[Sha_]

Assalamualykum,

The 'job related mistakes' thread is kinda turning into this, but I dont think it was meant to, and I didnt want to derail it further so here it goes . Post anything relating to job searching and job interviews here, advice, tips or your own questions, and maybe other Islamicans can help insha'Allah .



My post from the other thread:
Ive got a job interview at a popular stationary store. I should be happy but I dont really wanna work there. Ther people there are annoying. But it's one of the few shops I know where they dont have a lot of smelly teenagers, so maybe that's why they offered me an interview so soon. (They didn't have a vacancy advertised).

But half the people in there are miserable or cranky. Like one time I took out a paper pad and put back in the slightly wrong place. The the guy had to put it back and he was all huffy and puffy and 'for goodness sake...' really loud. Im like it's only a little out of place you dont have to cry about it. And sthu cuz the customer is always right.


Speaking of smelly teenagers I had a job interview at Boots when I was 17. It was my first and I was all enthusiastic and happy, my face hurt from being so smiley. Then I messed up at the role play bit, cuz she was being a customer asking me if the camera had flash and stuff. I was like uhhhhhhhhhh im not sure (but thinking back I should've just made it up for the sake of roleplay? Or should I have read the box and stuff to check? This is what I was confused about at the time). So anyways I applied another 2 times and didnt even get an interview. I saw this smelly emo boy being interviewed aswell. He got the job .

So anyways. I need help. What questions are they likely to ask and what should I say?
What do I do in my spare time, why do they care what kind of answer are they after?
This is my 2nd interview ever (alhamdulillah). .

[Sha_]

So the interview went pretty good I think, alhamdulillah.
I did go blank for a bit when she asked me ‘give me an example of when you have used your knowledge and skills to help someone’
I was like wtf I don’t have a any knowledge or skills !
JK, I was just finding it hard to think of an example on the spot, I hadn’t thought of that question before.
I was quiet for a bit too long I think , then she went through my CV and was like ‘it could be something from your work experience or your university work…’ So then I was fine alhamdulillah, and every other part of the interview was good, so insha’Allah I get the job. It’ll be Saturdays, and the Saturday crew seem pretty okay .

I dunno though…about that ‘blank’… if it will hinder it .

[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

[Sha_]

ALHAMDULILLAH! I got teh job yayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!!!!

[ShotgunMessiah]

Oh wow, I'm going to have to save that about the questions. I can't stand that kind of thing.

And congratulations on getting the job

[Sha_]

Thanksssssss, alhamdullillah I'm so happy, my 2nd ever interview, my first ever job! Yea I know I'm 20 shutup!

It's on a temporary basis though, the contract will say, till July, but she said the intention is to keep me there longer than that, and it's likely they will. Probably as long as I dont totally mess up . Insha'Allah though.

Another interview tip is, think about what you're going to say and try not to give answers that are short, expand on your point by giving examples so you can fit in more good stuff about yourself. But think about what points you're trying to make incase they think you're rambling and cut you off or move on to the next question before you get the chance to make your point.

[zzze]

assalamu alaykum

yay mabrook!

[BaronChairman]

I get so sick of being told what I should say at interviews. I keep saying what I should say but never getting the job, and it's bound to get worse now because I've been arrested. I want to know the 100 percent foolproof ways of getting work.

[Aryan_]

Blue_Phoenix said:

I want to know the 100 percent foolproof ways of getting work.

Wear a blonde wig and stand on a street corner

[Sha_]

First day of work tommorrow

[Bluestar]

Hope it goes well, i've got an interview on monday, make du'a

[Bluestar]

I got the job, started last monday. It's really good alhamdulillah. We all have projects and mine are in the education sector and organising courses for teachers to attend. Pay will be better after 4 months, people are lovely. Inshallah i'm looking forward to a fresh start

[rawrr]

This girl I knew once accidently kissed the woman interviewing her on the cheeks instead of shaking her hand. I died laughing when she told me about it.

[MossadConspiracy]

haha @ that

i've had some funny interview gaffes.

[ChotooMotoo]

Typical Interview Questions & How NOT to Answer:
Why do you want this job?
I'm broke as hell, and every other job has turned me down, so I'm desperate for you to hire me. BTW, what is that you're wearing, it smells divine.

What qualities do you think you will need?
Uhh... what qualities do you need? I'm sure whatever they are, I can learn them well enough not to get fired for 6 months if you hire me.

What will you bring to the job?
I'll shower every day, and wear clean clothes every day. Since the doctor gave me this new medication, I've been much better.

Why do you want to work for this company?
I don't really, but hey, everyone needs money right?

What interests you about our products?
You have products? Really? Tell me about them!

What can we offer that your last job didnt?
Job security? A big fat paycheck so I can pay alimony to my hoebag ex-wife.

Tell me about yourself.
Well, I'm recently single, handsome, and I'm free Friday night if you're interested.

What about the position do you like?
Position? Well, missionary is my favorite, but I'm game for anything. What position are we talking about?

