FabSwingers.com > Forums > The Lounge > Interviewing agencies?
Interviewing agencies?
Jump to: Newest in thread
 |
By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
|
Anybody noticed that no matter what type of company you go for a job in or what department t is. They always ask you the same things that aren't necessarily related to the actual job?
Anybody worked for one of these agencies and made decisions to employee people? |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
|
By *yrdwomanWoman
over a year ago
Putting the 'cum' in Eboracum |
They're called competence based interviews and are all the rage. What they want to hear is how you managed certain situations that they can then review to see how you would act when working for them. They can't ask you questions about the job you've gone for as you haven't done it yet.
Just think STAR when you respond. Describe the Situation, the Task you identified, what Action you took, and the Result of your actions. |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
|
By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
|
"They're called competence based interviews and are all the rage. What they want to hear is how you managed certain situations that they can then review to see how you would act when working for them. They can't ask you questions about the job you've gone for as you haven't done it yet.
Just think STAR when you respond. Describe the Situation, the Task you identified, what Action you took, and the Result of your actions."
I meant they go on about targets, etc. Customer service has nothing to do with it as far as I am aware? Sales I agree is to do with it, customer service isn't. Since these sort of firms cake into action. I am not sure why my luck in jobs has gone down  |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
|
By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
"They're called competence based interviews and are all the rage. What they want to hear is how you managed certain situations that they can then review to see how you would act when working for them. They can't ask you questions about the job you've gone for as you haven't done it yet.
Just think STAR when you respond. Describe the Situation, the Task you identified, what Action you took, and the Result of your actions."
Just to add: you can tell what questions they will ask because they will be listed in the job advert, so you can prepare for these.
HR is getting pretty complex these days and people take it seriously. Wait until you find a HR nut that goes all Myer Briggs on you. |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
|
By *yrdwomanWoman
over a year ago
Putting the 'cum' in Eboracum |
"They're called competence based interviews and are all the rage. What they want to hear is how you managed certain situations that they can then review to see how you would act when working for them. They can't ask you questions about the job you've gone for as you haven't done it yet.
Just think STAR when you respond. Describe the Situation, the Task you identified, what Action you took, and the Result of your actions.
I meant they go on about targets, etc. Customer service has nothing to do with it as far as I am aware? Sales I agree is to do with it, customer service isn't. Since these sort of firms cake into action. I am not sure why my luck in jobs has gone down "
When I worked as a Customer Service Advisor we had targets. They want you to deal with the most amount of customers in the least amount of time. The more you can deal with successfully, the happier the customers are, and the more they'll keep.
There are loads of sites on the web giving hints and tips on interview techniques. Take it from someone who knows, its worth boning up before you go in. |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
|
By *yrdwomanWoman
over a year ago
Putting the 'cum' in Eboracum |
"They're called competence based interviews and are all the rage. What they want to hear is how you managed certain situations that they can then review to see how you would act when working for them. They can't ask you questions about the job you've gone for as you haven't done it yet.
Just think STAR when you respond. Describe the Situation, the Task you identified, what Action you took, and the Result of your actions.
Just to add: you can tell what questions they will ask because they will be listed in the job advert, so you can prepare for these.
HR is getting pretty complex these days and people take it seriously. Wait until you find a HR nut that goes all Myer Briggs on you. "
Myer Briggs!! *shudder* |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
|
By *imiUKMan
over a year ago
Hereford |
"
HR is getting pretty complex these days and people take it seriously. Wait until you find a HR nut that goes all Myer Briggs on you. "
I once did my own Myers-Brigg and I began to understand why I wasn't getting jobs.
I forget what the letters were, but basically you could substitute 'obstinate bastard who thinks his team- mates are all fucktards'
I am now self-employed.  |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
|
By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
|
"They're called competence based interviews and are all the rage. What they want to hear is how you managed certain situations that they can then review to see how you would act when working for them. They can't ask you questions about the job you've gone for as you haven't done it yet.
