I'm having a Job interview at some place called "Basics Office Products", They sell products for offices and much more. They told me I need to be properly dressed and come with a paper and pen.
Its my first job and they told me You do not have to have experience, we do training with you. I have to do customer service and talk with the customers.
Can someone please help, What kind of questions will they ask? How should I talk with what attitude. Someone thats already been through plenty of job interviews! please help
The Inevitable Job Interview Question: "Why Did You Leave (Are Planning To Leave) Your Last Position
Recommended Answer:Job interviews can and will vary widely. One of my friends had a job interview (for an Engineering position) where the discussed various methods of duck hunting. Another friend (again for Engineering) had an interview were the interviewer required him to solve a series of problems involving op-amps. Another person (I think one of my interns) had an interview where they ran errands with the boss and just talked in the car about nothing in particular. If a company is desparate, they might hire you because you have a pulse and have an IQ greater than a rock.
With interviews, there usually is a common set of questions. I'd recommend googling "common interview questions" and review several web pages worth of questions and think about intelligent answers to the questions. I would be prepared to answer a question regarding the following:
1. Long-term goals: you will probably hear some variation of "where do you see yourself in 5 years?". What are your long-term goals? Do you plan on college? Do you want to be middle-management? You want to be a lazy SOB and want absolutely no advancement beyond the entry level job? Think about where you want to be and formulate answers. You want your answers to sound thoughtful while at the same time an asset to the company. If you want to be a stock broker and this is a position for customer service, leave that bit out. However, you could say that you are looking to expand your skill set and work your way into a job that involves finances and a high level of accountability. If you want to be a manager, you could say that you want to work at several entry level positions to give you a better understanding of the business so that in 5 years you could begin working toward management.
2. Strengths/Weaknesses: about 75% of interviews I have been on, I have been asked about strengths and weaknesses. Think about strengths that are directly related to your job. You mentioned customer service, you strengths could be a friendly demeanor, confident or resourcefulness under stress, or a deep concern for helping people or problem solving. Weaknesses is a tough one. The gambit i use for this is I find a weakness that could also double as a strength.
3. Why should I hire you: Most people think this is a tough question, but I love it. Here is your chance to sell yourself. What makes you good at your job or what about you would make you an asset to their company. I make almost 6 figures doing customer support. I have had people and companies ask why I should get paid that much to talk on the phone. Here is my chance to sell them on what makes me worth the money and I have really impressed some people with this question. Think about what makes you great. What will make you better than Jim over there? Why you? I would consider a great answer to this question between now and your interview.
4. Teamwork: you will probably be asked to name an instance where you had to work across teams or a time where you solved an issue as a team. Teams are important in the business world. i like to answer this in a playwright type fashion. First, give an intro to the scenario and key players. Second, pose the problem and make it sound hopeless. Finally, explain how you and your team solved the issue (did the impossible so to speak) and became the hero of the hour.
Some more pointers:
1. Remember that an employee exists for the benefit of the company. Be prepared to phrase your answers in a manner that will sound like you would be an asset to the company.
2. Also remember an interview is like a first date. Both sides are investigating as to whether or not a future relationship is a good idea or would be enjoyable. Don't be afraid to ask questions of the interviewer to make sure the company and you are a good fit.
3. Play the part. You say that that the job you are going for is for customer service. You should sound calm, confident, and be enjoyable to talk with.
4. This is the business world. Under no circumstances bring up about childish exploits involving fights, sex, or alcohol.
5. Do some research. Check the companies financials if they are public. What type of business do they do. Have they been in the news lately? You don't have to be a walking encyclopedia on the company, but know a few key facts and drop them in at the appropriate time.
That's all i can think of off the top of my head. Good luck
How to Succeed in a Job Interview
