Guys, I'm being recruited....

[Skidmore]

I have a job interview on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. I'm so scared. As some of you may remember, I have been unemployed for the past 3 years, went back to retool my skills, but have otherwise had little success in job searching. This weekend I received an e-mail from the director of a small human services agency who had obtained my resume from someone else and he is looking for someone with my combination of education and experience. My nerves are due to the fact that I hate interviewing. I'm a good worker but just suck at interviews.

The great aside for this is that the funding for this position will be coming down the pike from the urban renewal initiative put in place by the new administration.

Wish me luck.

[stillcool]

1. The very best of luck to you!

[Threedifferentones]

2. I know this likely won't help BUT

I'll bet the primary reason you interview poorly is your nerves. If you are honest, hard working, punctual, and smart enough to post on DU in full sentences, you are a damn good employee. Accept that, believe it, you will be fine.

Oh, and good luck :).

[Ishoutandscream2]

34. What Tdt said!

You will do great!

[Stephanie]

60. A good physical warmup does wonders for nerves

As a performer I've learned never to go on stage without warming up. Whatever gets you breathing - running, yoga, meditation. Anything that makes you focused and calm. Good luck!

[druidity33]

71. focused and calm yes...

but sweaty and smelly, no!

If you workout, shower before the interview!

:)

[Spazito]

3. Good Luck! Just picture the interviewer naked, I hear that works for nerves, lol

I will keep my fingers and toes crossed for you on Wednesday!

[Vickers]

57. I think it's the other way around.

Picture YOURSELF naked. It always calms my nerves.

(Good luck!)

[Avalux]

4. Best of luck to you!

Just be yourself during the interview - remember - you have the experience and education to do the job so be confident. Smile, make eye contact while speaking and have questions of your own to ask about the company. You'll be fine! Please let us know if you get the job. :hi:

[tblue]

26. Best question when they ask do you have any: "When can I start?"

[TexasObserver]

5. Good for you! Confidence and Sincerity sell.

Good luck!

[ShortnFiery]

6. Best Wishes for you Skidmore. Very heart warming news: You can do it.

Just be an extra attentive and motivated version of yourself. :thumbsup: :-)

[Wanet]

7. Good luck!

One thing I could recommend: do a little research on the Internet about job interview questions they may ask. Spend some time thinking about how you would answer questions like "What is your greatest weakness?" or "Tell me about a problem you had at a previous job, and how you solved it?" May The Force be with you! -- Wanet

[BeFree]

8. My advice?

Don't suck. Blow. Blow them away with your skills, experience and knowledge. Recite in your head all the ways that you are perfect for this job. Refuse to allow even one little sucking thought.

[sinkingfeeling]

9. Best of luck. Do you have anybody who could give you a practice interview prior to Wed.?

[peace frog]

10. You can sell yourself!

Remember, you have a great story to tell that will bowl them over: you spent your "downtime" upgrading your skills and preparing yourself for the next phase of your career, which is the position you're interviewing for. You can be positive, open and upbeat without faking it - just know it, feel it and let it show. You can do it!
:fistbump:

[terip64]

11. Good Luck!! Tell yourself you are a GREAT interviewer!

Don't feed the beast! This I know from experience! You'll do great!

[Oregone]

12. Smoke a doob to take off the edge

And by all means, if the interviewer looks suspicious, please do be kind and offer him some too. Job landed.

[oldtime dfl_er]

13. Great good luck!

Everyone hates interviewing. It's one of the necessary evil obstacles to getting a job. But the advice here is great - sincerity and authenticity, no embellishment (sounds like none needed), enthusiasm for the work, will take you far. Oh and cleanliness too! :headbang:

You'd be surprised how many people show up for job interviews either unkempt in some way, ill prepared, or have an attitude. Once those people get weeded out, the competition is usually pretty small.

[H2O Man]

14. Good luck!

However, I don't think you need "luck." Your skills will do.

[PA Democrat]

15. Good luck!

Tell yourself that the fact that company sought YOU out is a big plus. I think you will interview much better than you think because it sounds like you have a lot of good things you can tell then about your experience and abilities.

