Big Interview tomorrow - any advice appreciated.

[mjb2124]

Re: Big Interview tomorrow - any advice appreciated.

OK.

The interview went well. I hesitate a little to write exactly what it was for, but it's a mobile producer position for local sports. Depending on where you're from it may either sound cool or like a joke. Our shoots are usually 6-7 camera's with 3 on-air personalities. Full replays - really it's just like many pro shoots but the games/teams/players and venues's are not at pro level. Some are semi-pro or farm team's in some cases. they are either live, or live to tape all in HD.

So onto the interview (with station manager)...

It was just over an hour which was a bit surprising to me, but only after I realized that since it was constant and relentless. I was expecting 30min 45min tops.

I got some standard questions such as strengths and the weakness one. The weakness one I used the "can't say no to people, but from time to time I try to remember to schedule to make saying no easier...blah blah."

I was offered a chance to ask my own questions at the end, but since I had sprinkled 2 or 3 important questions throughout, I said "let me look" pulled out my paper notepad (since you should have that and a pen) and looked at my list, and there was only one left so I asked that one.

I do have a sense of humour and found a couple of spots to work it in and show who I am a little bit. For example I got the question "when would you be able to start?"

and I said:

"well... ...I have a dental appointment tomorrow, so it would have to be after that"

I wish I could change some answers a little, but that will always be the case. For example they said "what's been your biggest challenge in the industry"
I said "having trouble networking" (true but bad answer), but I added to that, that it's because I don't like asking for help, especially when I can't offer something in return, and also said I'm working on it and getting advice from mentors. --- so in essence this was a 2nd weakness question, but one that was industry specific, so I had to have SOME answer.

One question I really nailed was me being asked how I could deal with all the stress, and they went on a tirade of examples - bad camera men, complaining managers, permit trouble blah blah blah...just on and on making it seem like a nightmare and when they were finally done I looked at them in the eyes and said... "bring it on. That's why I'm here today and I've got something to prove." and something like "if it was easy and I didn't have to do anything I wouldn't respect the position"


so we'll see. I find out Thursday. Even if I don't get it I've heard some feedback and it was all good. words like 'he's great' and 'impressive'. So as down as I can get for not being able to find work, and not having many interviews at all - I"m proud that my self-belief has not steered me wrong and that I can handle the pressure.

I'm going to write down a couple questions I didn't expect, because they made total sense, but I didn't anticipate them - so I'll be more prepared in the future if I don't get this.

Thanks for all the tips guys...and yeah, I should have structured the thread to not be all about me because many guys can benefit from it.

Congrats...it sounds good. Just remember that interviewing is like anything else in life...the more you do it, the better you get at it. I laugh at some of the horrible answers I gave when I first graduated from college. So don't obsess too much about the answers you gave that you didn't like. Just use it as a learning tool for future interviews (even if you do land this job).

Eventually once you have enough experience in your industry and have a lot of interviews under your belt, you'll start interviewing the company instead of the other way around. Walking into an interview and thinking "They need me way more than I need them" is a pretty powerful thing. You can relax and basically make the company sell themselves to you.

[youvalss]

Re: Big Interview tomorrow - any advice appreciated.

Better get rid of the horrible answers while you're still young...

Hope you get the job, good luck! Just remember one thing: Every "No" gets you one step closer to a "Yes".

[youvalss]

Re: Big Interview tomorrow - any advice appreciated.

Interesting article...

http://ca.finance.yahoo.com/personal-finance/article/yfinance/1673/21-things-hiring-managers-wish-you-knew

[VanCitySportsGuy]

Re: Big Interview tomorrow - any advice appreciated.

The question "What is your biggest weakness" is one of the dumbest questions a person can ask.

Let's say you're a lazy person who likes to surf the web a lot during work hours (.... of course I'm not talking about myself.....) there's no way you would want to reveal this to the interviewer. The person being interviewed is basically forced to give out a BS cliche answer like "I work too hard, I care too much, etc...." where you aren't even answering the original question.

[SoxFan01605]

Re: Big Interview tomorrow - any advice appreciated.

