Job interview Qs

laurenclaire1386 · December 2010

I've spent my morning overthinking this job interview. I'm not worried about actually speaking to the interviewer, I'm good at that. I'm worried about what I look like.

1. I have long hair, about 4 inches past my shoulders. I'm thinking I should wear it in a low bun? Other suggestions?
2. My recruiter told me to wear a suit, which I don't own. What I do have, however, is a pair of black slacks and a black blazer that were bought seperately but are the same material and the same shade of black. That ok? White button down underneath.

Can ya tell I'm a little nervous?

opalsky007 · December 2010

1. I think that sounds good. It's fine to wear it down too, as long as it's neat. but it'll look more polished pulled back, and you won't fidget with it (like I tend to do!)
2. That sounds fine.

shoegal715 · December 2010

What type of job are you going for? I ask because over the summer I did tons of interviews with law firms, and I invested in a nice suit. But maybe if you're going for a less formal industry, it won't matter.

I would wear your hair in a low bun if I were you. That sounds like a nice look.

Just relax. The worst thing you can do in a interview is show you're nervous. Be confident, keep telling yourself in your head that you're awesome, and be prepared to talk about anything on your resume. Know your resume inside and out.

Let me know if you need any help with potential questions / questions to ask them (I think you should always ask them questions.)

GOOD LUCK!

laurenclaire1386 · December 2010

The interview is at a law firm, actually. I worked in a law firm for the past year, but it was the most unorthodox law firm on the planet, so I never had to invest in any business attire. Our clients were all oot, and we conducted everything by phone or email, so my bosses never cared what we wore. After I do get some income, however, a suit is on the top of the list.

And some suggestions for questions to ask them would be great. I'm not desperate for a job, but I would like to be employed ASAP and just about anything is a step up from my last job. But I don't want that to come through in the interview.

aegrish · December 2010

1. doenst have to be a bun, but I think it always looks 'cleaner' if it's pulled back, plus it prevents you from playing with it.
2. a blazer with pants/shoes that match is fine, even if it's not a complete 'suit'.

* i did both for my job interview and it worked!!

NatandIsaac · December 2010

I safely own the title of worst interviewer in the world.

Typical question: why are the best candidate for this job?

Typical answer: well, I don't know about the best, but you could certainly do a lot worse than me.

Anyways, low bun and matching separates sounds very professional, and nobody would notice that it is not and actual suit.

shoegal715 · December 2010

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_job-interview-qs?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:e1c1ebf0-19d2-48dd-87df-2d0865e1a39cPost:bedd2220-a40e-4695-9a1b-461176bd2b38">Re: Job interview Qs</a>:
[QUOTE]The interview is at a law firm, actually. I worked in a law firm for the past year, <strong>but it was the most unorthodox law firm on the planet, so I never had to invest in any business attire.</strong> Our clients were all oot, and we conducted everything by phone or email, so my bosses never cared what we wore. After I do get some income, however, a suit is on the top of the list. And some suggestions for questions to ask them would be great. I'm not desperate for a job, but I would like to be employed ASAP and just about anything is a step up from my last job. But I don't want that to come through in the interview.
Posted by laurenclaire1386[/QUOTE]

<div>Your outfit sounds great then. </div><div>
</div><div>I've asked: </div><div>1. How do you manage success in your employees? </div><div>2. Do you have any in-house training / educational seminars. Do you allow your employees to attend educational seminars? </div><div>3. What type of personality would excel at this firm? </div><div>4. What's your favourite thing about working here? </div><div>5. How much opportunity for growth is there at this firm? </div><div>6. Are there any mentorship opportunities? </div><div>
</div><div>I've been asked (among the other standard questions):</div><div>1. Woah. What happened to your mark in constitutional? Why is it so low compared to your other marks? </div><div>2. What's your biggest regret in life? </div><div>3. Tell me about yourself. </div><div>4. Why do you want to work here in X law field, when you did Y law field last year. </div><div>5. Why did you chose X school? How did you like it? </div><div>6. What's your biggest weakness? </div><div>7. Tell me about your experience at job X. Why did you leave? </div><div>8. What do you know about our firm? </div><div>9. How can you benefit the firm directly? Name something specific. </div><div>10. Why should we hire you, when the person before you had more experience and better marks? </div>

FutureMrsTR · December 2010

I like TJ's question of "Is there anything in my resume or in this interview that makes you think I wouldn't be right for this job?"

I would also ask about possible growth and upward movement if that's something you're at all interested in.

laurenclaire1386 · December 2010

Shoegal, those are some scary ass questions you were asked. Luckily, I'm not a lawyer, so I definitely won't be asked about my grades in law school.

shoegal715 · December 2010

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_job-interview-qs?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:e1c1ebf0-19d2-48dd-87df-2d0865e1a39cPost:32e90bea-2ead-4751-bb02-22fa9c96ac7c">Re: Job interview Qs</a>:
[QUOTE]I like TJ's question of "Is there anything in my resume or in this interview that makes you think I wouldn't be right for this job?" I would also ask about possible growth and upward movement if that's something you're at all interested in.
Posted by FutureMrsTR[/QUOTE]

<div>I don't like that question. It's one thing if the interviewer brings up something negative, and you can refute it, but I don't think the interviewee should be directing the interviewer to look for something negative. </div>

laurenclaire1386 · December 2010

I like that question. And it's got a pretty high success rate (or coincidence, can't really be sure) for people on E. Assuming there's a second interview, I'll probably save that one for the second one.