[babylonsister]

16. You'll be fine, Skidmore. Good luck, but I think

they'd be lucky to have you. :hug:

[Lisa0825]

17. Awesome! Best of luck to you!

Here is an exercise I was taught back in a job search skills class and have used it often.

Draw a grid with three rows and three columns. Above the columns, label them "Situation," "Action", and "Result." Come up with three examples of either a problem you solved, and issue you improved, or something you accomplished. Write it all out as if you are talking to the interviewer. It's great prep for talking about yourself, and you'll have some accomplishments fresh on your mind if they ask for something like that.

[polly7]

18. Good luck!

Be confident in your ability, friendly, and know you can do this job better than anyone else.

[kjackson227]

19. Good Luck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[TahitiNut]

20. Concentrate on LIKING the interviewer. It will come out in everything you say and do.

Find SOMETHING ... as much as you possibly can ... to LIKE about the person (a HUMAN BEING) who's interviewing you. Keep eye contact and keep that LIKE in mind as you LISTEN and respond succinctly and directly. Mirror body language and focus on LISTENING and LIKING ... and you'll do as well as you possibly can.

[annabanana]

46. (good note)

Interviewers are people too.

[JerseygirlCT]

74. Yes! This was just what I was saying below!

(Except you said it awfully well!)

[AndyA]

21. Wishing you good luck on your interview.

Go get that job and come back and let us know that you got it! You can do it.

[jody]

22. Good luck! n/t

[Believing Is Art]

23. Best of luck!

As for your nerves: I've found that limiting my caffeine intake during the 24 hours leading up to the interview helps. Cutting out soda, switching to tea from coffee. Listening to some mellow music helps, too.

[tblue]

24. Be yourself. I just had my first interview in about 15 years.

I was nervous, too, but I just tried to be friendly, energetic me (which is my best side out of many less appealing choices), and I could tell the interviewer warmed to me.

Don't think of it as an interview. Think of it as a chat about how you can solve the problems that organization is facing. That's what they're looking for: a solution to a problem. Practice now saying out loud answers to the typical questions: What are your strengths and weaknesses? What did you accomplish in your previous job? Why did you leave? Stuff like that. You can find good websites with info on typical questions and possible answers. Here's a good one to have ready to answer: What can YOU bring this job that no one else can (probably) bring? Think of your unique experience and perspectives, something fun, interesting, or new you could do that no one else may have thought of. And be sure to say "I want this job." They love to hear that. Don't assume they know. You'll be wonderful if you're just you. I wish you all the best!!! :hug:

[girl gone mad]

25. A couple of margaritas just before the interview should help.

:evilgrin:

Only kidding.

You could try a beta blocker, or eat some bananas (they're natural beta blockers).

Good luck!

[eleny]

27. Cary Grant always said that he didn't have confidence...

So he just acted like he did.

I think that sometimes we can fake it for a half hour or so. Give a good handshake, listen to questions and just put the focus on your terrific resume.

When someone seeks you out, they already like you. After all, what's not to like?! :D You're a terrific communicator. It's only the lousy economy that's slowed things down at this point.

Good luck and hugs!

[Lisa0825]

50. That is like what I did!

I used to get terribly nervous about interviewing. Then I decided to pretend it was no big deal, act like I had nothing to lose, etc. It really worked! I stopped feeling so much pressure, and came off much better during the interview.

[flvegan]

28. Good luck, Skidmore!

[Sanity Claws]

29. Good luck!

Interviews are hard.
Do you have anyone to practice with? Review some of the likely questions and your answers aloud. Be prepared to talk about anything on your resume and cover letter.

Let us know how it goes!

[BonnieJW]

30. I LOVE interviews!!!

What other time do you get to talk about yourself to someone who is really interested in what you have to say -- about YOU?! For a whole hour! This person has never heard all your clever stories, all your many talents. I love it. I would do it for a living if it paid well.

