He-man is in the throws of finding full time employment having decided that a college life was not for him. I only wish he had decided this sooner rather than later. But hey ho and away we go. Grandad as ever is administering advice. Please read on.
"..... here are some suggestions which may give you an ‘edge’.
1) First impressions count! Fortunately you are almost as vain as I am so you are unlikely to be scruffy or poorly turned out. Always look your best.
2) Be confident. When first greeted by the interviewer, approach with a smile and hand outstretched ready to shake. Even if you are shitting bones sideways, as you may be early in an interview, always try to look the ‘part’. Old school interviewers always take note of clean shoes.
3) Be yourself. Do not adopt any false persona as any half decent trained interviewer will spot it immediately. Try to avoid the worst excesses of the Northern accent we both share. Avoid slang especially street slang, it impresses no one.
4) Wait to be invited to sit down!!!!
5) You will be asked various questions and your answers will have significance. So always listen to the question carefully without interrupting. If you are not clear on what is being asked of you, ask for the question to be repeated.
6) Always, always, allow a second or so to consider the question before you say anything at all. I've lost count of the number of interviewees I have seen fail due to anticipating (often incorrectly) the end of a question or giving a rushed ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ answer.
7) See above. Try to avoid wherever possible definitive ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answers and seek to develop the question. This will show the interviewer that a) you are intelligent, b) you consider problems before acting, and c) you have some maturity.
8) It is a good idea to ask a question of the interviewer yourself at some juncture towards the end of the interview. If you can think of one before the meeting and make a note of it, so much the better. What are the prospects for advancement please? Are you part of a larger company? How many branches do you have? Does the company have any sports or recreation facilities? This last one gives the opening to discuss your rugby, swimming and football prowess if it has not been raised earlier.
9) I often used to have a small note pad with me to make notes of important or significant points raised during the course of the interview. But I am not sure if this practice is now frowned upon and suggest you consult with your mum before deploying that particular technique; it may not be appropriate any more especially at your age.
10) One thing I always deployed immediately before every interview was breath freshener; Gold Spot or Boots own brand are best and last for ages. That is never a bad investment and will be a great and enduring source of amusement for your mother for years to come.
11) Best of luck! "
I have to say times haven't changed much. As much as my father at 18 would have had a multitude of suits to choose from He-man has a nothing in that field save a few smart shirts, a couple of ties and 1 pair of smart shoes and pair of trousers. I would gladly kit him out in the suitable attire but whilst he is behaving like Kevin the Teenager I will wait for the arm flailing etc to abate and reality to kick in.
Posts
