm on Saturdays.
I'm grateful and looking for any advice, tips, or good info you can give if you have any. It's been quite a long time since I have interviewed for a job. Now, while I don't need this job financially, it is a very important opportunity to me as it appears to be a great opening to continuing my career in broadcasting. An opening that will be more reputable too.
Suggestions on what to wear? I don't want to overdress, but I want to look professional...
Also, would it lessen my chances if I made it known that I work a full-time job during the week? I'm trying to schedule my interview and am wondering if I should openly tell them that I would need to schedule time off to make the interview.
Lastly, any advice/suggestions you can give as to how to answer interview questions is greatly appreciated. (again, I'm very rusty and am beginning to get nervous).
7/2/06 - Denver, CO
6/12/08 - Tampa, FL
8/23/09 - Chicago, IL
9/28/09 - Salt Lake City, UT (11 years too long!!!)
9/03/11 - East Troy, WI - PJ20 - Night 1
9/04/11 - East Troy, WI - PJ20 - Night 2
6/12/08 - Tampa, FL
8/23/09 - Chicago, IL
9/28/09 - Salt Lake City, UT (11 years too long!!!)
9/03/11 - East Troy, WI - PJ20 - Night 1
9/04/11 - East Troy, WI - PJ20 - Night 2
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First thing bring a pen and preferably a notepad as well. Usually the first question I ask is if they have a pen.
Make sure your hair is neat and trimmed and your fingernails are clean.
Shake your interviewers hand firmly and make eye contact.
Don't ever offer too much information when you're asked a queestion. Answer it but don't go on and on elaborating.
Turn off or mute your cellphone.
You do want to paint yourself in a positive light to the interviewer but don't try and bullshit them that you are the greatest thhing since sliced bread. They see right through it.
The last thing that really impresses me is when the interview is over how the person asks when they will find out about the job. For example, I have had people say something like "so hopefully I'll be hearing from you". Wrong. I prefer someone a bit more authoritative. Something like "when will you be making your decision and when can I expect to hear from you"?
Hope some of this may help. Oh and also send a follow up thank you letter or email the following day.
Great list.
Better yet, leave it in the car.
I'd like to add one more to this list. Be on time. When I say on time, I mean 10-15 minutes prior to your scheduled interview.
One time when I was interviewing I got carried away with asking questions and the guy actually said "Wait, I am the one doing the interviewing here" and he laughed.
And then hired me.
Good luck!
Good luck!
Peace
Libtardaplorable©. And proud of it.
Brilliantati©
As far as what to wear, take it one notch higher than what the average person in the office is wearing. For a University Public Broadcast station, this may mean no clothes with holes and comb the food out of your beard. It's always a good idea to ask questions that show you know something about the station. Do a little research before hand.
If you're nervous, just fake the confidence, make eye contact, it should be okay to briefly pause before answering when asked a question. I've done many interviews the last few years, and they always ask about a problem that you had and what you did in response. Try to think of some of those where you were a real genius (they may not ask you those in broadcasting, though--not my field). When they ask about areas you need to improve on, identify one that's reasonable and somewhat common, and they tell them how you've been working to improve it recently.
Good luck, be yourself. Oh, a great way to score points is to write a hand written thank you note the day after the interview and send it to the person who facilitated the interview, via the old fashioned mail. Re-state your interest in the position in the thank you.
Since this is for a part time job, do not worry about the fact that you already have a full time job. Odds are the other 2 do as well, and if they don't - they are looking.
Also, if anything, currently having a job will only help your cause - it shows you are dependable in somebody else's eyes as well.
In your best Ali G. voice:
Big ups to me canvas tote-bag bruvas in Utah....respeck!
Also, sit up straight and look people in the eye when you shake their hands.
I will not bring my cell phone... that is just a given. and Thanks Travelar! I plan on being early.
DS, thank you for that post... VERY helpful.
6/12/08 - Tampa, FL
8/23/09 - Chicago, IL
9/28/09 - Salt Lake City, UT (11 years too long!!!)
9/03/11 - East Troy, WI - PJ20 - Night 1
9/04/11 - East Troy, WI - PJ20 - Night 2
Thanks for the tips and words of advice, keep em coming if you got them.
6/12/08 - Tampa, FL
8/23/09 - Chicago, IL
9/28/09 - Salt Lake City, UT (11 years too long!!!)
9/03/11 - East Troy, WI - PJ20 - Night 1
9/04/11 - East Troy, WI - PJ20 - Night 2
6/12/08 - Tampa, FL
8/23/09 - Chicago, IL
9/28/09 - Salt Lake City, UT (11 years too long!!!)
9/03/11 - East Troy, WI - PJ20 - Night 1
9/04/11 - East Troy, WI - PJ20 - Night 2
1) Is it necessary to bring the resume when they already have it on file? I'm assuming the answer is yes, but is this just a personal preference depending on the interviewer, or is it a common sense good practice for the interviewee?
2) I was wondering about the attire because frankly my collection of dress/business clothing is not impressive. I have three ties, black, white, and then a patterned one. My dress shirts are about the same. I have a typical blue dress shirt, a plaid one that has been labeled "young" by my girlfriend, and a black dress shirt. Looks like I might need to bite the bullet and go buy a nice outfit?
6/12/08 - Tampa, FL
8/23/09 - Chicago, IL
9/28/09 - Salt Lake City, UT (11 years too long!!!)
