Well i finally got a job interview for some part-time work at Primark a clothes store to get me out of the house this summer... thing is i've never actually had an interview before, and even though this is only for a part-time job, i know theres a lot of people in for it...just wondering if anyone could give me some general advice on how to impress, what types of questions might come up and what sort of answers i should givecheers
-
Interview help
-
You should dress appropriately: for males, a suit and tie is usually expected for interviews for white-collar jobs. Since it's a clothes store it may depend on the type of clothes they sell, but your clothes had better fit well and be well-chosen.You should show cheerful keenness and quiet enthusiasm. Don't, however, go so over the top that you are obviously insincere.You will be asked questions about your experience. If you don't have any obviously relevant work experience, remember that you have life experience, and you may be able to illustrate specific qualities they are looking for from things you have done outside a work environment. Similarly if you are asked questions about how you might handle some specific situation: try to find a similar situation that you have faced in your life, explain what it was, what you did, and what happened as a result (assuming it was good). The person who can demonstrate that he has already faced similar problems and handled them well, will be favoured over the person who has only good intentions. (You can say you are keen to learn, but are they keen to teach?)It may seem difficult to find a similar situation that you have already faced, if you haven't worked at a store before, but look for the general principle. If they ask you how you would handle a dissatisfied customer (a very likely question), consider (preferably well before the interview) how you have handled dissatisfied people in some other situation.It is good to ask questions, provided they are good ones. It is best to leave questions about salary or conditions until after they offer you the job, unless they raise it themselves.For a permanent job there may be a question about where you see yourself in ten years' time, where you have to show that you have ambitions for advancement but they are realistic. For a part-time temporary job like this it would seem unlikely. If you really would like a career with the firm when you finish your studies by all means say so, but it shouldn't be expected.Interviewers are usually friendly, but a few interviewers like to see how you stand up to aggressive questions. Some may want to see if you can politely but firmly disagree with them. I once got the question "This isn't the ideal job for you, is it?". I was meant to strongly disagree, but failed to do so, and therefore failed to get the job.The question "What do you see as your main failing?" indicates an incompetent interviewer, but since this is not a high-powered job getting an incompetent interviewer is a real possibility. The standard reply is to list some failing that isn't a failing at all, such as being a bit of a workaholic, getting too involved in work, etc.Above all else, you must turn up to the interview on time. No excuse for lateness is acceptable, so plan to be there very early to allow for things going wrong.
-
Primarks eh? That'll be stressful, considering it's nearly full mos t of the time!
One of the important things in these situations is a firm handshake!
-
they'll definetly ask you a situation question.. meaning.. if this were to happen.. what would you do.. (referring to sales)
Practice an interview with ur parents before u go.
-
thanks for the help, some good advice... got the interview 2moro so hopefully it'll go well
-
Good luck!
-
Just remember to be outgoing and confident in yourself!