May 04, 2005

Interview

I have a job interview tomorrow.

It's with a law firm in Auckland, and it's by telephone. By telephone! I've never had a job interview over the phone before and I'm somewhat nervous.

I've spent my evening reading information from the firm's website, much of which made little sense to me, but I'm comforted by the agency's email saying, "Don't worry too much about not having experience of the firm's specialist area." Oh good. Apparently as long as I display intelligence and a good attitude (which means a willingness to learn) I should do okay.

However I have spent hours struggling to think up answers to such questions as:
  • How have you handled a situation of sustained pressure?
  • Describe a situation in which you were able to use persuasion to successfully convince someone to see things your way.
  • Describe a situation when you had to think on your feet to remove yourself from a difficult situation.
  • Give a specific example of a time when you used good judgment and logic in solving a problem.
  • Give a specific occasion in which you conformed to a policy with which you did not agree.
Aagh! I'm just hoping they won't ask too many questions, seeing as I ought to be able to tailor one or two scenarios to fit any of the above. Fingers crossed I won't come across like a total ass and they might fly me to Auckland for a second interview.

Have you got your fingers crossed yet?

14 Comments:

Blogger b said...

fingers x-ed for you!!
good luck- you are a very smart gal and will jo just fine- i'm sure of it!
keep us posted.

12:55 pm  
Blogger Pix said...

Why the hell do you wanna go to Auckland???

12:57 pm  
Blogger The Saturnyne said...

fingers toes and tentacles! All for you!

S.x

6:56 pm  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Good luck Jess - you will kick a*s! Let me know how it goes...

Jane

8:28 pm  
Blogger Jessie said...

Thanks B, thanks Saturnyne. Pix, that is the million dollar question!

Jane, are you at work already at 7:28am?!

9:17 pm  
Blogger Unknown said...

Good luck! Although it would be a shame to have you leave Wellington.

(I'd have to change the links on my blog.) :-)

10:08 pm  
Blogger Martha Craig said...

Man I hate those questions. I think they're why I hope to be self-employed from now on!

Good luck with it. Shame for Welly to lose you, but I think Auckland is fun.

10:33 pm  
Blogger llew said...

Yes, good luck - and it is allowed to use the same example in answering all questions.

12:45 am  
Blogger Jessie said...

Phew! It's over, and they didn't ask me any of the nasty questions. I suppose they save that for the second interview... guess I'll find out in a few days.

Thanks for the support!

3:39 am  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hey Glad it went well! just another National plug - found the website www.americanmary.com Did you find the mp3s?

4:54 am  
Blogger harvestbird said...

darnit, now I can't get them uncrossed!

Look forward to hearing of your success.

11:12 am  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Good luck. But I have one tip to share. My friend told my friend in Spaniensgade last semester to put a suit on for his telephone interview despite sitting in his room alone. To say the least, the suit gave him a bit more of the "I am the best for the job" attitude and he did very well on his interview.

I am searching high and low for work right now too. It is not too fun.

2:01 pm  
Blogger David said...

Trouble with phone interviews is the lack of body language feedback. You don't pick up on the good cues when you're saying the right thing and are in the right area. And you don't pick up on the bad cues when you've said enough and should stop. Last time I did this (using a mobile phone on a beach) I tried to talk through all aspects of each question without knowing what was pleasing the panel. And think I burbled, mostly.

Luckily they had very low standards. We did a follow up via video conference which was much easier. And I'm still here three years later.

3:13 pm  
Blogger Marlene said...

you know what i think? they must have guessed from the beginning that they didnt have to ask silly questions ...

1:15 am  

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