Hi everyone!!
How are you? I’ve missed all of you so, so much! Say hi if you have the time ❤
Today I’m going to a job interview. I’m not actively looking for a job because I haven’t yet decided if I’m going back to my business (if I can handle the stress) and I have no idea when I’ll be alright and cleared to work.
I decided to send some resumes and see what kind of answers I would get. I answered to different ads from different fields and positions (all according to my experience and knowledge, of course). I was contacted by a lady who is looking for a tutor for her tutoring center. For middle school kids, I think. I have plenty of experiences with such ages and kind of hate them, but that’s not a problem.
So I’ll obviously go to the interview. Thank God I bought a few nicer and more formal pieces of clothing last week (you’ll get a shopping haul). I have a very good curriculum, because I have experience in many different fields: teacher, tutor, personal assistant, librarian, retail, food industry, call center, childcare etc. And I do, obviously, know how to run a successful business and combine that with school. I’m a good organizer in general but also with my time. Before I had my business I was actually doing 4 jobs, along with 5 courses each semester at university. I was working part-time at H&M, I was a nanny for two kids, 2 and 4, I was a teacher at a senior citizen university and I was tutoring.
One of my jobs as a private teacher was to prepare people for job interviews, in English. I acquired that knowledge from a wonderful English professor who taught us everything about such topics, presentations, meetings, etc.
Since I have a job interview today, I thought I might share my tips for a successful job interview. This is what works for me and most people. You are more than welcome to disagree or share your own tips in the comment section.
How to succeed at a job interview
- Be very careful when choosing your outfit. If you’re not sure if you should dress formally (like wearing a suit) you are allowed to ask the dress code. It’s usually casual-chic, which means no jeans, no t-shirts and no sneakers.
- Men should wear a button down shirt, pants and semi-formal shoes. If you feel like it, you can wear a casual blazer.
- Women can choose to wear a shirt or a somewhat formal blouse, blazer or no blazer, pants, skirt or dress, heels or flats. They should, however, be very careful with their outfit of choice. Nothing too short (above the knee is acceptable), nothing that will show too much cleavage (your boobs shouldn’t be hanging out), simple makeup and just a tiny bit your perfume. (You don’t want to be known as the lady with lipstick on her teeth and that left the room smelling like Chanel number 5 for the whole afternoon). If you choose to wear heels, make sure you know how to walk in them.
- In my opinion, neutral colors are the right choice. You don’t want them to remember you by your lettuce green shirt or bright pink blouse. While in the selection process, they should remember you by how well you did.
- You should always carry your resume with you. Of course they have it, but it shows that you’re prepared. You should also carry a small notebook and a pen or two, in case you need to take some notes. You don’t want the human resources lady to think you’re not that interested or not prepared at all.
- Don’t raise your voice too high or laugh like you’re having a beer with your mates and someone just farted. You need to be discreet, calm and collected. Be nice, but not overly excited. You can smile and laugh but in a more contained way.
- Wait for the person to offer you their hand, not the other way around. Then, give a firm handshake (too soft and it will seem like you lack confidence, too tight and you might hurt someone and piss them off)
- Be careful about titles. If you don’t know, prior to the interview, what form of treatment you will use towards the person you’ll be talking, make sure to ask right away.
- Give confident and positive answers. Sell yourself a little without looking arrogant or entitled.
- Don’t mention money or salary until they do. It’s okay to negotiate. They always offer a lower number than the one they can spend on you. Be brave and say “Well, according to my experience and background, I think it would be fair to raise the offer to xx”
- This one is a cliché but really, when they ask for some character flaw or weakness, give a positive note to something negative.
- Turn of your phone, it’ll be a distraction if it keeps buzzing on your bag or pocket.
- If they offer you something to drink, always ask for water instead of coffee or tea. Even if you spill some it won’t be a disaster;
- Don’t take too long to answer a question. Speak slowly and choose your words carefully but no “huumms” and “uhhhhs”.
- Never, ever, show or mention political views, religious preferences and anything that might offend someone. You don’t know the person sitting in front of you.
- Always look people in the eyes and never look distracted. Be focused at all times.
- Never cross your arms. Hold your hands together in front of you and keep a good posture.
- Be there about 15 minutes early and live home very early. If it takes you half an hour to get there, leave home an hour before the set time.
- Don’t look at your watch. Are you in a rush? No. It’s not polite.
- Make sure you have all of your hobbies (unless you collect vibrators or go skinny dipping every night) in your resume. They’re good conversation starters and make you look interesting and versatile.
So, these are my tips. I may have forgotten a thing or two or thirty, but I hope they are helpful anyway. I would love if you shared some of your interview rules, tips and tricks.
Thank you so much for reading.
See you soon.
Cheila
Some great tips, and I think I’ll be doing the same soon (looking, sending some CVs off, see how things may play out as I’m not sure if/what I can manage right now). All the very best with the interview, you’ll be awesome!
Caz x
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It went very well, actually. I’m just also “studying” the market. If I feel like I’m not ready health wise and won’t force myself. You could slowly look for something, no pressure, relaxed 🙂 Thank you so much for reading!! ❤
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Good luck with your interview!!😄 And brilliant tips 💗
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Thank you, my dear Lucy!! ❤ It went very well 🙂
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Good luck! 🙂
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Thank you so much, Hannah ❤
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really great tips! thanks,good luck 💘
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Thank you so much!!
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Hi Hi HI. Love your blog ❤
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Thank you so much 🙂 You’re very kind.
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This topic is very helpful not only me but also for all. Thanks.
