NationStates Jolt Archive

What NOT To Do at a Job Interview

A survey of top personnel executives of 100 major American corporations asking for stories of unusual behavior by job applicants revealed the following low-lights:

1. ''... stretched out on the floor to fill out the job application.''

2. ''She wore a Walkman and said she could listen to me and the music at the same time.''

3. ''A balding candidate abruptly excused himself. Returned to office a few minutes later, wearing a hairpiece.''

4. ''... asked to see interviewer's resume to see if the personnel executive was qualified to judge the candidate.''

5. ''... announced she hadn't had lunch and proceeded to eat a hamburger and french fries in the interviewer's office - wiping the ketchup on her sleeve''

6. ''Stated that, if he were hired, he would demonstrate his loyalty by having the corporate logo tattooed on his forearm.''

7. ''Interrupted to phone his therapist for advice on answering specific interview questions.''

8. ''When I asked him about his hobbies, he stood up and started tap dancing around my office.''

9 . ''At the end of the interview, while I stood there dumbstruck, went through his briefcase, took out a brush, brushed his hair, and left.''

10. ''... pulled out a Polaroid camera and snapped a flash picture of me. Said he collected photos of everyone who interviewed him.''

11. ''Said he wasn't interested because the position paid too much.''

12. ''While I was on a long-distance phone call, the applicant took out a copy of Penthouse, and looked through the photos only, stopping longest at the centerfold.''

13. ''During the interview, an alarm clock went off from the candidate's brief case. He took it out, shut it off, apologized and said he had to leave for another interview.''

14. ''A telephone call came in for the job applicant. It was from his wife. His side of the conversation went like this: '''Which company? When do I start? What's the salary?' I said, 'I assume you're not interested in conducting the interview any further.' He promptly responded, 'I am as long as you'll pay me more.' I didn't hire him, but later found out there was no other job offer. It was a scam to get a higher offer.''

15. ''His attache [case] opened when he picked it up and the contents spilled, revealing ladies' undergarments and assorted makeup and perfume.''

16. ''Candidate said he really didn't want to get a job, but the unemployment office needed proof that he was looking for one.''

17. ''... asked who the lovely babe was, pointing to the picture on my desk. When I said it was my wife, he asked if she was home now and wanted my phone number. I called security.''

18. ''Pointing to a black case he carried into my office, he said that if he was not hired, the bomb would go off. Disbelieving, I began to state why he would never be hired and that I was going to call the police. He then reached down to the case, flipped a switch and ran. No one was injured, but I did need to get a new desk.''

Chat up the bosses 16 yo daughter....

I hope the bomber is currently on vacation in a nice cell with no view?

Asking Eutrusca for advice? :p

LOL. :D

Thanks, Eutrusca, in a rather strange way, that actually makes me feel better. I'll try & remember those when I have another freak-out about sitting through a job interview myself. Can't really screw it up that much, can I now? :p

I hope the bomber is currently on vacation in a nice cell with no view?


No, it turns out he was a celebrity from California, and he was naturally exonerated of all charges against him.

I hope the bomber is currently on vacation in a nice cell with no view?
One can only surmise. :)

Asking Eutrusca for advice? :p
WTF, over? Where'd that come from? :p

so does this mean i shouldn't take explosives to my next job interview? :(

WTF, over? Where'd that come from? :p
An urge to be bitchy? :p I haven't had lunch yet lol

so does this mean i shouldn't take explosives to my next job interview? :(

Yes you can, when you join HAMAS.

Yes you can, when you join HAMAS.
yes, that'll work, a jewish HAMAS member, helping them kill jews :rolleyes:

Lol (+1)

yes, that'll work, a jewish HAMAS member, helping them kill jews :rolleyes:
Hey, the guy who orchestrated the Final Solution was Jewish :p

yes, that'll work, a jewish HAMAS member, helping them kill jews :rolleyes:

Each employer is unique in how it picks it's staff.

Hey, the guy who orchestrated the Final Solution was Jewish :p
yeah, but i'm not particularly into killing jews, i personally think that those who actually believe in hell's existence should go there, so that gives you an idea who i'd rather kill. not that i'd do that, i'm too lazy :p

LOL. :D

Thanks, Eutrusca, in a rather strange way, that actually makes me feel better. I'll try & remember those when I have another freak-out about sitting through a job interview myself. Can't really screw it up that much, can I now? :p
Heh! Most personnel counselors recommend that you take every opportunity to be interviewed, if for no other reason than the practice. :)

Having been on both sides of the table many times over the years, I can assure you that the most impressive interviewees are those who:

1. Come dressed appropriately.

2. Come prepared to discuss both the job and the organization ( great thing, research, yes? )

3. Give thoughtful, knowledgeable responses to questions asked.

4. Follow up most of their responses with an insightful question of their own.

5. Behave in an open, friendly, responsive manner.

6. When asked if they have any weaknesses, admit to at least one, but always explain how they overcome or compensate for it.