FutureMrsTR · December 2010

I'd rather prompt them to bring something up so I can talk about it and possibly change their mind than to have them flat out not hire me because of something I could have worked around.

danieliza1127 · December 2010

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_job-interview-qs?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:e1c1ebf0-19d2-48dd-87df-2d0865e1a39cPost:e0e52c88-98c5-4c57-aaa0-e4d99ac5c8a4">Job interview Qs</a>:
[QUOTE]1. I have long hair, about 4 inches past my shoulders. I'm thinking I should wear it in a low bun? Other suggestions? 2. My recruiter told me to wear a suit, which I don't own. What I do have, however, is a pair of black slacks and a black blazer that were bought seperately but are the same material and the same shade of black. That ok?
Posted by laurenclaire1386[/QUOTE]

1. I always pulled my hair up or back when it was long. It looks more professional in my opinion.

2. Sounds like a suit to me!

Be sure you know a lot about the firm and what they do, and maybe even what your position does. Research their company website if you haven't already. Be sure to bring a few copies of your resume, just in case.

shoegal715 · December 2010

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_job-interview-qs?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:e1c1ebf0-19d2-48dd-87df-2d0865e1a39cPost:1cde8886-d148-44e7-8484-d5556f1527cf">Re: Job interview Qs</a>:
[QUOTE]I'd rather prompt them to bring something up so I can talk about it and possibly change their mind than to have them flat out not hire me because of something I could have worked around.
Posted by FutureMrsTR[/QUOTE]

<div>That's a good point. But I was saying that maybe they're not even thinking why you shouldn't be hired, and now after you ask them, they're scanning your resume and actively thinking of why you shouldn't be hired. I would never ask it - seems too risky, but I could see how it could work for other people. </div><div>
</div><div>I guess it all depends on your interviewer - completely subjective. You never know how they're going to view that question. </div><div>
</div><div>I hate interviewing. What one interviewer eats up, the other hates. </div><div>Example: in the same day, I had an interviewer mention that they like it when the candidate seems interested, and the interviewer always expects a follow up thank you after the interview.</div><div>A few hours later, I had another interviewer tell me he basically side-eyes those e-mails because it makes the interviewee look like a kiss-ass and semi-desperate. </div>

laurenclaire1386 · December 2010

Dani, I've been searching since last night for info on this firm. They have no web presence at all, so I haven't found anything. No website, hasn't come up on any searches I've done. I feel woefully ignorant of the firm, but in my defense, the recruiter has kept any info on the firm, other than what the position I'm interviewing for entails, to herself. I'm armed with three copies of my resume, though.

georgia_bride09 · December 2010

I HATE interviews. Ugh. I'm nervous FOR you!! Just remember to sit up straight and maintain eye contact. I tend to let my eyes stray, which isn't good.

Shoegal's questions for the employer are good. I can't think of anything else.

Good luck!!!

danieliza1127 · December 2010

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_job-interview-qs?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:e1c1ebf0-19d2-48dd-87df-2d0865e1a39cPost:40d4b8f8-e60c-4700-a5b9-39c77a775c1f">Re: Job interview Qs</a>:
[QUOTE]Dani, I've been searching since last night for info on this firm. They have no web presence at all, so I haven't found anything. No website, hasn't come up on any searches I've done. I feel woefully ignorant of the firm, but in my defense, the recruiter has kept any info on the firm, other than what the position I'm interviewing for entails, to herself. I'm armed with three copies of my resume, though.
Posted by laurenclaire1386[/QUOTE]

Oh really? That's strange! Well, if they ask "so do you know anything about our firm?" you can say some mumbo jumbo about having tried to research them and the recruiter not giving you the information, to at least show you made an effort. Maybe they don't expect you to know anything if you're using a recruiter.

laurenclaire1386 · December 2010

Thanks GA! I'm nervous as all get out. The last interview I had consisted of my former boss buying me a bunch of drinks then offering me a job. I've never been to an interview at a law firm, so this is uncharted territory for me.

mica178 · December 2010

I'm with shoegal. I'd prefer not to invite my interviewer to look for weaknesses in my CV. Then again, I'm perfect for each and every job that I've ever considered.

I'm a firm believer that all professional women need at least one basic black suit, but if you don't have time to get one before your interview(s), the outfit you described sounds fine. If you do end up applying at more "typical" law firms, I think many lawyers expect (and recognize) proper suits during interviews. Neat hair is important, so wear yours in a way that you won't fidget or fuss over.

