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Job interview
Millie2787
Community Champion Posts: 5,194 Part of The Furniture
in Work & Study
So I had a email last Night to say I’ve been offered an interview , Well one of There group assessment sessions for hobby craft . Don’t get me wrong I’m so excited for this Because I love anything crafty as it helps to settle my anxiety and provide a good distraction for when things are difficult.
i know what’s happening during the session because well the email said we’re have a talk about hobby craft , complete a group activity , have 1-2-1 interviews and have a demonstration and craft sessions. My worry is that there going to give me loads of different instructions or ask me loads of different questions at the same time and I can’t process loads of things all at once !
Also The questions I never ever know what to answer is “why do you want to work for us” I remember being asked it for Waitrose and I made a complete mess of it. I’ve also never had details experience before so what do I do if they ask about like “when have you given excellent coustmer service” I remember they put that on the application so I left it blank 😬
and what hat do I wear I have no clue I don’t want to be u dressed which I was for my Waitrose one I rocked up in my college polo shirt and leggings becuase of having to come. From college but then I don’t want to me overdressed and look like an Idoit compared to everyone else in the group 😩
Ughhh im So anxious for it and it’s a late evening one so it’s 5-8pm
i know what’s happening during the session because well the email said we’re have a talk about hobby craft , complete a group activity , have 1-2-1 interviews and have a demonstration and craft sessions. My worry is that there going to give me loads of different instructions or ask me loads of different questions at the same time and I can’t process loads of things all at once !
Also The questions I never ever know what to answer is “why do you want to work for us” I remember being asked it for Waitrose and I made a complete mess of it. I’ve also never had details experience before so what do I do if they ask about like “when have you given excellent coustmer service” I remember they put that on the application so I left it blank 😬
and what hat do I wear I have no clue I don’t want to be u dressed which I was for my Waitrose one I rocked up in my college polo shirt and leggings becuase of having to come. From college but then I don’t want to me overdressed and look like an Idoit compared to everyone else in the group 😩
Ughhh im So anxious for it and it’s a late evening one so it’s 5-8pm
Sometimes all you need is one person to believe in you , for you to begin to believe in yourself.
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Comments
I think in my interview I said something like I'm keen to work in the hotel industry as its work I can leave at work, and I can focus on my writing at home as my dream is to be a writer but I know I need a job to go with that aswell.
If they ask you a lot of questions at once don't be afraid to answer one and ask them to repeat the other questions, if it's in retail then they will want someone who can engage with them 😊
As for what to wear, I just wore black skinny jeans, a black top and a cardi.. I would say if it's a group thing wear what you're comfortable in, but keep it respectful 😊 hope this helps a bit!
Or if you are comfortable to, a smart dress (not to short) with a cardigan and nice shoes!
Wearing jeans is too casual for most interview environment and unless it's a casual interview or informal, you shouldn't really wear jeans.
I'm sure you will ace the interview!
Sorry I'm not much help where, as for the customer experience question, although you haven't had experience in retail, you have had experience in dealing with people ( I know what you do already) there are teens and families involved and in a way they are customers, so you do have communication skills, patience etc.
As for wanting to work for them,
Gaining experience, interested in the sector etc etc
https://www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-advice/interview-tips
First of all, congratulations on getting the interview! It can be hard sometimes just to get to this stage and as a bonus its somewhere that fits in great with your lifestyle of being into arts and crafts!
For what to wear, I'd always recommend over dressing than under-dressing. This is the first thing employers will notice about you and show your interest in the job. If you're you're going to wear jeans I'd suggest black smartish looking ones and a nice blouse. I bought some nice vest ones from primark for a fiver a few weeks ago and they jazz up the jeans a bit along with proper shoes.
I've had interviews before that seem similar to the one you're going to and I felt overwhelmed myself but they actually tend to structure them really well. It breaks up the process so you dont feel so thrown into everything. When they talk about the company it's a good way for your to get a feel of what they're about as well as them wanting to know you, they want the right employees as well like @Past User mentioned, they want to find people worth investing in.
For questions about why you want to work there, just be truthful and tell them what attracts you. Try bringing in some of the crafty bits you enjoy and how interested you are in the things they sell, it will show you're able to talk to customers about the products.
