[Asvi]

Originally Posted by Aida

Ditto.

I think I need to change my way of speaking when it comes to interviews. I don't speak with confidence or with a matter of fact attitude, so I always come off as passive.

i need more confidence in me too.

[Sha_]

So my contract actually expires in 2 months, but I just REALLY wanna quit now and give all my haraam money away . Plus they actually expect me to stay for longer, they'll probably get me to sign something. How do I say no ?

[Bluestar]

By finding another job? Then you can just say that it was time to move on or you can say that the practises in this workplace don't agree with your ethics

[Sha_]

Originally Posted by Bluestar

By finding another job? Then you can just say that it was time to move on or you can say that the practises in this workplace don't agree with your ethics

Well I actually want to find another job, now, before the contracts over.

But I desperately want to leave even before finding another job .

[Bluestar]

Originally Posted by Sha_

Well I actually want to find another job, now, before the contracts over.

But I desperately want to leave even before finding another job .

if you can afford it, go for it. If you can't, wait it out.

[the_only_one]

im not sure if i should apply for a summer job on campus..

either way to find awesome job, the job seeker should standout from the crowd, i think scenting your resume would work like a charm.

forget the different fonts/grey cover letters.blah..

[jaani]

Originally Posted by Sha_

Typical Interview Questions & How to Answer: (I found this on some student forum)

Why do you want this job?
This answer should be positive. So, for example, you want the experience, or you want to develop expertise in this area, or you have a similar job before and enjoyed it, or it is a personal interest. Do not mention money, and do not slag off your previous employers.

What qualities do you think you will need?
There are obvious qualities that will be needed for every job. So, for example, communication skills, a good work ethic, a will to learn, customer service skills, problem solving, analysing, leadership, teamwork etc. For further clues, you could also have a look at the Job spec. If it actually says in the Spec what the ideal candidate needs to be able to do, then that is your answer!

What will you bring to the job?
Same answer as above really, but also mention anything you have done in the past that is relevant, especially if you were successful at it! Just 'experience' is also good.

Why do you want to work for this company?
Similar to 'why do you want the job' but here is your chance to show you have researched the company. Try and come up with one positive that the company has. For example, GAME have a reputation for being specialists. Avoid saying things like you want shorter hours or they're more flexible or whatever. Just be really complimentary about the company!

What interests you about our products?
Research for this one is key. For example, in Debenhams, I would at this point list off some of the designers (John Rocha, Jasper Conran, Nigel Cabourn etc) and say they have a great reputation.

What can we offer that your last job didnt?
Be very careful. Again, avoid money or anything which could be conceived as being 'greedy'. Personal development, job satisfaction and new challenges are all good answers!
Tell me about yourself.
This is a really awkward 'question'. Basically, don't go into too much detail. Don't go back into childhood experiences or say anything negative. In a way, this question could be re-phrased as 'tell me some good things about you'. So, for example, you could say that you enjoy playing football and you were the captain of your local team (this shows leadership).

What about the position do you like?
This should be things such as the challenge, you enjoy working with the product area (clothes?), good location, nice facilities, good atmosphere etc. If they ask you to list things you don't like, only mention small things that really don't matter (the uniform isn't the nicest colour!)

Give me an example of a time you helped someone?
These ones can sound hard, but they're really not. Even if you have no work experience, it can be something that seems really insignificant if it shows you in a good light. As I have worked in a shop, my standard answer is about someone who came into the shop, I solved their problem, then did something extra for them to leave a good impression, and then made sure the problem couldn't be repeated. If you haven't worked before, how about a time you have helped a friend when they were feeling down?

Why are you leaving your current job (if relevant)?
New challenges, want to move into a different area of the industry, personal development etc. Do not mention money, or working hours, or if you've had an argument with someone, or if you didn't like the job etc.

Name 3 good things and 3 bad things about yourself.
The good is easy: leadership, communication, teamwork, customer service, quick learner etc etc. The bad things: there is a lot of debate about this. Don't say 'nothing', obviously. I personally would go for something that can also be seen as good, for example: "I am a bit of a perfectionist so sometimes I can overrun on certain tasks", or, "sometimes I need to slow down a bit, as I am keen to get things done but this sometimes means I miss detail" etc etc. The other approach is to point out things that really aren't relevant to work: my handwriting is scruffy. Another way this question could be asked is "if I spoke to your old boss/teacher, what would he say are your strengths and weaknesses".

Can you work under pressure and meet deadlines?
Obviously, this is a yes, but try and give evidence of this. For example, "at Christmas we had to merchandise a fixture in an hour and we did in half an hour even though the shop was busy". If you haven't worked, can be something simple like "I handed in all my coursework with time to spare".

What sort of pay would you expect?
For a lot of part-time work this isn't applicable. But if you are ever asked this, reply with a question: "what is your range for someone in my position". If they don't give an answer, specify a range (set your minimum above what your real minimum is).

What was the last film you saw?
Sounds odd but it is asked. Mention something mainstream that everyone will know, and obviously, no psycho-killer films. Just something nice and, well, normal, lol.
First of all they get you to talk to one other applicant to gauge how confident you are at meeting new people, talking to them etc

WHERE was this thread when I went to give my interview?!!

~j

[Sha_]

Originally Posted by Bluestar

if you can afford it, go for it. If you can't, wait it out.

The only thing I worry about is quitting when I have no other retail experience.

So I had a dream, and I was thinking about how haraam my workplace is...then I found out my manager also manages another place and she put me down to work a shift one night...it was a bar called R&R (yea from eastenders) .

[Bluestar]

hehe, if you're looking for experience, sign up with agencies. Best ones are Hays, Ranstad, Pertemps, Lucy Bristow, Robert Half International, Taskmaster. Not sure if they have branches in Wales but i'm sure you'll find some if you go to the town centre. I started off like that and now i'm in a good job, alhamdulillah.

[Sha_]

Originally Posted by Bluestar

hehe, if you're looking for experience, sign up with agencies. Best ones are Hays, Ranstad, Pertemps, Lucy Bristow, Robert Half International, Taskmaster. Not sure if they have branches in Wales but i'm sure you'll find some if you go to the town centre. I started off like that and now i'm in a good job, alhamdulillah.

Hm.. yeah I guess I should really. I was gonna apply at Primark, but I need to edit my CV and stuff, hope the vacancy is still avaliable by then iA.

I need to ask for saturday 14th off at work, but the annoying supervisor "tpc's are so important" dude keeps picking up, I dont wanna ask him .

[Asvi]

i still don't have a job...freakin economy i hate you!

[ShotgunMessiah]

Yeah the job market really sucks now. My wife just graduated college and has been trying to find something but there's just nothing out there. Companies are seeking overqualified candidates at underpaying roles because they'll be able to do the job better and there's nothing else out there for them.