Tuesday 19 March 2013

Blabber McBlabberson - Interview tips



What not to do in a job interview

Don't pretend you know what you're talking about: If the interviewer asks you something you don't understand do not answer with nonsense that is in no way relevant to the question and throwing in words you think will impress, they will not and you will look silly and end up babbling. This will only enhance your nerves and will get you nowhere.  Ask them to repeat the question or give an example, they'll respect your honesty.

Try not to repeat yourself over and over again: Yes you might be a little nervous, especially if the job is one you really want but/or feel you have little experience in. This happened to me recently and I ended up word vomiting all over the poor woman. I made myself out to be more skilled than I was and backtracking when she asked for examples. Oops. This is why I don't lie, I can't!

Make sure not to go to the wrong interview: As silly as this may sound, this has actually happened to me. Luckily I was in the right building, on the right floor just got ushered to the wrong office. I was sat there with a bunch of executive looking people (you'd have thought this would have sent alarm bells ringing, but no), then the interviewer mentioned a previous interview we'd all supposed to have had, and started getting us to make notes on something I had zero knowledge in. I had by then realised I was in the wrong interview but sat there casually until somebody came in and dragged me out...

Don't over-sell yourself: There is a very fine line between confidence and arrogance, a very very fine line. Try to avoid words such best, better, fantastic but try and use highly skilled, exceptionally and well-recognised. Give examples where you've shone in your previous jobs but limit them to one example every few questions. However you can twist the truth, just be careful and ready to back-up.

Probably best if you don't drink hot chocolate and sit on the same leg previously: Again, this happened to me. I was just 19 and it was my third interview. The interview itself went well, I impressed them with my ambition to progress, made them laugh, asked the right questions so I was allowed to feel a little smug when I walked off. Well, hobbled. The whole time I had my leg crossed over the other and lost all feeling and to make it worse I checked my reflection and noticed I had hot chocolate on my cheek. Safe to say I didn't hear back.


Do dress appropriately:  From my experience it's best to do a little research before your interview, find out about the company. If they are a hard-hitting business corporation suit up! If they are a relaxed 'everybody's best pals here' type then suit up casually. Example, smart dress teamed with a colourful blazer or for gents a nice shirt and trousers, no tie.

Do research the business: Find out how the business came about, it's successes and it's current ventures but don't sound scripted. They already know about their business they are here to interview you, just ensure you've done background reading in-case they ask you what you know about them. It'll be #awkward when you know nothing about the company you wish to work for.

'HAHAHAHAHA - You are so funny!'
and lastly the three S's SMILE SHINE SEDUCE: Be a happy, smiley, confident individual no matter how nervous you may be. Think about if you were doing the interviewing  Would you want you to work for you? Nobody likes a miserable cow even if they are just nerves. Shine, if you're highly skilled let them know. As I've said before, be prepared for examples as they will try and catch you out. Seduce them, I don't mean this sexually. Nobody wants to succeed this way, make them want you for your skills, your personality and your ambition. Think what you could bring from the company and what you'd like to take from them.

Have you got any interview tips? Any embarrassing experiences?

Sunday 10 March 2013

Give Gervais a break.



This is no new news for anyone who's ever read my previous blogs/knows me/stalks me but I am a big Ricky Gervais fan. Not only for his work but for himself, his attitudes and his beliefs. The Office, Extras, his stand-ups among his note-able works but Gervais, who is known for his love of pushing boundaries and causing controversy introduced the world to an old friend of his, Derek Noakes.

Derek is a 50 year-old voluntary worker in an elderly care home; popular, well-loved and highly respected and once you watch the show you to will find a place in your heart for him.

The critics had a field day when the pilot aired last year. Gervais' new character has learning difficulties? What an inconsiderate arsehole! Maybe if they watched the show then they'd realise the series isn't a pisstake but a tribute to those everyday heroes we let our inner ignorance pass-by. Kindness is magic, says Derek and it is, we can all learn a little something from the seemingly hapless careworker. It was the intention to create a character who makes you read a little more int. Didn't your mother ever tell you not to judge a book by it's cover?

