(Untitled)

[mikomichan]

Auuugh job interview tomorrow auuuugh unprepared! And I don't have any interviews lined up yet at this point either (because I only sent my CV to two places, um).

... WAAAUUUUUUGH. If anyone has any hints/tips etc I would love to hear them because all my previous jobs have just kind of fallen in my lap, I've never had an interview before :(

Comments

[waltzmatildah]

Good luck!!!

Hot tip #1: take a breath before you start to answer a question. It slows your HR down and gives you time to have a think about what you want to say.

Hot tip #2: if you're not sure about a question, ie. not sure you've understood it/heard it correctly, get them to repeat it. Don't just make up something based on what you think they might have said.

Hot tip #3: have a couple of questions ready to ask them at the end.

Hot tip #4: google the business if you don't know much about it (I'm sure you do but, just in case), and try to gather as much info. about them as possible. Even if it's just their on-call/emergency vet coverage policies etc, that way you can make sure you know what you're in for (that could also be a question to ask).

Hot tip #5: don't be scared to ask about pay rates if you don't already know.

Hot tip #6: don't speak too fast (I do this one all the time and have to deliberately slow myself down) and breeeathe!!

Again, good luck!

[mikomichan]

Thanks! Most of the veterinary clinics I've looked at have a website, but this is one that doesn't, siiiiiigh, going in blind!

Thank you for all the advice, my goal for today is pretty much not to make a complete ass of myself!

[omg_its_fiore]

I never like to worry about my appearance when I'm at a job interview, so I make a point of being polished as much as I possibly can (up to and including getting to the interview place on foot in sensible shoes, with a pair of heels with me that I will then change into before the interview XD), which does not really have any bearing on the interview itself, but at least I know I looked amazing and if I did not get the job, it was not because I wasn't dressed professionally enough or something. I like to arrive between 5 and 10 minutes early, too.

I also make a point of sitting up straight and not keeping my hands together so I'm not creating a barrier between myself and the interviewer. These are all minor things and not as important as what you actually SAY in the interview, though XD
The advice in the post above are all things I do, also, and very sound advice. GOOD LUCK, JOCY. YOU ARE AMAZING. ♥ ♥ ♥

[mikomichan]

I just realized my nice shoes are still in a suitcase with my dad in Hong Kong noooooo. I may have to go for a less flattering pair of black boots :(

I'll do my best to watch my posture, but I get so nervous in these things :( Hopefully I won't completely mess up!

[omg_its_fiore]

As long as it's not, like. Sneakers, the boots should be fine! I also just came across this, which might be useful?

http://mashable.com/2014/01/28/job-interview-questions-to-ask/

REMEMBER TO BREATHE. I am sending you infinite good wishes and hugs!

[mikomichan]

I found something of my mother's that fit my feet, haha.

The interview went... okay. I think I need to hit the books a bit more because I panicked a bit when she asked me questions, but she said she like my energy and enthusiasm, sob. So. I don't think I'm a frontrunner by any means, but she made it sound like I wasn't completely out of the race either. It was definitely good for experience.

[alice_and_lain]

DEEP BREATHS.

Prepare if you've got the time. Here's a link to top interview questions: http://theundercoverrecruiter.com/top-interview-questions-infographic/

If you don't have the time, think of examples where you've done things well, where you fixed a problem, where you succeeded. Also think of examples where things went wrong and how you reacted/fixed the issue.

Dress up! Unless the interview specifically tells you to dress down, make sure you've got dressy clothes on, a suit if possible.

Always have questions for them. Research the employer if possible, it shows interest.

Smile! People will smile back and they'll feel happier and then associate the happy feeling with you!

Ugh, it's been a long time since I've had an interview, but those are some basic things to be aware of.

[mikomichan]

The place I had my interview today had no website, nothing :( But I have an interview at a place on Tuesday that has a pretty comprehensive website and I am going to prepare like crazy! ... while I also study for the Bylaw Exam. Aiiiyeeeee ;o;

I've been trying really hard to think of when things went wrong, but I can't think of many :( I mean I can think of incidents where clients in emergency were getting really riled up and I calmed them down, but that's kind of not the same...

Thank you for all your tips though! They are super duper helpful, augh interviews!!!

[alice_and_lain]

I've been trying really hard to think of when things went wrong, but I can't think of many :( I mean I can think of incidents where clients in emergency were getting really riled up and I calmed them down, but that's kind of not the same...

That can be the same! And they'll probably ask you questions about how you handle upset people anyways, so that will help. Those types of questions are mostly to try and figure out how you handle unexpected problems or adversity.

Good luck on your interviews! I assume you're applying at vet clinics?

[mikomichan]

Thank yooouuuu, ugh interviews are so stressful :( And yes, I've been applying at vet clinics advertising for veterinarian positions. I may start just cold-calling and dropping my resume around if I need to...