I Have a Job Interview!!

Updated on May 17, 2011
S.C. asks from Bowling Green, OH
19 answers

Yay! I've been applying for lots of jobs and I finally got an interview. It's at a local bank for a part time customer service representative. I have no doubt that I'm qualified for the job, but I always seem to blow the interview. At least, I think that's what happens. :) I've never had a job in a bank before, but I meet and exceed most of the qualifications. What are some good interview tips? I really want (and need) this job so I don't want to blow the interview.

ADDED--Do I need to take my resume and reference sheet if I've already submitted them? I applied on line and uploading a resume was a requirement. I also had to fill out 2 different sheets with reference information on them. I don't want to give them the same paperwork over and over again.

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M.B.

answers from Cincinnati on

First of all, you need to dress professionally. That means a suit or a black skirt and nice blouse or sweater. Hose and heels (they don't have to be tall). You will need to dress this way if you get the job.

Be polite and smile. Show you are friendly. Good luck!!

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R.S.

answers from Terre Haute on

Take them with you and if they ask you have them with you.
Often it is a nicer copy than the ones they will print off on their copier
Best wishes

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C.O.

answers from Washington DC on

CONGRATULATIONS!!

Don't talk too much - keep talking or overtalk them. Answer their questions without being overly excited.

Dress professionally - dress or skirt that is professional and not showing a ton of cleavage.

Don't chew gum - Go with fresh breath

Have a FIRM handshake - not a wet fish handshake

Be on time.

Have your stuff ready - if you have to fill out an application - ask in advance and have it completed when you get there.

have a current copy of your resume on hand.

Research the bank - how long they've been in business, etc. take an interest in the company so they can see you WANT the job.

Tell them what makes you better than any other candidate for the job.

Look them in the eye.

Bring a note pad and pencil with you so you can take notes.

Follow up with a handwritten thank you note after the interview. MAIL it to them. Try to bring up some of the "highlights" from the interview - i.e. I enjoyed meeting you (name) today. thank you for your time...I am excited about the prospect of working for you and BANK...It is my belief that I am the right candidate for the job and tell them why...use the KISS (keep it simple silly) method. but make your point.

GOOD LUCK!!

4 moms found this helpful

M.D.

answers from Washington DC on

Absolutely have extra copies of your resume and references on hand. It does not mean that you need to give it to them, but I always like having my own copy of what they have and also if someone comes in who didn't print it or whatever, it's great to be able to hand them one. Make sure you can explain your past positions and things you liked and didn't like about them, why you are looking for a new job. Have the answers to your best and worst qualities...I always use something like my perfection can be looked at as negative. It may take me a little longer to get the deliverable out, but it will be of the highest quality. Definitely bring professional looking gear, a pen and a leather folder. Have questions for them!! That is a big thing. Also, do your research on the company before you go. Know the highlights: when they were founded, who the owners are, how many branches they have, what the offerings they have are, etc. And just be you and be confident. Answer questions honestly and it's hard, but go in there knowing that they want you, not the other way around. Yes, they are interviewing you, but it has to boil down to you wanting them in the end! Good luck!

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J.P.

answers from Chicago on

In my most recent interview, the interviewer offered feedback at the end, and said that it was great when I gave specific examples of other situations I had worked in. Even though you have not worked in a bank, do you have other customer service experience? be prepared in case they ask you situational questions (If a customer did ________, how would you respond?) Be positive, smile, and dress professionally. Yes, bring your resume with and offer it to them. Try Googling interview tips. Good luck!

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A.H.

answers from San Francisco on

Take a nice looking (like leather) folder and a nice pen with you. Put a pad of paper, a couple hard copies of your resume and references in it - so if your interviewer(s) are searching through their email or stacks of paper to find their copies you can whip it out and look prepared. Research the company ahead of time and write down several questions you have about the company and the job. Sometimes you get someone who doesn't normally give interviews and they are more nervous than you! Having questions prepared for them can facilitate conversation and take the pressure off both of you. Ask your interviewer if they mind if you take notes and make an outline of the conversation to help you remember any questions that come up in your head during the conversation.

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J.N.

answers from Charlotte on

Yes, you should always take a hard copy of your resume. Take your references also, usually they will have you fill out a paper application also, so you don't want to be searching through your cell phone for that info.

Best of luck!

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T.P.

answers from Indianapolis on

Congratulations!!
Be prepared for the So tell me about yourself question. They don't want to know how long you've been married or how many kids you have this is a chance for you to talk about your education and work history.

The next question that gives me trouble is what are your strengths and weaknesses. Don't say you have a weakness. Give your strengths and say one thing I am working on (for example) is being more patient. I like things done in a certain way so when people don't do the same things the way I would I tend to get a little annoyed so I am focusing on being more relaxed and accepting that everyone is nto going to do things the way i would. You know something on those lines.

Good luck and let us know what happens.