[Libertyfirst]

31. Good luck! We are all pulling for you. n/t

[Cronus Protagonist]

32. Have a couple of highballs before the interview!

You'll be friendlier, happier, and when you don't get the job, you'll have an excuse for the failure!

:)

[nichomachus]

33. The big secret is

most interviewers suck at interviews too -- and they're just as nervous as you are. So, try to put the interviewer at ease.

Just some tips on what not to do -- from my days interviewing prospective employees.

1. If you are a guy -- do not sit in the chair and put your feet on the interviewer's desk.

2. If you are a woman -- do not lean forward, open the top button of your too-tight, bright red blouse and breathlessly say "I would do just anything to get this job."

3. Do not bring your significant other to the interview with you -- and I mean right into the interview, not waiting outside.

4. Do not put your name on the application as "Dr.," if all you have is an honorary degree you got from the pissant college you went to because you were their prime AV geek for all five years.

5. Do not start playing with stuff on the interviewer's desk.

6. Do not interrupt the interview with the news that you "have to take a crap."

7. Do not use the word "fuck" more than - ok, never.

I encountered all of these from prospective employees -- none of which was hired.

In fairness, 3 and 4 were the same guy.

Number 2 was especially good because it took place in an open office, where other people could see and hear it. My secretary got up and ran to the ladies room like she was being chased. You could hear her laughing all over the office. She laughed for two days afterward.

[EmilyAnne]

68. Is it a good idea to bring your dog? I think.....

YES!!

And maybe Dr was the guys street name?

Were you able to keep a straight face through these antics, by the way?

[Festivito]

94. LOL, and it's true!? Oh, my...

Hey nicho, do try to put your interviewer at ease by helping the conversation. But, indeed, do none of the above.

[dysfunctional press]

35. they came to YOU...find your confidence in that.

you've got hand.

[ddeclue]

36. Look at it like this: You've got nothing to lose...

they can't shoot you and the worst case scenario is that you don't get the job which leaves you where you are right now anyways so look at it as "you've got nothing to lose" - it's all upside and go into the interview optimistic and confident.

Doug D.
Orlando, FL

[GreenPartyVoter]

37. *GOOD LUCK WISHES* (I thought them really loud because that will help you more. :^D )

[Lugnut]

38. Best of luck to you.

I'll have my fingers, toes and eyes crossed for you.

[IntravenousDemilo]

39. Bravo!

When I read the heading, I thought you were going to say you'd just seen Milk, but hey, this is even better! Break a leg, and remember that a nice warm smile with that first handshake goes a long way.

[BlueJac]

40. nail it......good luck

[kenichol]

41. If not this time, something better is on the way

I give you my word.

[lazyriver]

42. Be confident...walk in there like you are interviewing them to see

if you want to work there. You can present confidence without being arrogant if you approach the interview as a meeting from which all parties are looking to learn something about the other. Smile and always maintain eye contact. Look at the person's forehead if direct eye contact gets uncomfortable (it will seem to them you are looking at their eyes). Don't fake it if asked something you don't know. Be honest in an inquisitive way. Example: "Actually, I'm not familiar with that concept but I look forward to learning about it", or something appropriate to the situation. It sounds a little hokey as I type it, but if used sparingly, it's much better than fudging an answer and looking like a liar or simply saying, " I don't know". Ask a thoughtful question or two about the company when the time is right. It might be a good idea to read up on everything you can about them so you can pose a meaningful question about projects they've done. If you can find a local press story covering them in a positive light, mention it. Small organizations are usually quite proud of the limited PR they get and might appreciate a prospective employee's familiarity with what they do beyond the basic understanding of the position they seek.

These things worked for me four years ago when I interviewed for my current position as well as past positions.

I hope it works out for you.

[ColbertWatcher]

43. Good luck! n/t

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

44. Blow 'em! And tell us how it went, mmmkay? -nt

[angstlessk]

45. EVERY interview I have ever had I felt like a shrunken head...a shrunken body actually

I felt like a 2 year old being admonished by a great big grown up...I got every job I ever interviewed for. Just a heads up..it aint how YOU feel it is how THEY perceive you!

