Job Interview Next Week....Tips?

[Nashida]

I recently applied for a part-time position as a bank teller, but the slot was quickly filled a week after sending in my resume. However, I got a call saying they still want me to fill a part-time position for the summer anyway and want to see me next Tuesday.

I hope this goes through, because I only need to take off one week in June, can bump myself to full time if necessary, and if I do get the job I have priority the following summer to reapply for the same summer job.

I did this because they're willing to be more flexible than the grocery store I'm currently working at ( they don't believe in student leave, and never gave me more than 16 hours a week over the summer when I asked for 32), and wouldn't mind if I came to work over breaks.

Does anyone have any tips? I planned on dressing nice and whatnot anyway, but since it's a bank, is there something else I need to do?

[myswtghst]

I just recently got a new job after two rounds of interviews, so I'll add what I can think of.

Definitely dress nice - not necessarily a suit, but make sure you're dressed up a bit, and that everything is clean and not wrinkly or dirty. (Obvious, I know, but it doesn't hurt to mention) Along with that, be clean and put together, and make sure to chew gum/brush teeth beforehand, so you have good breath. :)

The biggest thing that helped me, in prep, was just thinking about what questions they'd be likely to ask (what can you offer us? special skills, weaknesses, etc) and trying to think through my answers ahead of time. Not so much as to sound rehearsed, but so you don't have to dig to come up with the answer and sound unsure when giving it. Knowing, right off the top of my head, that my weakness is sometimes being absent-minded, but also being able to say that I write things down to make sure I remember to do everything is a good example.

Other than that, just try to make sure you get a good night's sleep the night before, eat something yummy that won't upset your tummy the day of, and go in with confidence and a smile. :) Good luck!

[Bright_Star]

#1. Dress to impress
#2. Bring along a copy of your resume & references
#3. Arrive early
#4. TRY not toi be nervous

[Evil Queen]

I can't remember, but if you're a girl wear tasteful make up. Earthy tones and not a lot.

Mild smelling perfume or cologne if you wear it. (old spice is a popular favourite and tasteful.)

Be polite, say your thank yous and pleases. You'll have to get through a background and security clearance if you're going to work for a bank but don't be nervous about it.

Take several deeps breaths if you need to.

[myswtghst]

Ah! That reminded me - say thank you when you leave, and if you can, send a follow up note/email saying thank you for the opportunity. :) Not only is it a reminder of how great you are, but it is also an opportunity to demonstrate good written communication skills.

[Nashida]

Thanks for the tips thus far, guys. Appreciate it lots.

When I applied there, I had to send them a resume first through email ( the job was posted on their site). When I got the call back, not only did she tell me she still wanted me but she emailed me an application I could download and print to fill out and take with me to the interview.

What's going to be odd is Human Resources is a building by itself, and she sent me directions to HR rather than a specific bank. I'm wondering if HR is linked to the whole (small) chain?

Wearing makeup will be rather odd, as I've never worn anything more than foundation to cover up a blemish. I might just stick with that instead of going over the top.

I think what's going to help most is I'm double-majoring in Spanish in college right now, and have 8+ years of language study under my belt (since middle school). I've noticed most of the places I've applied to are looking for bilinguals, so that just might give me the push I need.

[crazylegs]

Tips,

Firm handshake good, Broken fingers bad
Don't wear too much jewelry (wedding/engagement/eternity ring 1 pair earings, small necklace Max)
If you wear perfume, two sprits, MAXIMUM
Don't be late
Don't be too early
Don't take carrier bags with you (I've seen it happen)

I know its all painfully obvious stuff but I've seen/felt violations to ALL of the above.

Good Luck

[Evil Queen]

What's going to be odd is Human Resources is a building by itself, and she sent me directions to HR rather than a specific bank. I'm wondering if HR is linked to the whole (small) chain?
They might be running you through background and security checks there.

[Gurndigarn]

Wearing makeup will be rather odd, as I've never worn anything more than foundation to cover up a blemish. I might just stick with that instead of going over the top.

If you don't need makeup, don't wear it.

[Seshat]

Very light makeup tips:

* go to a makeup counter and get help selecting a lipstick that's almost the same shade as your natural shade; an eyeshadow that's similar to your skin tone but has the subtle colours in it that will bring out your eyes; and a very light foundation that will even out your skin tones and make your skin look healthier.

* apply the foundation with a brush (powder) or a sponge (liquid). Put a small dab on your chin, nose, each cheek and the centre of the forehead, and use the sponge or brush to lightly spread that dab. Spread it around under your jaw as well.
Make sure you brush/sponge just barely into your hairline, and over your ears and jaw and neck. Do those last, once your five dabs have been spread over your face and you're just using the leftovers of your brush.
Make sure you apply foundation to your lips and eyelids, as well.

* Use a lip brush, and paint your lips lightly with the lipstick. Blot some of it off with a tissue. Apply another coat, blot, apply a third coat. (This is like painting a wall: you do several light coats.)
Blot once more, then wrap a finger in the tissue, stick your finger in your pursed mouth (like you're about to suck on a straw) and pull it out. That will keep you from getting lipstick on your teeth.

* Using an eyeshadow sponge, brush, or (if you prefer) your finger, apply eyeshadow over the part of your eyelid that actually covers your eye.

A classic use of multi-shade eyeshadow:
Apply the lightest shadow over the whole 'eyeshadow' area: under the eyebrow and above the eye.
Apply the middle shade to the eyelid itself.
If you have three shades and the european-type eyelid, apply the darkest shade in a very thin line along the crease of the eyelid.

A trick I use sometimes:
I get a very thin brush and the darkest of the eyeshadow shades I'm using. I wet the brush lightly, and then use the wet brush to pick up some of the eyeshadow. I then use that as eyeliner - drawing it just above the eyelash line, at only the thickness of the brush. This makes sure the eyeliner goes well with the eyeshadow I'm using.
I use this instead of mascara. It has a similar effect, and is much cheaper. (Mascara should be thrown out every three months for health/safety reasons, and I NEVER use that much!)

[RoLleRKoaSTeR]

Do some research on the company that you are going to be working for.

Ask questions at the end.


If they are doing a "round-robin" type of interview, make eye contact with each one, not just one person.