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Thank you so much, I’m glad you like it. 🙂
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Good luck!!! 🙂
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Thank you ❤
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Goodness Cheila, I had no idea that you were so knowledgeable. This is great. You made me think of some things I’ve never thought of before like wait for them to shake my hand and be sure to find out their exact title. Thanks!
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I just had really good teachers 🙂 The waiting for someone to offer their hand applies to every situation. If they’re older or in a higher rank (maybe a boss or supervisor) they should offer their hand first. And the tittle avoids embarrassing situations like “So, Mr. Smith” – “It’s Doctor Smith”
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Wonderful tips, Cheila. Good luck on your interview.
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Thank you so much, David. It went very well, thank you 🙂
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I love what you said about wearing neutrals, such a good point! good luck on your interview 😊
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Thank you so much. Neutrals are always appropriate 🙂 The interview went very well, thank you 🙂
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Oh my goodness, interviews scare me. Prior to interviewing to change schools this last year, I had not had to interview for 12 or 13 years (thank heavens). Anyway, I hope yours went well. 🙂
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It went very well, thank you 🙂 They actually don’t scare me at all, I can keep calm and just answer the questions. But I understand. It went very well, thank you so much!! ❤
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Oh yay! Glad it went well. 👍🏻 Yeah my brain unfortunately goes to mush. Thankfully I don’t plan too many job changes, so interviews are few and far between. 😊
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That’s great. I actually hate changes, they make me uncomfortable. Unfortunately, nowadays, you don’t get a job for life straight out of college
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I am not one for change either. I like consistency and knowing what to expect. But I suppose change can be a good thing too… 😊
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Hello my dear, lovely to see you pop up on my browser with a new post! Hope you’ve been doing good!!!
I actually don’t mind interviews, once I have my outfit nailed I’m normally quite content with them. Its so true when they say dress the part, this feeling does help!! xxx
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Hey, dear!! You’ve just made me very happy with your kind words. I’m very well, thank you. How are you? I don’t mind them either, don’t get nervous and I dare say I’m good at them. Maybe because of my extensive work experience, I’m used to them. I’m glad they are comfortable for you as well, love. ❤
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Good I’m glad!!! All good my way, work is busy and I’ve finally found a blogging schedule i’m happy with so no complaint from me!!
I think your right, I’ve had a few and with a good bit of work experience they’ve never been to bad for me! Maybe thats the trick. The more you do the more at ease you are 🙂
xxxx
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Ah now I see what you meant. Well done girl! Calls for celebration. xx
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Thank you, my love. Not yet. Let’s wait and see if I got the job first. But you’re a VIP guest already 🙂
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*pats her hair and sets it in order xx
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Yay, I finally got to this post! These are all great tips by the way Cheila, and I agree with every point. Also, you have a crazy ton of past jobs and work experience!! That is awesome! I still have my fingers crossed about this job 😀
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I’m happy you agree with my tips, maybe your work experience helps in that department. Yes, I don’t want to brag at all but, for a 25 year old, my curriculum is very much above average. And my language skills help too. The interview went very well, as I’ve told, dear. Thank you for reading my article, I’m behind on yours and I so want to see you in a skirt 😉 ❤
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Great tips, Cheila! 😀
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Thank you, Ally. Thanks for reading.
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Great tips and post girl! Hope the interview went well 🙂
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It went very well, thank you. Thank you for reading. I hope you could get something from my post 🙂 ❤
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I am so glad I am in a career where I will theoretically never have to interview every again. That stuff was madness. Great tips!
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You mean you have a job for life? Thank you 🙂
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Woo!! Loved this 🙂 as a HR rep this was a fun read! Well done my love and GOOD LUCK! I know you will rock it babe!
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As a HR rep do you agree with my tips? I need a professional opinion 🙂 The interview went well. Thank you so much, babe. love ya
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Sorry for my delay! ABSOLUTELY agree with all your tips! I plan to break it down a little more for you though, so be on the look out for my future follow up post! I am excited about this!!!
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Ahhh some great tips there Cheila!! Good luck with your interview I’m sure you’ll smash it 😊 xx
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Thank you Amelia, I think they might be useful, even just one of them might be something someone always forgets 🙂 Oh and the interview went very well.
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It’s okay and yayyyy that’s great I’m so pleased for you 😊 xx
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These are really wonderful tips you’ve shared here.
Good luck with the interview, Chey. I know you’ll rock it.
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Thank you, Jane-bug. It went very well. ❤
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❤❤ Am glad ❤❤
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These are such good tips! So many simple ones that I always tend to forget about. Thank you & good luck with your interview!!
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It went very well, thank you so much. Yes, we tend to forget the small things but they are important for who is hiring, they are focused on every detail and you need to look and be your best. Thanks for reading 🙂
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Great tips! Good luck on your interview!
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Thank you, Natalie. I hope someone can learn a little from them 🙂 The interview went very well, thank you. Also, I haven’t answered your email but it’s still on my mind. Maybe we should talk more directly? Whatsapp, messenger, twitter, Instagram. I’m available ❤
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Whaaat?? Skinny dipping and vibrator collections aren’t good conversation starters on job interviews?? 😉 LOL Praying it all goes well for you dear one. 🙂
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Just re-read 🙂 Trying to think of possible questions I could get asked!
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I can train you for those. Just email me or send me a message through whatever social media. I’m here for you ❤
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Thank you 🙂 I’ll send you a message later 🙂 Still preparing a presentation they want 🙂
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Okay 🙂
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Great tips, thanks! I have written a few myself: https://benkofficial.com/2017/08/26/job-interview-questions-1/
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Thank you for stopping by. I’ll get to yours 😊
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