Just think STAR when you respond. Describe the Situation, the Task you identified, what Action you took, and the Result of your actions.
I meant they go on about targets, etc. Customer service has nothing to do with it as far as I am aware? Sales I agree is to do with it, customer service isn't. Since these sort of firms cake into action. I am not sure why my luck in jobs has gone down
When I worked as a Customer Service Advisor we had targets. They want you to deal with the most amount of customers in the least amount of time. The more you can deal with successfully, the happier the customers are, and the more they'll keep.
There are loads of sites on the web giving hints and tips on interview techniques. Take it from someone who knows, its worth boning up before you go in."
Lol at "boning up" before going to an interview, lol.
Seriously though I never thought of serving customers quick like that as in supermarkets they want you to scan items at a certain speed. (So if a cashier goes to quick when putting your stuff through, go easy on them, not their fault). Maybe mention that as part of me reaching a target? |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
|
By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
"They're called competence based interviews and are all the rage. What they want to hear is how you managed certain situations that they can then review to see how you would act when working for them. They can't ask you questions about the job you've gone for as you haven't done it yet.
Just think STAR when you respond. Describe the Situation, the Task you identified, what Action you took, and the Result of your actions.
I meant they go on about targets, etc. Customer service has nothing to do with it as far as I am aware? Sales I agree is to do with it, customer service isn't. Since these sort of firms cake into action. I am not sure why my luck in jobs has gone down "
Yes it does as a target is to answer the phone within a certain time and in my company, they get members of the board to phone up and ask questions to see how well staff can answer them. Answering the phone and dealing with people comes under 'customer services' |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
|
By *mwantsWoman
over a year ago
City |
"They're called competence based interviews and are all the rage. What they want to hear is how you managed certain situations that they can then review to see how you would act when working for them. They can't ask you questions about the job you've gone for as you haven't done it yet.
Just think STAR when you respond. Describe the Situation, the Task you identified, what Action you took, and the Result of your actions.
I meant they go on about targets, etc. Customer service has nothing to do with it as far as I am aware? Sales I agree is to do with it, customer service isn't. Since these sort of firms cake into action. I am not sure why my luck in jobs has gone down "
If its a sales position then of course customer service has something to do with it. Who's going to buy anything from anyone who treats them badly?
Competency interviews show the interviewer how your skills could be transfered to the position you're applying for. When you think from the other perspective how will they find out how suitable you could be by asking general questions?! The questions are relevant as you are showing how you've previously used the necessary skills for the position.
Look up the star format on YouTube, loads of videos that show things from both sides of the table!
Also bear in mind that personal references are a thing of the past, so you're the only one that can demonstrate how great you are!
|
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
|
By *ndy85!Man
over a year ago
near you |
I cant say I have ever been asked many questions that do not involve what work is required in my trade. All questions have been put across in a scenario which I Will come across in work.
Tip: on your cv or if ever asked never put your into like high adrenaline sports or martial arts as they are high injury risk and they will be expecting you to have time off sick throuh injury.
My interests are long walks reading and fishing ...... ok I do fish I cant remember the last time I read a book probably in college lol  |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
"They're called competence based interviews and are all the rage. What they want to hear is how you managed certain situations that they can then review to see how you would act when working for them. They can't ask you questions about the job you've gone for as you haven't done it yet.
Just think STAR when you respond. Describe the Situation, the Task you identified, what Action you took, and the Result of your actions.
I meant they go on about targets, etc. Customer service has nothing to do with it as far as I am aware? Sales I agree is to do with it, customer service isn't. Since these sort of firms cake into action. I am not sure why my luck in jobs has gone down
When I worked as a Customer Service Advisor we had targets. They want you to deal with the most amount of customers in the least amount of time. The more you can deal with successfully, the happier the customers are, and the more they'll keep.
There are loads of sites on the web giving hints and tips on interview techniques. Take it from someone who knows, its worth boning up before you go in.
Lol at "boning up" before going to an interview, lol.