9/03/11 - East Troy, WI - PJ20 - Night 1
9/04/11 - East Troy, WI - PJ20 - Night 2
I used to carry one of these and I also kept a couple of spare resumes in it. I've never had anyone write questions down for the interview, but I would view it as a positive. I would think the applicant is organized but more importantly very interested in the position.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FS6kzUTW-sA
Bring a resume. The interviewer may or may not have a copy. Also for clothes...I tell you Kohl's has some very nice work clothes at very reasonable prices. If you don't live near a Kohl's check out JC Penny's Stafford brand. Good bang for the buck again.
first of all, good luck my friend!!!
1--yes. bring a few copies. it's always good to be prepared & the person interviewing you might not have a copy on hand.
2. you don't have to wear a tuxedo, but you should look professional. have your shirt/pants dry cleaned & pressed. you could always wear a tie, but it's not required by law or anything.
good luck, Dave!
btw---i still think you should start a podcast.
www.cluthelee.com
www.cluthe.com
What if I really can't think of a situation like that? I am a Document Coordinator for a pharma company and one comes to mind in my current position where I made a manufacturing SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) effective at like 4:30 on a business day without going through a mandated 7-day training period. To make things right, that night I personally contacted the author, and the next morning I created a CAPA (basically a documented plan to correct the error, and how I executed it), filled out a training form and delivered the SOP for training to all employees with it in their curriculum. I later followed up and collected the training forms and turned them into the training department, included the training form showing all the affected employees had completed the training as supporting documents to my CAPA, and closed it. The SOP was then able to be used.
Certainly nothing to do with broadcasting, but is that a good example?
6/12/08 - Tampa, FL
8/23/09 - Chicago, IL
9/28/09 - Salt Lake City, UT (11 years too long!!!)
9/03/11 - East Troy, WI - PJ20 - Night 1
9/04/11 - East Troy, WI - PJ20 - Night 2
that is a good example. they don't need to know an answer that is directly field-related, but i has to have a point. there was a problem/issue and this is what you did to fix it.
www.cluthelee.com
www.cluthe.com
To tell you when I have asked that question it's just to hear the person talk and see how they formulate thought. I'm in sales so I do it to hear how well the person puts their thoughts together. I really don't care if you tell me how you rearranged the food in the break room fridge. Do you have something you could use from your last broadcasting job?
Make sure you have eaten
Arrive on time
Do research
Have a few copies of your resume
Firm handshake,good eye contact
Clear answers but don't ramble,it is more comfortable to be asked to expand on an answer than be asked to stop talking
If there is water available ... pour a glass out,it stops your throat from getting dry with nerves and if you stumble on a question take a drink,it will stall for time while you think about your answer and keep you alert.
Dress well but layer light clothes,so that if you get too hot with nerves you can discreetly slip of a jacket rather than have to pull a sweater over your head
Most of all
GOOD LUCK!
I used to have 150 direct reports and here are the things that impressed me when I was interviewing a candidate:
1. Don't smell anything but clean. No cologne, cigarettes or garlic
2. Don't swear
3. Do your research and be prepared to talk not only about the university program, but the genre in general
Oh, and try not to pass gas.
I'm sure you will be juuuuuust fiiiiine.
I've interviewed quite a few people in the past.
Bring extra copies of your resume..the people interviewing you may need a copy, but they also may ask you something specific about your resume and it's good to have a copy for yourself in front of you.
Definitely send a thank you e-mail to everyone who interviews you..this leaves a nice impression, helps you stand out, and shows interest.
They will probably ask you why you're interested in the job...make sure you have an answer and make sure you have some background on the position/company. Once we interviewed a girl and asked "So what made you interested in applying for this job?" Her response "What position is this for?" :? It made for an awkward moment and showed she didn't have interest in the particular job being offered.
They will also probably ask you at the end "Do you have any questions for us?" Make sure you have some questions ready...even if they're general questions..Once again this shows that you have interest in the position.
General questions my company asks when interviewing include "Weakness/Strength", "How do you deal with a co-worker not pulling their own weight?", "Why would you be a good fit for our company?" While they may not ask these questions, I think it's always helpful to go over basic interview questions in advance. Just have a general idea of how you would approach the question...you don't have to have an exact answer ( that way it won't seem rehearsed), but if you jot some ideas down and take time to think about how you would answer, it should help your nerves during the interview.
GOOD LUCK!!
+1
I was interviewing someone who did this about a year ago...I paused, she said nothing and I started laughing. Very unprofessional of me but needless to say I did not hire her.
I immediately though, in an order similar to this:
Who the fuck blows ass in an interview?
If they have no idea they are about to blow ass how oblivious are they about other things?
Why wouldn't she say excuse me or acknowledge in some way?
I wonder if she is sick or something.
This stinks, I need to wrap it up quickly.
Sorry, now we have likely just made you petrified you might shart during your interview. I am sure you can control yourself!
Maybe ask questions about the station's relationship with PBS......KCET in Los Angeles recently dropped its PBS affiliation.
DC, make sure you evacuate your bowels that morning.
Word.
best advice so far.
best of luck, Dave!
www.cluthelee.com
www.cluthe.com
Because of my shortened stay at the station, I didn't have much of an opportunity to to hit a problem. I was a volunteer, did my show, attended community functions and such, but a challenge to overcome never reached me while I was there. I imagine had I been there longer one would have..
6/12/08 - Tampa, FL
8/23/09 - Chicago, IL
9/28/09 - Salt Lake City, UT (11 years too long!!!)
9/03/11 - East Troy, WI - PJ20 - Night 1
9/04/11 - East Troy, WI - PJ20 - Night 2
Good luck and let us know how it goes!