Imporant inteveiw, tips please!!

United States
June 8, 2008 9:18am CST
I would love some advice on how to ace an interview. I have only been to three interviews in my life and I was so nervous, twice I got the job but the hire anyone in both of those places. So I would like to know how to do well in an interview. This interview is for a job with the city, as a police dispatcher and the benefits and pay are great. It is a great oppurtunity for me, exspcially in the area I am living in where the main employer is Wal-Mart. I would love any advice and tips on how to ace and stand out amongst the many other interviews. Thanks in advance, I will be praying that I get the job!!
3 people like this
18 responses
@eihdra (3115)
• Philippines
8 Jun 08
hi there..be attentive and listen to what the employer is saying. Give answers directly to the point and dont beat around the bush,they don't wanna waste time. Most especially if there are many other applicants waiting.Show enthusiasm and that you really like this job. Tell them what you've got and why are you qualified for the job. Think now of things that you can contribute to the company within the next 2 years. Make them realize that you will stick to the job and no plans of leaving or resigning anytime. Most employers want to know how long you will last in their company. Tell also that if given a chance,and if qualified,you would like to move up the ladder or meaning you want to be promoted also, if promotion is available in your position. Don't stutter or be lost for words. You have to be quick minded in answering their questions. They like it when employees are quick witted. Be open minded if situation calls for it. Be natural in replying and even if you're nervous try not to show it. If it's a customer related job, you have to be prompt in answering. Best of all - smile,dont fidget,relax and enjoy the interview. Just think positive...oh, before I forget, check what is the necessary outfit for a certain interview. You dont wanna get overdressed.. Goodluck...
• United States
8 Jun 08
Eihdra and the others covered just about everything, but I would like to add one thing. Wear blue. Psychologically its a calming color. It makes people feel at ease, but its also strong at the same time. Pink is calming too, but you won't be taken seriously. Black is not a good color. Its too cold it makes you seem unapproachable. Also arrive a little early 10 or 15 minutes. Punctuality is very important. Someone said send a thank you note. This is a very good idea. It makes them think about you after the fact and you stand out as a thoughtful person.
@eihdra (3115)
• Philippines
8 Jun 08
it's a police dispatcher job, so you'd probably want to be well informed on how to do the job,the do's and dont's...
• United States
12 Jun 08
Thanks just wanted to offer my appreciation and say that the interview went very well, I now have to complete the required tests and I should get the job after that!!!
1 person likes this
• Australia
9 Jun 08
One of the only pieces of advice my father gave me in his life was right before a job interview. He said "go in there with the frame of mind that it doesn't really matter if you get the job or not". I did this, and it worked for me. Obviously, you need to be prepared to answer questions like "why do you want this particular job" and "what are you good at", but if you are able to convince yourself that getting the job is not such a big deal, then you'll go in there more relaxed, and less likely to stuff it up. Good luck, let us nkow how it goes. :-)
@marababe (2503)
• Philippines
9 Jun 08
That's what my dad told me before also when I had my interview for internship. It helps, really. Don't really "beg" for the job, if it's yours it's yours. Just be confident about yourself and be prepared. That's all there is to it. Smile!
@laglen (19759)
• United States
8 Jun 08
First, you want to dress professionally. Preferably a suit, black. Next do some research on the position. Arm yourself with information. Next, go to career websites and look up interview questions. Learn these, know them. So that when you get asked questions your prepared. There a million questions they could ask but they will only ask a few. be prepared! Answer professionally, and be serious but not too serious. If they tell a joke, laugh lightly, nobody likes a brown-noser. But walk in knowing you are qualified and deserving of the position. After the interview, send a card thanking them for meeting with you. Good luck and knock their socks off!
@laglen (19759)
• United States
12 Jun 08
GREAT! I am very happy for you and will keep my fingers crossed!
• United States
12 Jun 08
Thanks for the info, looking up questions came in very handy, they asked a lot of them. Also the dress did well becuase the interviewer before me came wearing flipflops and casual clothes, I think I stood out much more becuase I was prepared thanks to MyLot.
1 person likes this
@pree_6 (434)
• India
8 Jun 08
hi walker...be confident,maintain to be cool..smile..dress professionally...do some ground work about the company you are applying for and know the history of the company...its normal that people are nervous when they go for an interview..but see to that u do not show it out... listen carefully..reply naturally and talk politely...if you are carrying a file or a folder do have it on your lap and do not place it on the table..wish u all success...be calm and composed..thats the best way to excel in life..
