Interview Help

Post » Sun May 29, 2011 12:27 am

Alright, I just got a call for an interview at a Hyvee store tomorrow at 3:30. I don't know if its just a local store, but it probably is. I've never had a job before(17 currently) and I just wondered if there is anything specifically I should do for this interview. I really want this job to have some spare cash and to save for college, but I'm honestly clueless.

Thanks for any help :D
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Cathrine Jack
 
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Post » Sat May 28, 2011 12:16 pm

Wear a tuxedo during the interview.
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Mari martnez Martinez
 
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Post » Sun May 29, 2011 12:24 am

Wear a tuxedo during the interview.


That would be something I don't have :(

Unless your being sarcastic..
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Stacyia
 
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Post » Sun May 29, 2011 12:55 am

That would be something I don't have :(

Unless your being sarcastic..

Oh, that was sarcasm. Tuxedos aren't appropriate attire for interviews. :P

A suit or dress shirt should make you stand out positively though.
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Shaylee Shaw
 
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Post » Sat May 28, 2011 7:32 pm

He is. <_<

Wear a suit - or at the very least, dark trousers and a shirt. Don't wear jeans. Don't wear a tshirt. There's no such thing as being overdressed for an interview, even if it's for a casual store. Make sure your shoes are clean. They will, whether unconsiously or consiously, be looking at your appearance to see if you're neat and tidy. Shave if you need to.

Research what sort of stuff the store sells and what your role might entail.

Have some answers for typical interview questions ready ie why should we hire you? Tell me about a time you've worked in a team (even in a sports team at school etc). Why did you apply to work here?

Get a good nights sleep and be awake and ready.

Get there 15 minutes before it's due to start, not very early and most certainly not late.

Smile and be genuine with them. Remember they're only people - they'll expect you to be a little nervous but try your best not to be a stammering wreck.

They'll appreciate you're young and don't have experience, try not to worry but have some examples of teamwork situations prepared, mainly from school in your case.

Ask questions if they ask if you have any. Even if it seems as though they've covered everything, ask. Good questions might be about the training system they use, ask about salary if they've not mentioned it (this isn't as rude as it sounds like it could be) and about potentially picking up extra hours if you're available. Write these questions down if you think you'll forget.

Shake their hand when you enter and when you leave.

If they ask if you'd like a drink of water or a cup of coffee, say yes even if you don't. It will give you the opportunity to take as sip if they ask a difficult question where you need a second to think of an example/answer.

Take a copy of your resume with you, even if they already have one.

Most importantly, relax. They're looking for someone to fill the spot as much as you're looking for a job. They wouldn't be interviewing you if they were looking for someone with tonnes of experience - they know how old you are. ;)

Good luck and let us know how it goes. :D
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Danny Warner
 
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Post » Sat May 28, 2011 10:19 pm

^Very awesome tips^

I really appreciate the help :) I'll let everyone know how it goes tomorrow.
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J.P loves
 
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Post » Sun May 29, 2011 2:05 am

Alright, I just got a call for an interview at a Hyvee store tomorrow at 3:30. I don't know if its just a local store, but it probably is. I've never had a job before(17 currently) and I just wondered if there is anything specifically I should do for this interview. I really want this job to have some spare cash and to save for college, but I'm honestly clueless.

Thanks for any help :D

four suggestions for clothing:

Wear a suit, muted color, like a black, grey, or dark blue. Pinstripes optional. Shirt should not be black, grey, or dark blue. Light colors, such as a pink, white, light blue, etc. work. Shirt may have stripes. Tie should be bold, but should not clash with shirt. If your shirt has stripes, compare tie's colors to stripes. Tie should not be both a single color and have a completely plain surface. Ties may be single color if the surface isn't plain. (in other words, has a pattern on it) Tie colors should not clash with shirt. There are certainly more options for suits, but this is something simple, and professional.

Sports coat, any color. Avoid sportcoats that remind you of carpets. Shirt, light colors. Tie, and pants. Pants don't need to be color of sports coat, but be careful not to look like a three-toned slob. You could also wear a blazer instead, But a badly chosen blazer makes you look like a preppy ass.