Seriously though I never thought of serving customers quick like that as in supermarkets they want you to scan items at a certain speed. (So if a cashier goes to quick when putting your stuff through, go easy on them, not their fault). Maybe mention that as part of me reaching a target? "
Everywhere has targets these days. It's how they measure performance.
I worked in inbound customer service for years and all of my staff had targets. Calls per minute, first call resolutions, quality scores, upselling, cross selling, conversion rates, idle time, time spent wrapping calls up, emails answered etc
You sound very passionate about customer service and experience and that is great bit in today's business world targets are big.
Yes you can use the items through a checkout as targets and delivering at pace. Especially around busy periods such as Christmas etc. Places like aldi have a target amount of items per hour. At least they did when I interviewed for branch manager. |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
|
By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
|
"I can remember the days of getting a job through word of mouth.
Changed days. "
When I was a teen (although I was nagging before this and was told 13 was the leak age). I went into mum local newsagents asked if they wanted paperboys, then a year later I asked if I could collect money. When I was 18 and in my first proper job. Before I started. Someone said there's a new firm coming here. So I went online. Did a basic quiz. Basically it asks you how nice you are . Then within the hour they phoned me to come for an interview. Same for my current job. I heard people saying that there were jobs going. Went that day and handed my cv and within a few hours they offered me a face to face interview. Now you apply online, speak on the phone for ages then you meet someone in the company who just interviews people. No connection with the business at all. |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
"If a cashier goes too quick on the tills
I deliberately slow down packing my bags
May even tear one and start again
They can't serve anyone else until you have paid and left "
Can I ask a question why would you do that? |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
"If a cashier goes too quick on the tills
I deliberately slow down packing my bags
May even tear one and start again
They can't serve anyone else until you have paid and left
Can I ask a question why would you do that? "
If someone is going too fast for me I politely ask them to slow down. Works a charm |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
|
By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
"If a cashier goes too quick on the tills
I deliberately slow down packing my bags
May even tear one and start again
They can't serve anyone else until you have paid and left
Can I ask a question why would you do that?
If someone is going too fast for me I politely ask them to slow down. Works a charm "
I'm happy to get out of those hell holes as soon as possible. |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
|
By *mwantsWoman
over a year ago
City |
"I can remember the days of getting a job through word of mouth.
Changed days.
When I was a teen (although I was nagging before this and was told 13 was the leak age). I went into mum local newsagents asked if they wanted paperboys, then a year later I asked if I could collect money. When I was 18 and in my first proper job. Before I started. Someone said there's a new firm coming here. So I went online. Did a basic quiz. Basically it asks you how nice you are . Then within the hour they phoned me to come for an interview. Same for my current job. I heard people saying that there were jobs going. Went that day and handed my cv and within a few hours they offered me a face to face interview. Now you apply online, speak on the phone for ages then you meet someone in the company who just interviews people. No connection with the business at all."
The interviewer can be the face of the company in most situations. If they have no connection to the business then they aren't s good recruiter.
Think of it this way, there's a lot of time invested to one person in a recruitment process. Do they want to do that every month?
I recieve thousands of applications each year. All these things are in place for a reason.
You make your own destiny. Have you tried to improve on this?? |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
|
By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
|
"I can remember the days of getting a job through word of mouth.
Changed days.
When I was a teen (although I was nagging before this and was told 13 was the leak age). I went into mum local newsagents asked if they wanted paperboys, then a year later I asked if I could collect money. When I was 18 and in my first proper job. Before I started. Someone said there's a new firm coming here. So I went online. Did a basic quiz. Basically it asks you how nice you are . Then within the hour they phoned me to come for an interview. Same for my current job. I heard people saying that there were jobs going. Went that day and handed my cv and within a few hours they offered me a face to face interview. Now you apply online, speak on the phone for ages then you meet someone in the company who just interviews people. No connection with the business at all.
The interviewer can be the face of the company in most situations. If they have no connection to the business then they aren't s good recruiter.