You can also look online about the company and say something like "I've seen online you're a good employer to work for because of x,y,z and that's something I want to get involved in."
You can also look up interview questions online, I had a quick search and a common one for hobby craft was giving an example of bad customer service you're recently recieved and what you would have done differently. Prepping out questions and answers can help you feel more prepared on the day. I also found some bits online that said the demonstration and crafts section you have a lot of freedom with so dont stress about being given too many instructions! Although it may have changed so I'm not entirely sure what the process will be like but I hope this helps a bit
well done for getting the interview!
others have already gave good suggestions so don't really have much else to say other than the black jeans or not black trouser descion- wear what you feel comfortable with cause tbh jeans or trouser will not change their mind on whether they would want you as a worker or not. They'd give a uniform code so won't care that much. As long as don't go in something really un formal it's fine lol
good luck for Thursday.
Does this look okay to wear , I don’t look too overdressed do I 😂 OML I’m so stressing over this
It's best not to wear jeans so what you are wearing is fine!
Firstly, congratulations on getting the interview! They're interested in you, so now's the time to make a good impression!
You say you're worried about lots of different instructions or lots of different questions. I'd let them know beforehand for sure, but wording it in a positive way can help. For example, instead of 'I'd prefer if you could give me instructions/questions one at a time because I can't process it', you might say, 'I'd prefer if you could give me instructions/questions one at a time, as I find this helps me perform my best', or something like that. In both cases, you acknowledge the problem, but rather than presenting it as a limitation, you're presenting yourself as someone who knows how to work around the issue - a key skill in any job!
When it comes to appropriate dress, I usually ask them directly. If you're not sure and want to know what they'd like, there's no better to ask but them! Usually, they'll be happy to let you know - it shows attention to detail. If in doubt, it's better to be overdressed than underdressed. You might feel strange if you're better dressed than needed, but being underdressed can be an instant rejection!
You've mentioned a few questions, so let's go through them:
Why do you want to work for us? This is a classic question, and for good reason - they want to know why you've chosen this company over all the others (even if you've applied to others!). It's a way for them to see your knowledge about the company, and some insight into what motivates you to work. I'd do some research about the company beforehand, and work that into your answer.
When have you given excellent customer service?
Customer service sounds like a fancy term, but it doesn't have to be a job in particular. As long as you've worked with a customer or client in some way (retail job, care home etc - think creatively!), you've given customer service. The key is to pick a particular event or moment during that time when you showed off that excellent service. Going the extra mile, doing something outside your role description etc can all work!
Good interviews require good preparation and rehearsal, so make sure you spend time on your answers. And remember to have one or two questions for the interviewer at the end - it's a chance for you to find out more about the company or job, as well as show your interest in the role!
Hope this helps - of course, if you'd like more help, feel free to drop me a PM! Wish you the best of luck on Thursdayx
Much love
And also remember to look at info about hobby craft infor on their website on the about us part. Sometimes they're interested in general stuff you know cause researching about it before go show you're interested. In my interview with primark they asked me what I knew about it or something and then I just like pop in some random facts like how many stores they have and they was pretty impressed cause said I was the only one so far to have research about actual primark
Maybe i should just cancel it , I’m just going to end up messing it all up anyways
I think taking your scrapbook is a great idea to show them what you can do! And I know it's easier said than done but try not to worry too much about the dog scratches, you could always bring your dog up as a joke and mention it?
Best of luck, you got this!
I don't know what time your interview is at, but sometimes what I find helpful is to run through a "mock" interview with someone close to me. It can sometimes help take the pressure off.
Best of luck if you do go!
Instead of thinking this as a rejection, you could try thinking this of this as a learning experience. The fact that you prepared and did the interview is great! Try to give a think over the things you did really well, and the things you might have done less well in. If you are feeling up for it, you could get in touch with the business and ask for feedback?
In doing this, you could learn what to improve on for next time, which should make your next interview so much easier!
Another little bit of advice I have heard a lot is don't just apply for one job. When you hand out a CV or apply for things like retail jobs you want to get a few places.
You did really good by going to the interview! Be proud of yourself for that
Unfortunately that's how it is - most firms won't give any feedback, which doesn't help if we want to improve. But everyone gets many rejections, so don't take to heart. Keep trying and applying, and you'll get a place soon!x
Much love