Applying for a job.

• Chockeh wrote on 2011-12-28 16:37
  So I'm applying for a job at McDonalds since I got caught working under the table. Asked my cousin to find me something to do two days ago and I got an interview scheduled for today (that was fast, didn't even have to apply). He says I'll get the job for sure, but I'm still nervous. I messed up the last interview I had because I got nervous and started speaking frenglish (interview was in french).
  
  So what questions should I expect in the interview? Hopefully, the interview will be in English this time T_T.
• Cynic wrote on 2011-12-28 16:40
  I'm not 100% sure as I've only had 1 in my lifetime, and it was for a job in retail/cashier, but it seems like they ask something along the lines of--
  
  - Prior experience
  - Give you a scenario of some sort involving work at said job
  - Prior situations in which you exceeded expectations or performed certain tasks
  - Why you want to work there or what you can bring to the table
  
  etc etc.
  But again, that's just based on questions I've been asked or have heard asked before. Every job is different.~
• Compass wrote on 2011-12-28 16:44
  Edit: Ninja'd by Cynic.
  Crappy 512MB laptop ;~;
  
  What's your weakness?
  What's your strength?
  What do you expect from this job?
  Why should we hire you?
  
  I failed my last interview too, the lady had me tuck in my shirt and I had to change my hairstyle and I still didn't get it.
  I mean I looking professional already but whatevs.
  Also for the weakness question just answer truthfully and turn it into a strength by saying something "being under this situation I'll have to work on it which in the long run will help me" or something similar and if your weakness doesn't work with the job just say your shy or something similar.
• Jelly wrote on 2011-12-28 16:45
  If my fat and stupid friend can get a job at McDonalds, I don't see why you can't.
• Chockeh wrote on 2011-12-28 16:47
  The only problem is that I'm kinda shy (though, I overcame that over the past few years). There's also the fact that I haven't spoken in french for a while now.
• Cynic wrote on 2011-12-28 16:56
  I'm terribly awkward but somehow managed to stick my interview (just not the job) on the first go. It was a bit slow at first, but once I got into the rhythm of talking and focused on that rather than "oh I'm sitting in an interview right now and am probably gonna screw up", it all flowed naturally.
  
  It never seems like it will, which is part of the reason people tend to screw up. My only advice would be to try and make the shyness work for you; if done properly, you'll look more gentle and friendly than awkward and shy. It's tricky, but do-able. What kind of shy habits do you have? Soft-spoken voice? Avoiding eye contact? Fidgeting?
  
  For the voice, I usually try and keep it even-paced, but slightly assertive when need-be. If you can't do assertive, try and sound intelligent instead. It makes you come off as well-spoken. (not needed for the job, but still impressive)
  
  If you tend to avoid eye-contact, try and maintain it at all times. Only let your gaze wonder when you're thinking of something, laughing, etc. It shows you're listening and paying attention.
  
  As for any fidgeting, taking deep, even breaths does help. Unless you just fumble with your hands, in which case try and rest them on your lap or sit with one leg crossed over the other and your hands laced, sitting atop of said crossed leg. (if that makes any sense, lol) Fidgeting too much makes you look impatient.
  
  And I think that about covers it.
• Chockeh wrote on 2011-12-28 17:02
  I can maintain eye-contact and I don't fidget (is that the right word?) around, but my voice is kind of deep. Only thing is that my mind goes all over the place and sometimes I don't know what to say.
• Cynic wrote on 2011-12-28 17:13

  Quote from Chockeh;710103:

  I can maintain eye-contact and I don't fidget (is that the right word?) around, but my voice is kind of deep. Only thing is that my mind goes all over the place and sometimes I don't know what to say.

  
  
  Well, you're already on the right track, then.
  
  I used to run out of things to say pretty quickly into any conversation (I still do, actually), so I developed a habit of topic-jumping. I don't know if it will come in handy in an interview of all things, but if the interviewer is asking for, say.. examples of situations or something that you can drift a tad off-topic with, I always try and do so. It's hard to get used to at first, but it helps to just stop, breath, think, and if you have trouble coming up with more words to say before you're finished with whatever you were just saying, you can pause for a moment and try and make a thoughtful face or calmly go "hmm" or "mm". It seems silly, but it looks a hell of a lot better than someone sitting there looking confused and going "um". :P And it's a lot easier than it sounds.
• Kingofrunes wrote on 2011-12-28 17:17
  A getting a job is always the tricky part.
  
  Anyways the basics is dress to impress, dress really nicely. Stand out from the crowd. Make yourself memerable and noticeable (in a positive way).
  
  Highlight your strengths and turn your weaknesses into strengths. Example, "I'm a perfectionist so sometimes I may take longer than usual to get the job done, but when I get the job done it's done correctly and properly." Of course in a fast-food environment that isn't going to fly but I think you get the general idea.
  
  Do your research on the company, have questions for them before you go in. It impresses them and shows them that you are interested in the company.
  
  Have good references and all that good stuff.
  
  Getting a job at McDonalds is cake compared to other places. Seriously, I wouldn't worry about it too much.
  
  I've always thought that just about anybody can work at retail or McDonalds. Those types of businesses have very low employee standards.
• Chockeh wrote on 2011-12-28 17:30
  Thankfully, dress to impress is my specialty.
• Cannibal wrote on 2011-12-28 17:39
  It all depends on the person doing the interview. You may get someone really casual who won't make you feel nervous and will get down on your level. That's how the interview for my current job went. We just sat in the lobby, she asked when when I could work, my past jobs, and whether I'm a leader or a follower and if I can take charge when need be. That was at Subway, so I doubt the process would be much different at McDonalds. This isn't a formal job, so don't go too far with the clothing. Dress nicely, but don't walk in with something on that you'd wear, say, to church. I know people always say you should wear your best, but it really isn't that big of a deal. If some of the people I know who work at McDonalds could do it, you've already aced it before the interview.
• Akemii wrote on 2011-12-28 17:55
  Good luck Kevin!
  
  I personally wouldn't want a job at Mickey D's, because I'd have it for breakfast lunch and dinner.
• Phunkie wrote on 2011-12-29 18:24
  You'll do amazing!
  
  Just show off your funny personality, even if you're shy or not. Getting a job is almost always about the first impression and you're hilarious, so I think you already got the job.
  
  P.S. Mail me some Bic Macs! kthanx
• Chockeh wrote on 2011-12-29 19:35
  It wasn't even the real interview yet. I had to fill up a questionnaire and a few sheets. They said that they'll call me for an interview. That being said, the manager texted my cousin and wrote: "Don't worry, he'll get the job for sure. I'll pull some strings."
• Hiccup wrote on 2011-12-30 05:25
  McDonalds will hire anyone that passes a drug test. looool
  
  
  Your gonna hate it.