first ever job interview in 3 days - advice appreciated

[simonsky]

I'm a fresh grad with a business major and I have my first job interview in 3 days.

Could you give some advice? My grades are average so I would like the interview to be perfect.

If it helps, it's for a bank.

[stonerider]

you've never had a job before? ever?


i'm surprised you even got an interview...


just google "interview questions" and find a site that has a big list of the common ones.. go over them and think of what your answers will be for them so you are prepared when the time comes and can quickly respond

[Corrie]

You're going for an entry level position, 90% of the people applying will probably look just like you - recently graduated with a degree in the industry. You really just have to show up, look good, be personable and as charming as you can and just hope you get picked.

Unless you have some industry specific courses done or some specific experience you're probably just going to get picked based on whether the interviewer liked you or not.

Good luck, it took me a little longer to get a job in the finance industry after graduating with a business admin degree, so don't give up.

EDIT:Stonerider's advice is good too. look up some generic type questions and have a few thoughts in your head for how to answer them.

[slowjoe]

I'm a fresh grad with a business major and I have my first job interview in 3 days.

Could you give some advice? My grades are average so I would like the interview to be perfect.

If it helps, it's for a bank.

"Bank" doesn't say much. Could be cleaner, could be CEO. What is the role?

1. View the first interview as practice for the others.
2. Concentrate on keeping your breathing steady prior to the interview.
3. If you don't know an answer, say "I don't know that. Would you mind telling me?"
4. Introduce what you're going to say, and stop talking when you've run out stuff.
5. Have an example of something you taught yourself handy.

A big thing hiring newb is:
1. Can they stand up for themselves?
2. Can they shut up?

The answer needs to be "yes" to both.

[yorick]

Yeah, look at interview questions. Expect to have questions relating to your weaknesses: "What's the biggest obstacle you have when working with people? What's your biggest weakness when dealing with...?"

Don't be so stiff that you can't chat it up with the interviewers a little. Sit up straight. Make eye contact. Etc.

The interview I had for my current job I prepared a small three hole folder, (similar to this one without the pockets - http://www.amazon.com/Oxford-Twin-Po.../dp/B00006IEUG), and filled it with letters of recommendation, awards/accomplishment certificates, and anything else that could be relevant to the job position. Then I gave those to the interviewers. I think I re-put my resume and cover letter in there too. Then I just told them the folder was to give a little more background info in case we couldn't cover everything in the interview.

[simonsky]

Holy sh!t solid advice so far in not even 30 minutes of posting this.

Googling interview questions is already obvious, I just want to hear from your experiences.

Unless you have some industry specific courses done or some specific experience you're probably just going to get picked based on whether the interviewer liked you or not.

This is probably a good thing for an average schmuck like me. I just hope he/she asks for me to pick up a cabinet or something then I'd be hired instantly hahahah

@slowjoe It says relationship management associate, whatever the fuck that means hahaha probably have to look more into that

[DoctorWho]

Good interviewers satisfy three questions:
1. Can an interviewee do the job (however defined).
2. Will he love it.
3. Will he fit in.

The unknown part is the personality of the interviewer, and people click with one another for fuzzy reasons.
As a person who has a bad track record in hiring, I can tell you that stonerider's and Corrie's advice is what bad interviewers (like I've been) look for, but it will only separate you from the worst candidates.

And have a thick skin.

[beaverbob]

I work in a professional services environment (accounting/consulting/tax etc.) and our clients are major executives from major banks. My advice (aside from the good advice given above) would to be dress like they do.

Remember this is conservative banking, not flashy stock trading, so stick with a navy blue or charcoal suit, white shirt, conservative rep stripe tie. Black shoes, black belt. Give your shoes a good polish before you go. If you show up looking like this guy you'll be well on your way to making a good first impression.

Good luck.

[slowjoe]

@slowjoe It says relationship management associate, whatever the fuck that means hahaha probably have to look more into that

Ah, so you're going to be a sales bitch :-)

Lack of jobs is an issue: you don't have a sales record.

Tell em about doing sponsored walks or recruiting for college clubs and societies. MAKE SURE you don't interrupt any interviewers.

[yorick]

I hesitate to mention this because it could probably backfire, but always remember that people like to talk about themselves. And the interviewers will probably like you more if you can get them to talk about themselves a little. So, if they give you an opportunity to ask some questions, it might not hurt to ask the interviewers about their backgrounds and what they like about the company.