Rah! I need you again!

[Pekka]

you remember my threads about job interviews? Well, it's that time of the year again for me. I have effectively forgotten everything. The problem is, I'm very nervous for this time around, because the job is actually the best I've ever gotten into (interview). I'm gunning for Supervisor position at the same company I was with last year, I'm not mentioning it but it's big. Huge. So the position is difficult to get, because everyone is gunning for the same position now.

I figure I'm good enough for the job since they called me, and what works in my favor is that they wanted to see me tomorrow initially. The position is still open for applications, I filed mine two days ago, so I think it's positive that they contacted me right away and wanted to see me right away, since the ACTUAL process for that said job is still open for some time.

Now, that said.. I don't stand good chances right now. I'm against very qualified opponents. I'm 4/4 on interviews, meaning that when I have gotten the interview, I've always nailed it. But this time it's different, I'm extremely nervous. I really want the job. I REALLY WANT IT. It's the best thing that could happen to me career wise. It would be early opening for me, I mean this could be my first break.

Thus, I'm nervous. I also know the caliber of people who they are going to interview and I'm not the best. I might be in the lower echelons of that patch. I know I am, it's a fact.

Now they are going to have group interviews, in groups of 8. And there's going to be few supervisors there, to observe. Needless to say this doesn't help my nervousness at all. I'd prefer 1 on 1, in, bang, out. This is something that takes time, outside observes in the same room, group interview.

Give me advices, you gave me great ones last time. Can you also tell me the good ways to answer 'what's your weakest quality' and 'strongest' one also. I remember they were awesome. I'm not going there to lie, but I just want to know what they are going to look into and last time with your help I nailed it.

Also, I knwo the key is to be myself, they know we are all qualified for it, they're just looking the one who fits best and who they like the most, it's also supervisor position so I would have people 'under my command'. For example, I do have 6months worth of leadership experience, in the army. That won't help me, except in real life. But in that interview, nope, everyone else has it in there too. So that's kind of weak point to even pull out, it's like 'I breathe air'.

Advices? What should I expect? I've never been into group interviews. It's also rather high position for any student, so competition is as stiff as it gets in here.

Finally, I'm glad and in awe that I was chosen to be seen. However, I'm really not confident this time around. I think I'm one of the weakest ones in the groups. This is the most important challenge of my life so far, as far as career goes. I really want this job badly, and I know I could handle it, and excell in it. How can I get them to understand it?

[SlowwHand]

I don't know what RAH will say, but you have to be more positive in your thoughts.

Best of luck to you.

[Pekka]

I know man! But I'm a worrier ... it's just facts Sloww.. I know where I stand in this, I'm an underdog BIG TIME. And it's just that, well, first I didn't even figure they'd even look at my application. Now that they actually called me right away, I realize that I have a shot in this, in my dream. I have planned this. This was the position I wanted to go after, I've known this for a long time. Last summer, I wanted to get in where I actually got in, with this in mind. I figured, well, if I get this, then next year, I might get this position.

So far everything worked out. But like I said, as far as students goes, this is one of the best places, publicly announced places in the country IMO. I'm not in that group of people, I know I have skills but ... I'm just not next to the best. That's a fact and I know it.

So I'm worried because I have realized my dream might actually come true, and now, if I don't get it? I mean now I have high hope. And at the same time I'm realist. I'm not the best applicant there. But I can do the job, for sure. And I would have one of the best motivations than anyone, this is my dream, this is what have done things for, I aligned myself, this is my strategy, more than a year old plan. I just didn't think of this. I want this. Because if I get this? Man, the next stage of my plan is great

[Pekka]

This is my way of doing it. I want to worry first. Last time, I worried a lot, and when the day came, I went calm, cool and felt good and positive. I need to get it out of my system.

Of course I'm worried this time I'm unable to shake it off when the time comes. I can deal with a recruiter. I don't know if I cna deal with the whole group plus supervisors observing. Plus unknown stages of interview and all that stuff.. it's a horrible interview process

[Spec]

Supervise what? Explain the job position.

Spec.

[Jon Miller]

He is going to supervise Punks

JM

[Pekka]

Spec, here's the job description:

To kick start your career with the best in the business, a Summer Trainee placement at Customer and Market Operations in *****, Finland, is hard to beat. Upon joining us as a Supervisor, you will work to ensure that production in our state of the art facility meets established quality and efficiency standards. In a working environment that is both challenging and diverse, you will supervise and coordinate the processing and manufacturing of ***** products. In addition to your flair for people management, you will get to make the most of your understanding of employment related legal issues. Along with day to day management of activities, you will participate in development projects related to your assigned production area.

[rah]

Hmmm, I've only conducted one group interview. We used it for just a preliminary screening of candidates.

The key here for you is that they're looking for a leader, so you have to look like one even when you're not answering questions. Look confident and in control. Good posture when sitting but not stiff. Eyes focused but with a thoughtful look. A genuine smile when eye contact is made. (especially important if you have a good physical presence, since it infers you can be intimidating and warm depending on the situation)
Pretend that you already have the job and that you're already RESPONSIBLE.
In group interviews you're just trying to get to the next round where you can shine in one on one situations.

Before it starts or in the early going, mingle positively with the other candidates. You're going to be leading people, you must show that you can at least get along with almost anyone.

For the questions, it's hard to predict.
Previous experience from all the rest will make a lot of everyones answers similar so how you conduct yourself may be more inportant than the answers.

If you get asked how you motivate people.
"While it's important to show consistency when dealing with people so no one feels they're being treated unfairly, in reality everyone is different and their motivation is different so many methods are required."

Some are motivated by pride, others by money, some by acceptance, a few by power, etc. It's iimportant to quickly identify what drives them so you know what buttons to push.

