Wednesday, 9 March 2016

Always the interview never the job

Some of you who have left uni or looking for work while studying might find my experiences and tips useful.
Although getting the job is a whole different kettle of fish which I have not mastered yet, I hope my advise helps you in some way.

My first interview was with at Geography course. I prepared a mass of stuff about landforms and news items which did not come to use. The questions were pretty simple things, why I wanted to study geography and such. The one thing I remember is not know what the word cartography meant, I never asked him either as I was afraid to look stupid. He told me what sort of job I wanted I said a job in conservation.

I have to say one thing though if your thinking about going to university , make sure to pick a subject you are passionate about. Don't go to uni just to have letters before your name it wont be as rewarding. I loved studying Geography, it was most certainly the best years of my life.

The next interview I will talk about is Sports Direct. I got this interview by writing my skills I had picked up from Pulse Café. I also told them about the conservation work I did with Litter Angels, going into schools to teach kids about anti littering. The interviewer asked what job I would like to do and also what was my favourite volunteer placement. She also asked if I had done a paid job before I said no. Not much else I remember about this interview. I think I didn't get this job because I asked about wearing a hijab and the jobs uniform, or most likely it was that I said I had an essay to complete when I got home that day. Anyway best of luck if anyone has interview here.


The third interview is a Boots one. This is a rigorous online process, which by some miracle I passed.  The interview was to look for the cheapest pain killer, pack some bags for customers, give out shopping bags to customers and also tell them what was the changes I would make to the shop shelf. The questions were easy enough, I think it was just lack of experience and confidence which let me down in this interview.



The fourth interview was for Equality and Diversity officer at my university. This was a dragon dens type interview. This was a dreadful interview for me. I answered the questions well but when they asked who my hero was, I said my brother who has autism which then I started crying. How embarrassing is that? I got this interview because of my experience with working with a range of people mainly lecturers and students being a student representative. I also worked with BME kids in playschool role which cemented this interview for me.


My fifth interview is actually many TA interviews I have had which I have decided to bunch together. I was able to receive this interview because of my volunteering experiences with children and my passion to get the next generation to be good citizens. Also I did my dissertation on children's perception of the environment.  The interviews where always done my two or more people. They ask questions such as how does a school keep children safe? What would you do to if a child said they were being bullied? and how will you encourage children to do their work?

My sixth interview was for a community development role. I got this role because of my many hours of volunteering with the community. I won runner up Swale Environmental of the Year 2013. I was also the volunteer assistant at my university, encouraging students into volunteerism.
The interview was very role directed, they didn't ask my strength's or weaknesses. They asked about what I would do in the first three months of my position. I didn't get this role as I lacked bid writing experience which is very unfortunate.

I hope I have helped some people in landing an interview. Its key to be part of a society or volunteer while at university. Make the most of the resources available to you, Just as I did. You will get a job in no time. I currently have work as a Supply Teaching Assistant while I find other work :)

Peace be with you ! Shazida

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