Hello

[robpage]

When you have about twenty minutes to make your mind up Jim , and a lad has made no effort to present himself at all , I certainly never worried about anyone wearing a suit and certainly never bothered about a tie , but regarded that if you were discussing what could be your future a bit of effort for the interview could indicate that I might , in the case of apprentices get effort to learn . Shuffle in with hands in pocket and call the interviewer "mate !" Look disinterested , and use the F word quite a bit , or tell me like one lad did , that he had been sacked from his last job , because his boss was a knob , then you in a competitive environment , have a harder hill to climb . My point was that the best qualified lad was not always the best candidate , for apprentices or fitters or electricians . One of my biggest mistakes had a HNC and was a MENSA member , I sincerely believe , politeness and effort for the interview give an initial impression that eases the first five minutes . That five minutes will give you a good idea as to what you need to ask in the next fifteen . In forty years in management I only had to see one person go , for drinking at work , so felt as uncouth as my style might have been it worked for me, although I confess to having no formal personnel qualifications

[Jim Brady]

Rob obviously the lad you describe did'nt want the job,he was just going through the motion to keep his dole.He could say he attended an interview and did'nt get the job so he was looking for work.I remember years ago when women were allowed so many weeks dole after giving birth although they had to sign on and could be sent for jobs.I had a few sent to me from time to time,they would more or less tell you I have a new born baby you know I may not be very reliable I used to sign their card and they would be out the office with a smile on their face.I remember interviewing in Birmingham and a Rasterferrian chap came in dreadlocks,crochet Jamaican hat and the obligatory long leather coat,he did'nt have a chance as soon as he walked through the door,why was that??
Regards.
Jim.B.

[Ivan Cloherty]

Having interviewed many for jobs afloat and ashore, the way you present yourself is important and as an interviewer you learn to judge people, sometimes you got it wrong, that's inevitable when dealing with hundreds of people. A 'DR' in a discharge book never put me off taking on someone, I measured the man and the ships he'd been on and I guess many a man with a book full of 'VG's' had by the skin of his teeth escaped a 'DR' on occasion. When interviewing people for my own company their specialist knowledge was important, but just as important was their ability to work with a small team of specialists in foreign climes and living and working in close proximity in unpleasant conditions where personal hygiene in shared accommodation was important. So many factors were just as important as qualifications as an unhappy team is not an efficient team. I would recommend anyone attending an interview to dress correctly ( you can buy a suit in a supermarket now for +/- £20), get a shower and use deodorant, when at sea if we got a rank one we used to hose him down, can't do that these days (unfortunately). You never get a second chance to make a first impression.

[Keith at Tregenna]

I can only hope that soon you will report back, go for it, will PM you with some contacts, present day, that may help. K.

Serious K.

[robpage]

You don't like leather coats Jim ? . I am honest in saying interviews were never my favourite job , some people just fitted in over 50% of my department had over 20 years service . But in truth luck was better than judgement on a few cases

[Keith at Tregenna]

Most I talk to, never had a suit.

K.

[Jim Brady]

You don't like leather coats Jim ? . I am honest in saying interviews were never my favourite job , some people just fitted in over 50% of my department had over 20 years service . But in truth luck was better than judgement on a few cases

Nothing todo with the leather coat Rob I wore one myself.This is where selecting people by their dress even before they have sat down falls on it ass.As it was in Birmingham he could've been the right man for the job even dressed as a Rasta the way he was.Of course I looked for smartness but smartness is only a veneer its what is under that veneer that counts.I went on a residential course run by the Manchester Guardian we had one day just on interview technique's,it was quite informative but some of it I could'nt go along with such as have the interviewee sit next to you at your desk and not opposite to make them relax.
Regaards.
Jim.B.

[Captain Kong]

In 1964 I went for a Sales Reps Job with ShellMex in Manchester. Having worked with Shell whilst at sea.
As a Sales Rep for a big company you had to look smart, dress correctly,
I had an initial interview with one man. I passed that, then I had to go for another interview in front of three men. Now I was warned by a friend in the Company what to expect.
One man was Mr Nasty, always giving out insults, [ just to see how you would respond to it,]
another man was Mr Nice Guy, very complimentary, and the man in the middle was inbetween.
I was told how to behave by my friend, Do not sit down until asked to do. and sit correctly.
A Butler arrives with a pot of Coffee, and bicuits. places it down in front of you.
So you have to show initiative, `Coffee Gentlemen?` and pour out the coffee. Never eat a biscuit during the Interview, they will ask questions and with a mouthful of biscuit crumbs , very difficult. so alway decline.
I passed the interview.
Then they send you on an induction course to a very large mansion in Herefordshire. for a weekend.
I was warned, the Bartender is a psychiratist*, As you are stood at the bar he will accidently knock a pint over you, and monitor your response. If you call him a clumsy barsteward etc, you would be Out.
You accept his appologies with a smile on your face and say well accidents do happen.
No worries.
I passed all the tests and interviews,
Then I was going to start, In the office they wanted details of my driving licence,
I Did Not Have One. never passed a test or even been in for one.
I did have a Scooter licence.
They went berserk, Cant have our Salemen driving scooters. A big company car was there.
SO I LOST MY CHANCE.
I later passed my test but I had blown it.
But their interviewing methods were good to get the Right Man for the job
Brian.

[Ivan Cloherty]

#29, about time you took your 300,000 VLCC up to them Brian and said ' here gentlemen, can you drive this?'

[Jim Brady]

Very smartly dressed men at work.Used car salesman always well presented and plenty of aftershave,do you trust him would you by a car off this man.Prime Ministers immaculate along with their fellow MP's,do you trust them,are they capable are they doing a good job.Look at the Beast Of Bolsover Dennis Skinner,never wears a suit same tweed jacket and slacks every day,I would say he is very capable and one of the honest ones.What would you do if Mahatma Gandhi walked in for interview dressed as he did,or Michael Foot in his donkey jacket.
Regards.
Jim.B.