Upcomming Job interviews

[thundabooge]

I have a few job interviews coming up soon with Ferguson(a huge plumbing/HVAC supply company) for a sales trainee position and New York Life Insurance Co as an agent trainee.  In the last week or so Ive been going over potential interview questions and how I plan to answer, researching the companies, and trying to find as much information as I can on the positions.  I must admit that I am quite nervous abt the interviews so.....

Does anyone here happen to work for either companies or in the same areas and can give any insight?

Does anyone have any advice to offer on how to make the best impression during the interviews?

[YUCCA]

  I have a good working relationship with the gentleman that runs the local Ferguson.  I'm sure he'd be willing to answer some questions if you would like his number.  However, I've dealt with their salesman frequently over lunches etc.  I can tell you that they will want someone who is confident, friendly, and overall someone you enjoy being around.  You can't teach people "people skills."  Also, it would help if you had a general working knowledge of what it is they sell.  That CAN be taught.

[nooby52]

Hey Thunda, wish I had some insights to give you, but I don't think I can tell you what you haven't already heard or didn't already know. But rest assured I and the rest of the squad wish you the very best. 

[Arlo]

Lastly, to be honest, chemistry accomplishes a lot. Interviews are nerve-racking. Try to keep your cool, stay relaxed, be confident. Don't try to be funny to ease the tension (that can often be un-funny and flop - I'm not saying be a stick in the mud, either). If, however, you see an opportunity to establish some common interests and viewpoints with the interviewer, do so. Don't be afraid to sell yourself. Let him or her know that you not only can do the job, you have. And that you like this type of work (this cannot be stated strongly enough).

Having said all that, no matter how well you think the interview went keep in mind that you still may not get the position. This, believe it or not, can be used to your advantage. If you think the interview went well, it probably did. The interviewer may call on you for another position or even mention you to a friend or colleague that is looking for someone just like you. An interview is never a fail if you do well. It just may have to be a way to help you to plan b (and sometimes plan b ends up as something better, anyway).

Good luck, my friend. 

[RufusLeaking]

Interviewed for a Sales job more than ten years ago. It was selling software to car dealers. The company actually made me take a personality test.

I knew that they wanted competitive, materialistic guys as salesmen, so I answered accordingly. I got the offer, but took an engineering position because, honestly, selling to salesmen would have worn me out.

For the sales job, try to show that you are competitive, but not a threat to the guys interviewing you.

Lastly, to be honest, chemistry accomplishes a lot.

Quoted for truth. If you're lucky, you will hit it off.

Good luck. Stay confident.

[SysError]

Does anyone have any advice to offer on how to make the best impression during the interviews?

I do not know if this is the same book I read years and years ago on job interviewing, but if it is, it is a MUST read. 

Knock 'em Dead Job Interview
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1440536791/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_2?pf_rd_p=1944687762&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=1440562199&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=11KYX7GSM1TBF1ZPMWME

(This has a 2012 copywrite  - could be an update.  It seems as if they franchised the name "Knock 'em Dead", lots of Knock 'em Dead books out there it seems).

[BaldEagl]

I've interviewed hundreds of people and been interviewed by hundreds more over my lifetime.

Expect a lot of general questions like:

Tell me about yourself.
Why are you interested in this company/position?
Tell me about a time something went wrong and what you did.
What's the thing in your life you're most proud of?
What's your biggest weakness? (offer a benign answer to this one like "Once I start eating chips I just can't stop")

Answer honestly but fine tune your responses to add relevancy to the position you're applying to.
Look the interviewer in the eye, speak clearly and be confident in your replies.
Eliminate mental pauses (ahh, umm, ya know, etc...)

You may be asked how much you expect to be paid.  Don't answer directly.  A possible response might be "I'm sure you have a budget in mind for the position.  I hope to be paid commensurate with this type of position within the industry."  If they press for a number give them a broad range i.e. lower/middle/upper five/six figures (do your research so you're not pricing yourself out of the job... underpricing yourself is just as bad).

Wait until the end to ask questions but don't ask about things like wages, hours, benefits, etc.  Those will come if you are offered a position or are invited to a second interview.
Ask what they are specifically looking for then add something to let them know you can fill that.
Ask the interviewer about their experience with the company (people like to talk about themselves).
Ask when they expect to make a decision and let them know you plan to follow up on that date.

Hope that helps.  Good luck.

[mbailey]

Best of luck in the interview. I work for an insurance company and absolutely love it.

[BuckShot]

Don't fidget, look them the eye, but not creepy-like, don't fold your arms.

Good luck! ~S~

[RotBaron]

I would always be prepared to answer this question (at the very least): What was the "toughest" (most challenging, difficult, hardest, etc...) "thing" (task, job, problem, etc...) you've had to do in your life or career and how did you handle, overcome, challenge, succeed, etc...with it?

As a volunteer in a HR dept recently, I heard that question from the interviewers in some fashion just about every other day.