Job Interview Tomorrow! Need advice of all sorts.

[AlteredEgo]

Hello Hype, as some of you may know, I have been unemployed for close to forever now, give or take a week. Anyways, long story short, I finally got a phone call today, setting up an interview for tomorrow evening.

That being said, I'm incredibly stoked (yeah, people still say stoked), and also equally nervous. It's for Blockbuster by the way. I figured in my time of unemployment I knew two things best, one: I need work, two: I have a lot of free time to watch movies and play video games so i figure that this is right up my alley. But I digress, I'm coming to YOU, good people of the hype, ever so humbly, and asking for your endless internet advice.

What kind of questions should I be ready for? Has anyone here ever worked at or interviewed for Blockbuster?

Shave the facial hair I'm guessing? I mean, I'm no ETM, plus I'm half asian so the only facial hair I have accumulated during my unemployment is more of a wispy peach fuzz.

 

[The Goods]

teabag the interviewer it establishes dominance

 

[Mister J]

Is this for a clerk/cashier position or something like shift manager?

• Either way, if you've experience in the retail industry, be prepared to discuss it a bit. The same goes for anything remotely related to what your job duties will be there. Even if the interviewer doesn't bring it up, do it yourself. It's a selling point.
• Use your interests in movies and games to sell yourself too. Think of it in the context of being able to answer customer questions or cite recommendations about such (although probably never happen).
• Yes, shave the facial hair. Not necessarily all of it, but have it looking well-kempt and groomed. Dress up for the gig too. Unless this is some managerial position, I doubt a suit/tie is necessary (though if you want to go for the stars, that's on you). Some nice slacks, a collared shirt and some dress casual shoes should do.
• Bring a resume. If you don't have one, and can't throw one together tonight, be prepared to mention any professional experience you have. If you don't have any such experience, touch on something you've done that's shown an ability to handle ongoing responsibility.

There's probably more stuff, but others will likely help you out. Besides, I'm hungry and need to get a sammich or something. Good luck.

I've never worked for Blockbuster, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night.

 

[Aesop Rocks]

I worked at Blockbuster. Just go in and be honest about everything. Tell them movies are your passion and all that crap, tell them you're a people person.

But most of all, tell them you made a thread on SuperHero Hype! Asking us if we know any protips to getting you a job.

 

[Heretic]

A couple of things: pretend you dont even care about pay rate, breaks, time off for other stuff etc. You have the knowledge of the product that they need, and the customer service skills to exceed customer demands.

This is something people may disagree with me on, but I say (in a sense) pretend you are already hired. Instead of saying "well, I really need a job and hopefully you'll cnsider me" say something closer to 'I will be blah blah blah and am looking forward to starting". The managers of these places arent the brightest knives in the crayon box, so convince them that they have already hired you.

 

[The Original Bamfer]

If you are good with people, you're set. If you're not good with people, learn to be by tomorrow night. And try to relax. It's really no sweat. Oh, and show up early, don't overdress (khaki/black slacks and a nice polo or button-up shirt will do the trick,) and, assuming the store is nearby, feel free to go in a few hours prior to the interview and buy a snack or something - make nice with the person working at the register. With casual job opportunities like this, it's easy and very acceptable to familiarize yourself with the store and its employees. If they like you, they may put in a good word to their boss.

 

[Gilpesh]

Just remember. Never do anything Gilpesh would do.

 

[The Original Bamfer]

Like vomit rainbows.

 

[Aesop Rocks]

I'd have to agree with Bamfer on well, about everything. It's literally what I did, to be honest.

I was 15 minutes early, bought a soda (mostly because I was thirsty, but I kind of 'showed off' my receipt) but waited until I was done with the interview to drink it. It was on my way home from school and I typically walked home everyday. I dressed "casual" but I wasn't a slob or anything. I knew two people there at the store already, they were happy for me to come working with them. Hell, I even suggested to some people (as I browsed for something to rent) what would be good, if it was worth it. etc etc, showing off my "people skills". I basically got the job on the spot. The manager loved me.

 

[Gilpesh]

Or tell that one joke you heard about how a drunk walks out of a bar and sees a nun at a bus stop. He runs over and just punches her in the face. The nun while on the ground says, "what'd you do that for?" And the drunks yells, "Not so tough now, are you Batman!!!"