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K.L.

answers from Redding on

How neat! Ive never had a job interview but can tell you are getting some great advice on clothing and resume' and such. I have always noticed something about people on tv being interiewed for whatever. I hate when they keep messing with their hair! If its in your eyes it is distracting. If you keep having to pull it off your face, its annoying. If you keep sticking it behind your ear or flipping it over your shoulder, it gets to be a real pain. I can only imagine the person onterviewing would get the impression you are fidgeting, nervous or worse, messing with your hair is sometimes a sign of lying. So, however you wear your hair, make sure it doesnt need touching all the time. Oh also, if you wear glasses, make sure they are sparkling clean. I hate dusty greasy glasses on people..Good luck!

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A.H.

answers from Columbus on

I agree with all the great advice you have received!
Be sure to ask for the job at the end of the interview "Thanks for taking the time to meet with me today, I am very excited about this opportunity, and feel I would be a great addition to your staff."

Make sure you follow up with a thank you note immediately after the interview! I would ask how quickly they plan to make a decision, if it is a quick turnaround time, I think it is completely appropriate to send an email thank you. I recently hired a new assistant, and the majority of the canidates sent a follow up email that same day, because we wanted to make a decision very quickly. If it sounds like you have more time - then send the note in the mail. (make sure you get the persons business card/contact information that is conducting the interview, so you can send it directly to them)

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K.B.

answers from Lansing on

I see everyone has given you great advice. I myself just interview and landed a new job. And I can say I did everything everyone said to do, I almost felt like I was studying for a test but I tell you what I was ready and confident.
Every question they asked me I remembered reading online and got great ideas on how I would answer it if I were asked in the interview.
I also went to my 1st and 2nd interview with my resume and references in hand.
Good Luck!!!!! It is very nerve racking, you just need to tell yourself to relax and be yourself

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K.N.

answers from Boston on

Yes. Yes. Yes to every suggestion listed here. In addition:

1) Be professional! Especially at the first interview, don't dwell on your needs (childcare, hours, carpooling, scheduling preferences, etc). Ask more about the position, the responsibilities, the team you'll be working with, the company and the future development options than you do about benefits, hours/scheduling, pay days, etc. You want the interviewer to think you're excited about the company and that you have something to offer -- not that you're just looking to get something out of them. Also, this will sound harsh but your issues (if any) around daycare, schedule juggling or transportation or whatever are not the employer's concern. Don't bring them up on a first interview unless you see some large red flag that should be addressed immediately (like, they want you to go to Saudi Arabia for training for the first nine months and, not only would you'd feel uncomfortable in a burka, but that's when you're planning your wedding).

2) At the end, offer your hand again, with a smile in your eyes and your voice. Thank the interviewer for their time and their perspective.
3) Let your interviewer know how excited you are about this position and that you feel you have something to offer (be specific, if possible, but be brief, too). Ask what the next step might be or when they think they may be making a decision.
4) Let them know you'd be available to chat again if they have any further questions.

Good luck!

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L.M.

answers from New York on

Yes, bring along a copy of your resume. They may or may not need it, but if they do, you'll be prepared.

Over dress. Wear the most professional looking outfit/suit you own.

Try to think of some of the questions they may ask you, like... "You may be asked something like, you've never worked in a bank before, why do you want to start working in banking now?" or "what makes you the best canidate for this position".

At the end of the interview, be sure to thank them and offer a firm handshake.

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J.L.

answers from Los Angeles on

Tell them what they want to hear. Try imagining you are the employer, and what you would want from an employee. For example, if they ask you where you hope to be in five years, say, 'working for this company and achieving great customer service outcomes.'. Use specific examples of achievements you have made in previous work environments to illustrate your answers. Good luck!

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K.M.

answers from Kansas City on

You've already received great advice, so I won't go into that- I just wanted to say GOOD LUCK and please let us know how it goes! You'll do great!

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D.B.

answers from Charlotte on

.

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H.D.

answers from Cleveland on

I would take a copy of your resume and references. I always make sure them on something other than white paper (even if it's off white/ivory), it'll stand out a bit more. Always give a firm handshake and smile. Also, I was told by a friend (who happens to be an "interview coach") to make a list of postives why you should be hired i.e. honest, reliable, etc. He also said to make sure you have at least 3 questions (b/c you know they'll ask at the end of the interview if you have any questions). Sometimes they'll ask for any weaknesses you may have, so be ready with that answer too! Good luck!!

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L.K.

answers from Cleveland on

Hi!! Congrats! That's wonderful!! I actually use to work for a bank and did prescreening of the applicants. Be up beat and positive. They are looking for people with really good customer service skills and also sales. The banks now a days want you to up sell alot so make sure you let them know you are confortable doing that. Be positive about your previous employment. You don't know how many people start bad mouthing where they used to work and its such a turn off for recruiters. As far as your resume you should bring it. Since you applied online they should already have your info handy but sometimes if the computers or printers aren't working they might need it.
Just remember they liked you on paper so you are 1/2 way there. The recruiters want to fill the job as much as you want it! So don't be nervous just be your professional, outgoing and friendly self and you should get the job :)

Good Luck!

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J.C.

answers from Columbus on

Okay, job interview question that took me off guard;

Q: "What is it about you that puts you ahead of the other applicants applying for the job?"

A: "My smile wins people over." ... I got that job.

Good luck!

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