Interview/Job Lessons

Each interview I go on, I learn something new. This is the list of things I have learned that may be helpful to others. The Numbers 1,2 & 4 may be good for people who have never been on a job interview before. Number 7 doesn't really help anyone.

Interview #1:  It brought me into the interview experience. Your first Interview will always be the stepping stones to understanding all of the interviews you go on in the future... this is when you start to learn the tricks of the trade!

Interview #2:   It made me understand the workforce, I understood more how having a job was and what it was all about.

Interview #3: Sometimes everything is not what it seems, some companies are huge scams! Be cautious for companies with strange sites , rules and especially if it makes you buy something. It's always good to see if it's legitimate, it can save you time and money...LITERALLY!

Interview #4: Not all jobs are enjoyable, some can be hard, boring, and just downright horrible. The place and the atmosphere can be eerie and un-enjoyable. Sometimes we have to do things we don't like.

Interview #5: All because you did great on an interview, does not mean you got the job.

Interview #6: It's good to make sure you know exactly where to go.

Interview #7: A good rule, make sure to put your cell phone on vibrate or turn it off completely! XD
For me, this job has been very influential, it has taught me many things about interviews, resume's, cover letters and lot's of things about job searching and anything to do with it. It's an experience I'll always remember.

Interview #8: Some places will contact you without your permission and schedule interviews without your consent; usually they find your email on sites like careerbuilder etc... Also, not all interviews are interviews! Some companies put you in a room with other people for a presentation and then if you're/they're still interested, they'll call you.

Interview #9: Sometimes the interviewer doesn't know what they're doing, they may confuse you and may not get their message across properly or clearly.
Jobs may also be different than you imagined.

Interview #10: Sometimes the atmosphere may be appalling, but they can also grow on you.
Some companies also like to post job ads for more than a month, these kinds of jobs you may want to watch out for. As it shows they don't know what they're doing, they can't seem to make up their minds as they haven't hired anyone. Or they're just a scam and pulling everyone's leg.

Interview #11: Not all employers are created equally, there are plenty of lousy ones that don't do their job right. Some may not notify you that the position you were going on an interview for is no longer available, with their lousy skills they may not tell you and then you'll go on the interview for them to tell you the position was taken already; giving you a HUGE waste of time! Sometimes it's good to call ahead of time to make sure you're still on for the interview.

Interview #12: All because you think you got it, doesn't mean you did.

Interview #13: Even if they loved you and do want to hire you, does not mean they have any open positions.

Interview #14: Most jobs do not have flexible hours, sometimes it's good to ask.

Interview #15: Some jobs are discriminatory, especially office jobs. Females tend to be preferred in clerical positions.

Interview #16: Some interviews are conducted via phone or even skype. These are usually used to test people and see who is more suitable, usually second interviews in person are involved.

Interview #17: All because you love the job and atmosphere, does not mean they want you! Also, some buildings are like mazes... be careful and look for certain things that you'll be able to notice if everything looks the same.

Interview #18: It may seem like the interviewer likes you as a candidate, but it doesn't mean they will choose you.

Interview #19:  Some people are nasty, job interviewers are no exception. Some jobs are not even worth it if people treat you rudely on an interview, they'll probably treat you just as bad on the job. This doesn't always include customer service positions, as that may be a part of the test, but only for Customer Service jobs.

Interview #20: Phone interviews can be a pain in the butt, there can be lot's of times when the time just isn't right. It can take forever to have a proper phone interview.

Interview #21: Some jobs are awesome, you can really like the place and the people can really like you. But don't forget, the interviewers probably have lot's of more candidates to interview. It's a very tough battle that not everyone will win.

Interview #22: It can really really seem like you got the job, the person/s may love you... but it doesn't mean you did.

Note for # 21  & 22: Both of those companies told me to my face that they would call or contact me whether I obtained the position or not. But NEITHER of them contacted me! So, all because they say they'll contact you, doesn't mean they will.

Interview #23: Really, make sure you know where you're going. Also, if they say they'll contact you within a week, they may just send you an email or call you as little as three hours later saying they are looking for a different kind of person.

Interview # 24: On occasion, you will have no idea where the company got your resume, or who they are.
An interesting trick is to put their phone number in the search bar on a search engine, and usually links will show what company the phone belongs to... it doesn't always work, but it does work most of the time.

Interview # 25: Don't get your hopes up and just keep applying for jobs even if you had an interview...

Interview # 26: Even if you get a second interview with a company, it still does not mean they will hire you.

Interview # 27: You may realize that, the job isn't the right job for you.

Interview # 28: Sometimes a new dog has the same old tricks! You have to be cautious of applying for a company you've applied for before!

Interview # 29: Some interviews are a total waste of time! And don't bother putting your resume out for anyone to see, otherwise you get a boatload of commission and sales based jobs looking to hound you down. I mean, unless you want a commission based job, then it's easy.

Interview # 30 :Make sure to leave much earlier! If it takes 30 minutes to get there, leave an extra 20 minutes, or something.. this way you have extra time to get there, and chances are, they'll take you right away anyways, sometimes they may ask you to fill out forms.

Interview # 31: Sometimes it's good to apply for jobs you wouldn't want to do, because they may be looking for something that you are skilled in! My old supervisor, when I worked in an office once told me, to apply for places that aren't hiring. This is because, some places are looking for talent, but they just haven't looked for anyone yet! This was basically the same thing, they were looking for someone besides a receptionist, but they weren't going out of their way to find someone!

Interview # 32: I've said this one already, but sometimes the job isn't right for you. It could be perfect, but it's not exactly what you need in your life right now, you need something different.

Interview # 33: I've really started to give up on Staffing Agencies, that's why I declined to go on an interview for two other companies.. I've given up on them, I really have! They are useless and I go on more interviews by applying for jobs directly anyways! Plus, staffing agencies get a part of the cut anyways, you'd make more money getting a job directly.

Interview # 34: GPS systems aren't always correct and can screw you up! Make sure to leave at an even earlier time than you would have normally!

Interview # 35:  I don't really have one, I guess the best thing to do is you learn more about what to say every interview.

Interview # 36: My lesson that I learned consists of two parts.


First: Was that I needed to create a cheat sheet, I need to take a sheet and list three things to ask an employer, along with other things like good answers to questions and the like.

Second: Was, I have no choice but to try and work on my graphic design portfolio, I may not have the time or the motivation to do it.. but it's clear thats a big reason why companies want me.. I can't get a job with weird, outdated or lame artwork.. or even lack of content.

Interview # 37:  Sometimes you have to go the path less traveled, get out of your comfort zone, and apply for a job that's a bit different than what you'd normally go for.

Interview # 38: I chickened out, and did not ask her to give me a task to demonstrate my abilities, or show her the papers. So I think I need to learn how to work on that!

Interview # 39:  I have to stop complaining about my job to people, I've done this before, they just think I'm going to complain about their company, if I were to work for them.
Which is untrue, retail is just evil!!! I wish they'd understand that at least.

Interview # 40: Sometimes accidentally applying for a job, can lead to interesting opportunities. While, sometimes it falls flat on it's face. Never be afraid to say, this isn't for me.

Interview # 41: Sometimes the interviewers will look to see how well your experience is with a program, and test you.