I know there is a thread about obtaining a job, but I need advice on getting interviewed. Never had a job interview before, mostly worked construction with my family. Has anyone been asked about their gender, what bathroom they use, other personal questions along that line? Also, monkey suit or slacks and a button shirt?
Any contributions will be greatly appreciated!!   

Well, I'm not out yet, so I can't give you advice on trans issues in particular, (much of which will depend upon what stage you are in in transitioning, as well as where you live) but as someone who has hired people, I can give you some general pointers. 

What to wear depends on what kind of job you are interviewing for.  Take a look at what people are wearing at the company where you are interviewing, and go for something similar, or a little nicer.  I would say at least slacks and a button up shirt, but if the place is very casual (jeans and t-shirts) you don't necessarily need a tie.  On the other hand, if you are looking to work at a law firm, your very best suit is the way to go.

Remember that the company wants to know what you can do for them.  Slant your answers to show that you are aware of this.  Speak clearly in full sentences, try not to slouch, and look the interviewer in the eye.

Try to come up with examples of times that you have practiced the skills they are looking for.  For instance, if you are looking at a customer service position, try, before-hand, to think about times when you have solved people's problems, or helped them out in some way.  Employers are looking for someone who (preferably) has experience doing the kinds of things you will be doing, or at least who is smart enough to be able to figure things out quickly.  Answering with examples gives you a chance to show that you have experience that will be helpful to them, and that you understand what they are looking for.

Also, try to think of the things a manager will be concerned about on the job, before you go in.  If there is cash handling or sensitive information involved, they'll want to know that you can be trusted;  a foreman will want to know that you are aware of safety issues, etc.  Be prepared with examples of how you have dealt with these things before.

Again, a lot of what you'll need to say depends on what kind of job you are interviewing for.  If it's a basic, unskilled, entry level job, all they'll care about is that you are able to present yourself according to company standards, are smart enough to learn the job, easy-going enough to take orders without a fight, and that you won't offend people.  (No B.O. or bad language.   ) If it's a skilled job, obviously they want to know what skills and training you have that will benefit them. 

If there are any weird glitches on your resume (like long strings of time out of work and/or school) be prepared with an honest explanation as to what was going on, (you don't have to go into too much detail) and why that is no longer going to be affecting you. (Training is expensive, so employers don't like to have employees coming and going any more than necessary.)

I hope some of this helps.  If you want to PM me with more details about the type of work you are going into and what your experience is, I could possibly offer more advice.

Jamie

NEVER, EVER urinate yourself during an interview. Just not on.

Thanks for the advice Jamie-o!

Quote from: Scratchy Wilson on April 25, 2008, 09:59:16 PM
I know there is a thread about obtaining a job, but I need advice on getting interviewed. Never had a job interview before, mostly worked construction with my family. Has anyone been asked about their gender, what bathroom they use, other personal questions along that line? Also, monkey suit or slacks and a button shirt?
Any contributions will be greatly appreciated!!   

they arent allowed to ask you about your gender or anything like that on an interview because it can be interpreted as discrimination or something & they get in a lot of trouble, i've never been asked about it on an interview. the closest thing that was ever said was i had a unique name for my gender lol.

so don't worry about gender or trans related questions for the interview, just follow Jamie-o's advice and you should do fine i had some of the same worries as you before i started interviewing but once you get there, even if you're really scared just turn into an actor and pretend you're really confident and outgoing and an amazing worker & you'll do great. for me it's difficult finding work due to finding places that are hiring & my application might not stand out a lot, but once i get an interview i have had a call back every time, even though my resume isnt the strongest. a great interview is key IMO

Ooh I can answer this. I had to go through a slough of interviews for my internship a year ago and every now and then I get to interview new interns. For the formality of dress I keep being told that being overdressed is almost never a bad thing. A smashing suit will tip things in your flavor!~ To find the bottom for dress find out what the code is for the job your interviewing. If they wear business casual day to day don't wear anything less to an interview. Remember that fidgeting shows nervousness so try to stay still. ALWAYS have questions prepared for the interviewer... about the company about the work you'll be doing ect.. Do your homework and it will show them you're interested. When it comes to most companys if you don't have all the skills their looking for they really don't care - they'll train you. They're trying to see if you can catch on quick enough to be trained, and that you'll fit in with the culture there.

This advice is all coming from my experience in the tech sector of interviews... could be different elseplaces!

Job interview,

Be prepared

- Read up on the company
- Ask about the company, the position, what would be the things you'd have to do, the challenges
   (can be usefall later, to demonstrate how you can help resolve these issues).
- Dress nice, but keep it mind who your interviewing with, don't overdress
- Listen, listen, listen (crucial)
- Keep on point, respond precisely to their questions, don't go on tangeants
- Concentrate on what you can do for them, not what they can do for you.
- Bring up concrete examples based on your past experience or skills,
  on how you can help them with their current issues
  (you can find this issues in the interview, in the job posting, in the company's information)

- Try to establish a personal connection with the interviewer, especially at the start and end
   (if there is an opening for this, don't overplay it)

- Keep an open position, arms open, hands visible, smile, be candid, open and warm, be yourself. Show you not just the a skillset, but a terrific person to work with.

- At the end, finish with a pitch, telling them what you can do for them in a few words and clearly showing enthousiasm for the job, the company. Give a firm handshake. This should be short, 30 seconds, but it can be very powerfull since its the last thing they hear from you.


--

They won't select a candidate right away, but with all that, I'd be surprised that you would not be on the shortlist at least, after that there is a good chance to get the job.