Interview advice

[Chicomagiko]

>Implying you aren't using alcohol as a crutch.

Hey man, it's cool. It's your life and everyone always has some excuse as to why they don't have a problem or won't develop one.

>Implying alcohol is my crutch(its actually cheesecake)

As it is, i rarely, if ever, drink. I only used it as a relaxer for that one interview (9 years ago at that). So, forgive me if the stylings of my youth offended you

[BerenTebogo]

>Implying alcohol is my crutch(its actually cheesecake)

As it is, i rarely, if ever, drink. I only used it as a relaxer for that one interview (9 years ago at that). So, forgive me if the stylings of my youth offended you

Well that's the thing. If it isn't necessary it shouldn't be a recommendation. Does that make sense?

Giving someone an easy out that you used at an early age, without qualifying that it's unnecessary or that you grew out of it, may not yield the same mature choices that you made. A young person may read this, use the technique, and decide that it's the sole reason for their success.

I don't think it's a safe, healthy, or wise thing to advocate without at least a small clarification. Which is why I'm coming down hard on an unqualified, blanket statement.

[Corrderio]

Well from your advice what would you ask for questions? I got a few lined up but not really used to asking questions like that.

[BerenTebogo]

Well from your advice what would you ask for questions? I got a few lined up but not really used to asking questions like that.

do they offer: internal career advancement opportunities, leadership building opportunities, recognition for exemplary work, etc.

Show initiative in being more than just another monotonous worker, basically.

[wop]

Well from your advice what would you ask for questions? I got a few lined up but not really used to asking questions like that.

All sorts.

Depends on the level of your job you're applying for, officer? managerial? board?

Usually generic stuff like:

In this scenario, blah blah blah..how would you solve this problem in contingencies?

How would you prove to be an asset to this company?

Explain examples of yourself as a "team player"

etc...

Stick to the stuff I posted, and memorize the bolded key words, should make you sail through up to managerial positions.


Nvm, ignore me, I misunderstood your question. I misread your question, and thought you were asking for the types of questions THEY will ask.

Be prepared, read their last Financial Statements and pick up things to ask from there. Not just financially, but as well as the nature of the business

[Chicomagiko]

Well that's the thing. If it isn't necessary it shouldn't be a recommendation. Does that make sense?

Giving someone an easy out that you used at an early age, without qualifying that it's unnecessary or that you grew out of it, may not yield the same mature choices that you made. A young person may read this, use the technique, and decide that it's the sole reason for their success.

I don't think it's a safe, healthy, or wise thing to advocate without at least a small clarification. Which is why I'm coming down hard on an unqualified, blanket statement.

I see your point and nod my head in agreement.

[BerenTebogo]

I see your point and nod my head in agreement.

Hurray for civil resolution to disagreements on the intrawebz.

[Kumbai]

Big companies like to do the whole "Show a situation where you were good at (team work, showing initiative, inspiring others etc)"

It's usually good to prethink of some stuff like that... even if it sounds lame, its better than sitting there being all "ughhh idk."

[BerenTebogo]

Also, and this is 100% opinion, others may disagree.

Entry level positions in almost all businesses these days involve some sort of retail/sales angle. Promotions that "seem" to benefit the customer but really benefit the company that need to be pushed, deals, etc. Many people who qualify for the average teller position, or associate position, are completely unqualified for these tasks and often fall very short when put in a situation where a certain level of "pressured-sales" is necessary.

You don't want to come off as pushy, but being able to take a refusal / rebuttal and turn it around on the customer again and again, so that they run out of excuses (basically a "never take no for an answer" attitude) is seen as a plus by many firms. You don't want to be like a used-car dealership, but you also don't want to give the attitude that anything you're not receiving commission on isn't worth selling.

Someone who can turn a negative into a positive is a big asset in any company. Sales experience benefits literally almost every position in the world (even in academia when applying for grants, and etc, many scientists are horrible at selling their "product" and the most successful grant receivers are those who can sell themselves and not take no for an answer.)

Easy practice is to pick a wrong stance on a debate topic with someone you know, and convince them, without being too forceful, that you are actually correct. Just by basically fucking with their head. It sounds silly, but it's always benefited me. Business world is all about manipulation.

Ex: Some ways back, in between doing actual sales, and my current position, I worked retail at A&E for a bit. Received bonuses and incentives based on how many credit cards you could get people to sign up for. Monthly totals for most associates were 2-3 on average, mine were around 30+. Was some nice padding for a part time job.

[Corrderio]

Well everyone thanks for the help. Even if I don't get this at least I have some stuff to fall back on when I apply to more places tomorrow.

[hfc]

For what its worth, most larger companies nowadays, including Financial Sector companies are using what is called a "Behavioral Events Interview" or a BEI. See this link below (add the w w w etc) for useful tips and example questions from a quickly goggled BEI study guide:

asisvcs.com/bellsouth/pdf/710057.pdf

This will really help I think.