Think of it this way, there's a lot of time invested to one person in a recruitment process. Do they want to do that every month?
I recieve thousands of applications each year. All these things are in place for a reason.
You make your own destiny. Have you tried to improve on this?? "
I have done business in college. So I am aware about costs of this.
Well all I know is when I hand my cv to someone that I know its enough to get the job. If they phone me for a chat. We are arranging a face to face interview on the spot and when I get those interviews I pass them so well. They let me know within the hour and tell me I got the job. However since these agencies have come in. I have had countless interviews all on the phone and I seem to do badly in them . |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
|
By *mwantsWoman
over a year ago
City |
"I can remember the days of getting a job through word of mouth.
Changed days.
When I was a teen (although I was nagging before this and was told 13 was the leak age). I went into mum local newsagents asked if they wanted paperboys, then a year later I asked if I could collect money. When I was 18 and in my first proper job. Before I started. Someone said there's a new firm coming here. So I went online. Did a basic quiz. Basically it asks you how nice you are . Then within the hour they phoned me to come for an interview. Same for my current job. I heard people saying that there were jobs going. Went that day and handed my cv and within a few hours they offered me a face to face interview. Now you apply online, speak on the phone for ages then you meet someone in the company who just interviews people. No connection with the business at all.
The interviewer can be the face of the company in most situations. If they have no connection to the business then they aren't s good recruiter.
Think of it this way, there's a lot of time invested to one person in a recruitment process. Do they want to do that every month?
I recieve thousands of applications each year. All these things are in place for a reason.
You make your own destiny. Have you tried to improve on this??
I have done business in college. So I am aware about costs of this.
Well all I know is when I hand my cv to someone that I know its enough to get the job. If they phone me for a chat. We are arranging a face to face interview on the spot and when I get those interviews I pass them so well. They let me know within the hour and tell me I got the job. However since these agencies have come in. I have had countless interviews all on the phone and I seem to do badly in them ."
This is just a prescreen. We want to see your motivation for the position and an actual desire. I also use it to assess tone/manner/language skills.
How are you speaking to them? If you're used to the general chit chat approach, you need to change your mindset.
I really do recommend YouTube videos! Seeing it from the interviewers side really helps. |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
|
By *mwantsWoman
over a year ago
City |
"When was the last time you were offered a job though? It's tough out there. Employers can afford be hyper critical of applicants because they get hundreds of applications. "
I've rejected people over minor things to be fair! The others didn't have them and it can sometimes come down to that person put their elbow on the table! |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
"If a cashier goes too quick on the tills
I deliberately slow down packing my bags
May even tear one and start again
They can't serve anyone else until you have paid and left
Can I ask a question why would you do that? "
Can I answer ?
I only do it when is blatantly obvious thy are skimming things through knowing you can't keep up , the more you rush the more likely your bag a will split and stuff gets squashed or broken .
It's not nasty or vindictive . No dirty looks but it works
|
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
|
By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
|
"I can remember the days of getting a job through word of mouth.
Changed days.
When I was a teen (although I was nagging before this and was told 13 was the leak age). I went into mum local newsagents asked if they wanted paperboys, then a year later I asked if I could collect money. When I was 18 and in my first proper job. Before I started. Someone said there's a new firm coming here. So I went online. Did a basic quiz. Basically it asks you how nice you are . Then within the hour they phoned me to come for an interview. Same for my current job. I heard people saying that there were jobs going. Went that day and handed my cv and within a few hours they offered me a face to face interview. Now you apply online, speak on the phone for ages then you meet someone in the company who just interviews people. No connection with the business at all.
The interviewer can be the face of the company in most situations. If they have no connection to the business then they aren't s good recruiter.
Think of it this way, there's a lot of time invested to one person in a recruitment process. Do they want to do that every month?
I recieve thousands of applications each year. All these things are in place for a reason.
You make your own destiny. Have you tried to improve on this??
I have done business in college. So I am aware about costs of this.
