[4ever_sweet]

So I had my 2nd interview in my entire life today. It went pretty well I think..........but man, so much pressure right before the interview. I'm a graduating senior, so I really really want a job when I graduate...but why does it have to be so competitive???


Anyways, have you guys ever had any interviews? Not just with temp. jobs, I'm asking more of a permanent, full-time type of job or internship.

I'm a business major (information systems), so I interview for big corporations like General Mills, 3M, IBM, etc. It's so nerve-wrecking. Last year, I had my FIRST interview with WPS. Have you heard of them? I know i haven't. So when I went to the interview, the first question the lady asked me was:
"So, do you know anything about WPS?"

I went ---> . I didn't know how to respond...so I sort of stuttered, "a little b-bit, but n-not really." That interview was horrible! So some tips I have for those who are entering the "I need an internship/job" stage:
- Research your employer!!!
- When going to career fair, dress BUSINESS FORMAL! Makes you really stand out
- Turn off your cell phone



btw, sorry if there was a post like this already.

[D_K]

- Research your employer!!!
- When going to career fair, dress BUSINESS FORMAL! Makes you really stand out
- Turn off your cell phone
btw, sorry if there was a post like this already.

You brought up some valid points which depend less on formal guidelines and has everything to do with common sense.

You're obviously applying for a new grad position and the recruiter knows what it entails to hire such fresh blood. Your job (at the interview) is to show enthusiasm and assertiveness with a sense of humor. The most important quality to a potential recruiter is not whether "does this individual have the talents and qualities to be successful at this job?", because they already determined your qualifications by what's written on your resume and transcript.

What they REALLY, TRULY, want to know is this: "would I be able to stand working with this kid 8 hours a day, 5 days a week?". "Would I be able go out for lunch with this kid without throwing up?"

Personality and communication skills are what they're looking for. So be humble, be charming, be honest, and take a deep breath. Good luck.

[one11.joh]

I would not like to give this advice, because it seems a bit crude?
but it really does help.

Apply for internships that you would not want, at least 5, so you might get an interview with them.
When I apply for 5 internships, I get a least 2, so I go to the 2 interviews as practice for the real interview.

see, it is a bit crude, but it gives practice for the real interview.

[Pogichinoy]

I enjoy interviews because strangely enough, it gives me a rush. And I've also been on a panel so I've had my fair share of people who I interviewed. Some things to remember:

- Bring a copy of your CV/Resume, just in case.
- If you have trouble brainstorming on the spot to answer questions, run through scenarios with a friend/family member only all topics such as previous employment, technical questions regarding the position, strengths, weaknesses, etc.
- Don't be afraid to ask salary/wage expectations and you can optionally start negotiating if needed be.
- Please wear office environment attire so that you look professional.
- Don't be too casual in speech, in particular, no slang!
- And of course, be EARLY!

[LS1toSVT]

My mom helps hire people at her job, and has told me some tips:

+1 on research your possible employer.
Think ahead and visualize the interview to prepare for questions.
Don't fail to make eye contact (shows you're personable)
I learned this in some business classes, that employers don't focus 100% on what you say, but rather your thinking process and how you act. If you have nervous habits (I know I do!) try to calm them. Like I play with my hands a lot, so whenever I go to an interview, I'll fold them in my lap. Visualize the interview over and over so that when it's go-time, you won't have to wing it.
It's ok to admit your nervous! Don't go into a whole thing about how you just started going on job interviews, but you can definitely throw it out there. Chances are when you meet with these people, they'll be friendly.
Write your possible employer a thank you note! It's a good way to follow up and doesn't need to be very long or complicated. Just a whole "I apperciate your taking the time to meet with me and discuss the job position. I hope you'll further consider me for it. Thank you..." whatever. It shows that you are thinking about the job, and didn't just give up after the interview to sit around and wait to see what happens. This can be a big factor when it comes down to narrowing down people. It's basically common courtesy but a lot of people fail to do it.


And if you don't get the job, it's ok! There are so many others out there

Good luck to anyone going on an interview! I know it can be extremely nerve wracking and exhausting.

[knickstorm]

I enjoy interviews because strangely enough, it gives me a rush. And I've also been on a panel so I've had my fair share of people who I interviewed. Some things to remember:

- Bring a copy of your CV/Resume, just in case.
- If you have trouble brainstorming on the spot to answer questions, run through scenarios with a friend/family member only all topics such as previous employment, technical questions regarding the position, strengths, weaknesses, etc.
- Don't be afraid to ask salary/wage expectations and you can optionally start negotiating if needed be.
- Please wear office environment attire so that you look professional.
- Don't be too casual in speech, in particular, no slang!
- And of course, be EARLY!

hahah i get that rush too.....but yea my advice would just be do a lot of research, if they talk about their company, it's good that you know what they're talking about. COme up with good questions to ask, they're always happy if yu manage to ask good questions............even though it happens pretty naturally, turn it into a conversation rather than just a Q and A like some cop pulled you over and starts asking you questions.............of course dont say anything too out there... Most important just walk out there confident

[cavil.]