 

[Anubis]

Whatever you do, don't sleep with the interviewer. Wont guarantee you the job. Found that out the hard way.

 

[Alex The Great]

Get one of your friends to come with you, and he goes in with you to wait. He goes psycho, and everyone else there leaves, you stay. You walk in and have the interview, since everyone left in fear, you will most likely get the job

 

[Lightning Strykez!]

Wear a suit. Even though you won't be doing so in day-to-day life if you get the job, it still conveys an air of professionalism--and trustworthiness. Be sure to drop any kind of slang also--and that includes everyday 'soft' swear words like "piss", "crap", etc.

I've had many a guy come before me in my office to interview wearing khakis, etc., and I'm already over them before they even open their mouths. Appearance is everything.

Wishing you the best A-Ego.

 

[The Original Bamfer]

Oh no, Cal! Our suggestions on what to wear are conflicting!

I'm still right, though.

 

[Alex The Great]

Just remember. Never do anything Gilpesh would do.

Don't walk in with your face looking like

 

[Lightning Strykez!]

Oh no, Cal! Our suggestions on what to wear are conflicting!

I'm still right, though.

I'm significantly older and more experienced and have hired and fired millions of hopeless souls.

Therefore, my suggestion trumps yours.

 

[Aesop Rocks]

Wear a suit to a ****ing Blockbuster interview? really? He better be going to a wedding after that.

 

[Lightning Strykez!]

Wear a suit to a ****ing Blockbuster interview? really? He better be going to a wedding after that.

This is what's wrong with young people today. So sad.

Word to the wise: you never know what an interviewer may be looking for. He may be so impressed with the professionalism presented that perhaps another position--one behind a desk at corporate for example--may be a better fit for Altered Ego. That's happened to me and countless others. You always put your best foot forward because you want to be remembered after you leave. Wearing business apparel shows you've put some thought into that interview and that you are not some immature scrub--you're serious about giving [Blockbuster in this case] it's best customer service ever.

One should never sell such opportunities short--if he wears something a little more businesslike/professional he will be remembered more than all of the others competing for the job--because mark my words the rest of them will come in looking like something dragged off the street.

 

[Alex The Great]

Isn't Blockbuster going down the tube? Bad idea methinks

 

[Lightning Strykez!]

Isn't Blockbuster going down the tube?

Perhaps. But he's already unemployed now, so...either he wants some money or not.

The principles of giving a good impression on an interview still apply no matter what the financial circumstances of the company may be.

 

[The Original Bamfer]

Isn't Blockbuster going down the tube? Bad idea methinks

Most jobs are better than having no job, including those which may come to a quick end.

 

[AlteredEgo]

Thanks for all the advice everybody. It's really helping a lot and I'll be sure to update afterwards. I'm just interviewing for a basic customer service position so I'm thinking of just wearing a sweater and some slacks. Hopefully my knowledge and love for movies and games shows.

But I'll definitely keep teabagging as an emergency Plan B. Maybe I'll give my interviewer a nickname or something too, establish camaraderie. I'll call him "Bucko", and "Kid", and "Champ" alot, and then fist bump him at the end.

 

[Aesop Rocks]

One should never sell such opportunities short--if he wears something a little more businesslike/professional he will be remembered more than all of the others competing for the job--because mark my words the rest of them will come in looking like something dragged off the street.

You honestly assume I don't know that, don't you?

I'm just saying, don't dress full suit get up. I'm saying dress comfortable yet classy. Not a full on ****ing business suit.

 

[Lightning Strykez!]

Teabagging gets you nowhere in life, trust me. LOL

 

[Tsunulia]

Thanks for all the advice everybody. It's really helping a lot and I'll be sure to update afterwards. I'm just interviewing for a basic customer service position so I'm thinking of just wearing a sweater and some slacks. Hopefully my knowledge and love for movies and games shows.

But I'll definitely keep teabagging as an emergency Plan B. Maybe I'll give my interviewer a nickname or something too, establish camaraderie. I'll call him "Bucko", and "Kid", and "Champ" alot, and then fist bump him at the end.

Guaranteed to get you fired before you're hired plus a fist to the face