Good luck!

laurenclaire1386 · December 2010

That's what I'm hoping for: they don't expect me to know anything because the recruiter is tight lipped and they asked her to be that way.

laurenclaire1386 · December 2010

Ok, I'm off to get dressed and go. Thanks for the advice everybody! I'll let y'all know how it goes.

shoegal715 · December 2010

GOOD LUCK! I'm sure you'll rock it.

danieliza1127 · December 2010

LC, I usually go in prepared with my answers to the typical questions like your strengths and weaknesses, your experience with whatever it is this job specializes in or does.

Pick weaknesses that you can parlay into strengths. Like I say that I'm a procrastinator but knowing that about myself makes me be very organized so that I stay on track am always working toward my deadlines/goals/whatever. Or I say that I'm outspoken/blunt as a weakness but say how this is also a benefit because I can speak up for myself and my co-workers when the situation warrants. Stuff like that.

You're a paralegal right? You might think up some specific examples like a time when you had to work with a difficult or demanding attorney and how you handled that, or a time when you were under a firm deadline and how you handled that, or a time when you had to work late or overtime and how you were willing and able to do that, etc. I've had questions like that before in interviews and it helps to think up your stories ahead of time instead of trying to rack your brain in the interview while you're nervous.

shoegal715 · December 2010

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_job-interview-qs?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:e1c1ebf0-19d2-48dd-87df-2d0865e1a39cPost:7e8cd0f2-673c-45a0-8ad4-1ecccc18d137">Re: Job interview Qs</a>:
[QUOTE]LC, I usually go in prepared with my answers to the typical questions like your strengths and weaknesses, your experience with whatever it is this job specializes in or does. Pick weaknesses that you can parlay into strengths. Like I say that I'm a <strong>procrastinator</strong> but knowing that about myself makes me be very organized so that I stay on track am always working toward my deadlines/goals/whatever. Or I say that I'm <strong>outspoken/blunt</strong> as a weakness but say how this is also a benefit because I can speak up for myself and my co-workers when the situation warrants. Stuff like that. You're a paralegal right? You might think up some specific examples like a time when you had to work with a difficult or demanding attorney and how you handled that, or a time when you were under a firm deadline and how you handled that, or a time when you had to work late or overtime and how you were willing and able to do that, etc. I've had questions like that before in interviews and it helps to think up your stories ahead of time instead of trying to rack your brain in the interview while you're nervous.
Posted by danieliza1127[/QUOTE]

<div>While I think it's important and realistic to recognize your weaknesses, I would never use those adjectives in an interview. I think there's much more effective ways to convey the same message, without describing yourself like that. No one wants to work with a procrastinator or someone who's blunt or outspoken. </div>

danieliza1127 · December 2010

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_job-interview-qs?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:e1c1ebf0-19d2-48dd-87df-2d0865e1a39cPost:a34b8fc8-e1cf-481a-8b34-cf1d3702b86f">Re: Job interview Qs</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Job interview Qs : While I think it's important and realistic to recognize your weaknesses, I would never use those adjectives in an interview. I think there's much more effective ways to convey the same message, without describing yourself like that. No one wants to work with a procrastinator or someone who's blunt or outspoken.
Posted by shoegal715[/QUOTE]

Well I'll agree to disagree with you. I think my honesty at work is definitely a positive, and it hasn't hurt me thus far. I just got a huge promotion 3 months ago.

Snippylynn · December 2010

Shoegal likes to be negative.

ETA: GOOD LUCK MRS!!

shoegal715 · December 2010

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_job-interview-qs?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:e1c1ebf0-19d2-48dd-87df-2d0865e1a39cPost:e703e238-dfa7-43d0-ac4f-c044f5031f5e">Re: Job interview Qs</a>:
[QUOTE]Shoegal likes to be negative. ETA: GOOD LUCK MRS!! :D
Posted by Snippylynn[/QUOTE]

<div>You're just so witty and cool. </div>

FutureMrsTR · December 2010

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_job-interview-qs?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:e1c1ebf0-19d2-48dd-87df-2d0865e1a39cPost:eb75eb15-44b4-481d-95b2-5d93964508e6">Re: Job interview Qs</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Job interview Qs : You're just so witty and cool.
Posted by shoegal715[/QUOTE]

oh SNAP. She told you, Momo.

Snippylynn · December 2010

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_job-interview-qs?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:e1c1ebf0-19d2-48dd-87df-2d0865e1a39cPost:eb75eb15-44b4-481d-95b2-5d93964508e6">Re: Job interview Qs</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Job interview Qs : You're just so witty and cool.
Posted by shoegal715[/QUOTE]

I think you shooting down everyone else's suggestions is annoying as crap.

kikibaby · December 2010

I'd rather someone be honest than use the played-out line of their biggest negative being their perfectionism.

shoegal715 · December 2010

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_job-interview-qs?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:e1c1ebf0-19d2-48dd-87df-2d0865e1a39cPost:66d1497a-62b9-44e7-9f4b-1fcc3131b3f5">Re: Job interview Qs</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Job interview Qs : I think you shooting down everyone else's suggestions is annoying as crap.
Posted by Snippylynn[/QUOTE]

<div>Yes... giving my SUGGESTIONS based on experience is not constructive or insightful - only annoying. </div><div>
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Job interview Qs

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