The two people above me (minus knickstorm) brought in good points.

But overall, just be on top of your game and get ready for the questions. If you've got to spin the truth, then spin it. Be assertive and confident. You're in to win it. Have some practices as well with your parents or something. It always helps.

[dysfunkti0nal]

I've been to 3-4 interviews already. Sometimes I get thrown off with some of the questions they ask, because I don't expect them to ask those kind of questions.
- Just wake up early and expect everything to go wrong cause it can.
- Arrive early
- Bring copies of resumes, cover letters, references
- Dress appropriately
- Know something about the company
- Just remember each place you interview at is looking for something different, and their not always going to be the same.
Last of all just clam down, breathe and relax and do it! Mostly everyone above me got majority of the points.
Good Luck !!

[LiLoLeLe]

ahh...I have 2 interviews for accounting interships next week. My first ever interview. I'm gonna be a nervous reck...
Thanks for all the advice...Imma need it.

[SouthernBelle82]

Thanks for the advice and tips. I'm far right now from job interviews but at least I can remember this for when I do go. Some of it's common sense stuff of course but people, and I tend to do this, just has the common sense stuff sometimes go over their head. What other types of question's were you asked?

[DarkWaltz]

I just had an interview today with SAP, it last for about 2 hours. First part was 30 min of technical questions on paper, then 30 min of human resources questions, then 1 hour of general questions with technical managers. Hopefully I'll get a positive answer next week!

I've had many interviews before, at first it's very intimidating, but I got used to it, so I'm very natural now. You'll notice it's always the same pattern anyway, so nothing that'll surprise you that much.

[kdramafan006]

Thanks for the tips.

LiLoLeLe Can you please post some of the questions they ask you in your accounting internship interview. I'm curious, what kind of question would an employer ask from a student with no work experience. I'm also an acounting major, so thats why.

Thanks in advance.

[stopshoppe]

During an interview: NEVER, NEVER say "I don't know". Make everything seem positive even if its a weakness, make it sound like its not... if that made any sense.

Start with:
"I am..."
"I enjoy..."
"I am most proud of..."

Tell the interviewer how the company can benefit from hiring you because thats basically what they want to hear. Good luck with your interviews!

[alylecu]

Thanks for the tips.

LiLoLeLe Can you please post some of the questions they ask you in your accounting internship interview. I'm curious, what kind of question would an employer ask from a student with no work experience. I'm also an acounting major, so thats why.

Thanks in advance.

I did five interviews with different accounting firms last week and I have a few more coming up this week. The whole interview process was okay, just those regular behavior-type questions. Some questions they would ask:

1. Tell me about yourself (why do you want to be an accountant?)
2. your work experience (any work experience would be fine, it doesn't have to be in the accounting field.)
3. do you like to work by yourself or in a team environment? Give example
4. Strength and Weakness (give example)
5. are you a self-starter? (give example)
6. What don't you like about accounting?
7. what is ordinary income and capital gain? (general accounting questions)
8. Challenges (give example)
9. Obstacles (give example)

Good luck with your interviews.

[kdramafan006]

I did five interviews with different accounting firms last week and I have a few more coming up this week. The whole interview process was okay, just those regular behavior-type questions. Some questions they would ask:

1. Tell me about yourself (why do you want to be an accountant?)
2. your work experience (any work experience would be fine, it doesn't have to be in the accounting field.)
3. do you like to work by yourself or in a team environment? Give example
4. Strength and Weakness (give example)
5. are you a self-starter? (give example)
6. What don't you like about accounting?
7. what is original income and capital gain? (general accounting questions)
8. Challenges (give example)
9. Obstacles (give example)

Good luck with your interviews

alylecu Thank you so much for sharing your interview questions. This would be a great help. Thanks again!

[ngpossible]

speak confidently, make eye contact, dress semi-formally. most importantly, SMILE.

[sushiwhore]

During an interview: NEVER, NEVER say "I don't know". Make everything seem positive even if its a weakness, make it sound like its not... if that made any sense.

Start with:
"I am..."
"I enjoy..."
"I am most proud of..."

Tell the interviewer how the company can benefit from hiring you because thats basically what they want to hear. Good luck with your interviews!

avoid the i my sales teacher told me that also avoid the word HOPE

always keep a list of questions to ask them and to show interest

there are others but i'm in a crunch of time and walk good dress good sound clear

heres another standard queston my sister has been asked

'what does diversity mean t you? and how do you utilize it?'

i have a logn lsit of it my sister interviews countless people @_@

so have her lists lol i practice with her