Help with interviewing! - School & Work

Pilar · 10-15-2009, 06:58 PM

So tomorrow is my first big girl job interview and I'm pretty nervous! It is for a child development specialist with a mental health agency where I would do assessments for young children just to give you an idea of the area.

I have an idea of what they might ask, but feel completely clueless at the same time. Any thoughts/comments would be appreciated! I'm bringing a copy of my resume (2 just in case!), but is there anything else I should bring? What are typical interview questions?

bb1982 · 10-15-2009, 07:28 PM

Good luck! I just saw a clip about this on tv this morning and prospective employers said that one of the biggest mistakes people make at the end of an interview is not asking questions when they give you an opportunity. So research the company, and ask questions about what your daily job would entail, what your responsibilities would be, etc.

Amy · 10-15-2009, 07:30 PM

Originally Posted by bb1982

Good luck! I just saw a clip about this on tv this morning and prospective employers said that one of the biggest mistakes people make at the end of an interview is not asking questions when they give you an opportunity. So research the company, and ask questions about what your daily job would entail, what your responsibilities would be, etc.

Absolutely. And look up common interview questions online, practice them at home so you aren't left with nothing to say if they ask you a tough question.

UST82 · 10-15-2009, 08:27 PM

its always good to know background about the company and what they do and what they've accomplished in the recent years. and definitely take resumes with you. thats a requirement every interview you go to i feel even though most places already have your resume, its still good to have a copy in case they ask you. just don't be nervous and explain to them what your experience in the field is and how you are a better candidate for the position. i've messed up a few interviews because i've been so nervous. and dress up in formal pants and shirt or anything formal. people expect the job seeking person to be well dressed. good luck!

jeninsd · 10-15-2009, 08:50 PM

Don't ask about salary during the first interview. most companies are going to "behavioral base interviewing" which means they might ask questions where you have to give an example of something from your experience. Like "Tell me about a time where you felt like you had to go against the opinion of the team and how did you handle it?" "or tell me about a time where you really felt that your client benefited from your services". Be prepared to tell stories about your work and it's okay to ask for just a second to think and prepare your response. Try to turn negatives into positives. I always say my best and worst traits are the same (my passion leads me to great work but can also get me in a lot of trouble). And I always ask "when can I expect to hear from your or when are you planning on making a decision". Send a thank you email or card afterwards. It's a little old school but it leaves an impression.

aceradcat · 10-16-2009, 12:24 AM

I hate to say this but I've had it happen many times when I've interviewed people. Interview answers often don't have a right or wrong answer so just answer honestly.

JayRichGirl · 11-09-2009, 04:41 PM

I know I'm late with responding but for anyone else that may read this in the future...
1. It's best to write out your questions and answers and then practice it. Often times we think of what we want to say but when it's time to deliver it comes out disorganized or it sounds like BS or a lie.
2. For every question, have a Problem-Action-Result (PAR). What was the problem? What did YOU do in that situation? What was the result at the end? Even if it was a group effort, you have to make it seem like you were led the group the entire time.
3. Don't underestimate anything you have done. Whether it is a small project in class, packing bags at the supermarket, or helping a family member build something. You were able to see something and do something about it. And it made a difference in someone else's life.

10-15-2009, 06:58 PM	#1 (permalink)
Pilar Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Me- Houston, TX Him- Annapolis, MD Posts: 129 Classifieds: (0) Activity: 17% Longevity: 6%	Help with interviewing! So tomorrow is my first big girl job interview and I'm pretty nervous! It is for a child development specialist with a mental health agency where I would do assessments for young children just to give you an idea of the area. I have an idea of what they might ask, but feel completely clueless at the same time. Any thoughts/comments would be appreciated! I'm bringing a copy of my resume (2 just in case!), but is there anything else I should bring? What are typical interview questions? __________________ "Baby I just want to let you know I don't like the messenger window because next to your name it says available and you're not. You're mine" -DB

10-16-2009, 12:24 AM	#6 (permalink)
aceradcat Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 61 Classifieds: (0) Activity: 20% Longevity: 5%	Don't Cry I hate to say this but I've had it happen many times when I've interviewed people. Interview answers often don't have a right or wrong answer so just answer honestly.

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10-15-2009, 07:28 PM	#2 (permalink)
bb1982 just call me Brando Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: soon to be Kbay, Hawaii!! Posts: 1,706 Classifieds: (0) Activity: 31% Longevity: 12%	Good luck! I just saw a clip about this on tv this morning and prospective employers said that one of the biggest mistakes people make at the end of an interview is not asking questions when they give you an opportunity. So research the company, and ask questions about what your daily job would entail, what your responsibilities would be, etc.

10-15-2009, 08:27 PM	#4 (permalink)
UST82 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Me: Boston, MA Him: Vilseck, Germany Posts: 146 Classifieds: (0) Activity: 6% Longevity: 4%	its always good to know background about the company and what they do and what they've accomplished in the recent years. and definitely take resumes with you. thats a requirement every interview you go to i feel even though most places already have your resume, its still good to have a copy in case they ask you. just don't be nervous and explain to them what your experience in the field is and how you are a better candidate for the position. i've messed up a few interviews because i've been so nervous. and dress up in formal pants and shirt or anything formal. people expect the job seeking person to be well dressed. good luck!

10-15-2009, 08:50 PM	#5 (permalink)
jeninsd Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: San Diego Posts: 289 Classifieds: (0) Activity: 42% Longevity: 2%	Don't ask about salary during the first interview. most companies are going to "behavioral base interviewing" which means they might ask questions where you have to give an example of something from your experience. Like "Tell me about a time where you felt like you had to go against the opinion of the team and how did you handle it?" "or tell me about a time where you really felt that your client benefited from your services". Be prepared to tell stories about your work and it's okay to ask for just a second to think and prepare your response. Try to turn negatives into positives. I always say my best and worst traits are the same (my passion leads me to great work but can also get me in a lot of trouble). And I always ask "when can I expect to hear from your or when are you planning on making a decision". Send a thank you email or card afterwards. It's a little old school but it leaves an impression.

11-09-2009, 04:41 PM	#7 (permalink)
JayRichGirl Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 4 Classifieds: (0) Activity: 3% Longevity: 8%	I know I'm late with responding but for anyone else that may read this in the future... 1. It's best to write out your questions and answers and then practice it. Often times we think of what we want to say but when it's time to deliver it comes out disorganized or it sounds like BS or a lie. 2. For every question, have a Problem-Action-Result (PAR). What was the problem? What did YOU do in that situation? What was the result at the end? Even if it was a group effort, you have to make it seem like you were led the group the entire time. 3. Don't underestimate anything you have done. Whether it is a small project in class, packing bags at the supermarket, or helping a family member build something. You were able to see something and do something about it. And it made a difference in someone else's life.