Page 1 of Help Me Get a Job

I am currently unemployed (only 2 weeks) but have been trying to get employment in electrical retail for a few years now but with no luck! :(

I have good product knowledge but my sales experience is very limited. I am 35, is my age going against me?

I recently got through to the second interview when Comet were opening a new store but made a bit of a pigs ear of some of the questions that were asked, so never heard a thing. :(

Can anyone give me idea of what to say to some questions and give any tips that may help me with any interview?

Here are a few of the type of questions asked:

1. What are your weaknesses?
2. Take away the fact you like electrical products, why do want to work for us?
3. Why do you think we should employ you?

Another problem!

I left my past job as I was not kept on after a 5 week trial period but still am not totally sure why?
I did drop and damage one unit and had a bit of a problem lifting some of the old office furniture (some of these old office desks must way over 100kgs!)

How do I explain at an interview why I was not kept on in this job?

Any help appreciated :)

My employment history

2003 - 2004 Driver/Warehouse Operative - Office Furniture
2003 - 2003 Stores/Sales Assistant - Electrical Wholesalers
1998 - 2003 Postman - Royal Mail
1992 - 1997 Milkman
1991 - 1992 Parcel Delivery Driver - Securicor Parcels
1990 - 1990 Carpenter
1985 - 1990 Carpenter Apprentice

This item was edited on Thursday, 5th February 2004, 03:06

I don`t know a lot about electrical retail, but just thought I`d say this - the fact that they never got back to you doesn`t necessarily mean you did badly in the interview. I`ve come to realise that only a minority of firms ever get back to you to let you know. Even when I`ve been called for a second interview, which went well, and I got on with the people brilliantly, they still can`t let you know someone else has got the job!!

I know its corny, but you either need to find weaknesses that are actually strengths, like `I`m a workaholic` *groan* :D or say something like `I used to have a problem with X, and worked round it with Y`. Don`t be too honest and admit to anything that would put them off!!

On the why work for us question, you need to dig around a little about the firm, and say things about the working conditions. Things like `I heard there were good career prospects` or `I know it`s a very friendly place to work` kind of thing.

Why do we think we should employ you is difficult without knowing you...are you reliable, do you have good communication skills, do you work quickly and accurately? I know your problem, I hate `selling` myself!!

Course, you may not want to take my advice, as I haven`t actually been employed by anyone who`s interviewed me, but there you go!! Experience is generally a big problem for me. Sell the postie/milkman jobs as dealing with the public, so you can claim customer service skills.

Good luck :)

Quote:
I have good product knowledge but my sales experience is very limited. I am 35, is my age going against me?

A lot of people would rather deal with a salesperson that that wasnt acne ridden, still wet behind the ears & could show a modicum of common sense (God I sound like my dad).

Quote:
How do I explain at an interview why I was not kept on in this job?

Quite frankly I wouldnt mention it as it was too short a period.

On a lighter note Quote:
2. Take away the fact you like electrical products, why do want to work for us? Staff discount.

Best of luck in your job hunt.

"Great chunks of my past detaching themselves like melting icebergs"


Bigger on the inside

This item was edited on Thursday, 5th February 2004, 12:41

Job hunting myself at the moment, it can be soul destroying when people don`t respond to an interview or even a CV, sometimes it annoys me when people won`t even give you a chance. That said after a couple of months banding the CV about I`m starting to get a few calls.

Good luck mate!

Roar

This item was edited on Thursday, 5th February 2004, 15:13

Quote:
1. What are your weaknesses?
2. Take away the fact you like electrical products, why do want to work for us?
3. Why do you think we should employ you?

1. That`s a standard interview question, and one I would expect to be asked at every interview (and have been!). Anyway, as suggested, it sounds a bit cheesy but you say turn good things into weaknesses: "I throw myself into the job too much", "I can get carried away ensuring the customer is happy" etc..

2. Depends on the company. Comet as an example: "You`re a large company with an excellent reputation", "I want to be part of a successful team", "It`s a company everyone has heard of", "You are one of the largest most successful high street stores going" etc..

3. These days, stores like phrases like "I`m a team player", "I think I`ll fit into your ways of doing things", most importantly "I can be an asset to your organisation because.... and list your strengths like keen knowledge of the products, excellent customer service skills, team player (again!), highly motivated to help customers etc" In a customer facing job, make sure you come off as an affable, helpful person in the interview. If it`s going well or the interviewer has already cracked a few jokes it won`t hurt to mention stuff like "generous staff discounts you offer" along with a cheeky smile etc. You have to be someone they don`t mind talking to - cos you will be the face of the company you represent etc...

As for your last job not lasting long - don`t mention they did not keep you on. Say you left because you didn`t find the products (tables and chairs) interesting and were therefore unenthusiastic about the job. You`re far more interested in electronics and can therefore bring that enthusiasm to your job etc....

It`s all cheesey and sounds a bit embarassing, but if you want the job you have to make them know you want it. Sell yourself !!!!

Quote:
1. What are your weaknesses?
2. Take away the fact you like electrical products, why do want to work for us?
3. Why do you think we should employ you?

1 - They don`t want to know your weaknesses - they want to see how you handle the question. Don`t answer straight off as it looks like you have a stock answer. Think a little then come up with something non-commital like "I don`t like being late and tend to arrive everywhere early" or "I can`t leave problems unresolved - I have to finish what I have started".

2 - You want to work for a large company with a good reputation that will provide you with security, good rewards for hard work and an opportunity to progress. You are looking to the future not just a run of the mill job. Sales is an area you feel you can excel in.

3 - You are hard working, honest, reliable, outgoing, mature (35), like interacting with people, genuinely interested in the products.
Give examples to back this up.

If you get any daft questions like " what`s your favorite colour and why?" then they are out to test your ability to think on your feet - give an answer-humour may help.

If they ask you questions, maybe technical or product related, don`t make up answers. If you don`t know, say so but explain that you could find out by, for example, looking in the product manual.

Make eye contact.

I`ve interviewed a good few people - good luck. The fact you are asking these questions shows you have something going for you. Be positive!

This item was edited on Thursday, 5th February 2004, 17:50

At my last and most important job interview, I used the line "I`m looking for a career, not just a job." Worked a treat. Good luck and keep trying. It`ll be good to see an assistant who knows what they are talking about. One thing though, are you ruthless enough to try and sell people extended warranties you know you wouldn`t take out yourself.

This item was edited on Thursday, 5th February 2004, 19:30

Thanks for all the feed back, its very much appreciated.

Let us know how it pans out

Got a Job!

Not exactly what I wanted but ok for now. Working at Homebase in the DIYsection.

Had another interview today so may have some more news next week? Fingers crossed!