I have been working in customer service for many years, and I have seen many people arrive for job interviews. I have become well-versed in what employers are looking for in a potential employee. I thought much of this was common sense, but either people aren't getting the message, or many just don't really want to be hired. I thought I would pass along some good information to help anyone along who really wants to get a job. To even get as far as the interview stage, your application/resume` needs to be as typo-free and as thoroughly completed as possible! Take the time to do this correctly. Get addresses, names of former employers and phone numbers correct. Ask for a second application in the event you make a mistake on the first, so you can turn in a mistake-free application. It's a great idea to update your resume information and tailor it to specific jobs/fields. Scour it for mistakes and weird wording before submission.
A: Arrive on time for all appointments- even be a little early. Get rid of the gum, or chew.
1) Dress your best. It is wonderful that you feel most at ease in your holey jeans and flannel shirt, muddy boots and baseball cap, but an employer is looking for a professional presentation. At the interview, you are representing to your potential employer who you are and what is important to you. If you want the job, dress appropriately. If money is a problem, ask someone if you could borrow a nice suit or slacks and sweater for the day. You could also try the thrift stores- I find good things all the time. Employers are not generally impressed with your desire to express yourself with various piercings and unnatural hair colors (like pink). You could take these items off or out even before you get hired and have to then follow company policy. First impressions could speak more loudly than any of your wonderful accomplishments, so don't distract your interviewer with adornments.
2) Convictions or felonies? Be honest and upfront about this information from the start.
3) Always make eye contact, smile, and offer a firm handshake! Use manners and show your potential employee that you would be a polite team player by how you treat people that you don't know. This is especially vital in jobs that involve customer service, which most do at some level.
4) Be prepared for interview questions that ask you to describe a time when you solved some problem, were responsible for something, or gave great customer service. Other common questions will ask you about your organizational abilities and interpersonal skills. Nervousness is normal, but try to answer these questions with confidence and honesty.
5) If you were ever fired, you may be indirectly questioned about this, as well. The key here is to never bad-mouth a former employer, although it is ok to voice your frustrations at the work situation. Don't go on a rant about how awful the boss or the company was, and how right and wonderful you were. Be honest, but don't beat yourself up. Admit it if you made mistakes, but also indicate what you learned from the experience and what you would do or have done differently to avoid this problem from occurring again.
6) There will most likely be a drug test of some sort. Are you ready to commit to your future and your employer? Don't show up at an interview under the influence of drugs of any kind. I don't mean those prescribed for legitimate illness, though some of those might have side effects.
7) Maintain a positive attitude throughout the interview, even if the interviewer doesn't give you indicators of whether or not they find you hirable. There are likely to be more steps in the process before the decision(s) are made. You do want to follow –up the interview process with a thank-you note to whoever interviewed you. Try to get a timeframe of when you can expect to hear from them, and call them if they don't call you by the stated time. It's ok to be persistent ! It's the only reason I got my current job!
My name is Lee. I work in retail and am an Assistant Human Resource Coordinator. I have nearly 20 years in customer service and enjoy proofreading and writing, as well.
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