Interviews...

[Skithepowder]

I've got some interviews coming up in the next week or so for some jobs, they are for jobs such as customer assistant in a ski store, box office staff, general assistant at cinema and store assistant jobs mainly. I was firstly wondering whether I should still wear a suit to this type of interview or maybe just smart trousers and nice shirt...

Secondly, can anyone with experience of interviews for this type of position give me a few pointers on the types of questions they're likely to ask for such a position?

Cheers people.

[thugulike]

Better to look clean and comfortable than wear a suit if the job doesn't really require it.  Smart personality and a big confident smile is more important

[Grimalkin]

Are you a girl or a boy? It is easier for women to dress up without wearing a suit, but still, for these types of job, I think men can just wear trousers and shirt.  Tuck the shirt in though, and polish your shoes.

I haven't been asked very complicated questions at this kind of interview.  Usually about why you want the job, relevant experience, ambitions.  It is also a good idea to have a question ready to ask about the company. Good luck.

[Hermia]

I would veer towards the suit to be honest. I don't mean anything overally formal, but I would suggest wearing a jacket that matches the skirt/trousers. We take on loads of youngsters where I work and even though they definitely won't need to wear a suit for the job it does make a good impression. It just gives the impression that the person understands the importance of presentation and looking professional. (We have had so many problems with young people turning up to work half-naked!)

I have found that questions about dealing with difficult customers are usual for these sorts of jobs.

[c00ky83]

I once had an interview at a cinema.  I had to stand up in front of loads of people and describe my favourite film.  I'm not really a film buff, so I talked about the last film I'd seen, which was no classic.

The moral is, know your films.

[veritysims]

Good firm hand shake. Lots of eye contact. Be cheerful and polite. Sell yourself. Good Luck

[spinchimp]

If you have a suit wear it. I am afraid that in the vaast majority of cases it does make a difference at an interview.

[Skithepowder]

C00ky83, wow, I hope I don't have to do anything like that... I'd hate it! A normal interview anyday please!

[paddy_36]

For these posts, wearing a suit may be overdressing a bit. I'm sure a smart shirt and trousers will suffice, as long as you look clean and tidy!

Agree with Hermia - you will more than likely be asked questions on dealing with difficult customers. It's always good to think of an example where you dealt with an awkward customer or difficult situation, and how you resolved it. This doesn't have to be work-related, if you've no work experience.

Get some background info. on the company/business.

All the posts are customer-orientated so swot up on your customer care skills and dealing with people. Also, be prepared to explain how you can fit into the existing team, and how you can use your intiative to work well on your own.

Sorry to state the obvious, but for the ski shop job they will be looking for someone who is genuinely interested in skiing (or sport generally). And films for the cinema job. You may well be asked to do something along the lines of what c00ky83 was, although maybe just in front of the interviewers.

Be enthusiastic!

Hope that helps. Good luck! 

[joko]

You could perhaps split the difference - smart shirt, shoes and trousers - with a tie but no jacket, just your coat