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Post by skyhint on Oct 11, 2007 11:29:54 GMT -5
I think its obvious why I (and perhaps some other members here) am/are having trouble finding a job. Interviews. How do you give a good one? Most interview advice is obvious. Dress nice, be on time, shake hands, relax, accentuate the positive.  But what about not seeming like a socially inept nerd. How do you pull that off? ( And not the good type of nerd either) |
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Post by Sweet Pea on Oct 11, 2007 17:11:29 GMT -5
I think its obvious why I (and perhaps some other members here) am/are having trouble finding a job. Interviews. How do you give a good one? Most interview advice is obvious. Dress nice, be on time, shake hands, relax, accentuate the positive. But what about not seeming like a socially inept nerd. How do you pull that off? ( And not the good type of nerd either) i don't know if this helps at all, but your post reminded me of this article and i thought you might find it interesting. Get Personable or Get Purged |
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Post by urbanspaceman on Oct 12, 2007 17:59:38 GMT -5
Not sure really. In recent job interviews I've just tried not stressing out so much beforehand, over-preparing, and just generally trusting myself and believing that I know my job history, skills, etc, and can get them across to others.
I've been told in the past that I appear quite confident and self-assured in interview situations, when in reality I've been a wreck inside, so I guess that belief in myself does show somehow.
No real concrete advice there, but just my musings.....
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Post by sporadic on Oct 19, 2007 6:39:49 GMT -5
I had my first ever job interview yesterday, it didn't really go very well. Before it I was thinking that it didn't really matter as there will be other chances, but it was still a really nerve-racking thing to go through. I guess its not knowing what to expect that did it. I'm now quite confident that I can be personable and not seem like a socially inept nerd in most situations, and I thought I knew my skills well, but the main difficulty came in thinking of concrete examples to illustrate them, which was a big part of the interview. I also felt quite comfortable talking about the things I've done recently, but I was very hesitant in answering general questions. I suppose they get easier as you get more experience of that type of situation, just like social situations.
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Post by Sweet Pea on Oct 19, 2007 9:01:14 GMT -5
I suppose they get easier as you get more experience of that type of situation, just like social situations. yeah, the last time i was interviewing for a job, it was the first time in years for me. i didn't do that great at the interpersonal part of it the first few times, but by the time i got to the interviews for the jobs i have now i was pretty comfortable with the whole process. practice really does help alot. i think it's probably a good idea to get a few out of the way you don't really care about much before you go to one for a job you really, really want. |
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Post by jdr3am3r on Oct 31, 2007 0:18:40 GMT -5
Hi guys, 1st post here (wooohoo!). I completely agree with Sweet Pea. Practice is what it's all about. At my university's career center, they set you up with practice interviews which have helped me tremendously, in preparing for the questions and taking some of the edge off. But the fact is that with all of the practice in the world, you can never prepare for the plethora of questions they could possibly throw at you. So really I think the best thing is to keep a clear mind, and try to get rid of negative thoughts. It's easy to get nervous with questions you have never contemplated with a stranger staring at you intently for your response. But one thing I was told that I found helpful was to think of the interview as a "formal conversation", kind of like dating: you're both trying to feel each other out to see if it's a good match. So, the best thing to do is just realize you're talking with another human being, and focus on the questions, not your self consciousness.
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Post by sporadic on Oct 31, 2007 10:20:32 GMT -5
eek! Somebody else wants to interview me. I suppose I should be glad as it should be a useful experience, but after that first one I think I'll be even more nervous. The job is something different to what I applied for, but is also something I think I may be interested in, so I'll just go along and see how it goes.
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Post by skyhint on Oct 31, 2007 14:42:18 GMT -5
t y everyone actually I did get a job, two offers, in fact. Very soon after I wrote this hehe. My advice coming soon.
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Post by Sweet Pea on Oct 31, 2007 16:28:47 GMT -5
t y everyone actually I did get a job, two offers, in fact. Very soon after I wrote this hehe. congratulations!  |
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Post by audioalone on Nov 1, 2007 14:35:23 GMT -5
Yeah, good on you, Skyhint! ;D
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Post by audioalone on Nov 1, 2007 14:41:08 GMT -5
Actually, to get into what is discussed on this thread, I find it easy to be personable, though the interview process terrifies me. I haven't had many jobs because of the sociophobia, so there are obviously many gaps in my resume so trying to explain why I haven't worked for x number of years is very unnerving to me.
Plus I have had interviews, got the job, then chickened out, and had to call them back and tell them I changed my mind. Not exactly positive, so say the least.
*very very hard for me to put that last paragraph, for IMO obvious reasons*
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Post by skyhint on Nov 5, 2007 15:44:24 GMT -5
OK before a job interview here's what I did. I'd go to the company's website and try to answer these questions
What is the position?
Why do I want this job? (a good answer is I believe I have the necessary skills)
What are the necessary skills that I have for this position?
What are the details about what the company does?
Do I have any questions? (not just yes or no but coming up with 3 good questions)
And the final thing is a breif summary of my education/work experience to answer the question : Tell me about yourself.
The answer to almost everyother question can be pulled from here if only you adjust it a little.
It is easier to talk if you know what to say. For me if I'm given a script I can memorize it and deliver it naturally. Sounding not rehearsed just appearing to be coming up with these answers on the spot. If I'm actually put on the spot I can't improvise anything.
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Post by strawberrysweetie on Nov 5, 2007 18:37:46 GMT -5
Plus I have had interviews, got the job, then chickened out, and had to call them back and tell them I changed my mind. Not exactly positive, so say the least. sounds like something I would do  OK before a job interview here's what I did. I'd go to the company's website and try to answer these questions What is the position? Why do I want this job? (a good answer is I believe I have the necessary skills) What are the necessary skills that I have for this position? What are the details about what the company does? Do I have any questions? (not just yes or no but coming up with 3 good questions) And the final thing is a breif summary of my education/work experience to answer the question : Tell me about yourself. The answer to almost everyother question can be pulled from here if only you adjust it a little. It is easier to talk if you know what to say. For me if I'm given a script I can memorize it and deliver it naturally. Sounding not rehearsed just appearing to be coming up with these answers on the spot. If I'm actually put on the spot I can't improvise anything. That sounds good, skyhint. It sucks that I don't have any skills, though.  Congrats on getting a job offer, by the way. What kind of work will you be doing? |
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But what about not seeming like a socially inept nerd. How do you pull that off? ( And not the good type of nerd either)
