Interviews...

squirrel · Joined: 11 Jun 2004 Posts: 43 Location: Bucharest, Romania

How do you handle intereviews? Do you tell the future employer the whole truth... or do you 'cosmetise' it...?

Jonathan · Joined: 06 May 2004 Posts: 35

Great question Raluca... and I'd say it depends on the exact nature of the job in question. On the whole, however, I'd lean towards forthrightness. I think you are more likely to end up with "the right person for the job" if they take it on knowingly. Just my $0.02...

NeoDevin · Posted: Tue Sep 14, 2004 5:57 am Post subject:

It depends partly on what your goals are:

If you're looking for just that job, and don't have too much in the way of goals (or just have unrelated goals), then I would suggest sugar coating it (A LITTLE). Never set expectations you won't be able to live up to, but don't be afraid to strongly emphasize your strengths while 'forgetting' to mention your weaknesses. As long as you don't tell any outright lies, and you manage to make yourself look believably better (petroleum transfer technician for gas jockey just makes you look like a self-important joker), you'll increase your chances of being hired.

If you have further goals with the company, higher positions, or positions in other related jobs, I would suggest telling it straight, or even playing it down a bit (but not so much that you look less-than-perfect for the job). The reason for doing this is that it will then look to the employer as if you have more aptitude for the job, natural ability. To an employer, this means untapped potential, which means advancement opportunities to you.

Just remember, never actually lie, and don't make yourself look bad either.

David · Joined: 06 May 2004 Posts: 51

Confidence, if not misguided, can be a great asset in an employee, because they are more likely to take on and complete new tasks, so I don't usually mind if someone is telling me how they will be doing a wonderful job as long it doesn't seem too far fetched.

darskayairene · Joined: 24 Mar 2005 Posts: 8

Handling an interview is a whole science. You must think over each word as the first impression made on the employer is very important. Of course, if you say at interview you know German and you doesn't know it at all, you will not be able to get out of a scrape, when you will really need to show your knowledge. And if you know German, but not very well, I think it is possible to adorn a little bit. If the employer doesn't need a lot your knowledge of German, in any case knowledge of foreign language will be a plus for you. So, I would like to say that you must be very careful, adorning your skills and must think over each of your phrases.