Does anyone have any tips for me on this?
How to Prepare for a Job Interview
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OK, well good news then! You passed stage1, which is where you showed the basic skills they need you to show to be considered part of their team. Now on to the practical.
On the job interviews are often used by employers to see if you actually do have the skills you claim, and how you address the key core tasks of the job. They are used most often by:
- creative arts and crafts employers, those where core application of skills and output is essential (ie: cooking, design)
- team work is core to the job, such as in the military
- high-brand employers, where the essentials of customer service and decorum are core to the brand. Harrods love them!
They are also used by companies seeking to employ executives, normally at a third stage once you have passed any initial tests and interviews, and socially meet key board members. As a small employer, we do this with all our potential new hires, giving them the opportunity to come and see how we work for a morning or an afternoon - that's the way it is sold to them, but it is really just an extended interview.
You need to look at the job advert again, and if you have time ask the employer for a copy of the job description. The advert is derived from the job description, and its your ability to undertake the core skills that are being assessed. You might want to undertake some practise (ie: hiring a baker, so bake some bread!), or some pre-thought (last minute creativity never works). Secondly, look at the companies website and public information, and see what type of culture they have: small and friendly, off beat, by the rules corporate? That's the second level of assessment, as in will you actually fit in with our team?
I have seen on the job interviews where by the employer exploits the job applicant, and asks them to do the job for the entire interview period. It is quite common in low paid jobs, such as waitressing, where by the employer gains a whole member of staff for free just by rotating a series of job applicants. They then ask for a third and fourth on the job interview, etc! If they ask you to do the job, do make sure that you are covered by their insurances - yes, specifically ask: hate to see a job applicant lose a finger or a life, or be sued by a customer. One on the job interview should be enough, and if you do the job for more than half the time then expect to be "paid" something, which in all likely hood will be a gift in gratitude as opposed to cash.
Make sure the interview has both process and purpose within their employment procedure, and if you are unclear about the outcome then call the HR contact and ask. These types of interviews often have multiple outcomes depending on the type of skill/application you show. For instance, if they like you but don't think you have the right level of skill, then you could be offered another (lesser) job - again, another not uncommon outcome.
In summary, be prepared to do what the core job description asks of you, and be aware that they will assess whether or not you are one of them. Practise core skills if necessary, and think about the types of work they could ask you to do. Make sure you know the duration and outcomes of the process, and be prepared for a formal sit-down interview at the end of the process; so have some questions prepared, and ask for feedback.
This as I said at the start is a good sign, so - Good Luck!
How to Ace a Nursing Job Interview
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