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  #1  
Old Sep 16, 2009, 06:22 AM
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Zen888 Zen888 is offline
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I don't know whether to be excited or scared!

I just received a phone call for a job interview!!

It's for a grocery store.

What should I say in the interview and what shouldn't I say or do?

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  #2  
Old Sep 16, 2009, 06:25 AM
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crystalrose crystalrose is offline
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wow congrats! Um i'v never worked in a shop before so i don't know. But a mistake i made was i said negative things about a past employer. So don't do that.
Thanks for this!
Zen888
  #3  
Old Sep 16, 2009, 06:39 AM
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Try your best to relax. I know that's easier said than done but maybe do some breathing exercises or meditation beforehand, drink some herbal tea, take a walk in the park if you can. I think when someone is overly nervous at an interview it shows.

And do you know anything about the grocery store? Like it's history, it's ethics etc? It's always good to show you've done your homework, plus it shows a genuine interest in the job.

Good Luck!
Thanks for this!
Zen888
  #4  
Old Sep 16, 2009, 09:26 AM
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Junerain Junerain is offline
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I would say that you a hard worker, that you have always enjoyed shopping there yourself if it is true, that you work well with others and enjoy praise from a boss, accept criticism too, that you are reliable, on time, and that it was really nice meeting the interviewer, shake their hand firmly, make eye contact, smile, but most of all be yourself, and that is a good person to be

I will be thinking of you!!!
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Thanks for this!
Zen888
  #5  
Old Sep 16, 2009, 04:29 PM
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MyBestKids2 MyBestKids2 is offline
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Your beautiful smile and charmy wit will get ya through!!

Rooting for you
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Thanks for this!
Zen888
  #6  
Old Sep 16, 2009, 05:23 PM
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NuckingFutz NuckingFutz is offline
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Be yourself, take a few slow deep breaths before you go in.
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Zen888
  #7  
Old Sep 16, 2009, 11:23 PM
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What I do is introduce myself, and usually they take it from there. And always smile.
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Thanks for this!
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  #8  
Old Sep 17, 2009, 12:07 AM
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Zen,

Hey, so cool.

Last interview I had someone gave me some pretty good advice that seemed to work.

Go, and have fun...oh, and stay positive.

All the best.

Hunny




.
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“Science without religion is lame.
Religion without science is blind.”
Albert Einstein

Thanks for this!
Zen888
  #9  
Old Sep 17, 2009, 12:44 AM
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Sabrina Sabrina is offline
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Wishing you the very best of luck! Let us know how it goes.
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Job interview

Crying isn't a sign of weakness. It's a sign of having tried too hard to be strong for too long.
Thanks for this!
Zen888
  #10  
Old Sep 17, 2009, 03:17 AM
GrayNess GrayNess is offline
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Try to first tackle the superficial level, that is, dress appropriately and seem confident. Don't seem incredibly arrogant or self-doubtful. That's the easier part.

The harder part is what to say. Generally you can use one to two minutes to "sell" yourself, that is, list the qualities and summarize past jobs or volunteer work that make you qualified to do the job. See what the position is and think what qualities are needed. The employer would want to get the idea that you're reliable, hard-working, friendly, punctual and efficient worker who can help out other workers or customers even when you're done your work. The idea isn't to go zooming around like a roadrunner and directing the customer to a certain part of the store, you want to be kind and curtious.

Since you'll be dealing with customers of all varieties, you'll probably be asked to role-play out how you'd handle certain situations. It's more than simply smiling and being friendly, you need to be insightful and have enough knowledge (which you'll eventually gain).

Lastly, and if you're good at this then I'd advise you to do so, read the interviewer and at the same time, understand what you're doing. The interviewer is going to note your body language, tone, etc..., and you should too while knowing what you're doing and molding yourself to what hopefully will please them. Since you probably don't know the interviewer at all, you'll need to get some talking between you two to quickly try and figure them out. But, if you're not good at this, then I wouldn't do that much of it, however, do be aware that the interviewer will be noting your speech and behavior.
Thanks for this!
Timgt5, Zen888
  #11  
Old Sep 17, 2009, 04:15 PM
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Zen888 Zen888 is offline
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Ok so I had the job interview at the grocery store...

I was calm and collected. I was friendly and answered all the questions correctly (I think).

The interview was very brief and to the point. I don't know if this is a good or bad sign. The interviewer said that she would call back all successful candiates by 6pm ... its 3pmish now.

The position offered is a dream position for me...I would be working at Starbucks!!

The hourly wage is $10! I almost fell off my chair when she said the hourly wage!

______________________

I am naturally a very calm and collected person...does anyone think that I may have come across as boring or not enthusiastic enough? I do have the ability to act enthusiastic ...etc if need be.
  #12  
Old Sep 17, 2009, 05:07 PM
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I am sure you did just fine, wishing much luck-TJ
  #13  
Old Sep 17, 2009, 08:28 PM
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Zen888 Zen888 is offline
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Well the magical hour has past and I didn't get a phone call saying I was hired.