Give me an example of a time you helped someone?
There was this one dude outside the grocery store begging for money, I gave him $10, and the rest of my chicken dinner.

Why are you leaving your current job (if relevant)?
I'm currently unemployed.

Name 3 good things and 3 bad things about yourself.
I'm tall, handsome, and the ladies tell me I'm good in bed.

Can you work under pressure and meet deadlines?
Sure, especially if meeting the deadline will get me a raise or bonus of some kind.

What sort of pay would you expect?
How much do you make?

What was the last film you saw?
Top Buns

[Sha_]

Work was good until I found out it was kinda haraam.

Why is the world so haraam.

Why.


So anyways.

Today my hijab stopped a dude from shoplifting.

How cool is that.

[Purple_alien]

I just got reassigned "temporarily permanently" to the main building. I get to go to there but with no raise. It kinda sucks because all my friends got promoted and here I get sent there. And for some data entry work. Like say the microfilm team isnt backed up enough:mad:

[Bluestar]

Sha_ said:

Work was good until I found out it was kinda haraam.

Why is the world so haraam.

Why.


So anyways.

Today my hijab stopped a dude from shoplifting.

How cool is that.

How?

[Sim]

ive never had a job before

and shaa - that is cool

[Sha_]

I hate working weekdays. I cant stand up for 8-9 hours with only 2 small half an hour breaks. Thats the minimum Im entitled to though. Except people who work less time than me get a 1hour block for lunch. people who work nearly as long as me get that plus one or two 15 min breaks.

And the people who work their full time are *****y two-faced back-biting gossippers.
Might be a little thing I'm taking too personally but I'm new and their mean. But not to my face. I have to overhear them talking about me in the staffroom. But I walked off before they finished talking.

Basically I was on the front till downstairs in the morning, on the newsagent section (btw newsagents are full of haraam stuff argh). It gets quite busy, but I was enjoying myself anyways, I like smiling and saying Good morning to old people buying papers and making them smile.

I really needed the loo, but I couldnt just leave, so I waited for the queue to die down. Then I told the lady on my neighbouring till, who we will call Alison, (this may or may not be her real name, except it probably is since I'm annoyed)'I'm just going to the loo' and ALL SHE SAID WAS 'have you signed out of your till?'. I walk back to my till, sign out, say 'yea it's done' and walk out of the till area and run upstairs (it's like on the third floor).

I came back, someone else was on my till, I was like I'm back and they were all like ' hii, alright? :)' and then I took over my till.
Later on I went on my break, i was checking the staff hours, and I overheard them talking about me.

"She just ran off earlier!. She just went 'Oh, i'm going to the toilet' and ran off! If you need the toilet you dont just run off do you?!! You call someone in to takeover your till first! For God's sake!"

Then I walked off cuz I didnt wanna hear anymore.
I couldnt believe an issue was being made out of nothing.
I didnt leave when there was a queue and I told the other lady on the till, I hung around long enough for her to respond to me. And all she told me was to sign off the till. So I thought it'd be fine, I've done the same thing upstairs, and also when upstears, sometimes people leave to get stuff from the stockroom etc, as long as theres other people around. If it's really a service affecting issue downstairs that I need to get someone to takeover the till, she had enough time to tell me to my face, why didnt she? Even if she thought I ran off too quick, she could have told me when I came back that I'm not meant to do it, and in future I should get someone to take over the till. She still didnt though. Duh I'm new, I'm not gonna know the 'rules' if NOBODY tells me them. You cant just expect me to know, and if its evident I don't know, then if you really care about the fact that what I'm doing affects service, then you would let me know I'm making a mistake. Since you're the one whos been there for 8 years and knows best. But all she cared about was gossip and complaining and making people look bad. Oh and the people I overheard, wasnt even Alison. it was OTHER people, she told and they were gossiping to each other.

And the other lady I work with upstairs who's been there forever.She's two faced to customers. She's okay to some of them. And she's nice to all their faces. But if people need help or have enquiries she gets annoyed with them and then mutters something uder her breath after they leave. like 'For Christ's sake.' 'Now what was I doing before I was RUDELY interrupted' 'Oh for God's sake you can never get anything done around her without being interrupted' 'Oh my Gawwwwd...'

Hello, what?! Duh it's our job to help people, as well as whatever shelf stacking or repricing job you might have been in the middle of! Also just because you know something inside out, doesnt mean you can expect the customers to.

Now since I'm new and there's so many things to learn and remember at this store, and I have no training apart from an hour being supervised on the till on my first day, I often need to call the lady back to help me when I get stuck or make a mistake. Also my till doesnt allow me to do refunds and stuff yet so I need to 'innterrupt' her quite a lot. I just feel that if she's got such an attitude towards the customers I hate to think what she really thinks about me. And I also think people who have a problem with dealing with customers should quit.

I just hate it cuz I have nothing in common with the people there cuz all they do is get annoyed at customers, act fake and backbite people.