Job interview - Need Help!
At my place of work, there will be a job opening for a permanent assistant producer. I've been doing this job for close to three years now, I believe that I am great at my job, but I am incredibly nervous at the idea of a job interview. I usually don't perform well, and even though I believe in my skills, I know that there is a favorite in the running with me, so that adds to my nervosity. I don't want to think of it like that, because I want to believe that we all have the same chances, but I've been hearing people telling that person that she is shoo in for the job. I don't think it's fair, but that's how it is in the workplace. I have nothing against that person, I just think it's hard to really believe in my chances when the spotlight seems to be on her. I've been at this place of work longer than her, however, I've done other jobs in the building, still related to the newsroom, but she gained seniority over me while I was working as a researcher or in subtitling. Therefore, people think she's been there longer than I.
Anyways, I am not going to write a novel here. I am not going to focus on others, just on myself. I just want your advice on how to prepare for this interview. I have done this kind of interview before for the same company, but I had just arrived from vacation and was incredibly tired at the interview. And at that time, I didn't really care if I had the job or not, because I thought I had other opportunities elsewhere. Anyways, I know how it works, and I can prepare a bit, but it's just to get rid of the nervosity or at least, deal with it. I feel as if I was a politician campaigning for a seat in the house. :)
My supervisor recently did job interviews and asked one of the all-time stupid questions (ranking up there with "why are you the best candidate"), "What was your biggest weakness at your last position?" I think you should have answers ready for those.
Also, know what your accomplishments, what you can bring to the position, and practice answering imaginary questions succinctly. I tend to ramble, so when it's important I imagine the potential questions and practice answering in a more direct way.
...practice answering imaginary questions...
This should be your best tool. Do a search on the internet for interview questions. Be sure that you can answer all the questions you find.
Also, make sure that you are well versed in stating your strengths and weaknesses. All weakness questions should be answered in a red flag, green flag manner. For example, you might say "My greatest weakness is that I tend to become stressed when I have several tasks that need my attention immediately. However, I have learned to organize and budget my time in order to complete my work correctly and on time." The red flag is that you become stressed, but the green flag is that you have a system in place to deal with it. Always end the question with a green flag so that the interviewer has a more positive impression of you.
If you have any specfic questions you need help with, my email is pixie8i8 at hotmail dot com
Also be sure to tell them how long you've been there, and how you've worked in other departments, so you really know the in's and out's of what it takes to produce a news broadcast!
Thank you so much for your advice. I know I will do a good interview if I just practice. It's not like I do not know who will be interviewing, Ive been working with them for close to 3 years. Anyways, I will put your advices to practice.