Shocked meself as after considering I was a write off at the age of 51 been self employed for the last 20 years and filled in loads of job apps never to hear anything again but filled one in yesterday and I have bagged an interview with Sainsburys for a job .
Anyone on here work for them? , whats it like ?, theres a DVD with questions afterwards, any pointers ? Not had a job interview in more years than I care to mention so any hints or tips would be much appreciated.
Yes I am panicking somewhat ands it not till wedsnesday so will be a nervous wreck by then
Last edited by nigelr2000 on Wed Nov 11, 2009 10:36 am, edited 2 times in total.
Not sure, as am in a different country, but lots of interviews have the same types of questions:
Give me an example of a conflict, and how you dealt with it.
How do you deal with stress?
And the best advice is be yourself When I have been the interviewer, the two things I want to know is: Can the person do the job, and will they fit within the team.
A good friend of mine used ot work as a highly trained engineer with BT. Took voluntary redundancy, and now works part time for Sainsbury's. He's fitter, more relaxed, less stressed, and happier than ever before. Of course, there are still idiots in charge, and stupid decisions, but he lets it all wash over his head and just enjoys doing his job.
Whatever job you're going for, look smart for the interview - that doesn't mean a 3 piece suit, just that you should be presentable.
My experience of going for jobs in recent years has been quite and eye-opener.
The whole procedure has changed since my youth (I'm 53). It's all.............somewhere between ridiculous, stupid and funny, to me.
Here's an example. I went, in 2005ish, for a job with a major high-street retailer's home delivery service.
There was a two-day training course in safety, and how to lift washing machines properly. Excellent!
But my spirits drooped when a manager introduced me to.....not your 'manager', or 'foreman', but............"Your Helping Hand"!
Maybe it's my northern roots or just me being me, but I couldn't take anything seriously after that, so I went home.
So, go along expecting professional personnel people to talk as if they're from another planet. But you might be lucky and be talking to normal folk................
When I have been the interviewer I am looking for smart, polite, knowledgeable folk who can demonstrate they know the job and have a track record of employment.
Having said that don't forget you are interviewing them as well. I have left 1 or 2 interviews thinking that I wouldn't want to work with them in a million years. I does however depend on how keen you are on getting the work and also it seems to be easier to get interviews for jobs if you are already in employment.
Hmm - " I am looking for smart, polite, knowledgeable folk who can demonstrate they know the job " - welll - not like any of the lot in our local Sainsburys then !
Dont forget to mention you are flexible with what you can undertake and what hours you can work, also there is often a water jug and glass at interviews when offered it take some even if you don't feel like it as nerves can often give you a dry throat at interviews.
Cheers
Kevin
Lovejoy 1968 Smoke Grey Traveller (gone to a new home after13 years)
well just a job no thrill in serving customers but it makes money at the end of the day
members of staff are friendly and talk to me when i go in
shes been there for 4-5 years now
and she finds it ok
there is often a water jug and glass at interviews when offered it take some even if you don't feel like it as nerves can often give you a dry throat at interviews.
The alternative view is not to touch it as chances are if you are that nervous you'll spill it over the table or yourself Good luck with the interview and use examples of what you have done in your previous employment to demonstrate the competencies given in the job specification. For example, if you had a lot of contact with members of the public, dealt with cash, managed your own workload and worked unsupervised whilst self-employed make sure that you give some examples as they are all marketable skills.
Well had the interview and will know sometime between friday and monday. Bloody weird had a DVD with questions ( you have to be a moron to get them wrong bit like the GMTV quiz!) to be answered and very little of actual interview.
Thank you for attending the recent assessment for the position of Petrol
Customer Service Asst.
While you demonstrated some of the skills we’re looking for, there were other
candidates who were a closer match for the role. Therefore, we regret to inform
you that we won’t be progressing your application any further on this occasion.
5 CSE's 4 O levels, 5 C&G's and years of varied experience seems isn't enough to sell someone petrol and ask them if they have a nectar card !!!!!!!! off to be thoroughly depressed now and look forward to a skint christmas
if there are any marriott hotels near you, i reccomend you giving them a try in the resturaunt department, just got myself a job working as a food&beverage associate (waitress) in conferences and banqueting. 6.42 an hour :3 sometimes long shifts though, they'll start at 6 and can go on until the early hours.
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When I have been the interviewer, the two things I want to know is: Can the person do the job, and will they fit within the team.
Good luck with the interview and use examples of what you have done in your previous employment to demonstrate the competencies given in the job specification. For example, if you had a lot of contact with members of the public, dealt with cash, managed your own workload and worked unsupervised whilst self-employed make sure that you give some examples as they are all marketable skills.
