airline interviews the donts
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I've been on both sides of the desk in the electronics industry..
If you have the job of interviewing candidates you should remember that your company is also "on parade"...
I once arrived in a waiting area to find other job applicants discussing the company (which made helicopters) in very unfavourable terms. The group included three or four people that had already been in for their interview and who found it hard to stop laughing. It seems the interviewer was really dire and everyone had quickly made up their mind that the company was probably also a dire place to work. Most of us only stayed to get our travelling expenses. When it came to my turn he had another applicants details in front of him. I declined their offer of a second interview some weeks later.
Later in my career I was on the other side of the desk. To be honest I'm not sure which side is harder.
Tips for candidates:
Read up on the company. A common question is: When did you last see a news story about us and what did you think about it? If they don't ask it then you can say... "I was reading that you recently did xyz, can you tell me a bit more..." It shows interest.
Go prepared with questions to ask. I've been to an interview where the interviewer had done no preperation - he just sat there, asked almost no questions, and the silence was deafening.
A good question to ask the interviewer is: "Why do you work for xyz". I don't recommend asking "Why should I work for the xyz" unless you know they really really want you.
Watch out for totally off the wall questions: Like.. "What would you do if you found a dead swan in the road? (Yes someone really asked me that). They don't usually care if you give the wrong answer, it's the way you answer that counts. If you don't know the answer say so but tell them how you would go about finding out the answer. Oh and I believe dead swans should be reported to the police - something about them all belonging to the queen I think?
PS; Watch out for group waiting rooms. It's a good place to find out if your applicant mixes well. Make an effort to talk to other people but note that they may not all be applicants, some might turn out to be staff.
If you have the job of interviewing candidates you should remember that your company is also "on parade"...
I once arrived in a waiting area to find other job applicants discussing the company (which made helicopters) in very unfavourable terms. The group included three or four people that had already been in for their interview and who found it hard to stop laughing. It seems the interviewer was really dire and everyone had quickly made up their mind that the company was probably also a dire place to work. Most of us only stayed to get our travelling expenses. When it came to my turn he had another applicants details in front of him. I declined their offer of a second interview some weeks later.
Later in my career I was on the other side of the desk. To be honest I'm not sure which side is harder.
Tips for candidates:
Read up on the company. A common question is: When did you last see a news story about us and what did you think about it? If they don't ask it then you can say... "I was reading that you recently did xyz, can you tell me a bit more..." It shows interest.
Go prepared with questions to ask. I've been to an interview where the interviewer had done no preperation - he just sat there, asked almost no questions, and the silence was deafening.
A good question to ask the interviewer is: "Why do you work for xyz". I don't recommend asking "Why should I work for the xyz" unless you know they really really want you.
Watch out for totally off the wall questions: Like.. "What would you do if you found a dead swan in the road? (Yes someone really asked me that). They don't usually care if you give the wrong answer, it's the way you answer that counts. If you don't know the answer say so but tell them how you would go about finding out the answer. Oh and I believe dead swans should be reported to the police - something about them all belonging to the queen I think?
PS; Watch out for group waiting rooms. It's a good place to find out if your applicant mixes well. Make an effort to talk to other people but note that they may not all be applicants, some might turn out to be staff.
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interviewer donts
I totally agree with that! I have been for a job interview where the interviewer just had no idea what to ask and yes the silence is deafening!!!! The interviewer was filling in for someone else and I have to admit that it seemed unprofessional and I felt like I didn't want to work for them. The presentation of the company has to be immaculate. In this interview I also noticed staff arguing with each other and not taking ownership of problems...another reason why i didn't want to apply. Most of the applicants waiting in the reception room left and felt they wasted their time.
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elevators
When you go to a Walk in interview i t could be very PACKED! dont let the elavator shut on anyone...get out and let the other people waiting outside in and let them have your spot. They could be an interviewer!
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Excellent points above.
