I have a job interview tomorrow.
... and I'm close to crapping my pants. Jeez. I've been unemployed for a little while now (way too long for my liking), and now, I've stumbled into this position they have at the "Centre for Text Edition and Source-Study" (part of the Institution for Dutch literature, or something, whatever,...). So the position would be 6 months of research to make a reader's edition of the literary-critical essays a Belgian author (Ivo Michiels) wrote between 1947 and 1958. Sounds REALLY interesting right 
? Anyway, I can actually imagine myself liking this job. If anything, it'll get me going on that PhD I've always coveted. And it'll stop my being unemployed in these trying times.
So, thinking about the position, I'm already getting my hopes up. Then I'm thinking I won't be good enough. My knowledge of the literary landscape, and the author won't be enough... I'll do something, anything that'll tilt the balance in favor of those supergeeks who've done nothing else but this kind of work all their lives.
I am SO nervous (yes, you read that right: exactly how a 16 year old girl would pronounce that, describing her emotions at first dating some quarterback).
Anyway, anybody have some last minute tips for me, the man behind the Kopf? I'm not exactly a seasoned interviewee... Some helpful stuff that'll land me this job for sure? Even though some other candidate might be more knowledgeable on the topic? Anybody have some words of motivation? Just wishing me plain ole' good luck?
? Anyway, I can actually imagine myself liking this job. If anything, it'll get me going on that PhD I've always coveted. And it'll stop my being unemployed in these trying times.So, thinking about the position, I'm already getting my hopes up. Then I'm thinking I won't be good enough. My knowledge of the literary landscape, and the author won't be enough... I'll do something, anything that'll tilt the balance in favor of those supergeeks who've done nothing else but this kind of work all their lives.
I am SO nervous (yes, you read that right: exactly how a 16 year old girl would pronounce that, describing her emotions at first dating some quarterback).
Anyway, anybody have some last minute tips for me, the man behind the Kopf? I'm not exactly a seasoned interviewee... Some helpful stuff that'll land me this job for sure? Even though some other candidate might be more knowledgeable on the topic? Anybody have some words of motivation? Just wishing me plain ole' good luck?
Comments
On the other hand my advices never seems to get people anywhere.
Good luck. mI´ll place my lucky pants and shirt in the south-south-west direction tomorrow (they work!)
Get a good nights sleep, have a proper breakfast, make sure you know exactly where you're going and how you're going to get there and leave plenty of time for contingencies. (You never know when some damn hippies are going to start protesting about something or other.)
Other than that, try to relax and good luck!
Bring a couple of copies of your CV with you in an envelope or folder...
Make sure to turn off your phone (if you have one) before going in...
Be extra polite (wait for the interviewer(s) to ask you to enter the room, sit down, etc)...
Sit straight up in the chair, hands visible (folded is good) and look the interviewer(s) in the eye...
Have an anecdote or two prepared in your head in case they ask you about previous work environment experiences (dealing with difficult deadlines / asshole bosses / annoying or lazy coworkers). Keep the anecdote innocuous and don't give out about anyone...this is all to demonstrate how well adjusted you are in the workplace...
Also prepare an example of how you approached a similar (or as approximate as possible) research task in the past. Be prepared to talk how you structured the research and planned out the reporting?
Hope that they don't ask you to list your strengths or weaknesses, because there is no way to give an answer to these questions that doesn't sound rehearsed...
Rehearse answers to potential ?strengths or weaknesses? questions just in case...
Wait until after the interview to drink the vodka
Good luck!
Originally posted by kneelbeforezod
Even if the place has a casual dress code, wear a suit or shirt / tie type of outfit...
....
Yea I don't know about that. I went to a wedding in Holand and no one there wore a suit and tie. 'cept me. I took the tie off.
(btw, check your e-mail)
1. If the person who's interviewing is a woman, comment on her breasts. She'll appreciate your playful thoughtfulness. You'll be a shoo-in.
2. Use big words and lower your voice 1-2 octaves. Try to fit in "gravitas" and "paradigm" at least twice each.
3. Be sure to ask permission before you light up. She'll appreciate the gesture.
4. Ask about the company picnic, right up front: where, when, etc. Is it BYOB? Any chance of getting laid by someone from the receptionist pool?
5. Comb your hair forward. The Caesar look sells. It shows your serious about life and your work.
6. When talking, close your eyes and grimace a lot, as though you're searching for the perfect words. This shows your a deep thinker who puts thought and effort into his words. That goes a LONG way.
7. If you've got tattoos, by all means offer to show them. It indicates "permanence" and "dedication". Employers look for that. If you have a pierced scrotum, that's even better! Just pick a suitable time in the interview to bring it up. Nothing more embarrassing than displaying your nut jewelry too soon off the bat. Settle into a nice, relaxed groove for 3 or 4 minutes.
8. Wink occasionally. If it's a guy, then don't. Just cock your head some and go "yeahhhh...you got that right".
der Kopf, I wish you well on your interview, man. Use some (or all) of the above and the world is your oyster.
Originally posted by pscates
Some tips:
Now that does alleviate a lot of tension. I haven't laughed like this in a while.
And now get to bed!
Originally posted by der Kopf
Now that does alleviate a lot of tension. I haven't laughed like this in a while.
Check your PMs for a little bit of interview empathy...
Originally posted by pscates
Some tips:
...
4. Ask about the company picnic, right up front: where, when, etc. Is it BYOB? Any chance of getting laid by someone from the receptionist pool?
7. If you've got tattoos, by all means offer to show them. It indicates "permanence" and "dedication". Employers look for that. If you have a pierced scrotum, that's even better! Just pick a suitable time in the interview to bring it up. Nothing more embarrassing than displaying your nut jewelry too soon off the bat. Settle into a nice, relaxed groove for 3 or 4 minutes.
THAT was some funny shi-ot.
Seriously Kopf, my advice is to NOT try and remember everything just right. If you have common sense and tell yourself you're right for the job (don't think you've done that yet), you'll have the poise and confidence required to interview well.
And remember: that nimrod sitting across the desk from you farts after a chili dinner just like everyone else. They're only human so don't assign more respect to them than they might deserve. Just be courteous, answer the questions calmly, ask about the breasts like Scates said and you'll be golden.
Originally posted by Moogs
Seriously Kopf, my advice is to NOT try and remember everything just right. If you have common sense and tell yourself you're right for the job (don't think you've done that yet), you'll have the poise and confidence required to interview well.
You're right. I used to handle oral exams quite well, wasn't too nervous or nothing. Now's the same, with the exception that this job... I quite like the thought of having it. And the odds are slightly different... in an exam, I used to know I was going to pass, cause I knew the stuff. Now, even though I may know the stuff, there's still others...
I'm off to bed.
-Moogs