Well all I know is when I hand my cv to someone that I know its enough to get the job. If they phone me for a chat. We are arranging a face to face interview on the spot and when I get those interviews I pass them so well. They let me know within the hour and tell me I got the job. However since these agencies have come in. I have had countless interviews all on the phone and I seem to do badly in them .
This is just a prescreen. We want to see your motivation for the position and an actual desire. I also use it to assess tone/manner/language skills.
How are you speaking to them? If you're used to the general chit chat approach, you need to change your mindset.
I really do recommend YouTube videos! Seeing it from the interviewers side really helps. "
I normally just say hello to them ask how they are and vice versa. They explain the layout of the interview. Then we proceed with it. Afterwards they say I am a bit nervous, but that's nothing to with why they are turning me down. |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
|
By *ezebelWoman
over a year ago
North of The Wall - youll need your vest |
"
HR is getting pretty complex these days and people take it seriously. Wait until you find a HR nut that goes all Myer Briggs on you.
I once did my own Myers-Brigg and I began to understand why I wasn't getting jobs.
I forget what the letters were, but basically you could substitute 'obstinate bastard who thinks his team- mates are all fucktards'
I am now self-employed. "
|
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
|
By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
"They're called competence based interviews and are all the rage. What they want to hear is how you managed certain situations that they can then review to see how you would act when working for them. They can't ask you questions about the job you've gone for as you haven't done it yet.
Just think STAR when you respond. Describe the Situation, the Task you identified, what Action you took, and the Result of your actions.
I meant they go on about targets, etc. Customer service has nothing to do with it as far as I am aware? Sales I agree is to do with it, customer service isn't. Since these sort of firms cake into action. I am not sure why my luck in jobs has gone down "
every position in every job has to have targets, its how your efficiency is measured. |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
|
By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
"If a cashier goes too quick on the tills
I deliberately slow down packing my bags
May even tear one and start again
They can't serve anyone else until you have paid and left "
An experienced till operator, will go at the appropriate rate for the customer. Its called service. and an experienced employee will never be on the dole. |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
|
By *ee VianteWoman
over a year ago
Somewhere in North Norfolk |
"If a cashier goes too quick on the tills
I deliberately slow down packing my bags
May even tear one and start again
They can't serve anyone else until you have paid and left
Can I ask a question why would you do that?
If someone is going too fast for me I politely ask them to slow down. Works a charm "
^ This. I can't imagine why there would be a need to handle it any other way.
Even if they didn't slow down, I pack at a reasonable rate and let things pile up. I finish packing and then I pay. I don't let it bother me if the checkout operator needs to sit for a minute or two and wait for me.
Supermarkets can be stressful enough without letting yourself be hurried along. |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
"I can remember the days of getting a job through word of mouth.
Changed days.
It still happens only its called networking now."
Over the last 20yrs I never had an interview 
always had another garage offer me a better job
I would hate to be looking for a job now |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
|
By *nnyMan
over a year ago
Glasgow |
"I can remember the days of getting a job through word of mouth.
Changed days.
It still happens only its called networking now.
Over the last 20yrs I never had an interview
always had another garage offer me a better job
I would hate to be looking for a job now "
Spot on. If you're really good at what you do, employers will beat a path to your door. |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
"They're called competence based interviews and are all the rage. What they want to hear is how you managed certain situations that they can then review to see how you would act when working for them. They can't ask you questions about the job you've gone for as you haven't done it yet.
Just think STAR when you respond. Describe the Situation, the Task you identified, what Action you took, and the Result of your actions."
This has civil servant written all over it...... |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
|
By *andm288Couple
over a year ago
oxford |
"I can remember the days of getting a job through word of mouth.
Changed days.
It still happens only its called networking now.
Over the last 20yrs I never had an interview
always had another garage offer me a better job
I would hate to be looking for a job now
Spot on. If you're really good at what you do, employers will beat a path to your door."
|
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
» Add a new message to this topic