@pree_6 (434)
• India
12 Jun 08
thats great..nice to hear it from u..all the best for the tests...good going!..keep it up..
• United States
12 Jun 08
Aced the interview, I was able to be calm cause I knew what to expect thanks to all the suggestions. Now on to the rquired tests.
@aplaza (630)
• Netherlands
8 Jun 08
A lot has been said previously. I would like to add these: Make sure you are on time. Know how to get there and how long it will take. Then add another 15 minutes just in case. People have been telling you to do your homework. Knowing about the job will mean that you can ask meaningful questions that are relevant to the job you are applying for. Often an interviewer will ask you if you have any questions and if you don't have any ready then they may hire the person who does ask. Oh and by the way don't ask what the pay is or how many vacation days you'll get. They'll tell you that themselves and those don't count as "good" questions for an interview. You mentioned you get nervous. So here is a tip for combatting those nerves. When you sit down for the interview and they offer you a tea, coffee or drink just say no thank you not right now. That way you haven't said no to their hospitality and you are ensured you won't spill it in the middle of the interview. I wish you all the best and look forward to hearing from you how the i/v went!
@aplaza (630)
• Netherlands
15 Jun 08
I'm so glad you aced the interview! Now that you have "experienced" a very positive interview you'll be able to stay a little calmer next time you need to go for an interview. As they say practice makes perfect...but I hope you don't have to practice too much on this topic! Have a great weekend.
• United States
12 Jun 08
THanks in my previous interviews I was to nervous to ask questions, just ready to bolt. When the main interviewer(there was 3) asked if I had questions she looked suprised that I did and at how thoughtful they were. Thank you for letting me know how important that was. I aced the interview by the way, now onto the tests.
• United States
8 Jun 08
I agree. Confidance is key. Be sure to make eye contact. Ask several well thought out questions about the job/company. Don't tell any stories that can not be tied back to how great a job you would do in that position. Every word you say should be choosen only to make yourself look better. And relax, there are tons of jobs out there.
• United States
12 Jun 08
Aced the interview, now for the tests. Well thought out questions suprised the interviewers. I think this was very great way to leave a lasting impresion on them.
• United States
12 Jun 08
Great, I am so happy for you.
@lilaclady (28207)
• Australia
8 Jun 08
I think just to be yourself, act confident and most of all show interest in the job you are going after and be enthusiastic about it, but be ver respectful and pleasant at the same time..good luck I hope you do well.
• United States
12 Jun 08
I was almost two pleasant, LOL. THe lady asked if I could handle bilegerent people. The interview went very well, thanks.
1 person likes this
@lilaclady (28207)
• Australia
12 Jun 08
Thats wonderful...
@carolscash (9492)
• United States
9 Jun 08
Take all of the advice that you have already been given in this discussion and relax and be yourself but don't seem too relaxed. I think that you should know something about the job requirements that you can talk to them about if they start to ask techinical questions. Be strong and let them know that you are confident in yourself. Good Luck and let us know if you get the job!!
@marababe (2503)
• Philippines
9 Jun 08
Hi there walkerdj! You have been given a lot of good tips and advices here already. Maybe I can just sum it up and add some more that hasn't been said yet (if there is left! :)) : 1. Go prepared. - know the position that you are applying for. - prepare your answer for questions like: "Tell me something about yourself." , "What made you apply for this job?" , "Why do you think we should hire you among others?" etc. etc. 2. Dress professionally. - you have to at least impress them with your professional looks. This one counts. Really. I've "worked" in the HR department of a Hotel for my internship and you have to dress smart for whatever position. 3. Relax. - you don't need to memorize anything. The more you panic and feel uncomfortable, the more likely you are going to stammer. 4. Pray. - for guidance and courage to get through the interview. 5. Eat. - eat before your interview. You would not want to get hungry while waiting for your turn. 6. THINK POSITIVE - you don't want to attract negative vibes around. 7. and Get enough sleep/rest the night before your interview. - refresh yourself. :) These are some tips that I have for myself also. I learned it from my dad and during the process of being interviewed also. Good luck to you!
@marababe (2503)
• Philippines
9 Jun 08
Ooops I forgot these: 8. Be confident. - not TOO confident though. 9. Smile. - nothing goes wrong with a friendly smile. Besides, this will also help you relax. 10. Look at the interviewer straight in the eyes. - make him/her feel that you are sincere in what you are saying.