7. Never bring up the subject of pay ( Let the interviewer do that. It's an indication that you've passed the interview! )

8. When asked what sort of pay they expect, already know enough about the "going rate" for the sort of position for which they are applying to be a tad beyond the usual hire rate, but not over the maximum for the job.

9. Have direct eye-contact and a firm handshake. ( Don't forget that many if not most interviewers view this as an indication of assertiveness. If you are female, always initiate the handshake, since many interviewers are "old school" and will wait for a woman to extend her hand first. )

10. Not do any of the "weird" things mentioned in the OP! :D

Each employer is unique in how it picks it's staff.
and people tend to not employ those who want to eradicate them

''Candidate said he really didn't want to get a job, but the unemployment office needed proof that he was looking for one.''
Bingo.

There's a scene in the movie about Kinsey that no one should try to replicate during an interview.

Those of you who have seen the movie probably know which scene I'm talking about.

An urge to be bitchy? :p I haven't had lunch yet lol
LOL! Ohhhh-kayyy. It's only 8 AM here, so I've not yet had breakfast! :p

THINGS YOU SHOULD NOT SAY IN A JOB INTERVIEW

10. "I’m going to count to ten, and when I open my eyes I want you all to be naked."
9. "I will kill again."
8. "The doctors say that within a year or three I’ll be able to control the voices without medication."
7. "Do you have a subsidised staff bar?"
6. "I can’t even remember why I’m here."
5. "Dracula is cool."
4. "What is your policy on play-fighting?"
3. "Can I come to work in pyjamas?"
2. "Can’t I just work from home?"
1. "Enough about me - let’s talk about you for a while."

LOL! Ohhhh-kayyy. It's only 8 AM here, so I've not yet had breakfast! :p
Meh, well I'm just not a day time person. More of a nocturnal vampire. :p

Bingo.
Actually, I would give this guy points for being honest ... then promptly take them away for being stoopid! :D

1. "Enough about me - let’s talk about you for a while."
I love this one :p Hey, its good conversational skills :)

I really hate interviews especially with something like 3 or 4 people questioning you, not just 1 or 2. I got my current job after an interview, but didn't hear from the boss. I did get the job but had to ring him because he forgot to tell me I got the job.

7. "Do you have a subsidised staff bar?"
yeah, any real engineering firm will have free beer. engineers brains work on alcohol :D

yeah, but i'm not particularly into killing jews, i personally think that those who actually believe in hell's existence should go there, so that gives you an idea who i'd rather kill. not that i'd do that, i'm too lazy :p
People aren't less violent nowadays, they're just lazier :p

People aren't less violent nowadays, they're just lazier :p
exactly, the way to beat terrorists is to get them lazier and more decadent, it'll work perfectly :p

THINGS YOU SHOULD NOT SAY IN A JOB INTERVIEW

10. "I’m going to count to ten, and when I open my eyes I want you all to be naked."
9. "I will kill again."
8. "The doctors say that within a year or three I’ll be able to control the voices without medication."
7. "Do you have a subsidised staff bar?"
6. "I can’t even remember why I’m here."
5. "Dracula is cool."
4. "What is your policy on play-fighting?"
3. "Can I come to work in pyjamas?"
2. "Can’t I just work from home?"
1. "Enough about me - let’s talk about you for a while."
LOL! Most of those are verboten, yes, but two of them deserve greater consideration:

2. "Can't I just work from home."

Actually, not a bad question, but phrased improperly. If someone asked me in today's world of work if we had a "telecommunting policy," I would consider that insightful and a very reasonable question.

1. "Enough about me - let's talk about you for awhile."

Terrible phrasing, but one objective for the interviewer should always be to leave the interviewer with the impression that he or she had done her homework enough to ask intelligent questions about the organization, as well as to find out more about the organization. I always gave high marks to those who had obviously done some research about the company and the job, all other things being equal.

exactly, the way to beat terrorists is to get them lazier and more decadent, it'll work perfectly :p
Give 'em a stack of McDonald's gift certificates. Soon they'll be fat, dumb and happy, and will leave the rest of us the hell alone! :D

exactly, the way to beat terrorists is to get them lazier and more decadent, it'll work perfectly :p
Yep, let them just walk right over us :p

Meh, well I'm just not a day time person. More of a nocturnal vampire. :p
:eek: [ Runs away! ]

This is one that happened at work just yesterday: an applicant calling to reschedule an interview because they had orientation for another job. Asked if they were still wanting to interview, replied, "well sure, if it pays more."

