How do I nail my interview?
Posted by tygeorgiou@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 12 comments
I've been job searching for around 6 months now and I've finally landed an interview. It's an assistant photographer role at an auction house. I'm 18, I've never had an interview in my life, and today was my first time ever even hearing back from an employer...
How will it go? What do I bring or study? What do I wear, can I show my tattoos, etc etc etc. I'm a very capable photographer and I know I'll thrive at the job but I'm so scared for this interview and I don't even know what my chances are, do they interview 3, 5, 10 or more people?? How do I be better than the rest?
essicks@reddit
Research the company, know what they sell/do, how they started, some pivotal points in their history etc as one of the first questions will be "What do you know about us?". Even if they don't somehow ask a question like this, you might be able to improve your responses by incorporating some of the details you researched about them.
Practice questions that you think they might bring up related to the role. Think of your response and answer the question, name an example and the outcome. Lets say they ask if you are good at working as a team. Say you are good working as a team, name an example from a previous employment (or in school in your case) and the outcome it achieved. Try to think of several examples of moments which could show key examples of skills and the questions they would ask. A great way is to look at the jobs listing of roles and responsibilities.
If they ask questions like "What's your biggest weakness?" do not fool for the common early mistake and answer "I don't have any", you are not perfect and they are not expecting you to. Use an example which would not be a massive weakness to the role, explain the weakness and what you did to overcome it. Mine is that "I've never been great at English due to my Dyslexia so I've never been great at writing emails especially spelling. I decided to try to avoid relying upon tools such as autocorrect immediately and create techniques such as sounding it out how I would perceive it phonetically. It has improved my spelling massively with many people noting it in the past."
You should be able to google common interview questions (and they might have answers you could adapt) and maybe even google common questions for Assistant Photographer. Another common mistake is answering "Because I need a job/money" if they ask "Why do you want to work for us". Again use some of the information you found out by researching bout them and relate it to yourself.
Also every interview you ever go to will ask you at the end "Any questions for us?". The single worst mistake is to answer something like "Nope! Seems like you explained everything!". It will come across you were not listening/interested in the role and want to get out of there. Instead ask them a question, anything. It might be something they didn't make clear from the job spec during the interview, something they brought up but then didn't fully explain etc. This will show that you are listening, taking in and processing information and interested in the job. I will ask something like that and then something like "What would you say is the most fulfilling aspect about your role and working for this company?". Again you should be able to google and practice questions.
And to answer your question, dress smart, although people are more accepting of tattoos and piercings I would try to conceal them as best as possible, never know how many people they are also interviewing and no one truly knows that but success is 50% hard work 50% luck.
Jay_CD@reddit
I would take some examples of things that you have photographed as a starter - it doesn't matter what, they'll need to know that you have a good eye and understanding/interest for presenting things in their best light. The importance of this for the auction house is that it generates interest in the punters and they'll need to know that you understand this.
You will also be asked some basic questions including the classic "so...tell us a bit about yourself" plus give us an example of how you work under pressure, how you have used your initiative, how you have worked as part of a team etc.
So think about these sort of standard interview questions beforehand and how you'll answer them otherwise you'll sit there with brain freeze while you try and think of something that sounds sensible. As much as anything you'll sound more confident and prepared.
I'd suggest opening a word document writing out a few of these questions and how you'll answer them etc.
You'll also be expected to know a bit about the company/auction world and what the job entails, have a look at their website and you'll see that they probably have a general weekly auction with around 200/300 plus items each of which needs to be photographed and catalogued correctly so the right photo goes with the right description. You'll need to be able to demonstrate here that you can be organised. They'll likely also have a monthly specialist auction - it might be art, collectables, militaria etc and will change from month to month. Make sure they know that you've done your research.
Essentially they'll be looking for someone who can get the job done and on time and without much oversight and can fit into a team.
As for what clothes to wear look smart: collar, tie and suit etc.
At the end of the interview thank them for their time and they might say something like have you any questions for us - two questions to chuck back at them here are the is there anything I have said that you would like me to expand on and secondly, what's the next step in the process. If they say we are looking to do second interviews next week - then don't be shy, ask for one, make it sound like you want the job.
Good luck.
Canookles@reddit
Everyone has given great advice, as someone who has interviewed people for jobs a lot please remember this. They’ve selected you based on your application, they already think you can do the job. Prove them right!
