Job interview advice?

Question

I have a job interview on Friday for a waitressing/barmaid job. I just turned 18 years old and left school about a month ago. On Friday i sent out 5 CVs and got my first response today from the hotel/restaurant which i want to work at the most (lucky eh?).

Anyway they asked me to come in for a 'chat' about the job. They made it sound quite informal. First of all i was wondering what would be best to wear. It sounded as though it would be quite informal just from the way the guy was talking...that makes me think wear normal cloths. But then again it is an interview(kind of) so they will be judging me...this makes me think i should dress a little more formal. What would be appropriate for a 4-star hotel waitress interview?

We had an 'interview skills' class at school and although i've forgotten alot, i do remember that it's important to ask at least one question at the end. I don't necessarily have anything to ask though...should i maybe ask something about the larger events they hold such as christmas parties?

Has anyone got any tips on preparing for the interview? I've looked at their website and over the next few days i intend to keep researching it. Although i'm not 100% sure what i'm looking for..

I'm just scared becauseue i have no experience...don't exactly feel worthy for the role. Would be great if i got it though!

Thanks for any advice...

Answer 1

Hi,

Always remember, preparation always pays off. Both the face-to-face and phone interviews are equally important and deal-killer at the same time. There is a general misconception that phone interviews are less formal than face-to-face interviews, but in fact that is what lands you an opportunity for a face to face meeting.

Answer 2

You ARE worthy for the role, be yourself. I would opt for smart/casual (no jeans, not that casual) but be comfortable in what you wear, personally as someone who has interviewed countless times in my own career I look for

1. Were you on time

2. Do you look comfortable

3. Do you have any knowledge of the company

4. Do you appear enthusiastic

the worst thing (for me) is when I ask a question and get a yes or no answer!! Just relax, they know you have just left school so they are not going to be expecting you to know everything, customer service and it's importance will be a good point for you, that you would treat people how you would like to be treated yourself. Good luck x

Answer 3

if its a 4 star hotel then I'd definitely go smart, but casual.  Asking about large events is good and you could also ask about any training or induction needed for the job.  Good luck!

Answer 4

Definitely dress up a little. Be cheerful, smile a lot, and try to answer every question in an upbeat, positive manner. Don't worry too much about what questions to ask, you don't want them to think you're screening them. Asking about Christmas parties is a good idea, it shows them you are thinking through what the job involves. If you are asked about your weaknesses, talk about how you overcame a weakness and learned something. Don't answer any question negatively - always be positive and cheerful. At the end of the interview, say something like "I'd just like to say that I am really excited about this opportunity." Good luck!

Answer 5

Always go smart even if it sounds informal.  Black trousers or skirt and a nice top/fitted shirt.

As for preparing for the interview...think about what qualities you have to bring to the job, read over your CV and smile all the way through.

Answer 6

Dress for an interview!  Just because he sounded informal, doesn't mean you show up in jeans and a tank top!  Slacks with a blouse or nice top will do.

Ask: What do you like about working here? Is there anything you don't like about working here.  

Honey, you should really go back to school, or waitressing and entry level jobs is about all you'll be doing.

Answer 7

I interview frequently and agree with just about everything allready said.I do however look at body language and especially eye contact,  Try to be relaxed and if you really wan to make a good impression... smile.  One thing that you will learn is that people will often smile back at you when you smile at them.  Its a sort of reflex action... it will put them at their ease and you'll get them on your side right at the start.  

Good luck with the interview. I'm sure you'll do fine

Answer 8

Always go dressed smart, the interviewer will remember you if you dress very smart and no body else does.

As for the actual interview, make sure your CV is perfect, but not too long. Prepare answers for questions about previous work experience.

If when it comes to the interview and you dont have an answer for a question they may ask, just make up a believable experience (i did this).

Hope i helped ^_^

Answer 9

First impressions count. I know this is an informal chat, which is nice at you will be relaxed, but personally I would treat it like an interview and wear clothes accordingly. I was told once to always dress one up from the job. So if you go for a job on a kids camp for example, you would normally dress in casual clothes, but for the interview wear smart casual. For waitressing/barmaid, they will want you to look clean and depending on the venue smart/trendy - so I would dress very smart for a smart bar or smart but trendy for a trendy bar!!!

I always find that by leading the conversation, my nerves get better. So I try and ask questions to take the spotlight off me.

Asking at the end about the venue is a very good idea. Perhaps do some research first which shows you are interested in the post. Have a look at their website, so you can say "I had a look at your website - it looks great - I noticed you do christmas parties - what other events do you cater for?"

Good luck x