LOL! Most of those are verboten, yes, but two of them deserve greater consideration:

2. "Can't I just work from home."

Actually, not a bad question, but phrased improperly. If someone asked me in today's world of work if we had a "telecommunting policy," I would consider that insightful and a very reasonable question.


At the moment, I actually could work from home if I was just a programmer at work. I'm also a support officer, system administrator and IT purchasing officer so I can't.

I still think the tapdancing thing was a stroke of genius.
It will get more good than bad results.

Give 'em a stack of McDonald's gift certificates. Soon they'll be fat, dumb and happy, and will leave the rest of us the hell alone! :D
but what happens when they come down off the sugar high? oh wait, they'll be too fat to fit in the bomb belts :p

This is one that happened at work just yesterday: an applicant calling to reschedule an interview because they had orientation for another job. Asked if they were still wanting to interview, replied, "well sure, if it pays more."
Again ... high points for honesty, no points for intelligence. :D

At the moment, I actually could work from home if I was just a programmer at work. I'm also a support officer, system administrator and IT purchasing officer so I can't.
Would you prefer to work from home?

Would you prefer to work from home?

Actually yes. You don't get hassled all the time, but you can't use the company resources at home. In reality, not feasible.

Actually yes. You don't get hassled all the time, but you can't use the company resources at home. In reality, no feasible.
Sorry about that. I predict that telecommuting will continue to grow, due to the high price of gasoline if nothing else.

Sorry about that. I predict that telecommuting will continue to grow, due to the high price of gasoline if nothing else.

Things will change, with high speed Internet so cheap - you can work from home while accessing all the data you need. So the "work from home question" will become less relevant as you don't need a mega office to run a company. You can outsource work on people who work from their homes.

Poor old sysadmins have to be in the office for keep the servers running. The UPS to our main servers died today, fun fun fun.

Well, when you read it like that it all sounds so easy. I can totally do all that.:p Well, except maybe those:

4. Follow up most of their responses with an insightful question of their own.
Really? I'd never have done that. I'd have thought the interviewer would hate that, b/c you kind of "take over" the interview that way.


6. When asked if they have any weaknesses, admit to at least one, but always explain how they overcome or compensate for it.
Ugh. That stupid weaknesses thing. Major pet peeve. I mean, I can't believe they still ask that question - fully knowing that either
1) the candidate isn't prepared (which is a bad sign right there) and actually tells them something unflattering about himself, thus digging his own hole; or
2) the candidate is prepared and tells them his "made up for interview purposes only"-weakness, which is complete bull, is specifically picked to not really be a weakness at all in the work place, and has nothing to do with his real weaknesses.
My favorite here would be "perfectionism". :rolleyes:
And honestly, if I were the interviewer, I'd probably prefer someone who didn't tell me same tired BS all the others do. But then again, a friend recently failed an interview, most likely mainly because she answered honestly and said she tended to always be somewhat reserved around people she'd only just met. Which isn't exactly this huge horrible thing to say, IMHO.
Sorry, got carried away there a little.:p [/rant]


8. When asked what sort of pay they expect, already know enough about the "going rate" for the sort of position for which they are applying to be a tad beyond the usual hire rate, but not over the maximum for the job. This is obvious & necessary, but I still hate it. I'd always feel preposterous. Also, these days, with all those in-between jobs/internships/free-lancing stuff, how do you really find out what a certain job pays?

PS: How are you? Any good news? If it's not too intrusive to ask, in which case I apologize.

:eek: [ Runs away! ]
Oh come on, its not like I bite :p ...much.

1. "Enough about me - let’s talk about you for a while."

Wouldn't that be awesome to say, though? Especially because in every other one-on-one conversation that went on for that long, you'd actually totally say that. I'd love to do that.

Wouldn't that be awesome to say, though? Especially because in every other one-on-one conversation that went on for that long, you'd actually totally say that. I'd love to do that.
I always ask the interviewer if they are happy in their job, happy with the company, and what experiences they have had or are having that make them feel that they want to stay with the company.

It's important to find this out - you may find out that everyone hates working there, or that people like working there for reasons you could never accept.

Well, when you read it like that it all sounds so easy. I can totally do all that.:p Well, except maybe those:

1. Really? I'd never have done that. I'd have thought the interviewer would hate that, b/c you kind of "take over" the interview that way.