Another option is tie, shirt, and pants. nothing else. Better if it's a hot day. If you're thinking of going with this, consider splurging on a decent sportscoat and wearing it as in option 2. Make sure to wear a belt. (you should be wearing one anyway, but don't need too if wearing a jacket)

polo shirt, pants, simple but elegant belt. (your belt buckle is shiny, and may draw the eye when dressing simply)
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Robyn Howlett
 
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Post » Sat May 28, 2011 3:22 pm

^Very awesome tips^

I really appreciate the help :) I'll let everyone know how it goes tomorrow.


Not a problem hon - I know how nerve wracking it can be going for an interview. :) Will be thinking about you tm. :)
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NAtIVe GOddess
 
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Post » Sat May 28, 2011 10:55 am

Bluffing has always worked with me
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sunny lovett
 
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Post » Sat May 28, 2011 12:00 pm

I don't really know if wearing a suit is appropriate for every interview. For a casual store I would say a dress shirt/pants (or even nice jeans) or a nice sweater/jeans. I know a lot of people are going to disagree but overdressing is bad too.
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Stacey Mason
 
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Post » Sat May 28, 2011 11:17 pm

four suggestions for clothing:

Wear a suit, muted color, like a black, grey, or dark blue. Pinstripes optional. Shirt should not be black, grey, or dark blue. Light colors, such as a pink, white, light blue, etc. work. Shirt may have stripes. Tie should be bold, but should not clash with shirt. If your shirt has stripes, compare tie's colors to stripes. Tie should not be both a single color and have a completely plain surface. Ties may be single color if the surface isn't plain. (in other words, has a pattern on it) Tie colors should not clash with shirt. There are certainly more options for suits, but this is something simple, and professional.

Sports coat, any color. Avoid sportcoats that remind you of carpets. Shirt, light colors. Tie, and pants. Pants don't need to be color of sports coat, but be careful not to look like a three-toned slob. You could also wear a blazer instead, But a badly chosen blazer makes you look like a preppy ass.

Another option is tie, shirt, and pants. nothing else. Better if it's a hot day. If you're thinking of going with this, consider splurging on a decent sportscoat and wearing it as in option 2. Make sure to wear a belt. (you should be wearing one anyway, but don't need too if wearing a jacket)

polo shirt, pants, simple but elegant belt. (your belt buckle is shiny, and may draw the eye when dressing simply)


I don't think any of the above advice is applicable to an interview for a grocery store, or local shop. A big corporate company(Fortune 500?), sure, but a regular retail store? Definitely not. They'll think you're trying to show off having money(and if you're a teen, that's not a good thing, they'll think you're a spoiled brat or something who is just doing this for giggles). Hell, I've never heard anything about what color Tie a person should wear..lol.
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Kanaoka
 
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Post » Sat May 28, 2011 4:45 pm

Wear a suit if you can, otherwise wear a button up dress shirt and a tie, slacks, and nice shoes. Make sure the collar and sleeves are ironed to be nice and crisp.

TAKE OUT ANY FACIAL OR EAR PIERCINGS!!!

Most people think its old fashion, but make sure to send them a "Thank You" card sometime after your interview to thank them for the interviewing opportunity (If you can fiscally manage it, otherwise don't worry about it).
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sam westover
 
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Post » Sun May 29, 2011 2:17 am

Do a bit of research on the company if you can. In any interview I've had there's been a question along the lines of "what do you know about us/why would you like to work for us?", so it's good to know as much about the company as possible. Why they are good employers, how their business is successful and why you'd like to be a part of it etc.
A lot of places ask questions about how you've acted in previous situations which would apply, e.g. "how have you successfully dealt with a dispute?" or "describe a time when you have made decisions while working in a team?" They don't have to be directly associated with the job, but if you google "interview questions" and make sure you've thought up a couple of answers in your head you'll feel more prepared, as they're less likely to throw something your way that you haven't thought of.
Always make sure you've got some questions lined up - it makes you look like you've got a genuine interest in their position on offer, but you shouldn't mention money unless it's absolutely necessary.
Remember to make eye contact and smile. It's easily forgotten when you're nervous but it does make a difference - it's good to seem approachable and friendly, even if you are nervous.
Go in with a positive attitude - it sounds silly, but if you go in knowing just why you'd be good at this job, and how they would benefit by having you on board, your confidence will shine through.

