How to get over job interview nervousness?

Waspinators · #1 07-25-2008, 10:22 PM

Well I've looked everywhere for my first job and no luck, so I decided to swallow my pride and apply to McDonald's. The hiring manager told me to see her today at 3pm, and I went, and was greeted with a clueless employee who thought I wanted to talk to the store manager (who said "SCREW OFF I AIN'T TALKIN' TO NO ONE ON MY BREAK!") until some guy who looks like the dude from Minor Threat comes out and tells me the hiring manager isn't here, and to come back Monday.

Now throughout that whole episode, I felt nervous as hell, thinking "How am I gonna get this job?" and "If I do get this job, how am I gonna fit in?". I can't even imagine how nervous I'm gonna be during the actual interview. Anyone got any tips (besides green/booze) to overcome nerves in this situation?

whoatherechunk · #2 07-25-2008, 10:34 PM

Relax man. You obviously seem like a clever lad through the way you wrote your original post so you already have an advantage on many of the workers that are probably there.

jonathan_matos5 · #3 07-25-2008, 10:34 PM

just do this before the interview

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Gqwi7Y96sk

MyUsernameHere · #4 07-25-2008, 10:36 PM

Why are you nervous? Its McDonalds. You don't even have to speak English to get hired there as a drive-thru worker. Seriously, if you show up half-ass sober, not covered in lesions and don't lick the manager's hand when he/she offers to shake yours I don't see how you couldn't get hired.

Atoz · #5 07-25-2008, 11:14 PM

Show up drunk.

funkalicious101 · #6 07-25-2008, 11:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Atoz

Show up drunk.

And/or naked.

Atoz · #7 07-25-2008, 11:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by funkalicious101

And/or naked.

Nice touch.

Brad Barker · #8 07-26-2008, 12:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MyUsernameHere

Why are you nervous? Its McDonalds. You don't even have to speak English to get hired there as a drive-thru worker. Seriously, if you show up half-ass sober, not covered in lesions and don't lick the manager's hand when he/she offers to shake yours I don't see how you couldn't get hired.

yeah. for a mcdonald's job interview, i wouldn't exactly lose any sleep. ...or really bother preparing.

just try and be polite and not make it too apparent that they were your last choice for employment.

Stumbo · #9 07-26-2008, 01:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Waspinators

The hiring manager told me to see her today at 3pm, and I went, and was greeted with a clueless employee who thought I wanted to talk to the store manager (who said "SCREW OFF I AIN'T TALKIN' TO NO ONE ON MY BREAK!") until some guy who looks like the dude from Minor Threat comes out and tells me the hiring manager isn't here, and to come back Monday.

You sure you want to work there?

ADbassman · #10 07-26-2008, 01:21 AM

Craigslist is a wonderful place to search for employment. I see plenty of ads for cooks in your area.

FL Knifemaker · #11 07-26-2008, 03:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Atoz

Show up drunk.

Bringing a sixpack to an interview is a friendly gesture that that breaks the ice and puts everyone at ease.

Waspinators · #12 07-26-2008, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stumbo

You sure you want to work there?

Well, to be honest I don't know. But I figure I might as well give it a shot. Maybe I'll learn to be a less shy person, and I'll have an income. But yeah, the vibe I picked up from the place was that I'll have a hard time fitting in if I do get hired, but I guess I'll just hope for the best.

fenderhutz · #13 07-26-2008, 11:23 AM

Look for a local restaurant looking to hire, like a mom and pop.

Much more rewarding experience in the long run.

Phalex · #14 07-26-2008, 12:00 PM

Just act like you own the place. Sit down, put your feet up on the interviewers desk, kick the chair back onto 2 legs and put your hands behind your head. Even if you're nervous as hell this sort of body language completely masks it.

fenderhutz · #15 07-26-2008, 12:03 PM

After every question the interviewer asks follow it up with "With free food right?"

eedre · #16 07-26-2008, 12:03 PM

Bottom line: don't be nervous about an interview at McDonald's - it couldn't consist of anything but asking whether or not you're a US citizen.

fenderhutz · #17 07-26-2008, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eedre

Bottom line: don't be nervous about an interview at McDonald's - it couldn't consist of anything especially asking whether or not you're breathing.

Fix'd it for you.

Son of Sanford · #18 07-26-2008, 12:23 PM

I got over mine going in prepared. Realistically, you can't go in knowing the in and outs of Big Mac assembly, but you should know the qualities any customer service oriented job are and be ready to show how you have them in spades.

Many times an interviewer will have a battery of set questions. Anyone who has applied for a job or two has heard them.

Why should we give you this job? What would your last manager say about you? what is your worst flaw? Describe how you would handle an irate customer. Describe the last time you resolved a conflict with a coworker. Give an example of a time you went above and beyond for a customer, and so on.

Having prepared answers for these kinds of questions will go a long way for your confidence and your nervousness. People who are comfortable show it, especially when someone is looking for it. Just be confident in your ability. As you saw, anyone can work at McDonald's. Very few are good at it. Know you can do the job, respond with solid answers to the questions and let them make a decision.

I've been turned down for more jobs than I can count. I messed up some of those, the prospective employer messed up the others. Don't let rejection get you down. Good luck.

ForestThump · #19 07-26-2008, 12:44 PM

Why are you afraid of not fitting in?
Because you don't "look like the guy from Minor Threat"?

jady · #20 07-26-2008, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Atoz

Show up drunk.

Atta boy!!!!!!