Shadow_fire

Well, since I have been jobless since the beginning of last summer break I figured I had better get on track and find a job, and so tomorrow, I am going to an interview at a video store, Jumbo Video, just local I believe, a friend of mine works there and said he would put in a good word for me. Any advice for the interview, or anything like that? Its only my third job, sadly...and I am not really social IRL. Thanks everyone.

777

I'm not social either. But a great first impresion will last a long time. Start off with a firm hand shake. During the interview, use strong eye contact. Look into your interviewer's eyes until they look away, then maintane eye contact when they look back at you.

And of course, practice a few responses to common interview questions, such as, "Name a time you recieved outstanding customer service?" and the dreadful, "Why should I hire you?"

Good luck

__________________
"I don't know that I ever wanted greatness, on its own. It seems rather like wanting to be an engineer, rather than wanting to design something - or wanting to be a writer, rather than wanting to write. It should be a by-product, not a thing in itself. Otherwise, it's just an ego trip."

Roger Zelazny

Redjake

Just have some answers ready for all the generic questions they might ask, like the above poster said.

Also, I second the firm handshake - a MUST have. Don't be afraid to look the person in the eye, either. Don't stare at them, but periodically reassure them that you aren't afraid to look them in the eye. Just be yourself, and be relaxed.

No offense, this isn't a major career job more than likely, so just take it easy and be relaxed. Any job is a big deal, but there's no reason to get your stomach churning over this. You will do fine. Good luck!

__________________
Off the record, on the q.t., and very hush-hush.

biznatch

Think of it as no big deal. Yes, it is a great thing that you make the decision of going out and looking for a job. But show confidence. I'm sure the employer will trust someone who seems to trusts himself.

Dilbert1234567

done call him 'dude', he has a name, you should already have it memorized, use it.

__________________
Donate Blood!

"Love is not finding the perfect person, but learning to see an imperfect person perfectly." -Sam Keen

thingstodo

Two things:

1. you'll have an opportunity at the end - should you take it - to make a short statement of why you would be good for the job. Think about a possible statement. It would also help if you refer to something you learned during the interview about the the job to add to why you would be a good fit.

2. ask a few questions to clarify what was said or to answer questions you've come up with - and hopefully you have a few.

Both of these items show you can deal with people and also show you have an interest in the job and what is going on. The very last thing you should ask if it isn't covered is something about next steps.

Polish your shoes and dress at least at the level that the current employees dress, if not better!

__________________
If you're wringing your hands you can't roll up your shirt sleeves.

Stangers have the best candy.

CaliLivChick

Please do a search next time before starting a thread.

http://www.tfproject.org/tfp/showthread.php?t=104335

__________________
Don't trust anything that can bleed for a week and not die. Oh wait, that's me... nevermind... you can trust me.

Redjake

Please read the actual thread you posted before posting a "please search" comment


It's a completely different question - this thread asks, "how do I handle an interview for a movie store position"

The thread you linked asks, "how do you know when to stop interviewing for jobs? how many is too many? what happens if you accept a position, and then get offered more positions in other companies?"

__________________
Off the record, on the q.t., and very hush-hush.

shesus

I echo what others said. Since it's a video store job and you were referred by a friend you should have a shoe-in unless you completey botch it (aka fart, sneeze on the interviewer, mumble, come in stoned, drunk, or both, come in your pjs, etc.)

Have some answers prepared:
Why should you hire me?
Strengths/weaknesses
Why do you want the job?
How would you handle: a difficult customer, a cash drawer that was short/over, and other job related questions.

Oh and always finish with the questions:
1) Do you have any concerns?
2) What is the next step in this process?

Those 2 things show that you are confident (even if you aren't) and are serious about the job.

Oh and SMILE! Good luck!

/me gets off the interviewing prep train...ugh, I hated that job

__________________
Whatever did happen to your soul?
I heard you sold it

Choose Heaven for the weather and Hell for the company

Kaliena

Buff up on movies: one of the things I was asked was what are my top three movies and why would I recommend those to customers?

Also, do a little research on the company and check out competing companies. Always good to know what's going on around you in case you end up being there awhile and hitting manager status (happened within a year for my sister)

Also, be ready to answer something like "we have such and such special, how would you sell that."

__________________
~Beware the waffle~

Shadow_fire

Thanks for all the help you guys have given me, I did what everyone said, firm handshake, eye contact, and the whole knowledge of film wasn't much of a problem for me, going into directing when I finally graduate high school...and then of course university...almost 19 and I still need 14 credits...I hate the Ontario school system...but thats a story for another board...I find out tomorrow (That is the 26th) whether or not I got the job. I am planning on calling around 2:30 in the afternoon, when everyone else who applied is still in their normal school day. So I will let you all know how it went, thanks for the support everyone

biznatch

Might seem strange but I'm very excited for you. It seems like you did all that was necessary and then some. Unless you had some serious competition, there's no reason why you shouldn't land the job.

Shadow_fire

So I called earlier today, and was just like, if you haven't filled the position, I am still very interested, and I have a list of references for you, and he was like, well we haven't decided yet, but if you call on Monday I will let you know. I think I have a really good chance of getting this, so fingers crossed. Thanks for all the support, and thanks very much biz, that means alot.