[spanone]

47. not good luck....GREAT LUCK....

[Octafish]

48. Good luck!

They'll be lucky to get you, Skidmore!

[DKRC]

49. Great!

Next week you can post on your lunch hour ~ tell us all about how you're settling in & gripe about the traffic!
Good luck!
And remember to breathe!

:yourock:

[ieoeja]

51. Turn the tables.

Think of yourself as interviewing the employer to see if this is the job you want.

I'd assume after three years of unemployment you aren't feeling too picky. But it puts you in a better mindset. And gives the appearance that you are really seriously interested in the company.

I went into the interview with my current employer with that mindset. After spending half an hour grilling the interviewer, I stood up, extended my hand, told him I was really impressed with everything I had heard and was ready to take the job. I had actually turned to walk out the door before remembering that he was supposed to have been interviewing me and that we hadn't spent five seconds going over my qualifications. We both got a chuckle out of that.

[Ian David]

52. Read Thom Hartman's, "Cracking The Code" before your interview.

Much of what you read there will be incredibly useful during an interview.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

53. Best of luck--and remember to breathe

I'm not kidding. One thing that can help you be less nervous is to watch your breath. Many folks, when nervous, forget to breathe! No wonder they can't think of any answer to a question posed by the interviewer--their brain is starved of oxygen.

Don't hyperventilate, either--simply make sure you take even breaths, in and out. It can help to imagine the tension flowing out of you as you breathe out.

Try it--won't cost anything, and it may help you!

[blm]

54. best wishes, Skid....

.

[Skidmore]

56. Thanks, blm. If I don't get it, I know now that I can get a pair of those funky

sunglasses and kick alien butt! :)

[northernlights]

55. best of luck

and thank you for posting this. It gives me a small ray of hope. After so many sketchy years, I wasn't expecting to ever get an interview again. Well...who knows....maybe it is possible

[aikoaiko]

58. Have a shot of whisky, remember the greatest sex you ever had, and walk into the interview.

good luck.

[sellitman]

59. Mazaltov!

And good luck!

[DIKB]

61. Crossing my fingers for you.

I truly sympathize with you, especially regarding the good worker/bad interviewee situation (same problem here). The best advice I can give is believe in the product. Essentially you are selling yourself, be honest but not too honest.

Good luck, and let us know how it goes.

[hfojvt]

62. to defend the Star League from Xur and the Kodan armada?

Good luck and what would you say is your greatest weakness?

[ima_sinnic]

63. best of luck to you, and there is some great advice in this thread

besides the other questions you should rehearse, don't forget "where do you see yourself in (5)(10) years?"

[lunatica]

64. Sometime during the interview ask them about their company

Here's your quote. Use it to impress them with your enthusiasm and your desire to work for them.

"The great aside for this is that the funding for this position will be coming down the pike from the urban renewal initiative put in place by the new administration."

Other than that here's some very easy advice to follow.

Always look the questioner in his/her eyes and put on the most interested expression you can. smile a little, sit straight but lean back a little to show you're comfortable. Your attitude should say "I'm interested in you and in this job"

When you can do so toot your own horn, but do it indirectly. For example, tell them about a job or a project you did very well by telling them at the end that your bosses told you it was very well done and that you saved them money and time or that you were a good team player. "I did so and so and add some details, and later my boss said I he was really glad that I had shown so much initiative". There. You brag about yourself by actually having your boss do the bragging.

Elaborate on answers a little. Don't just give yes and no answers. If they ask you what king of experience you have tell them in some detail and explain how you're a fast learner. If they ask if you can use a certain type of machinery tell them about all the machinery you use.

Last, when they ask you what you prefer doing, working alone or being part of a team tell them you're quite comfortable doing both. Say something like, "Actually I like doing both. Sometimes working alone is very satisfying and I can get a lot done, but when I work with a group I find it very stimulating and find that I like the way a group dynamic can be very creative in ways that working alone isn't." How can anyone not hire such a person?