Bifanarama@reddit
Talk about the role a lot. Make all your answers relevant to how to take good pictures of auction items, and why you think other auction houses' pictures are crap. Perhaps even (politely) explain why their own current ones aren't too good, and how you would improve them. And how little time it would take, and how little it would cost, because it's all down to your skills.
chez2202@reddit
Research is key. Find out everything you can about the company. Not just on their own website but from customer reviews on platforms such as Yelp, and also from Companies House where they hold information such as Director information and accounts which list turnover, profit, company assets, company debt, and number of employees at the time that the accounts were filed.
It’s all knowledge. The only thing it won’t tell you is staff turnover. But LinkedIn might be helpful with that.
Don’t go in there with your tattoos totally uncovered but also don’t try too hard to hide them with clothing which might cause you difficulty in taking photographs. Wear something that you could work easily in.
Ask questions about the role, and offer to take some pictures whilst you are there, perhaps after the interview, so that as well as seeing your portfolio (which they will expect to be your best pictures) you can show them that your work is consistently high quality.
Good luck x
CellistLow8857@reddit
Definitely research the company a bit! Drop a hint that you know a bit about them like “I think the photos on x listing were particularly good” or “I saw a listing for x and I thought if you took a photo with the drawers open that it would have showcased the item better” or something. You wouldn’t believe the number of people who show up to interviews barely knowing the name of the company - it’s always a huge green flag if you have taken a bit of time to do your research.
They may ask you at the end if you have any questions. I don’t think less of someone who says “no I think I’m good” but anyone with a good question sticks out in my mind! I just hired someone actually who, when asked this, said to us “I was wondering, do you guys enjoy your jobs?” It was such an interesting question! Usually all people say is “what’s the holiday allocation”. So maybe you could ask “what’s your favourite part about working here?” It just shows you’re engaged and interested in them and their business.
If there’s no set dress code for the job my advice would be to wear smart but not formal clothing. So for a guy think chinos and a shirt, but I would say tie is dependant on how formal a workplace it seems! For your position probably no tie.
Smile, be friendly, it’s ok to say you’re nervous!
Good luck!!!
CrocsAsInTheShoe@reddit
First off, dress nicely. Shirt and smart trousers as a minimum. Auction house is presumably quite a smart place as is, and I think one would struggle to ever be OVERdressed for a job interview. The first impression really is everything.
Other than that, do you research about the role and the place itself. In the interview, demonstrate your understanding of the auction house by speaking about things they have done recently, and how your presence would have elevated them. One of the best things you can hope to do is turn it from an interview into more of a conversation where you a demonstration a clear understanding of the area of work.
Basically all of your answers should come with some practical explanation. When I was doing essay writing in school, we did PEE paragraphs (point, evident, explanation) and I find this to be an ideal structure to answer your question. For example: “Yes, I have experience doing X”, “This is where I have done it previously”, “This is why I made the choices I did”.
You will almost definitely get asked for examples along the lines of “a time when you worked well on your own”, “a time you worked well as part of a team”, “a time something didn’t go as planned” and “a time you had to show leadership”. Have an example ready for each of these. You can add a bit of creative flair and fantasy, they were not there and they don’t know you.
Also, make sure that you come prepared with questions to ask. Again, this is a good opportunity to demonstrate that you’ve done research by asking something relevant what you’ve seen them do already. I like to throw in a final question along the lines of “is there anything we’ve not covered today that would demonstrate my suitability for the role”. This gives them the opportunity to re-ask any questions that you may have fumbled over on the first run, as well as showing that you are keen.
Finally, lie a bit. You are not interviewing as yourself with all your faults and quirks included. Imagine you are interviewing as a work-oriented caricature of yourself.
SkyHairy1298@reddit
Firstly relax and be calm and confident in your abilities, dont concern yourself with other candidates it’s your interview they chose you and responded to you, I’d cover the tatts for now not everyone is open minded enough to respect the art, just know your employer, understand what work you’ll be doing and ensure you know how to align your skills with their job description, you got this
OkPea5819@reddit
Be positive.
Research the company.
Why do you want to work there?
I assume you'd want to take examples of your portfolio.
Why will you be a good fit - what skills, experience, qualifications etc can you demonstrate?
Plan questions to ask.
SpectreSingh89@reddit
For tats can cover them up with smart casual wear. Just be yourself. Listen to the q carefully. For an example, "Tell me a bit about yourself." Do they mean professional background or hobbies🤔 don't be afraid to ask.
You can take your Record of Achievement with u, but no need to show it unless they ask have it on you.
InspiringGecko@reddit
Wear whatever clothes you would wear when actually doing the job, or one step up. I would not show tattoos, just in case. You can get a feel for the company when you're there for the interview.
They will probably ask you about your experience and why you think you're a good fit for the role.
Maybe bring your portfolio?
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