Interview question: How do you answer ...
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From: Star Trekking Across The Universe
Interview question: How do you answer ...
OK, so I had my first Flight Attendant interview for quite some time after leaving the industry a couple of years ago ...
The interview today went very well ... except for the enevitable question; "what can you offer us that no-one else can?". Of course having had experience with F/A interviews in the past I had an awesome, well-rehearsed and very genuine answer planned ... however the (lovely) recruiter threw me for a six, as he asked it just after the interview had wrapped up (i.e. when I was feeling quietly confident and the adrenaline had subsided) ... my well rehearsed genuine answer was no-where to be found in that head of mine
... sadly I drew a complete BLANK ... I think I may have even stuttered! And, I never stutter - lol. I fear I may have committed interview suicide by pulling the biggest no-no in the book; listing a whole bunch of positive adjectives about myself with nothing to back them up. I.e. *cringes* "I am enthusiastic, out-going, hard-working, professional, positive and am a team player. I can work alone or with others *cringes* ... bla bla bla 
". All true facts, but they mean nothing to a recruiter who doesn't know you and sounds utterly shocking compared to my genuine well-rehearsed self-composed answer (that escaped me) ...
I am thoroughly embarrassed ... as the rest of the interview I felt I did well in/on.
So my question is ... what are silly mistakes that you've all made at interviews ... and what do most of you use as your answer to the above question ...
Look forward to hearing your thoughts/stories ...
GKG
The interview today went very well ... except for the enevitable question; "what can you offer us that no-one else can?". Of course having had experience with F/A interviews in the past I had an awesome, well-rehearsed and very genuine answer planned ... however the (lovely) recruiter threw me for a six, as he asked it just after the interview had wrapped up (i.e. when I was feeling quietly confident and the adrenaline had subsided) ... my well rehearsed genuine answer was no-where to be found in that head of mine
... sadly I drew a complete BLANK ... I think I may have even stuttered! And, I never stutter - lol. I fear I may have committed interview suicide by pulling the biggest no-no in the book; listing a whole bunch of positive adjectives about myself with nothing to back them up. I.e. *cringes* "I am enthusiastic, out-going, hard-working, professional, positive and am a team player. I can work alone or with others *cringes* ... bla bla bla ". All true facts, but they mean nothing to a recruiter who doesn't know you and sounds utterly shocking compared to my genuine well-rehearsed self-composed answer (that escaped me) ...I am thoroughly embarrassed ... as the rest of the interview I felt I did well in/on.
So my question is ... what are silly mistakes that you've all made at interviews ... and what do most of you use as your answer to the above question ...
Look forward to hearing your thoughts/stories ...
GKG
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From: Europe
Recruiter asked me if I recent had brain surgery.
Too naive to understand that she was referring to my millimetered hair cut, I looked at her extremely puzzled and said that was in shining good health.
Got the job anyway, with the euphemistic proviso "has too pay more attention to her hairdo". Still not getting the point, I just continued washing it every day and was major surprised when I got called into the office after a few weeks on the line and told to GROW THE ****** HAIR!!
(I never did, fought the company over it and eventually they got bored with harrassing me. 20+ years on, short hair on an FA is no big deal any longer )
KiwiGal, you got the question after the interview so perhaps it was just an afterthought? Anyway, nobody's perfect so don't lose hope!
Too naive to understand that she was referring to my millimetered hair cut, I looked at her extremely puzzled and said that was in shining good health.
Got the job anyway, with the euphemistic proviso "has too pay more attention to her hairdo". Still not getting the point, I just continued washing it every day and was major surprised when I got called into the office after a few weeks on the line and told to GROW THE ****** HAIR!!
(I never did, fought the company over it and eventually they got bored with harrassing me. 20+ years on, short hair on an FA is no big deal any longer
)KiwiGal, you got the question after the interview so perhaps it was just an afterthought? Anyway, nobody's perfect so don't lose hope!
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From: UK
A friend of mine was down to her final part of the interview in the two on one. Im sure at this point she was doing really when the interviewer asked her the simple to answer question "What is it you like most about working with the general public?" her reply? ... "nothing really"!! why oh why she came out with that answer still baffles the both of us to this day. Needless to say she didnt get the job!!
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From: East of Runway 21
GKG, I wouldn't worry about it too much -in fact the opposite. Here's why.
Interviewers asking things after the interview is 'over' is a common ploy to see the 'real you'. If you didn't get thrown or stumble, they'd have to think you were a robot!! So possibly the fact you didn't come out with a well-rehearsed answer working in your favour!!
SOmetimes we don't know it all, and think it's a failure not to have all the answers. But I think they just wanted to see how you deal with the unexpected, also it's possible they were trying to weed out the 'fakes' with that tricky last-minute question!!!
It's like they say on all the posts about pilot interviews... even if the interview is 'over' and it's a 'friendly chat' - treat it like an interview!!!! 
I'm sure there's nothing to worry about.