Group interview are not likely to be behavioural style interviews since it would make them take all day, and the answers would all start to sound the same as people heard other's answers and thought, "hmm that sounded good"

Weeknesses
Sometimes I sacrafice my personal life to get the job done.
Sometimes I spend a little too long trying to solve a problem before seeking outside help, but I've been told that I've improved in this area now that I recoginize it as a potential problem area.

Strengths.
Leadership answers to this are a little different.
They're looking for someone that will be in control and resolve issues so personal strengths will make you stand out.

I can get people to follow.
Conflict must be met head on and resolved before real progress is made. I don't shy away from it but I won't beat it with a stick.

While you're a risk taker you're consider yourself a conservative risk taker. Some review is required first to avoid the obvious dangers.

I wouldn't worry about the answers to questions as how you present yourself. Don't jabber. Some silence shows wisdom but leaders can only remain silent for a short time. A short pause before answering a question will show thoughtfulness, too long will show indecision.

Good luck and remember, You're the supercitizen.

[Pekka]

Thanks for the prompt and good reply!

Actually, I don't have to lie or make up things, because most of those things you mention are part of me. I mean, conservative risk taker, yes. I can get people follow, yes. Motivation part, yes. In fact, in my job application I made a point that I can get other people motivated because I take the time to get to know them. I also mentioned that this is a plan and I'm basically showing consistency by sticking to it, a plan where I entered the house last year, thinking of this position all the way along. I think they liked that and called me. I would like that too, besides it's the truth. So I'm personally motivated and I can motivate other people as well.

What my leadership qualities are, in real life, is that I believe you must create an atmosphere where things can happen, there are different aspects that must work in order for everythign else to work. Those would be good atmosphere, personal motivation and something to look forward to. Those can be achieved when you get to know the people first AND that you do your own job well. Take care of your own field first, you can not expect people to do anything unless you do it too, and do it as well as you can. Leading by example.

That's what I believe in, and it has worked for me so far with different kind of people. Also one important factor is that you can communicate well with people from all walks of life. You can send the message to everyone so that everyone understands it. That combined with the observing and listening part, meaning that you also keep yourself updated, including worries of people you are observing. You need to be approachable and encourage it.

Those have been my cornerstones of leadership, it has little or nothing to do with demanding, crying or swearing. I feel if you need to shout, you've already failed.

One thing though.. the group interview won't go to 1 on 1 situation later on. My friend had the job last year, and he told me it's group interview and no 1 on 1. So I have to stand out the right way in that situation. And I always listen first before I talk, excpet on the internet, because I don't want to talk out of my ass.

Also one of the key things in my leadership is that in the open atmosphere, you can ask me or tell me what's on your mind (within limits), if I don't know the answer, I'll find out. And that's what I say. I never say 'I don't know', I say 'I'll find out and get back to you ASAP', because that's what I do, or at least try to do.

I hope these are all key elements and I hope to impress enough to get past the other fools!

[rah]

Just project what you just posted and you should do fine.

Remember, respect and loyalty are earned and not a given. You must give them to get them back.

And the others aren't fools, they're your competition and must not be underestimated.

[Japher]

I couldn't imagine having Pekka as a boss

then running into him in the sauna

and asking me to prove how much of a man I am





I'm going to have nightmares now

[Pekka]

Yes but at this point I must think them as fools. It helps me to not panic When I'm in there, of course I treat them with every bit of respect, and yes I intend to mingle before it starts because it helps me to relax. And I won't rule out the possibility of one of them being actually an employee there already, because I'm paranoid like that, and that's what I'd do . Get the REAL thoughts out before and afterwards. Maybe that's illegal, I don't know.

Yes, I think I have what it takes and I want the job and I know I can do it well, it's just that.. I want to.. be able to send the right message so they know where I come from and what I'm about. It's all about presentation, it's all about how well I'm able to talk, if I'm nervous, I can't. If I'm relaxed, then it will go well. It's all about am I able to shake the nervousness off of me.. what a thriller it will be.

Also I'm not that worried about the others or the HR person, I'm more worried about the persence of other observers, supervisors. They just make me nervous, because I know they're judging me all the time, based on my answers and most of all how I carry myself. I need to block that stuff out of my mind somehow. Maybe I'll go there drunk

[Pekka]

Japher, don't worry.. I'm not anyone's boss.. I'm everyone's co-worker .

edit: but start messing things up and using that trust, I'll show my holiday pictures...

[Spec]

Originally posted by Pekka
Spec, here's the job description:

To kick start your career with the best in the business, a Summer Trainee placement at Customer and Market Operations in *****, Finland, is hard to beat. Upon joining us as a Supervisor, you will work to ensure that production in our state of the art facility meets established quality and efficiency standards. In a working environment that is both challenging and diverse, you will supervise and coordinate the processing and manufacturing of ***** products. In addition to your flair for people management, you will get to make the most of your understanding of employment related legal issues. Along with day to day management of activities, you will participate in development projects related to your assigned production area.

So, production supervisor, or foreman if you want. That's a cool job depending on your team.
I did that for over 2 years, I liked it a lot....Only thing I hated was the union...

Spec.

[Pekka]

yeah. Plus it's one of the 'higher position' jobs you can have as a student in my situation now. It's difficult to get, that's why it is appreciated if you've done that. It's like a .. stamp of approval for your skills, global stamp.

And if I get it, it's possible that I then get to do my thesis for them, and if I'm able to do that, they might open their doors for permanent vacancy in the career pipeline for me. THAT'S my plan, has been and will be. I see the most crucial moment is this interview. It all depends if I get this. So a lot is on stake, not just this job but some future as well.