2. Ugh. That stupid weaknesses thing. Major pet peeve. I mean, I can't believe they still ask that question - fully knowing that either
1) the candidate isn't prepared (which is a bad sign right there) and actually tells them something unflattering about himself, thus digging his own hole; or
2) the candidate is prepared and tells them his "made up for interview purposes only"-weakness, which is complete bull, is specifically picked to not really be a weakness at all in the work place, and has nothing to do with his real weaknesses.
My favorite here would be "perfectionism". :rolleyes:

3. And honestly, if I were the interviewer, I'd probably prefer someone who didn't tell me same tired BS all the others do.[/rant]

4. This is obvious & necessary, but I still hate it. I'd always feel preposterous. Also, these days, with all those in-between jobs/internships/free-lancing stuff, how do you really find out what a certain job pays?

5. PS: How are you? Any good news? If it's not too intrusive to ask, in which case I apologize.
1. A good interviewer will immediately recognize someone who has done her or his homework from the sorts of questions they ask. Addionally, a good interviewer can tell if the candidate is trying ( even inadvertantly ) to "take over the interview," and move to reassert control.

If your interviewer isn't a "good" one, you should question whether you really want to work for a company which holds those involved in hiring in such low regard. I have actually stopped interviews and told the interviewer that I was no longer interested in the job, something which almost always leaves them non-plussed! :D

I have also taken over interviews, sometimes with the tacit consent of the interviewer, especially when the job itself involved interviewing people. Smart move on the interviewer's part. :)

2. I usually admited to being a bit lazy, then explained that in order to compensate, I organize my work in such a way as to render it of no import, giving very specific information about how I do that. :) More than one interviewer told me that I gave them some good ideas they could use themselves ... always got job offers when that happened. :D

3. Yes, but that depends upon the culture of the organization. Many large organizations have rather "conservative" cultures, so it's best to stand out by being more culturally attuned to their specific culture than many of those who work there.

I personally don't like to work in that sort of environment, but one must pay the bills. One of the very best interviews I ever had was one where the interviewer and I got into a long discussion about corporate culture. We talked for about three hours and he asked me to dinner so we could continue the discussion! It's one of the few times I was offered a job on the spot, and at a salary considerably above that which I expected ( and higher than most of the people who already worked there! ). :D

4. Network until you find people who work there already. Strike up a conversation with at least one of them and tell them that you're interested in their organization. Keep doing this until you have a good picture of the pay structure and the variety of jobs. Slip into the conversation something like, "I've done a bit of research on firms, including yours, but I'm a bit concerned about the pay structure." :D

5. Not bad at all, thank you! I went yesterday to get my Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA ) level checked, but I won't know until the 8th what the results are. I'm hoping it's still at zero. This will be done at six month intervals for several years, I'm told. Sigh. Thank you for asking! :fluffle:

Poor old sysadmins have to be in the office for keep the servers running. The UPS to our main servers died today, fun fun fun.
Heh! I took that awful Certified MSN technician course and discovered that although I can do it, I hate it! Ick!

I still think the tapdancing thing was a stroke of genius.
It will get more good than bad results.
Not really. It's a bit too ... outre ... for most interviewers. :)

Ooo, I have two college* interviews coming up. Anyone have any tips for them? Of course, some tips mentioned apply to all interviews but, uh, any help is appreciated considering I've never had to do anything like this before!

I've done a mock job interview in front of a class and I supposedly came across well... Nervous as hell though, especially when I get told I had to do it only five minutes beforehand! Talking of which, does anyone have general tips for calming nerves in stuff like this?

Oh, and Eut - good luck with the results :) *hugs* hope you're taking good care of yourself :fluffle:

*I mean college in the British sense...

Wouldn't that be awesome to say, though? Especially because in every other one-on-one conversation that went on for that long, you'd actually totally say that. I'd love to do that.
Things I have actually said to interviewers:

"You really should consider a different line of work." [ said in all seriousness! ]

"Are you certain that this is the right place for me to work?" [ with incredulous look ]

"Why would you ask me a question like that?" [ with incredulous look ]

"Wanna swap chairs?" [ with a grin ]

"Only if I'm trying to hide in a crowd." [ said in response to a somewhat shorter interviewer asking, "Do you find being tall a disadvantage?" ] :D

"I have a highly deveolped sense of humor which I greatly value. If you're any indication, this organization does not. You take yourself wayyy too seriously. Goodbye." [ at the end of a long, boring, arduous interview during which the interviewer never made light conversation, never made even an attempt at humor, and never even smiled. ]

I have actually stopped interviews and told the interviewer that I was no longer interested in the job, something which almost always leaves them non-plussed! :D
Hee, yes, I'd imagine they'd be.