[EmilyAnne]

65. Good luck! Try to think if it this way. They saw your resume and they liked what they saw!

Right now, that means even more because they can be really selective with who they interview.
They will already expect to be impressed with your interview.
In other words, you've already made a good first impression from your resume, credentials, experience and educations....all of the things that you have worked so hard to have!
Those are YOUR achievements and this company is impressed!
So, try to go in reminding yourself that they already think you're a great candidate for the job, they already like you as presented on your resume, the hard work (your credentials, etc.) is already behind you. They just need to see your face and talk a little more personally.

Another good interview technique is to go in prepared to ask a few questions. Of course, they should be questions that you really want answered (duh, I know its obvious.)
It will show that you want to really be involved in making their company even better by being very clear about what you can bring.
Also, it gives you time to listen rather than speak.
Don't undersell yourself if discussion of salary comes up.
Do you already know the average salaries for the type of position you are interviewing for?
Finally, don't complain about prior employers. Even if they sucked and you are justified in your complaints. This is something that my husband says is a huge "no" when he interviews people.

Once again, good luck!
Let us know how it goes!

[EmilyAnne]

67. One more thing. Try to do as much research about the company that you can, find out about projects

or clients they have on public record and you can cater your questions accordingly.
Ask about a particular project that impressed you, mention that is looked interesting, ask if they can discuss any upcoming projects, etc.

[Mnemosyne]

66. Best of luck to you, Skidmore! Being unemployed is so tough.

You will sail through that interview! :hi:

[Fire1]

69. Have answers for your strengths and weaknesses and turn

your weaknesses into strengths. Like, 'I'm a perfectionist,' 'I take my job home with me,' etc. AND GOOD LUCK!

[renate]

70. while you're in the waiting room, do some breathing exercises

They're totally portable and very relaxing. Focus on the exhalation, not the inhalation. That will make your parasympathetic nervous system more dominant over your sympathetic nervous system, and damp down your fight-or-flight symptoms.

http://stress.about.com/od/breathingexercises/ht/breathing_ex.htm

As you breathe out, relax the muscles in your neck, shoulders, and face.

Good luck! This is very exciting!!! Congratulations in advance!

[I Have A Dream]

72. Good luck, Skidmore!

You can do it! :)

[JerseygirlCT]

73. Try not to think about it as a session of judging you -

just try to relate to the person you're speaking with - they're looking for YOU! Be confident, but I also think that focusing on the interviewer as a real person communicates that confidence.

Lots of luck!

[santamargarita]

75. The very best of luck to you...

keep us posted

[Berry Cool]

76. Hope it goes well!

And rehearse, rehearse, rehearse, until doing the real interview is like nothing!!!!

[donheld]

77. Wonderful

:bounce::bounce::bounce:

[proud patriot]

78. Luck !

:hug:

[lonestarnot]

79. Praying for the interview genie to sit on your shoulder for the interview!

Best of luck Skidmore! You can do it! Yes you can!

[deaniac21]

80. Don't worry. Even if this opportunity doesn't work out, there will

be many many new jobs created by the Obama Administration.

[applegrove]

81. Good luck. Think of your interview like you are interviewing them too. Do you want to work at this

place? Are they a good fit for you? Will they keep you busy and happy?... think of it like that too. Cause it is the truth.

[libodem]

82. Good Luck

[IDemo]

83. I could have posted that same first paragraph a month ago,

with only a two month period of unemployment, which was bad enough. I can't imagine three years. I was shocked just to get the invitation after being assured by many that my resume was garbage.
I took up the negativity by focusing on my dread of interviewing. Turns out my interview (four actually) went just fine, and I'm on my fourth week on the job now.

I'll bet you do great. Good luck!

[dem mba]

84. I hate interviews too

but the better prepared you are the less nervous you will be. Good luck!

[Avalon Sparks]

85. My advice? Lie your ass off

Just win the job. If you really are overmatched, it will take them forever to fire you after you hired. But in the meantime, you will probably at least be able to develop the skills to placate them, even if you don't really have the muster. Be a damn actor. It's all about you, get your ass in there and tell them whatever they want to hear with calm confidence. Damn the torpedoes....

