PDA

View Full Version : Job interview



StarsOfCCTV
18-11-2008, 18:21
These are a mixture of questions from the monsoon website application form and also monster.co.uk advice page. I would appreciate any advice! These are just my notes for the interview. Also, any advice on what to wear? Thanks so much! :D

Tell me about yourself
At the moment I am at college, where I do double applied science and modern European history. In my science course, its 70% coursework, so there is a lot of work to do, but I enjoy that side of the subject because it allows me to use my initiative, and to carry out a lot of research. Because its an applied course I really like the hands on approach compared to the separate science courses that I had the option of doing. I especially liked a assignment we did on freshwater ecosystems and that allowed us to work in groups, share data and then compile our own reports. I also love history, as I find it really interesting looking back at how democracy developed and how dictators were able to gain popular support and get into power. I volunteer at events run by the Rotary club and help out at various events they run every year. In the summer I helped out at a local primary school, and it gave me an experience of the organisation and skills needed in a busy working environment.

Strengths
Proficient in all computer packages such as word and excel. I can use both Windows and mac computers.
Timekeeping – I always leave the house on time and I am rarely late for anything.
1 more strength?

Weaknesses
My short term memory lets me down sometimes, however I write things down in a notebook to remember them. (Is this too honest? Can I rephrase?)

What is it about Monsoon that interests you
The amazing products, the clothes here especially are gorgeous and I think you have to be enthusiastic about what you are selling. (Is this ok?) but also the charitable side – the things you do like selling products for the monsoon accessorize trust.
I also really agree with the environmental policies you have and saving energy in your stores and warehouses. We've each got to do our bit to reduce global warming and I think that anything that a big company can do to reduce its carbon footprint is brilliant.

Overcoming difficult situation
I do well at facing up to situations that I'm not happy with. (good example? I can't think of anything!)

What do you feel you can contribute to the role you wish to apply for. (Sales assistant).
I believe I can give the job my all, and I am passionate about working hard and doing the best I can. I believe I can rise to the challenges that will be given to me. (Anything else I can add?)

Experience
I have done various volunteering work with the Rotary, I've been volunteering with the Rotary club ever since I can remember! My dad has been in the Rotary club all my life, and although I myself am not a member, I give my time to help raise money to the charities. I have volunteered at events such as roasting chestnuts and mulled wine at Kew Gardens, the Kew horticultural show, the Kew quiz and the Santa float.

I have done 3 weeks work experience at Kew riverside school. I helped with reception, year 3 and year 6. I helped with the classes, setting up the school play and contributing to the clear up of all the previous years work and did preparation for the next year. While I was there the Masai Warriors came, and that was an amazing experience!

Opportunity to improve something
When I was in secondary school, there was a project that I got involved in – clearing up the school common and encouraging wildlife such as stag beetles – we made a log pile for them. We also got the majority of the school to plant a daffodil bulb each, ready to come up the next spring. It was a great project to get involved in – one my dad suggested and organised!

How would you describe a product
Help!

Why should we hire you, what can you do that other candidates can't
Ambition to succeed – in everything at I set my mind to do.
Passion – to do well in the everything I do.
Willingness – to learn everything that is taught to me.

Three positive things people would say about you
Help!

Salary
I'd rather talk about a salary at the time, if I was offered the job.

If you were an animal what would you be?
I blame monster.co.uk for this one! :P
A lion because I can work independently but I can also work with others to achieve the best result.

CrazyLea
18-11-2008, 18:29
Lmao at the animal question :lol:.
I'm not really good at interviews, so will leave that for someone else.. but as for something to wear.. I'd recommend black trousers, white shirt and black v neck or something like that. Smart, but not overly smart... but make sure you're comfortable otherwise you'll be thinking about your clothes too much in the interview ;-).

Good luck Kasple :D

Oh and the positive things about you.. do people say you're cheerful or something? Cause in sales you'd need to be cheerful and not afraid to chat to the customers... so could incorporate that in....

DaVeyWaVey
18-11-2008, 18:35
Have you tried asking a parent or your friends etc maybe a teacher on what positive qualities they think you possess? You could ask them this and that could help you fill in the "three positive things" bit.

For your strengths, I'd use an example of why your good at time keeping and maybe something you've produced on the computer that your proud of that you could mention at the interview. The same for the overcoming a difficult situation, try and think of an example of where you might have done this successfully and mention this.

For what you could contribute to the sales assistant job, you could maybe add in a bit on customer service? like you will always have a smile and a positive attitude when talking to customers maybe?

I think what you've written is really good though. Your experience suggests that your good at working with other people and as a team and you've managed to link some things with current issues e.g. global warming, which shows you have an awareness of what goes on in the world today.

I am no expert but I hope my suggestions are useful in some way and good luck with the interview! :)

StarsOfCCTV
18-11-2008, 23:43
Thanks for the tips guys! :D :D

Perdita
19-11-2008, 06:15
Strength: Don't tell them that you are rarely late :eek: Does not leave a good impression as they might think you will be late for your job. :nono:
Tell them you are honest but tactful (a must with a good sales assistance, imo).

3 positive things - you are friendly, trustworthy, reliable.

You love being a sales assistance as you like to work with the public, no day is the same, always different.

Weakness: I don't think telling them you need to write things down would go well with the interviewer. Tell them you like chocolate cake but manage to resist having any most of the time. Adds a little humour and most of the interviewers can relate to that :D


Describing a product: I presume they mean a Monsoon product - depending on what it is, go for texture, colour.

Overcoming difficult situations - you have a really good friend or family member, who you talk to who helps you put things into perspective.



Good luck xx

Siobhan
19-11-2008, 10:02
Stars.. for interview, wear a suit but one you are comfortable in. Also instead of thinking "what if they ask me this" change that in your mind to "How can I show them "... very simple way to fool your brain to give you more confidence...

Trinity
19-11-2008, 12:09
Stars,

You have some wonderful advice from both Perdy and Shiv above. I would reiterat Perdy's advice - go with it she is 100% right and raised all the points about your answers that I would have.

Shiv's advice is also good. You need to focus on showing your strengths - remember - if they don't ask a question that brings out the most positive aspects of your personality/ character you can still tell them.

I would just like to add........

And at the end of the interview, smile, thank them for their time and tell them that you look forward to hearing from them.


Best of luck!!

Chloe O'brien
28-11-2008, 22:22
Another piece of advice would be to go through the job description and look for what they are looking for in an employer for example if an employer is looking for someone who is computer literate then you can use examples that you are comfortable using a wide range of software and give examples of where you have used these applications even if it is related to your course work.