One of the very best interviews I ever had was one where the interviewer and I got into a long discussion about corporate culture. We talked for about three hours and he asked me to dinner so we could continue the discussion! It's one of the few times I was offered a job on the spot, and at a salary considerably above that which I expected ( and higher than most of the people who already worked there! ). :D
Heh, awesome. :D

5. Not bad at all, thank you! I went yesterday to get my Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA ) level checked, but I won't know until the 8th what the results are. I'm hoping it's still at zero. This will be done at six month intervals for several years, I'm told. Sigh. Thank you for asking! :fluffle:
Oh, I thought you'd learn the results right away. Well, I'll just keep my fingers crossed :) :fluffle: (which also makes for a surprisingly good excuse for why I can't clean my apartment :D).

Ooo, I have two college* interviews coming up. Anyone have any tips for them? Of course, some tips mentioned apply to all interviews but, uh, any help is appreciated considering I've never had to do anything like this before!

I've done a mock job interview in front of a class and I supposedly came across well... Nervous as hell though, especially when I get told I had to do it only five minutes beforehand! Talking of which, does anyone have general tips for calming nerves in stuff like this?

Oh, and Eut - good luck with the results :) *hugs* hope you're taking good care of yourself :fluffle:

*I mean college in the British sense...
calming tip: don't think about the ramifications of the interview, just concentrate on the job at hand and the questions you're answering. answer truthfully and just take your time - pausing, talking slowly and getting your point accross is better than stammering a really quick answer in the hope of getting out of there. you are there so you may as well make the best of it and own the interview! i think taking your time is the key.

that said i didn't have to do interviews for college or uni (mwuhahaha) and i've only ever done two job interviews in my life... so i'm probably not the best person to be giving advice (just want to help in any way i can... maybe having a massive hug from me before the interviews would help too :-) when are they and can i come along and give support?)


edit: but i think the main thing is you're a smart, intelligent, mature woman and if you just be yourself and don't let yourself become overwhelmed by nerves then you will be absolutley fine! :fluffle:

1. Ooo, I have two college* interviews coming up. Anyone have any tips for them? Of course, some tips mentioned apply to all interviews but, uh, any help is appreciated considering I've never had to do anything like this before!

2. ... does anyone have general tips for calming nerves in stuff like this?

3. Oh, and Eut - good luck with the results :) *hugs* hope you're taking good care of yourself :fluffle:
1. I might. What would the interview entail? What does the word "college" mean "in British terms?"

2. Yes, three of which are: Take lots of really deep breaths, practice various interviews until you can do them in your sleep, imagine the interviewer is wearing no pants! :D

3. Thank you! I'm trying to take better care of me, including joining the local YMCA so I can substitute working out for smoking. :)

"I have a highly deveolped sense of humor which I greatly value. If you're any indication, this organization does not. You take yourself wayyy to seriously. Goodbye."
Ouch. :p

Ouch. :p
Heh! He was totally floored. This was an organization people climb over each other to get into, due mostly to the fact that they paid really, really well. Not my thing if I cant be myself. :p

Heh! He was totally floored. This was an organization people climb over each other to get into, due mostly to the fact that they paid really, really well. Not my thing if I cant be myself. :p
That attitude reminds me a lot of Paris Hilton. :p

calming tip: don't think about the ramifications of the interview, just concentrate on the job at hand and the questions you're answering. answer truthfully and just take your time - pausing, talking slowly and getting your point accross is better than stammering a really quick answer in the hope of getting out of there. you are there so you may as well make the best of it and own the interview! i think taking your time is the key.
Heh, that's what I'm worst at! I talk way too fast in situations like this :P But yeah, I know what you're saying and I'll try *nods*

(just want to help in any way i can... maybe having a massive hug from me before the interviews would help too :-) when are they and can i come along and give support?)
Well, one is sometime either next week or the week after half-term. But that's to stay on here and I don't want to so I'm not so bothered about that one, heh :P
The other is on the 7th March at 4.15. If you could come up that day, after-school, would be rather good... You can never have too many hugs ;) :fluffle: But I can understand if work gets in the way - just a quick call or text or something would be good.

edit: but i think the main thing is you're a smart, intelligent, mature woman and if you just be yourself and don't let yourself become overwhelmed by nerves then you will be absolutley fine! :fluffle:
Hehehe, thank you :) :fluffle:

1. I might. What would the interview entail? What does the word "college" mean "in British terms?"

2. Yes, three of which are: Take lots of really deep breaths, practice various interviews until you can do them in your sleep, imgine the interviewer is wearing no pants! :D

3. Thank you! I'm trying to take better care of me, including joining the local YMCA so I can substitute working out for smoking. :)
1. See, that's one of the things I'm not sure about... I know two people going to the same college for interviews before me so I can ask them what it was like. I think it's generally asking why I want to go there, why I want to leave my current school, why I've chosen my courses, what route I want to follow... I'll probably be fine if I just answer honestly, I just get stupidly nervous about stuff like this 'cause I feel so "on the spot".
And college here is basically the last two years of the US High School.
2. Lol! That last tip could either end up being a traumatising experience or being a far too distracting thought, depending on the interviewer! ;) Hehe! :D
But thanks for the tips :)
3. No problem - will be thinking about you.
Good luck with quitting!
I'm going to be humming YMCA all day now... *grumbles*... :P

Heh, that's what I'm worst at! I talk way too fast in situations like this :P But yeah, I know what you're saying and I'll try *nods*

well exactly: you have to conciously try and make yourself talk more slowly and try and calm down... i mean, you can still be as nervous as hell on the inside but appear calm on the surface if you just make sure you take your time and be slow. they'll understand interviewees being nervous though cos pretty much everyone is, so you're only as "on the spot" as the next person, and they'll forgive a little nervousness (they're just people after all)

Well, one is sometime either next week or the week after half-term. But that's to stay on here and I don't want to so I'm not so bothered about that one, heh :P
The other is on the 7th March at 4.15. If you could come up that day, after-school, would be rather good... You can never have too many hugs ;) :fluffle: But I can understand if work gets in the way - just a quick call or text or something would be good.
hm well if the first one is next week then there's not much i can do bar offer support from afar (can practice interviews on msn if you like... having rehearsed answers is a real nervousness-blocker)
but the other one on the 7th... where is that exactly? i happen to be in Guilford on that day (doing more market research till about 2... about 15 miles away from you) so i can easily pop over for some hugs and stuff :fluffle:


edit:

2. Lol! That last tip could either end up being a traumatising experience or being a far too distracting thought, depending on the interviewer! ;) Hehe! :D
can i 'interview' you? ;)

That attitude reminds me a lot of Paris Hilton. :p
Were you born with the capacity for being insulting, or did you have to work at it? :p

1. See, that's one of the things I'm not sure about... I know two people going to the same college for interviews before me so I can ask them what it was like. I think it's generally asking why I want to go there, why I want to leave my current school, why I've chosen my courses, what route I want to follow... I'll probably be fine if I just answer honestly, I just get stupidly nervous about stuff like this 'cause I feel so "on the spot".
And college here is basically the last two years of the US High School.

2. Lol! That last tip could either end up being a traumatising experience or being a far too distracting thought, depending on the interviewer! ;) Hehe! :D But thanks for the tips :)

3. No problem - will be thinking about you. Good luck with quitting! I'm going to be humming YMCA all day now... *grumbles*... :P
1. [ wonders why that situation calls for an interview ] I suspect you're right about "answering honestly." Highly recommended. :) The main way to overcome your nervousness is to be well-prepared and allow yourself to "get into" the interview. You'll do fine. :)

2. LOL! Tsk! Down, girl! DOWN! :D

3. LOL! Sorry about that! :D Thanks for the well-wishes. :)

1. [ wonders why that situation calls for an interview ] I suspect you're right about "answering honestly." Highly recommended. :) The main way to overcome your nervousness is to be well-prepared and allow yourself to "get into" the interview. You'll do fine.

2. LOL! Tsk! Down, girl! DOWN! :D

3. LOL! Sorry about that! :D Thanks for the well-wishes. :)
1. Well, I think it's mainly because I'm not in the "catchment area". If you are you just send application form with predicted GCSE grades etc on and they'll judge based on that, and they'll also be linked to the secondary school for info. Because I'm not, they have to meet and judge me based on that. It also means I really have to impress them to get in because it's a really good college, with lots of applications, and I'm not the highest "priority" for acceptance.
My predicted grades are pretty impressive though (*fingers crossed I can get them!*) so that should help, heh, but a good interview can't hurt.
2. Haha :p I blame Huw... he's a bad influence on me *looks innocent*
3. :) :fluffle:

well exactly: you have to conciously try and make yourself talk more slowly and try and calm down... i mean, you can still be as nervous as hell on the inside but appear calm on the surface if you just make sure you take your time and be slow. they'll understand interviewees being nervous though cos pretty much everyone is, so you're only as "on the spot" as the next person, and they'll forgive a little nervousness (they're just people after all)
Well, apparantly most people can't tell when I'm nervous so I suppose that's a good thing...
And, yeah, you're perfectly right. Damn your logic! :p

hm well if the first one is next week then there's not much i can do bar offer support from afar (can practice interviews on msn if you like... having rehearsed answers is a real nervousness-blocker)
but the other one on the 7th... where is that exactly? i happen to be in Guilford on that day (doing more market research till about 2... about 15 miles away from you) so i can easily pop over for some hugs and stuff
See, practicing stuff too much gets me over-nervous because then I try too hard to remember stuff and come across as really unnatural... But, ooo, if you could pop over that'd be great! :) you really are lovely :fluffle: It's in Horsham (link to website page on maps (http://collyers.ac.uk/PageFolder/Welcome/MapAndContact))

My predicted grades are pretty impressive though (*fingers crossed I can get them!*) so that should help, heh, but a good interview can't hurt.

very impressive predicted grades... and getting things like full marks in physics modulars and studying a-level sociology can't hurt either (and i'm sure the college will take that into account) :fluffle:

2. Haha :p I blame Huw... he's a bad influence on me *looks innocent*
oh thats not fair... you know what that innocent look does to me!! ;) :p


Well, apparantly most people can't tell when I'm nervous so I suppose that's a good thing...
And, yeah, you're perfectly right. Damn your logic! :p

See, practicing stuff too much gets me over-nervous because then I try too hard to remember stuff and come across as really unnatural...
mmm there's a balance... i'm sure you know where that lies though (and if you don't: now's the time to find out! ;))
but i can understand that

But, ooo, if you could pop over that'd be great! :) you really are lovely :fluffle: It's in Horsham (link to website page on maps (http://collyers.ac.uk/PageFolder/Welcome/MapAndContact))
21.3 miles taking approx 23 minutes from Guilford, according to this thingy here... i'll be there! :fluffle:
quite handy that i'm down in guilford actually :) i would definatley come anyway but it does make it easier

very impressive predicted grades... and getting things like full marks in physics modulars and studying a-level sociology can't hurt either (and i'm sure the college will take that into account) :fluffle:
Now I just need to figure out a way of slipping those things into the conversation casually... ;) :p :fluffle:
oh thats not fair... you know what that innocent look does to me!! ;) :p
See! You're such a bad influence on me! *nods* *looks innocent again* *giggles* :p
21.3 miles taking approx 23 minutes from Guilford, according to this thingy here... i'll be there! :fluffle:
quite handy that i'm down in guilford actually i would definatley come anyway but it does make it easier
Hurrah! :) our luck works out for once, heh *touches wood* :fluffle:
(oh, and I completely forget to tell you - waiting for parents' response to vday stuff... did it in the cowardly way of the written word :P but least it's done now and we can cross fingers for positive response)
Oh, and you probably have this link (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&sll=51.06375,-0.327003&sspn=0.019446,0.039997&hl=en&q=united+kingdom,+horsham,+collyers&ll=51.069529,-0.327015&spn=0.019443,0.039997) but oh well.

1. Well, I think it's mainly because I'm not in the "catchment area". If you are you just send application form with predicted GCSE grades etc on and they'll judge based on that, and they'll also be linked to the secondary school for info. Because I'm not, they have to meet and judge me based on that. It also means I really have to impress them to get in because it's a really good college, with lots of applications, and I'm not the highest "priority" for acceptance. My predicted grades are pretty impressive though (*fingers crossed I can get them!*) so that should help, heh, but a good interview can't hurt.

2. Haha :p I blame Huw... he's a bad influence on me *looks innocent*

3. :) :fluffle:

1. Ok. I wish you the best of luck in getting in. Please let us know what the outcome is, ok? :)

2. LOL! Hon, you keep hanging around with that Huw, and that "innocent look" will become more and more difficult to maintain! :D

3. I can see why PM is nuts about you. You're a very bright and very sweet young lady. Do all of us a favor and don't change that about you. :)

1. Ok. I wish you the best of luck in getting in. Please let us know what the outcome is, ok? :)

2. LOL! Hon, you keep hanging around with that Huw, and that "innocent look" will become more and more difficult to maintain! :D

3. I can see why PM is nuts about you. You're a very bright and very sweet young lady. Do all of us a favor and don't change that about you. :)
1. Thank you :fluffle: and sure thing :)
2. Haha! Yeah... before I met Huw I was perfectly innocent... *cough*... :P
My innocent look is well practiced - comes in useful ;) :p And most people don't suspect a thing... Mwahahaha! :D
3. *beams* :) you're very sweet to say so :fluffle:
And I don't plan on changing, unless for the better, so no worries there, heh.