I've never had this question asked, but something along the lines of "what are your weaknesses?" is a devil. Pick something and make sure you mention how you have improved. E.g. "I used to have trouble planning my time, but since going to college/having another job I've learnt how to project plan, and since then my grades have improved and I feel much more relaxed under pressure and I've gotten used to working to strict deadlines (and even find it motivating)."

Make sure you get there early, have a mint, take a deep breath, and remember it isn't the end of the world if they don't pick you.

Good luck! :)
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lolli
 
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Post » Sat May 28, 2011 2:48 pm

Wear your birthday suit, you'll make a great impression. :whisper:
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Floor Punch
 
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Post » Sat May 28, 2011 11:37 am

Wear a shirt and trousers. Chinos might be okay, but I'm not sure about what Hyvee employees generally wear (safest to wear around what they wear or a bit more formal). Don't wear a tie unless you plan on wearing a jacket or sweater. Avoid wearing shoes with any sort of patterns or textures. Stick with simple leather oxfords if you have some (if not, consider buying them since they're pretty useful to have around). Make sure to clean and polish your shoes, wear dress socks, and to wear clothes that fit well.

If you can't think of anything, wear charcoal trousers (without cuffs and preferably without pleats), a blue or white ironed shirt (no french cuffs, cotton or linen will do), and a pair of polished and cleaned cap-toe oxfords, a belt that matches your shoe colour, and a watch with a strap that matches your shoe colour. This is harder to fudge up than a suit.

Take a shower, brush your teeth, shave your facial hair. If you have glasses, clean them. Get a haircut if you need to (even if it's just a trim). The idea is to look neat, clean, and dependable. Don't wear cologne or any scents. Use unscented deodorant. Don't slouch.

Prepare for the kinds of questions you might be asked. You can probably look on the internet and find some common interview questions and have some answers prepared.

Be attentive and don't be afraid to smile. If you have trouble making eye-contact, look at the spot between the interviewer's eyes instead. Most people can't tell the difference.

Don't have a vice-grip handshake because "real men give firm handshakes". Seriously.

Know your resume well. This is useful if they ask you a question about it, or just any interview question for which you may not have prepared a response. By knowing it well, you can think up a better response than if you have to try and recall.

Main thing is to be very well prepared.
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gemma king
 
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Post » Sun May 29, 2011 2:18 am

Don't be nervous. I know that's easier said than done, but it's HyVee! Teenagers get jobs there all the time :) You don't have anything to worry about. Good luck!

You must be from around the Midwest since that's where HyVee stores are located. We have one here.
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~Amy~
 
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Post » Sat May 28, 2011 8:31 pm

Wear a shirt and trousers. Chinos might be okay, but I'm not sure about what Hyvee employees generally wear (safest to wear around what they wear or a bit more formal). Don't wear a tie unless you plan on wearing a jacket or sweater. Avoid wearing shoes with any sort of patterns or textures. Stick with simple leather oxfords if you have some (if not, consider buying them since they're pretty useful to have around). Make sure to clean and polish your shoes, wear dress socks, and to wear clothes that fit well.

If you can't think of anything, wear charcoal trousers (without cuffs and preferably without pleats), a blue or white ironed shirt (no french cuffs, cotton or linen will do), and a pair of polished and cleaned cap-toe oxfords, a belt that matches your shoe colour, and a watch with a strap that matches your shoe colour. This is harder to fudge up than a suit.

Take a shower, brush your teeth, shave your facial hair. If you have glasses, clean them. Get a haircut if you need to (even if it's just a trim). The idea is to look neat, clean, and dependable. Don't wear cologne or any scents. Use unscented deodorant. Don't slouch.

Prepare for the kinds of questions you might be asked. You can probably look on the internet and find some common interview questions and have some answers prepared.

Be attentive and don't be afraid to smile. If you have trouble making eye-contact, look at the spot between the interviewer's eyes instead. Most people can't tell the difference.