I feel like a bunch of crap!
  #14  
Old Sep 17, 2009, 09:02 PM
lesasworld lesasworld is offline
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HI, I just got a job and got let go with only two days on the job. I stupidly opened up that I have herniated and bulging discs and it got back to the boss. She called today and said it wouldn't work out (job was front office, as well as, bathing dogs). She also wanted me to work more hours (I am on disability) so anyways, I am really bummed because I wanted to work with animals. Last year or so, I opened up to a potential new boss and told her I was on disability and she asked why, so me and my big mouth opened up about bipolar disorder and some bad things I said about myself. So I suggest not mentioning ANY conditions you have because I have so far lost two great jobs because of it. Hope I helped!
  #15  
Old Sep 18, 2009, 02:49 AM
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Sabrina Sabrina is offline
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Oh, that sucks. Hang in there, maybe they will still phone?
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Job interview

Crying isn't a sign of weakness. It's a sign of having tried too hard to be strong for too long.
Thanks for this!
Zen888
  #16  
Old Sep 18, 2009, 06:52 AM
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Zen888 Zen888 is offline
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I didn't get the job.

The interview was so brief and to the point. It only lasted about 5-7 minutes. I am use to much longer interviews. I had a bad feeling leaving the interview since I didn't get to fully express myself.

Thank-you for your support!
  #17  
Old Sep 19, 2009, 03:10 AM
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I'm sorry Zen. (((Zen)))
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Job interview

Crying isn't a sign of weakness. It's a sign of having tried too hard to be strong for too long.
Thanks for this!
Zen888
  #18  
Old Sep 19, 2009, 08:37 AM
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Now I am worried about my past work experience references. The first job I had I did give 2 weeks notice that I would be resigning from the job. The supervisor didn't like me she was verbally abusive to not only me but my fellow co-workers and the children. The second job I had I became ill with bronchitis and was put on an extra strong anti-biotic that made me feel even worse both physically and mentally. Turned out I had an allergic reaction to the medication in combination with my regular medications which caused a manic episode (not at work). I was later hospitalized. I left this second job with only an hours notice due to my health going down hill. I did send a lengthy letter thanking them for the experiences they gave me...etc and bought children's books and toys for the centre...my way of saying I am sorry and ashamed at how I resigned.

I am worried that I may get poor references/comments from my former employers. Hindering my chances of getting a job.
  #19  
Old Sep 19, 2009, 08:43 AM
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Zen, there are LAWS that prevent a bad reference from being put out there, people have sued companies for bad references and WON...it is not very likely that this is what occurred...

I work for the YMCA school aged child care, we believe the school aged kids are under rules all day and our job before and after school is to PLAY GAMES WITH THE KIDS....ahhh, how I love my job! Is there a YMCA near you where you could apply, too?
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  #20  
Old Sep 19, 2009, 11:26 AM
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Zen888 Zen888 is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Junerain View Post
Zen, there are LAWS that prevent a bad reference from being put out there, people have sued companies for bad references and WON...it is not very likely that this is what occurred...

I work for the YMCA school aged child care, we believe the school aged kids are under rules all day and our job before and after school is to PLAY GAMES WITH THE KIDS....ahhh, how I love my job! Is there a YMCA near you where you could apply, too?
I worked at a YMCA and was totally unsatisfied with my supervisor's behaviour. This supervisor was verbally abusive towards not only me but my fellow co-workers and the children.
  #21  
Old Sep 20, 2009, 08:41 AM
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Timgt5 Timgt5 is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Zen888 View Post
Now I am worried about my past work experience references. The first job I had I did give 2 weeks notice that I would be resigning from the job. The supervisor didn't like me she was verbally abusive to not only me but my fellow co-workers and the children. The second job I had I became ill with bronchitis and was put on an extra strong anti-biotic that made me feel even worse both physically and mentally. Turned out I had an allergic reaction to the medication in combination with my regular medications which caused a manic episode (not at work). I was later hospitalized. I left this second job with only an hours notice due to my health going down hill. I did send a lengthy letter thanking them for the experiences they gave me...etc and bought children's books and toys for the centre...my way of saying I am sorry and ashamed at how I resigned.

I am worried that I may get poor references/comments from my former employers. Hindering my chances of getting a job.
The majority of companies will not contact your references unless they have decided to hire you based on your merits and credentials.
Thanks for this!
Zen888
  #22  
Old Sep 20, 2009, 08:55 AM
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modelcarguy modelcarguy is offline
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Contacting references is not usually done with the new laws. There are so many restrictions as to what you can ask and what the reference is allowed to say that most places don't risk it anymore. In 25 years of interviewing people, I think I checked references twice and that was for a Scout leader position.
Thanks for this!
Zen888
  #23  
Old Sep 22, 2009, 09:50 AM
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Zen888 Zen888 is offline
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This afternoon I have a job interview at a restaurant. I applied for the positions of dishwasher and busser. I have never worked in a restaurant. My background is psychology and working with children.

Any ideas on what to say and what not to say during an interview at a restaurant would be greatly appreciated!!!! I have no clue what to say.
  #24  
Old Sep 22, 2009, 10:01 AM
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Sabrina Sabrina is offline
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I have never worked in a restaurant so I wouldn't know what to say but I wanted to wish you a whole lot of luck.
__________________
Job interview

Crying isn't a sign of weakness. It's a sign of having tried too hard to be strong for too long.
Thanks for this!
Zen888
  #25  
Old Sep 22, 2009, 11:09 AM
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Junerain Junerain is offline
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say that you are a team player...if a waiter asks you to get their table ready quick for the next party, you'll help out quickly....

say you work well with people, are a people person..
it is okay to say you aspire to eventually be a waitress yourself, they like someone with ambition..
say that you are friendly and smile

again be yourself- you are great as is
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Thanks for this!
Zen888
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