As the series went on we see Derek lose friends, who he sees as 'mothers' and 'fathers', make friends and annoy his already there friends (pictured left with 'caretaker' Dougie). He creates happiness and laughter whether it's with him or at him as long as they are laughing is enough for him. He makes the best of what he's got and that's something we can take from the show. It's fair to admit I did cry most episodes and laugh lots. Don't watch the show with the idea of a new woe is me Andy Millman or a I'm bloody brilliant David Brent, this character is beyond anything you'd expect from Ricky Gervais, and it's because of that it's works so well. Highly recommend you catching up on what has easily become one of my favourite series' of all time.

It's the ignorance depicted so well from the critics that Derek has been created for. Just like Derek you might take one look at him and wonder why he has a job, question whether there was something wrong with him (this has never been revealed as fact, what would be the need?) we all like to judge before we have the solid hard facts. Be a little more like Derek and let kindness into your life. It won't hurt.


Friday 8 March 2013

T.V Favourites - Being Human


I'm either getting boring in my old age or television just isn't what it used to be. There are a handful of shows I watch intently though, some of which are old favourites, others are new and sadly most are coming to an end, one of which has been a firm favourite for a while. Being Human, oh how I will miss you.

*MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS*

George, Mitchell and Annie circa 2009
It was 2008 and on popped my screen were three unfamiliar faces.One a tiny bit gormless but loveable and very intelligent, another a young twenty something woman with a penchant for tea and the other tall, dark and unbelievably fucking handsome. George, Annie and Mitchell. To cut a long story short for those who haven't watched the series and followed it like a deranged stalker. The three lived together in the ladies house where she lived with her boyfriend who 'accidentally' killed her. Oh yeah, she's a ghost. Silly sausage George is a werewolf and Mr. Mean and Moody is a vampire and they all lived not-so-happily-ever-after trying to live a 'human' life.

Series one was more laughs and an introduction to the characters. Series two let us into the darkness of the supernatural world and the pain each character had, in particular  John Mitchell. Series three was darker and sad. Very sad. Very very sad. We lose several key characters but fear not, we have some very important characters on their way. Don't worry it does work. I promise.

Then series four introduced us to two new characters. Harry 'Hal' Yorke, a 15th century soldier/vampire and Alex Millar, a down-to-earth tell it like it is twenty something kookster. A slight romance bought the two together and ended in her death. (Was human, now not so human). Right, up to track?

Tom, Alex and Hal.
They sort of become best friends of yours.
Anyway, here there are. Mitchell staked, Annie saving the world and fulfiling her unfinished business in season four leaving hapless but street-smart Tom McNair (the adoptive son of Robson and Jerome) the only sort of original cast. Hal turns up, meets Alex in her human form, she dies as a result of befriending him and her ghost tags along with the duo and they make Honolulu Heights their home. Just like the previous characters a bromance forms between the two males and slight will they won't they romance lurking between the broody male (Mitchell/Hal) and the normal girl (Annie/Alex). Nothing is ever simple for us mere mortals let alone the Supernatural. They too fall in love, get jobs, lose jobs, make friends, lose friends. Just like us.

I will admit I was stubborn with the arrival of the newcomers but series five has impressed me massively. I can't deal with the fact this is the last series and the last episode is this Sunday  A few story-lines have been slightly repetitive but it has worked.



Hal is sad therefore I am sad.
Mitchell was a badass motherfucker, Hal is more of a motherfucker but is yet to truly unleash that side of him. We see the polite, well mannered, buttoned up polo-shirt Hal and have had glimpses of his evil side. Is there a link between himself and Hatch? Can Hal keep himself under control? (Pst. Hatch is the devil that Hal and some others accidentally let loose hundreds of years ago. Played by the fella who was in Bob and Rose, ask your ma)  I have nobody to fan-girl with. Nobody to discuss potential plots or read into things with. I am a slight geek and shows like this bring it out. I have never known myself to fan-girl so much since Supernatural.

I love everything about the show. It brings us a lorra laughs, it makes us cry and allows us to feel apart of the journey. I once called Hal a dickhead. In fact I shouted it loudly because I was disappointed in him. You get that attached to the characters and you have everyone involved in creating the show for that. From the brilliant and beautiful cast to the writers to the designers on set Being Human is massively underrated and deserves as much recognition as I can give it. Yes, a little late but go catch up on the brilliance. QUICK! You still have time before Sunday.