Good luck.

[Corrderio]

Thanks a ton for the info on the dress shirt, nearly everyone there was wearing one, I didn't wear my blazer due to humidity but since I got a 2nd interview (just like the others) I'll probably wear it then.

[Kumbai]

Well done Hope it goes well for ya! Second interviews are always a good sign that you're what they are looking for/wanting to see what else you have to offer.

[Corrderio]

Well this was more of an intro interview where they got to know me, talk to me, etc. Then they said they'd call me within a week for the real interview.

[kyod]

Late to the party and you already interviewed, but for your second interview:

RESEARCH THE COMPANY!

So many people don't do this. Even if it's just for a bank teller position, you need to know about the company and what it's going through. I wouldn't be surprised if the interviewer asked you what you knew about the bank.

Also, when answering questions, take qualifications they list for the position online and incorporate those qualities into your answers. Weaving these qualities into your answers will be better than blatantly saying "Your site says you want X, I am good at X because."

Also make sure you have examples of where you demonstrated success/dealt with a challenge/how you overcame something etc... I image one question will be, "Can you tell me a time you had to deal with an angry customer and how you overcame it?"

When the interviewer asks if you have any questions, you better have some. Come with good, intelligent ones that aren't just yes/no. Not having any questions is a huge disadvantage. This is why you need to use active listening during your interview when the interviewer talks.

Additionally, read up on nonverbal communication. Sit upright, solid eye contact, don't slouch, tilt your head slightly towards the interviewer and make sure you nod. (I have reported and interviewed for several years and nonverbal communication is really important)

You also need to be passionate, enthusiastic and confident. This might be some bs bank teller job, but you have to bring it in this economy. If you aren't, you'll be forgettable and easily passed up.

Note sure if this is applicable in your case, but I would bring your resume to the interview along with a reference list.

[Luen]

I'm actually the branch manager for a bank looking for a new employee. It will depend some on what type of position you are applying for, but anyone in my branch has a sales goal of some sort, and are also responsible for customer service and accuracy. All of these things get measured in one way or another. Make sure your answers show you will be good in all three, but as it was said before, not pushy like a car salesman. Banking sales are about relationships, since you can always come back and close your account the next day.

Probably my big three questions you could ask to make you look good would be:
1) What does a typical day at work look like?
2) What it the incentive structure? (Companies reward you for what they think is important. Pay very close attention to how the hiring manager answers this question.)
3) What opportunities are there for advancement?

[Shalyn]

I haven't read all of the responses but I hope somebody pointed out that being 'truthful' in an interview is naive. Most employees want someone who 'looks' good and does the job, not an honest person who, if you ask what they think you will tell them. People wanting that kind of employee are rare at best, and I'm not being pessimistic about that. Tell them what they want to hear, that way they know you're willing to toss your individuality to be part of the flock. Dress in a suit, come up with a good 'weakness' (I used impatience when people do not understand things right away, which I am working on (right.)), others use 'too trusting', although I'm thinking in a bank setting you're not going to want to use that one.. Research the bank, bring up stuff about it (as mentioned earlier), and ask either what the dress code is or if there is upward movement in the position or what the hours are or what volunteer efforts they promote as a company or some such crap. I hate to be so negative but, honestly and repetitively, I have to say that most people aren't looking for a superstar, they're looking for a sheep, so baa...

[Corrderio]

I'm actually the branch manager for a bank looking for a new employee. It will depend some on what type of position you are applying for, but anyone in my branch has a sales goal of some sort, and are also responsible for customer service and accuracy. All of these things get measured in one way or another. Make sure your answers show you will be good in all three, but as it was said before, not pushy like a car salesman. Banking sales are about relationships, since you can always come back and close your account the next day.

Probably my big three questions you could ask to make you look good would be:
1) What does a typical day at work look like?
2) What it the incentive structure? (Companies reward you for what they think is important. Pay very close attention to how the hiring manager answers this question.)
3) What opportunities are there for advancement?

1 is a pretty good question I'm going to ask at the actual interview. I didn't ask a lot since it was getting late and they still had about 10 other people waiting for an interview

[kyod]

Also make sure you ask: "What is preventing me from getting this position?" My interviewer told me after I got hired they liked that I 'asked' for the job.

[Corrderio]

I might ask them that to. Tomorrow I'm going to print out a summary of the job and highlight things I want to ask them.

So far assuming only around 30ish people showed up for that walk in interview I'd say I have a decent shot at it. Since if I'm reading this list right the position I'm applying for is looking for 16 people.

Only two things that are kinda meh are the times (It ranges from 3:30 PM to Midnight and 12 :00 PM to 9:00 PM) and with the 6 week training might need to postpone getting on XIV for a month or so. It pays well though so no reason to gripe.