Don't have a vice-grip handshake because "real men give firm handshakes". Seriously.

Know your resume well. This is useful if they ask you a question about it, or just any interview question for which you may not have prepared a response. By knowing it well, you can think up a better response than if you have to try and recall.

Main thing is to be very well prepared.


I'll disagree slightly on the handshake part. Judge how firm or soft your handshake is by the persons physical appearance and demeanor. I remember at one of my first jobs, my interviewer complimented me on my firm handshake, saying it was a pet peeve of his when people gave limp-wristed handshakes, especially for a physically demanding job(the idea being that people with limp handshakes are either not as motivated or as strong as someone with a firm handshake I guess). If it's a corporate job where you're sitting behind a desk, a firm handshake is probably not necessary, unless they are looking for real go-getters who are on the move a lot(salespeople or what not).
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Jeff Tingler
 
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Post » Sun May 29, 2011 3:05 am

I think a suit for Hyvee would be more than is necessary, but they probably also won't think less of you for it. Just dress slacks and a tie would be fine I think. Besides that look up interview questions online so you have an idea of what to expect. Make sure you have a firm handshake, look them in the eye and all those people skills. I assume you're going to be a cashier or around customers in general so just try and show that you're friendly, that's probably all they're looking for. Anyway, good luck.
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Sun of Sammy
 
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Post » Sat May 28, 2011 2:29 pm

Well guys, thank you very much for the tips :) He said I have a great chance of getting a job and to call him back next Tuesday. He told me they had a lot of events scheduled for this week or else he would have taken care of the training now, but he said he needed a little but to think it over but it looks very good for me.

So about 99% sure I got it, extremely happy! :D
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Sam Parker
 
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Post » Sat May 28, 2011 7:33 pm

I'll disagree slightly on the handshake part. Judge how firm or soft your handshake is by the persons physical appearance and demeanor. I remember at one of my first jobs, my interviewer complimented me on my firm handshake, saying it was a pet peeve of his when people gave limp-wristed handshakes, especially for a physically demanding job(the idea being that people with limp handshakes are either not as motivated or as strong as someone with a firm handshake I guess). If it's a corporate job where you're sitting behind a desk, a firm handshake is probably not necessary, unless they are looking for real go-getters who are on the move a lot(salespeople or what not).


I think a firm handshake is a pretty safe bet, just not a death grip.
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Kathryn Medows
 
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Post » Sat May 28, 2011 12:53 pm

Wear collared shirt. Firm handshake. Smile. Look at them straight in the eyes. Get job.
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Marcus Jordan
 
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Post » Sat May 28, 2011 8:11 pm

When you're asked if you have any questions, Don't try to be funny and ask if you can have the job. Its been done to death and that is a sure way to blow it.
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REVLUTIN
 
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Post » Sat May 28, 2011 1:41 pm

So yeah, I got the job :D Thank you all for the help.

I just have to pass the drug test tomorrow, and since I don't do drugs thats not a problem.

Thanks again :)
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Hope Greenhaw
 
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Post » Sat May 28, 2011 1:41 pm

If you don't have a suit wear a polo-shirt/buttoned shirt and school pants or some khakis or whatever you cal them.

Also a belt.


Late......
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Kathryn Medows
 
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Post » Sat May 28, 2011 2:21 pm

First of all you need confidence. Walk through the door like you already have the job. Next, chat up the secretary. Try to get her number, who knows when you'll need to stage a scandal to cover your ass, and slipping her number into your bosses phone works wonders. When you finally enter the room with your interviewer, tell him to take a seat, he'll like this show of initiative. Proceed to ask him a few questions about why he'd like you to work for him and make sure to ask his opinion on your apparel for good measure. After you run out of questions to ask, take the chair you're sitting on and throw it across the room, preferably toward a window. Before your interviewer can ask why, walk up to him and grab him by the shirt, stare into his eyes, and say "I'll be starting tomorrow at nine, in the AM. I take my coffee black." Let go of him, wave bye to the secretary and drive away. You just got yourself a job.
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My blood
 
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