[snot]

86. GOOD LUCK!!!! You'll be fine.

Just remember, your interviewer has a problem s/he hopes you can solve. Focus on her/him and her problem, and what might help her/him.

[Norquist Nemesis]

87. Good luck!! We're all behind you!

I fully understand what your saying about interviewing though you're a good worker. :)

[live love laugh]

88. This is your time. Repeat that as your mantra. Good luck!!!! nt

[kaygore]

89. Good luck!

We'll keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

[Hekate]

90. Best of luck Skidmore. We're all rooting for you.

:hug:

Hekate

[Toucano]

91. I thought you said, "Gays, I'm being recruited".

And I thought, ANOTHER MEMBERSHIP DRIVE! LOL!

Seriously, I have to get new glasses!

[chimpymustgo]

92. Good luck. My advice: read through this thread! Some great suggestions.

Research the company thoroughly and prepare some questions about it.

Relax...hit 'em with your best shot!

[area51]

93. Good luck!

:thumbsup: :bounce:

[barbtries]

95. this is what i did.

this goes back a ways, about 10 years. but i lost my job, i lost my home, i lost custody of two of my children. i was like a zit on the face of the earth. total failure. i went back to school and got my computer training and set about trying to get a job. i call it the confidence game and it goes like this.

no matter how nervous you feel, don't act nervous. Act confident. You know you can do this job and do it well. Just act confident. As the interview progresses, the (false, but they don't know that) confidence that you are projecting translates into true confidence in the interviewer. When the interview ends and you shake that interviewer's hand, his/her REAL confidence in your ability to do that job and do it well translates into REAL confidence in you.

This may be just the first of several interviews. Let each interview increase your self-confidence until it is once again healthy. I hope you get the job and love it. If not, know there's another and even better position just around the corner.

when i first became unemployed, the EDD (this was in CA) put me into a course that covered things like interviewing: how to dress, how to act, what to say and not to say. it was very helpful. i don't know if such programs still exist, and tend to doubt it after 8 years of bush hell, but if they do, i would highly recommend that as well.

best of luck to you. do check back with the results?

[Tuesday_Morning]

96. I was just reading that

the most successful interviews for the applicants are ones in which the interviewer and the interviewee split the conversation 50/50. Thought that was an interesting and helpful tidbit.

[murray hill farm]

97. I once had a cat that i loved named Skidmore.

Soooooooo, if i were the interviewer, you would be way ahead of things before I ever met you. But, say I once had a schoolmate that was a horrid bully named Skidmore, you would be at a disadvantage before I ever met you. interviewers are just human with all of their own history (including a history of someone named Skidmore..or whatever your actual name is on the resume). I like to think of an interview as something that is in a space/time continuim that has actual occured in the future of the time line of things...and that the outcome has already occured ahead on the time line...and that I just do not know of as yet in time. Lots of very good advice here on preparation for the interview. Be yourself and be interested in the job and the organization. Some inexperienced interviewers do ask the silliest questions....and it is good to anticipate them...such as who in the world do you most admire..or who in history do you most admire, etc Really, be prepared for that one just in case. Also, the greatest weakness question. My favorite answer to that one, is that my greatest weakness here would be that i would be new to the organization..and I would need to learn all of the specifics of a new job. But, that I also consider it my greatest strength in what I could bring to the organization in my experience, my background and my enthusiasm. Good luck to you.

[VOX]

98. You've got the power: Make good eye contact, give a firm handshake, don't fidget, and ask questions.

And if it comes up in the flow of conversation, try to show that you have a bit of humor (appropriate humor, of course).

Sit up straight, and appear attentive and interested. Remember, you're "shopping" them as well -- they have to meet your standards of what you're looking for in an employer. So approach the interview with the knowledge that you're actually in charge.

I know that this is pretty basic stuff, but going over it can make a difference.

Best of luck to you -- :toast:

[blaze]

99. So?

How did it go?

[orleans]

100. so? how did it go? n/t