My most embarrassing interview blunder??? Hmmm... probably the time the strap of my handbag got caught on the chair as I got up and made me do an oh-so-elegant stumble/stack in front of the interviewers!! Cringe City!!!
Interviewers asking things after the interview is 'over' is a common ploy to see the 'real you'. If you didn't get thrown or stumble, they'd have to think you were a robot!! So possibly the fact you didn't come out with a well-rehearsed answer working in your favour!!
SOmetimes we don't know it all, and think it's a failure not to have all the answers. But I think they just wanted to see how you deal with the unexpected, also it's possible they were trying to weed out the 'fakes' with that tricky last-minute question!!!It's like they say on all the posts about pilot interviews... even if the interview is 'over' and it's a 'friendly chat' - treat it like an interview!!!!
I'm sure there's nothing to worry about.
My most embarrassing interview blunder??? Hmmm... probably the time the strap of my handbag got caught on the chair as I got up and made me do an oh-so-elegant stumble/stack in front of the interviewers!! Cringe City!!!
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From: Aberdeen, Scotland
When I went for my interview with British Airways I, like you, had a list of prepared answers that I was ready to reel off as asked. A few spanners were thrown in the proverbial works and I found myself droning on and on and on for what seemed like an eternity.
I left the interview thoroughly negative about my performance, expecting the rejection letter to be in the post the second I left the recruitment office.
I'm going to Vancouver tomorrow.
I left the interview thoroughly negative about my performance, expecting the rejection letter to be in the post the second I left the recruitment office.
I'm going to Vancouver tomorrow.
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From: Star Trekking Across The Universe
Aww, those are all such awesome examples ... I feel a lot better now - thank you .
There was one other small cringe-worthy part where I think I repeated myself and droned on a tad ... lol ... I was thinking to myself *just close your mouth and shut up now* but the words kept flowing out like the proverbial - lol - but then I made a joke about it and the recruiter cracked up - so I am hoping that is a GOOD thing?!
I have my fingers and toes crossed for "the phone call" early this week! If not, I will be very disappointed as they are an awesome airline, but I will move on
.
Sukigirl - that's halarious!!! Poor thing, I hope she ended up getting another job and learnt not to use that answer again - he he.
Eddy & Lusky - that's fantastic! Congratulations!!! And BA? WOW! Awesome work!!
BTW, what is the worst outfit you have seen someone wear to an interview or open day. I know that probably sounds a tad catty as we can't all afford Gucci suits, but what I mean is "completely inappropriate attire".
Mine are as follows:
1) Very tall model waif like (who I later found out was in fact a professional catwalk model) creature turned up to an interview I was at dressed like she'd stepped off the catwalk. Tight black satin mini skirt, towering stilettos, white halter top and a big black vitorian style ornate choker necklace ... awesome outfit if you're going out clubbing ... but not for an F/A interview!!
2) Another time, a very naturally beautiful young woman turned up wearing a bright torquoise knit halter top with a white bra underneath (showing bra straps), and a short Paris Hilton esque mini skirt and shoes that laced up her calf muscles. Now the girl was gorgeous, and lovely, and it was an awesome outfit (sans the bra straps) ... but my goodness was she out of place standing in a room of black suit clad candidates.
3) The most unusual ... a girl in gym gear (i.e. red and yellow racer back Nike tight singlet, black lycra Nike cycling shorts and socks and sneakers). Now, I couldn't quite figure out if she was an athlete and had to run from training to the interview and that is why she was dressed like that ... or for other reasons ... but it was very unusual!! Granted it was a very trendy gym outfit ... but to an airline interview? A little unusual ... I think ...
.There was one other small cringe-worthy part where I think I repeated myself and droned on a tad ... lol ... I was thinking to myself *just close your mouth and shut up now* but the words kept flowing out like the proverbial - lol - but then I made a joke about it and the recruiter cracked up - so I am hoping that is a GOOD thing?!
I have my fingers and toes crossed for "the phone call" early this week! If not, I will be very disappointed as they are an awesome airline, but I will move on
.Sukigirl - that's halarious!!! Poor thing, I hope she ended up getting another job and learnt not to use that answer again - he he.
Eddy & Lusky - that's fantastic! Congratulations!!! And BA? WOW! Awesome work!!
BTW, what is the worst outfit you have seen someone wear to an interview or open day. I know that probably sounds a tad catty as we can't all afford Gucci suits, but what I mean is "completely inappropriate attire".
Mine are as follows:
1) Very tall model waif like (who I later found out was in fact a professional catwalk model) creature turned up to an interview I was at dressed like she'd stepped off the catwalk. Tight black satin mini skirt, towering stilettos, white halter top and a big black vitorian style ornate choker necklace ... awesome outfit if you're going out clubbing ... but not for an F/A interview!!
2) Another time, a very naturally beautiful young woman turned up wearing a bright torquoise knit halter top with a white bra underneath (showing bra straps), and a short Paris Hilton esque mini skirt and shoes that laced up her calf muscles. Now the girl was gorgeous, and lovely, and it was an awesome outfit (sans the bra straps) ... but my goodness was she out of place standing in a room of black suit clad candidates.
