just make sure to project a good impression of yourself, what is being expected of your character and a worker on the job Please Register or Log in to view the hidden image!
The item that best represents me would be either my Bronco, one of my guns or Ayn Rand's novel, Atlas Shrugged. One of those three would be inappropriate for this interview, though: Atlas Shrugged, since reading would cut into one's video game playing time.
I would bring a 6 foot tall bong. The interviewer might not be impressed, but the dudes in the warehouse will love you!
Really?? A 20-something video game store manager??? As long as you bring something to burn in it, you got the job!
k so i just got back from the interview, so first of all thanks for all the advice, i found some of it pretty useful and the jokes relaxed me, i was getting pretty nervous. about 20 people turned up (turns out they're interviewing for around 6 openings between two stores), and my ace of spades went down alright. six of us including me got broken into pairs and told to sell the interviewers a toy, my pair got 15 votes, the other two got 3 and 2 votes. so that was sweet. myself and six others were then asked to stay for a personal interview, and i think i went ok in that too, they said they'd call everyone tomoro. surprisingly, they were hardly interested in anyone's knowledge of games, they just need someone with retail skills. the flyer they handed out said "can you smile? then you can work at eb!". literally. given the quality of some other applicants and their experience in retail, plus my nerves (my voice can get a little shaky when i do public speaking) i was pretty happy to be asked to stay back. incorrect. zelda, ocarina of time, n64. donkey kong on snes. halo on xbox. baldur's gate 2 on pc, though its not a gaming system.
As an HR manager. . . Shit. . . you probably already interviewed. Well, if you have to go back for a second one, always remember these rules: Dress two positions above your title (suit and tie) Firm hand shake. Eye Contact. Know their company INSIDE and OUT. Study who they are for a week before going in. Write down facts on note cards (their CEO, stock price, sundry company facts). Drop a few. BUT NOT ALL OF THEM (you run the risk of looking like a douchebag). Grill them. You are interviewing them just as much as they are interviewing you. First- it makes you look professional. Second- it makes you look like you have many options (there are rules to creating "value" and "scarcity" is the number one factor in doing this; think: diamond vs. water; which is worth more?). Example: "As a customer, why would I chose Office Max to do my business shopping instead of, say, Office Depot or Staples?" Challenge them. You'll come across as a thinker and not a follower. Know a few of your weaknesses and sundry-mistakes VERY WELL and talk to them. HR managers hate bullshit, most of us can smell it a mile away. The biggest sign of a bull-shitter is someone who pretends to be perfect, who doesn't know his (or her) mistakes and who won't own up to them. I have three tactical "mistakes" I've made as a manager prepped and ready to talk about on a moment's notice (even though I am not looking for other employment). I can talk about them and identify what lessons they taught me as a manager. I also know two "weaknesses" that I have and can talk about them. It's not about being perfect, it's about having the ability to show that your other strengths compensate for your weaknesses. Tell them how excited you are about working for them, then directly ask them for the job; request feedback on how you performed. Even a "hint" of a commitment on their part (no matter how non-binding) creates a psychological commitment on their part and gives you a serious edge. Example: "Thank you, so much, for giving me the opportunity to come in and talk with you today. I'm really looking forward to coming to work for Office Max. If it wouldn't be too much trouble, can you tell me what you thought of my skills and background? Are you able to extend a tentative offer at this time?" Send a follow up letter. VERY IMPORTANT. You know who the contact is, now. So, type something up. Thank them for the opportunity. GET IT IN THE MAIL IMMEDIATELY! This means, run home, type it up, and take it directly to the post office that services that location. It'll get there the next day. It'll impress them, believe me, it does me when I get them. Stay in contact. Be polite, but don't let them forget you. ~String
But what about those of us who actually ARE perfect employees and have never made a mistake at work and never actually failed at any assigned project? Should we just make shit up?
It's what I did! You think I have made mistakes? Pish-posh. Nooooo. But, we demi-gods have to appear humble to get accepted amongst these mere mortals. ~String
Side note: identifying your "three mistakes" doesn't mean REALLY identifying your three biggest mistakes. It's probably not the best time to talk about your boss walking in on you and your buddy doing lines of coke off an office table and getting fired from your really good insurance job in Scottsdale. . . Um. . . that was a hypothetical example. But you get my point. ~String
That's a myth. Good employees lie through their teeth. Nobody wants to hear the truth. All they want to hear is what confirms their worldviews. Duh. ~String
I seem to recall a certain someone misspelling their snot'wuh and having to be informed by PM... Wasn't it Kwisatz Haderach at some point? Or something along those lines. Please Register or Log in to view the hidden image!
You must be mistaken. Please Register or Log in to view the hidden image! I'm perfect. I thought I made a mistake once. . . but I was wrong. ~String
Well that explains my employment record. "But boss, you're an illiterate idiot. Whatever makes you think THAT idea will work?"
