Ask Rhonda - Job Interview
Dear Rhonda,
I am going on my first job interview in twenty years. I am over 50 and petrified for so many reasons that I can’t even count them. I am not sure what experience you have in this arena, but if you do, do you have any advice on what I should or should not do or what I should or shouldn’t say?
Thank you,
Gladys
Dear Gladys,
What shouldn’t you do? I can tell you right off the bat…don’t fart. No offense, but your age, combined with your level of nerves can result in a complete and utter loss of control. It’s a little known fact that most don’t talk about, but sadly true. I’m sorry I brought it up because now that’s all you’ll think about.
Before I go on, I just want to ease your concern about my qualifications in this arena.
“Dear Rhonda” did not just get handed the job writing this column out of nowhere (and I use the term “job” loosely, since Dover pays less than a Guatemalan sweat shop). Doversworld.com put me through a rigorous interview process, which included a background check, three personal essays, four in-person interviews and two fluid samples (lets just leave it at that…I had a poppy seed bagel the morning of one of the interviews and lets just say that some of the tests came back “questionable”). Needless to say, Rhonda came through with flying colors and the job!
So as an accomplished interviewee, Rhonda’s advice is to focus on what “to do” rather than on what you “shouldn’t do”. Here are four full-proof ways to land a job.
1) Be yourself: You are going to spend 40-60 hours a week there, so you want them to hire you based on the real YOU. If you fake it and get the job you will only be unhappy in the long run.
2) Be professional- Be on time, turn your cell phone off and dress appropriately
3) Be prepared – Know the company, know the job description and let them know exactly why you are the right choice.
4) If all is going well and you want the job, (now this is very important, so read carefully) ask them why YOU should take the job. Remember that an interview goes both ways. You both have to convince each other that the other is right for the position.
note: if this is a part-time Burger King or similar job, disregard #1-#4. You will be unhappy anyway, so just lie and do whatever you have to get the job, so that you can make your $7.25/hour.
Good luck,
Rhonda