Now I just need to figure out a way of slipping those things into the conversation casually...

Interviewer: "So, Amy, what is the thing you most about school at the moment?"
Amy: "The fact that i own so much." *cute smile* :p

See! You're such a bad influence on me! *nods* *looks innocent again* *giggles*

:eek: giggles too! if there weren't 60 miles between us there'd be no stopping me right about now! :P

Hurrah! our luck works out for once, heh *touches wood*
(oh, and I completely forget to tell you - waiting for parents' response to vday stuff... did it in the cowardly way of the written word :P but least it's done now and we can cross fingers for positive response)
Oh, and you probably have this link (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&sll=51.06375,-0.327003&sspn=0.019446,0.039997&hl=en&q=united+kingdom,+horsham,+collyers&ll=51.069529,-0.327015&spn=0.019443,0.039997) but oh well.
hehe "wood" :P
google link is useful... i'm mapping on MS MapPoint and hadn't quite got it right by the postcode... thanks :-) (should be relatively easy to find, too, i hope)
(and yay! *crosses fingers*
keep me informed (obviously)... i don't know when i'll get online tonight cos we're "researching" restaurants again and work's been slow today *rolls eyes*)




2. LOL! Hon, you keep hanging around with that Huw, and that "innocent look" will become more and more difficult to maintain! :D

mm i hope i can manage to get some equally as interesting and enthralling expressions out of her... ;) :D

3. I can see why PM is nuts about you. You're a very bright and very sweet young lady. Do all of us a favor and don't change that about you.

she is just magical :)
i'd be nuts to not love her with all my heart! :fluffle:


2. Haha! Yeah... before I met Huw I was perfectly innocent... *cough*... :P
My innocent look is well practiced - comes in useful And most people don't suspect a thing... Mwahahaha!
*cough* who's the one who just got 94% in that test... now a whole 14% above innocent little ol' me? huh? ;) :p

her plan is to corrupt me you know... she freely admits to it :p

her plan is to corrupt me you know... she freely admits to it :p
LOL! Hold on tight, dude! :D

probably would be a bad idea to go into the interview drunk or high...

or right after you've eaten Mexican (or other spicy) food... not unless you bring your own can of Glade or Lysol air freshener.

Also, unless you're in (perhaps) Japan, keep your shoes on.

Interviewer: "So, Amy, what is the thing you most about school at the moment?"
Amy: "The fact that i own so much." *cute smile* :p
Lol! :D Yeah, that'd make me seem lovely... :P

:eek: giggles too! if there weren't 60 miles between us there'd be no stopping me right about now! :P
*giggles again* :P haha, I'm evil, aren't I? but you know you like it that way :P and perhaps that's the point *wink* hehehe

hehe "wood" :P
google link is useful... i'm mapping on MS MapPoint and hadn't quite got it right by the postcode... thanks :-) (should be relatively easy to find, too, i hope)
(and yay! *crosses fingers*
keep me informed (obviously)... i don't know when i'll get online tonight cos we're "researching" restaurants again and work's been slow today *rolls eyes*)
haha, I was sooo not thinking of that after I'd typed it.. *cough* :P
It is fairly easy to find... I think... *is non-driving person :P*
(*hugs* I shall, and dont worry about it - we might be going out for a meal ourselves and I'm also catching up with some random people on msn. Just don't get too stressed, okay? *hugs* Think about the fact it's 11 days...)
mm i hope i can manage to get some equally as interesting and enthralling expressions out of her... ;) :D
Lol!
:D
i'd be nuts to not love her with all my heart! :fluffle:
:fluffle: I'd be nuts not to realise how crazily lucky I am that you love me.

*cough* who's the one who just got 94% in that test... now a whole 14% above innocent little ol' me? huh? ;)

her plan is to corrupt me you know... she freely admits to it :p
Uh.... that guy over there... *points* *runs away* :P

And I don't freely admit to it in public! I mean, uh, what plan? *runs away again* :P

I always have problems with interviews. I'm a bit shy around new people, and give monosyllabic answers, even when the interviewer is obviously trying to bring me out of my shell.

Interviewer: "So you're interested in martial arts?"
Me: "Yes."

*silence*


My favorite here would be "perfectionism". :rolleyes:

Hah. That's a question I can answer. I smile as if amused and say "How many people have said perfectionism?"