The question "What is your biggest weakness" is one of the dumbest questions a person can ask.

Let's say you're a lazy person who likes to surf the web a lot during work hours (.... of course I'm not talking about myself.....) there's no way you would want to reveal this to the interviewer. The person being interviewed is basically forced to give out a BS cliche answer like "I work too hard, I care too much, etc...." where you aren't even answering the original question.

Yeah, it can be, but in a lot of cases, an interviewer is generally more interested in the actual thought put in an answer to that than the answer itself. "I care too much" or any of the cliched answers is actually a hit against you in many cases, as it doesn't show much self-awareness.

They ask that to see if you can self-evaluate, because being able to recognize your own skills makes you more likely to respond well to training/feedback and attempt to grow as an employee. So actually an honest answer (while obviously sidestepping blatant negatives like laziness) to that type of question works well.

Just don't say something like you're obsessive-compulsive to the point of distraction about a neat workspace and show up in a trashed car...lol (I've seen that happen...and yes, some places will scout your ride and arrival)

Anyway, to the OP...sounds like you did fine. I hope it all works out for you!

[VanCitySportsGuy]

Re: Big Interview tomorrow - any advice appreciated.

So actually an honest answer (while obviously sidestepping blatant negatives like laziness) to that type of question works well.

How is it an honest answer if you're sidestepping than? lol

There isn't a really good answer to that question. You're either going to say something that makes you look bad by pointing out a flaw or you're going to avoid directly answering the question and spew out cliches.

[ProjectRipCity]

Re: Big Interview tomorrow - any advice appreciated.

The question "What is your biggest weakness" is one of the dumbest questions a person can ask.

Let's say you're a lazy person who likes to surf the web a lot during work hours (.... of course I'm not talking about myself.....) there's no way you would want to reveal this to the interviewer. The person being interviewed is basically forced to give out a BS cliche answer like "I work too hard, I care too much, etc...." where you aren't even answering the original question.

That's what I try not to say.

I usually say "My biggest weakness is my fear to fail...I want to be the best employee as I can...But it will take a few days for me to adjust to get comfortable with my situation. Sometimes you have to ease into things in your own way to be most productive."

Or something around those lines. It's a bit difficult to answer, but I try to be honest. Don't admit something you have that you will always have with the company. Say something that is temporary that you will get over in a matter of days. So it looks like you are not bs'ing with them but it also makes it look like you will be good to go ASAP.

I've said that in 5 of 6 of my interviews...They seem to be impressed....I got the job 4/5 of the time.

[SoxFan01605]

Re: Big Interview tomorrow - any advice appreciated.

How is it an honest answer if you're sidestepping than? lol

There isn't a really good answer to that question. You're either going to say something that makes you look bad by pointing out a flaw or you're going to avoid directly answering the question and spew out cliches.

I can pretty much promise that most people have more than one weakness (and if someone's lazy, they likely have others that shine through too). They aren't asking why they shouldn't hire you, they are asking you to self-evaluate. It's a difficult task, I agree...but certainly not useless.

Cliches like "I care too much" etc, aren't the only way to sidestep those questions (and, as I said, are often worse). One can say something to the effect of "I sometimes struggle with motivation if I don't feel challenged or attached to a project..." (Not saying that's the best phrasing, but just a quick example). It vaguely addresses the issue, but also subtly hints potential for improvement and often begs a follow up in which a person can squeeze another positive out.

Yes, it's spin...lol..but it is still honest (you don't have to disclose everything to avoid dishonesty) and shows a bit of thoughtfulness. You can also focus on negatives that can be countered or nullified by the positives you intend to/already did discuss (i.e. a bit of aggressiveness is more tolerable if it is out of passion for your work).

The point is that the very reason you think it's a crap question, is exactly why it can often be a very good question IMO.

Edit: the example by ProjectRipCity can work too (at least in premise..."fear to fail" is probably still hovering in that cliche range, but the rest can definitely work)...the idea is thoughtful spin. Also, I'm not saying there is a "right" answer. The idea is to just show some believable self-awareness.