@theprogamer (10534)
• United States
8 Jun 08
Most of the other commentors covered everything. But long story short: be confident, know the prerequisites of the job, know the organization beforehand/research, answer questions as best you can, show and reaffirm that you will be with the organization for years to come if selected. Best of luck to you Walker.
• United States
12 Jun 08
Thanks for that last tip I think that was a winning point for me, they told me even before the interview that they do not want a temp r someone that can not handle stress. I am glad I had the answer ready with no hesitations.
@ch88ss (2271)
• United States
12 Jun 08
maintain eye contact when speaking with them. firm handshake be prepare with an additional copy of your resume dress proffessional arrive on time good luck
@spalladino (17891)
• United States
9 Jun 08
You got some great advice and I can't add much to what has already been said so let me give you the prespective of someone who used to do the interviewing and hiring and tell you what made a candidate for a position stand out to me. First of all, not to make you any more nervous, but the first couple of seconds are all it takes to make an impression in someone's mind so make good use of that. Put yourself in a very positive frame of mind and, when you first meet the interviewer, flash your best smile, greet them and offer your hand. Give a firm handshake, I used to hate wilted fish hands. Your body language can say a lot. Good posture says that you believe in yourself. Leaning forward when listening makes you appear to be very open and that you're interested in the conversation and paying attention. Because of the position involved you want to get across that you're a team player and that you can be counted on. They may ask about childcare and being available during your off hours on short notice so be prepared to address that. They may want to know how you handle stressful situations so, if you have any examples from your life where you reacted well, be prepared to share. They may also want to know how well you can multi-task so, again, if you have any examples ready, that would be good. The one question I always found most telling was "Why should we hire you?". I didn't make it an interiew question, it was already in the procedure when I got the position, but sometimes the answers said a lot about a person. You want to have some ideas in mind as to what you can bring to the job, what you can offer them, things like dedication to excellence, willingness to go the extra mile to make sure you give the best service possible, caring about others which is why you would never take your job for granted because there are real men and women depending on you. Psyche yourself up before you go in, tell yourself that you are going to ace this interview and then go for it. Good luck!
• United States
9 Jun 08
Thank everyone for the great advice, I am already thinking about this intrview in a different light,not so worried about being nervous. I will def. benefit from all your advice. My interview is on Wed. so I will let everyone know how it goes!!!
• United States
8 Jun 08
Use the STAR format when answering the interview questions that require you to describe a situation you were in... -S ituation -T ask required of you -A ction you took -R esolution This helps organize your thoughts better and clearly shows your employer how you handle certain situations. Good luck!
• United States
12 Jun 08
Thanks this was really helpfull as they asked many questions about how I responded in certain cituations. Aced the interview, now to pass all of the other tests which should be a cakewalk.
@leeluo (51)
• United States
9 Jun 08
You want to dress professionaly, something similar that you would wear to the job every day. You want to be prepared with a pen, paper and your resume. Show up early and not in a rush. Take notes while the employeer is talking. When the time comes be sure to ask all the questions you may have. Keep all your answers positive!!
• United States
9 Jun 08
Research on the company is very importnat. Most employers are impressed if you know even a little bit about the company you are applying to work at. The other thing you can do is think of some possible questions the employer may ask you, then come up with answers beforehand. I did that with my last job interview and now I work at the company. Good luck on the interview.
• India
9 Jun 08
Hi Before going to the interview you have to some homework. You should gather latest information about the employer company. See their website, if they have a website and gather information from that also. Confidence is very important. Good preparation always make you confident. Write down and practice possible questions. You have to confirm about the time, venue and date of the interview before the interview day. Reach the venue at least half an hour prior to the intervie. Dress like a professional and should be looking formal. Keep smiling. Being pleasent can make a lot. Be positive. Wait until you are offered a chair and then sit down. Listen to the questions and try to give the precise answer. Do not talk too much. Look the interviewers directly into the eyes. Be honest with every question. During the interview you have to show them that you are really motivated to work with the company. I think these tips will help you to prepare for the interviw. Be confident and happy. All the best
@Arphoe (50)
• China
9 Jun 08
first, get as more information as you can get about the position, act yourself with full understanding of it ; second, look up some interview advice from website, suppose the question you would be asked and how you should answer; third, get ready for the suit ,looking tidy and decent, you just should be natural; forth, have a test with your friend as the interviewer. at last, good luck to you
• Poland
9 Jun 08
You must show your future bosses that you know what you will be doing in this job and that you can handle it easily. Don't show them your fear, you will win their respect that way. Be confident and profesional.