Got a job interview... tips/advice!?

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rolsterlady

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www.kindphotography.co.uk
Hello all :)

I have got a job interview at a local agricultural/equine store, just as a store team member (stocking shelves, workings on the tills etc), so nothing fancy but as i've only recently left education, i've never had a 'proper' interview before so i was wondering if you could give me any useful advice or nerve-busting tips!!

I'v had informal 'chats' with new employers before and i did a couple of mock interviews at Uni, so i think i know what to expect, but are there any 'do's' or 'don't's' for example?

I'm 20 years old, female, and have recently graduated with a foundation degree in Animal Behaviour and Psychology. I have worked in several busy cafe's and I am currently working at a small riding school, but that's all i've done really!

Also, what should i wear to interview? Is black trousers (and black shoes) and a short sleeved shirt okay?

I really want to make a good impression as i REALLY want this job and have applied for similar positions in the same store several times in the last year, so i am very pleased to have finally got an interview :D

Thanks in advance for any advice!
 
Try and get an idea of what items they keep in stock. Having worked in an equestrian store, some of the questions I was asked at interview went along the lines of 'what item would you recommend for a customer whose horse had poor feet/breathing problems/was stressy?' And no use answering that question with an item they don't actually stock! Of course this depends on how much customer contact you will have :)
 
Haven't got any experience with interviews for equestrian places, but have had many interviews, as also graduating and have had to go through loads of applications and interviews.
Make sure you know the company inside out, that is very important. Why the firm, why that position, where do you see yourself in a few years time. Also do you know if there is any competency questions, this will be like 'can you tell me about a time when you had to work under pressure / in a team / had to meet lots of deadlines / had to deal with a difficult customer and basically how you can transfer the skills you've learnt elsewhere to this job.
However, they may not include this, my interviews were for trainee accountants so could be completely different. Not much help, but good luck!
 
I work in recruitment for a retail company and I would recommend visiting the store at a couple of different times to get an idea of how tidy and well stocked it is at busy and quiet times. Also try to get an idea of what the customer service is like and how it might be improved. The reason for this is that they might ask you to rate the store or how you would improve things. They might also ask what you can bring to the store. You are quite likely to be asked for examples of where you have provided (or received) excellent customer service and may well be asked about your experience of working in a team.

Most of all try to keep any nerves under control (easy for me to say) as they will be looking for someone who is confident at dealing with people.

Good luck with your experience I'm sure you will have a good chance :)
 
My only advice is to be pleasant. To some extent they can train you to do the job but they have to want to work with you. Be friendly and polite and nice to get along with. When picking a recruit an employer needs to consider whether you will fit on with the rest of the team.
 
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