Plus, laziness might be a bad example, as a lazy person will not likely be interviewing for the type of job where such an answer will matter all that much anyway...lol.

[Scottdau]

Re: Big Interview tomorrow - any advice appreciated.

How is it an honest answer if you're sidestepping than? lol

There isn't a really good answer to that question. You're either going to say something that makes you look bad by pointing out a flaw or you're going to avoid directly answering the question and spew out cliches.

It is how you deliverer it. I used that one a lot and always made it seem legit. You have to learn how to act when you do interviews. Your job is to know what they want to hear and make it seem like it is sincere.

[Graphik]

Re: Big Interview tomorrow - any advice appreciated.

BTW, I've learned that employers look at peoples facebooks and the like while considering a hire. So those half naked cell phone shots in the mirror are a no-no. As well as your page looking like you work for Howard Stern with obscene or negative language.

[Scottdau]

Re: Big Interview tomorrow - any advice appreciated.

BTW, I've learned that employers look at peoples facebooks and the like while considering a hire. So those half naked cell phone shots in the mirror are a no-no. As well as your page looking like you work for Howard Stern with obscene or negative language.

So true, that and myspace. So make sure it is private to everyone, but your friends.

[Graphik]

Re: Big Interview tomorrow - any advice appreciated.

That's what I try not to say.

I usually say "My biggest weakness is my fear to fail...I want to be the best employee as I can...But it will take a few days for me to adjust to get comfortable with my situation. Sometimes you have to ease into things in your own way to be most productive."

Or something around those lines. It's a bit difficult to answer, but I try to be honest. Don't admit something you have that you will always have with the company. Say something that is temporary that you will get over in a matter of days. So it looks like you are not bs'ing with them but it also makes it look like you will be good to go ASAP.

I've said that in 5 of 6 of my interviews...They seem to be impressed....I got the job 4/5 of the time.

I absolutely hate the "weakness and strenghts" question.

Actual Responses to weaknesses:

Worst: "I dont like to talk on the phone".
"I'm timid when it comes to offering input while problem solving"
"uhhh.....I dont think I have any weaknesses"
"I sometimes bring my personal problems to work and it affects
my work performance"



Best: "I put forth to much efford on a project and have a tendency to refuse help even when I know I need it"



As you can see, those worst responses didn't get me the job. It sucks that a perfect interview can be ruined by that single question. I think its BS that interviewers ask that question to begin with but someone already brought up a good point in why they ask it. I personally hate it cause I'm not good at evaluating my work performance. Only way you can know a weakness is if a manager, old boss or co-worker points out flaws but would if no one ever gave you a worthwhile, meaningful weakness for you to work on. As long as I've been working, the only time I've had to be told something I need to change is for comunication and tardiness in my history of employment. Both of which is something you might want to neglect revealing at an interview.

[allBthere]

Re: Big Interview tomorrow - any advice appreciated.

update:

someone who works there told me he thinks I have the job...but I also talked to the head guy and he said he'll let me know mid-late next week.

There is also a third party that slightly tried to sabotage me.

effing politics man.... do not **** with me when it comes to making a living. If this guy ruined it for me I am going to make a big stink about it.

[GAMEC0CK2002]

Re: Big Interview tomorrow - any advice appreciated.

How is it an honest answer if you're sidestepping than? lol

There isn't a really good answer to that question. You're either going to say something that makes you look bad by pointing out a flaw or you're going to avoid directly answering the question and spew out cliches.

The key is you always say something minor and say that you continue to work on it. And mention what you've done recently to work on it.

[TracerBullet]

Re: Big Interview tomorrow - any advice appreciated.

How is it an honest answer if you're sidestepping than? lol

There isn't a really good answer to that question. You're either going to say something that makes you look bad by pointing out a flaw or you're going to avoid directly answering the question and spew out cliches.

Well I can be lazy (not at work though on average), nbut I just tell them I'f a friendly person but shy. I never go into detail about how shy I am though. But its actually true statement. Probably not the worst thing about me though as I can talk to people if I have to.