3) The most unusual ... a girl in gym gear (i.e. red and yellow racer back Nike tight singlet, black lycra Nike cycling shorts and socks and sneakers). Now, I couldn't quite figure out if she was an athlete and had to run from training to the interview and that is why she was dressed like that ... or for other reasons ... but it was very unusual!! Granted it was a very trendy gym outfit ... but to an airline interview? A little unusual ... I think ...
Last edited by GorgeousKiwiGal; 26th February 2006 at 09:34.
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From: UK
GKG, think my worst sartorial choice for an interview was in my last shot at FA. I'd A) Just moved house, so everything was in bin-bags and it was a question of what I could get at and B) Gained a lot of weight, so none of my standard black-suit options would even go on me... I ended up marching into the mustering-room, head up and shoulders back (the way you do!) dressed like Gypsy Rose Lee, in flowing flowery skirt and flouncy, frilly chiffon blouse, tent-like, over the top... All OK in its way, but probably not fair on the interviewers, specially not at 0830. I grabbed the offered coffee and found a seat... Took in the room... 15 girls half my age, every last one in a neat grey or black trouser-suit.
I didn't get the job.
I didn't get the job.
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From: UK
LOL Honeytruck! I once went to a FA interview and saw this poor girl with the most awful attack of nerves. Her top lip had a life of it's own. She couldnt control it and it kept flicking up and down showing her teeth like a rabbit. I couldnt look up coz all I could see was her flapping top lip. Not a story about interview attire, and not funny but it sticks in my mind.
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From: Star Trekking Across The Universe
Honeytruck - aww you poor thing! That sounds halarious, but at least you would have stood out - right?! LOL!
Ice_with_that - aww that poor girl, I can't help but laugh, but the poor thing!! I know that's how I FELT inside at Saturday's interview, but I think I managed to just smile through it instead.
Good news everyone!!! I got a call back this morning!!! I am so, so pleased!! It's not quite "here's the job, sign here" yet but, it is a second interview!! So later this week, the nerves will come again. I think it makes it so much more difficult (nerve wise) when it's the airline you've always wanted to work for .
Ice_with_that - aww that poor girl, I can't help but laugh, but the poor thing!! I know that's how I FELT inside at Saturday's interview, but I think I managed to just smile through it instead.
Good news everyone!!! I got a call back this morning!!! I am so, so pleased!! It's not quite "here's the job, sign here" yet but, it is a second interview!! So later this week, the nerves will come again. I think it makes it so much more difficult (nerve wise) when it's the airline you've always wanted to work for
.
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From: LGW
Congratulations GKG,
Thats really good news.
Personally my most embarrising interview moment to date was with Virgin - the company its prehaps most important to look your best for.
A very younge and gorgeous interviewer had spent what seemed like the entire interview looking at my shoes. Thinking quietly to my self that she must have really love my brand new (and very expensive) choice of footwear, I thought nothing more of it.
It was only when I went to the toilet at the end of the interview that I realised I had cat litter stones conveniantly stuck under my tights at ankel level.
Ground eat me up!!!!!
Needless to say I get dressed well away from my cats these days!!
Thats really good news.
Personally my most embarrising interview moment to date was with Virgin - the company its prehaps most important to look your best for.
A very younge and gorgeous interviewer had spent what seemed like the entire interview looking at my shoes. Thinking quietly to my self that she must have really love my brand new (and very expensive) choice of footwear, I thought nothing more of it.
It was only when I went to the toilet at the end of the interview that I realised I had cat litter stones conveniantly stuck under my tights at ankel level.
Ground eat me up!!!!!
Needless to say I get dressed well away from my cats these days!!
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From: The Shadows
Before I got my job with BA I had an interview with Virgin.
Now at Virgin obviously looks are everything, and after getting through to the afternoon round I was at the uniform fitting/final interview stage.
Back then it was the battleship grey uniform and on trying it on I have to day I didn't find it very flattering.
The fitters said it was in the style of an Armani suit, but this didn't change the fact that I didn't like it.
So....come the panel of 3 interview with me standing up in front they asked me "How do you like the uniform?"
Me being one to call a spade a spade and also keep in mind that I really wanted the job said...."I don't really like it and it's not my colour..."
Their faces were a picture!
I didn't get the job......
Now at Virgin obviously looks are everything, and after getting through to the afternoon round I was at the uniform fitting/final interview stage.
Back then it was the battleship grey uniform and on trying it on I have to day I didn't find it very flattering.
The fitters said it was in the style of an Armani suit, but this didn't change the fact that I didn't like it.
So....come the panel of 3 interview with me standing up in front they asked me "How do you like the uniform?"
Me being one to call a spade a spade and also keep in mind that I really wanted the job said...."I don't really like it and it's not my colour..."
Their faces were a picture!
I didn't get the job......
