Comments on: A Successful Job Interview: My One Best Tip

By: Physical Therapist, Accounting Tutor, Non-CDL Driver - The systematic recording, reporting, and analysis of financial transactions of a business. The person in charge of accounting is known as an accountant, and this individual is typically required to fo

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 09:13:21 +0000

[...] to TheJobBored, “You want to be confident, competent and pleasant. Relax. The interview is about finding out [...]

By: Joey Gipson

Joey Gipson — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 11:20:00 +0000

I had an interview yesterday that was over an Hour and then I got a list of job duties for my position does that sound maybe promising

By: guest

guest — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 16:38:00 +0000

if i had an interview and aftwards I decide that I am not interested in the position should I send a thank you note?

By: FG Coelho da Silva

FG Coelho da Silva — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 12:52:09 +0000

I wonder if the experts can give me some advice…
I went to an interview Thursday, there were 4 people there, the main guy, and three females. I answered the first questions that the main guy asked, basicaly just selling myself who I was and why I thought my past experience would fit into this new position. After that the girls took turns with one question each, to which I answered superficially because I got very nervous, I mean really nervous to the point that they looked at me and offered a glass of water because I could not speak at first. The thing is this was an internal post shared by two departments, my current one and other. My current line manager was one of the girls and things just went bad when she made the question. I then went to answer another question from the main guy in a calm manner before they asking me if I had any questions (which I did (2)).
The point I am trying to make is: my interview in my point of view went very wrong. I asked when they were going to make the decision and they told me Monday, it turned out that they did it before, and I got a phone call on Friday morning telling me I got the job.
My question now is, was this decision influenced by my current line manager or was I really the best on the panel they interviewed? I mean I am well experienced and fullfill the job description fully, I wanted to send an email asking the guy the reason why I was the chosen one. Is that a good Idea?

A copy of the email prepared to ask for feedback
“I am pleased to have accepted the position
Having reflected on my interview performance, it was clear to me that I did not perform at the level I wanted to. I am sure however that I am capable of making a positive contribution for the success of the project.
I know that this will sound a bit foolish, being an ignorant in regards to recruitment processes it would be extremely helpful for me and I would be ever so grateful if you could give me some feedback regarding to the basis of your decision in selecting me as the best candidate to fill the vacancy.
Assuring you of my strong and continued interest in the position, Sincerely”

By: Ahsante

Ahsante — Sun, 03 Oct 2010 15:34:17 +0000

I agree – it pays to be ‘likeable’. I’ve been in situations where the employer hired me, even if I didn’t have all of the qualifications (they liked me & considered me trainable), because I made an effort (in spite of being nervous) to be warm, engaging and friendly.
I also view the interview as a chance for me to interview THEM! “Is this someone with whom I can work, day after day?” “What is the culture of the company?” “How did the person who’s interviewing me get into this business; what motivates them?”
Additionally, the bottom line is not always the salary. Being in a job where the people are pleasant, where my work has meaning and where my ideas and talents are valued, often carries more weight.

By: Joy

Joy — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 23:10:33 +0000

I had 2nd interveiw today with techinal guy,my 1st interveiw with the VP of strategic,planning and analysis dept went great, i should say excelent.but i am not so sure about the 2nd one.at the end of the interveiw the interveiwer said to me that i did good and he thinks i can do it and told me how nice it is to work for that company.So my question is what do i make out of this Interveiw,did i get it or not?

By: D.Mote

D.Mote — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 05:27:53 +0000

I have managed several dental offices. First of all, it is rather odd to ask an applicant for an interview if you have not even interviewed them at all. If you are truly just observing the work day, they are not required to pay you. If you are working, helping clean instruments, filing etc you must be paid per labor law. If they are using the day to train you, like showing you how to seat a patient, how they chart ect they must pay you because training on a job must be paid. A working interview is designed to show an applicant what the work day would be like and to see if they are still interested. They also, want to make certain that you mesh with the rest of the staff. Good luck, good idea to ask first if you will be paid before working interviews. The amount of pay should be set before the working interview. After all there may be day care expenses, gas, lunch etc.

By: christine smith

christine smith — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 13:55:00 +0000

My question is,I got a phone call from a dental office and ask me if I could do a working interview?and w/o interviewing me first and I asked her If I get paid in this working interview and she told me if I stay for the whole day I will.just want to know if this office is not using me for one of their employees is sick or on vacation.Pls. advice me If I should go and do working interview? Thank you and waiting for your advice.

By: Marc Linn

Marc Linn — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 15:27:28 +0000

Excellent advice. Our culture tends to encourage us to act like lifeless zombies in a work setting — how much fun is that?

I realize in an interview, by definition the interviewee does much if not most of the talking. Still, the old saying “To be impressive, learn to talk — to be popular, learn to listen” might have some relevance. Displaying genuine interest in things the interviewer might say about his or her personal life, hobbies, whatever can help in many cases.

Listening well can also provide valuable insights into what sales people call the “hot button” — the aspect of the product (in this case, you) that the prospect (the interviewer) might get really excited about, to the point where they just have to buy / offer a job.

I have hired people; I can only think of one time when I hired someone that I really didn’t like all that much. It worked out terribly as I recall.

By: Bonnie

Bonnie — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 01:40:03 +0000

Excellent point (“be likeable”) and one I wish more job seekers would take to heart.

The other day I heard someone say “I know I’m more qualified than the temp who’s doing the job now. If they hire her instead of me, I’m going to file a grievance!”

I keep trying to drill it into people’s heads–employers don’t have to hire the “most qualified” person; they hire someone who meets the qualifications (even minimally) that they LIKE BEST.

(Just discovered your blog, Brian — it’s definitely going to be one of my favorites!)