I recently went for an interview and there were 20 of us. It was very hard to 'sell' yourself above the other 19 without being pushy but the three that got though to the afternoon were the 'louder' ones of the group. Also be positive about absolutely EVERYTHING. It's torrential rain outside? "Fantastic" you say.
Be very nice to reception staff aswell. I've heard that the interviewers ask them for feedback. First impressions are everything.
I recently went for an interview and there were 20 of us. It was very hard to 'sell' yourself above the other 19 without being pushy but the three that got though to the afternoon were the 'louder' ones of the group. Also be positive about absolutely EVERYTHING. It's torrential rain outside? "Fantastic" you say.
Be very nice to reception staff aswell. I've heard that the interviewers ask them for feedback. First impressions are everything.
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One thing that has not been mentioned yet and is very relevant to group exercises... group exercises always have a TIME limit on them so it is always a good idea right at the beginning of the task to volunteer to be the time-keeper and make sure you let your team know towards the end how many minutes you have left ! There's no point to volunteer to be the time-keeper and then forget to check your watch ! Also, always watch your posture: slouching is a big no-no and guys, keep your legs closed ! Try not to fiddle with your hands, if you have a pen in your hand, PUT IT DOWN 'cos you'll automatically start playing with that if you're nervous and there's nothing more distracting to the interviewers...
One other thing as far as grooming is concerned, POLISH YOUR SHOES !!!!!! And Ladies, bring a spare pair of tights with you just in case you ladder the ones you are wearing. Flesh-coloured tights are better than coloured ones by the way.
And remember at the end of the interview to thank the interviewer and say goodbye with a firm handshake...
One other thing as far as grooming is concerned, POLISH YOUR SHOES !!!!!! And Ladies, bring a spare pair of tights with you just in case you ladder the ones you are wearing. Flesh-coloured tights are better than coloured ones by the way.
And remember at the end of the interview to thank the interviewer and say goodbye with a firm handshake...
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Airline interviews
Don't rush. Take your time with everything you do. That dosen't mean don't get in there and contribute but think about what you are saying and doing before hand.
I was recently successful at an interview and during that interview I was pouring some water for myself and a couple of other candidates in those flimsy stiro cups and it fell over and water went everywhere. I just took a deep breath and mopped it up and refilled the water and sat back down. I didn't look to see if anyone had noticed I just fixed the problem and got on with the day.
It also probably helped that one of the Interviewers had done the exact same thing 10 mins before.
They are looking for people that can handle themselves in a situation whether that be to dive in and take charge or to think about the best course of action. Whatever your style just be confident and thoughtful.
I was recently successful at an interview and during that interview I was pouring some water for myself and a couple of other candidates in those flimsy stiro cups and it fell over and water went everywhere. I just took a deep breath and mopped it up and refilled the water and sat back down. I didn't look to see if anyone had noticed I just fixed the problem and got on with the day.
It also probably helped that one of the Interviewers had done the exact same thing 10 mins before.
They are looking for people that can handle themselves in a situation whether that be to dive in and take charge or to think about the best course of action. Whatever your style just be confident and thoughtful.
PPRuNette
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Don't forget that the interview team all have names and they like to hear you say them 
A tip I've always tried to put into practice; When being introduced to someone, follow up by saying something like 'Very nice to meet you Jayne' Or whatever their name might be. Not only will they be happy that you've heard their name, but the likelihood is that you will retain the information once you've actually used it.
All the best out there.
A tip I've always tried to put into practice; When being introduced to someone, follow up by saying something like 'Very nice to meet you Jayne' Or whatever their name might be. Not only will they be happy that you've heard their name, but the likelihood is that you will retain the information once you've actually used it.
All the best out there.
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I have been interviewed for three different airlines over the years and have been offered jobs with all 3. My approach to each interview was always the same...DO NOT try to be a know-it-all, DON"T just sit there saying nothing with a token nod of the head every so often and SHOW an interest in other members of the group when they are speaking, even if they have no idea!! The worst thing to do is to appear to be mocking them.
Good luck to anyone trying to enter the industry at the mo!!
Good luck to anyone trying to enter the industry at the mo!!
