Looking for Interview Advice.

[ian.harrison]

Hello all,

I was ust looking for advice on what employers are looking for in an interview. I know this sounds strange but as i have only ever had 2 interviews i really am a novice when it comes to them.

 

Will an employer look at me differently as i'm 35 and i am only a novice in this field with only being in it for about 18 months after doing 16 years in the army. I have found that obviously being truthful and completely open is the only way to go but i was wondering if there was anything else.

 

Thanks Ian

[Rupe]

Look at what extra you could do for the boss, so that he doesn't have to.

 

Being employed as a climber has very little to do with climbing really, it might take up 50% of your employed time at the most. What are you going to offer for the rest of that time?

 

Are you a good driver with full license? Yes? Well thats the truck looked after then, the boss need never need to check the oil etc etc if you assure him that will be done and recorded.

 

What else have you got up your sleeve?

 

I have a lot to think about when you go to a job, so what I need is someone to look after the little things, like fuel in the cans ready to go, fuel in the chipper etc etc. all of these little things make the bosses life easier, no point telling the boss the fuel can is empty, just fill it.

 

What about dealign with the public? Good?

 

Mechanical skills?

 

etc etc. A full time job in tree work is about a lot more than climbing and clearing up trees!

[ian.harrison]

Thanks Rupe. I wouldn't have thought about the driving skills to be honest. The other things that you have said are a help and i will keep them in mind. In my last job the things you said were just natural things to do but not something i would have thought you would have to prompt people to do.

[Rupe]

I think a lot of climbers think that they are employed to climb full stop, they might sweep the work shop floor if they asked but only if asked.

 

Same with groundies, give them some debris and they will clear it up, but if they get back to yard an hour early they are lost!!

 

If its a full time job you are going for, then you have to do your hours to get the benefit of holidays etc. so how you fill those hours is important, and your army background and age should put you well ahead of anyone else, not behind, even if your climbing is average.

 

And of course reliabilty, timekeeping and never being ill, these are good things.

[John Russell]

In order of importance.

 

1) Enthusiasm,

2) Reliability.

3) Common sense/nous.

4) Ability to get on with others and to take instructions.

5) Qualifications (or being keen to learn).

6) Good references.

 

Think of as many instances from your experience to date that illustrate the last 2,3&4.

Demonstrate, by your manner, no.1.

Show no.5 (or demonstrate your willingness to learn).

You'll have No.6 or not. Do try and get some -- I'd be suspicious of someone with no references at all. If not have some good reasons worked out.

 

Think up a lot of good questions to ask that show you understand the business (and indirectly demonstrate your enthusiasm). Show that you're keen to get on (but try not to appear too cocky).

 

These come from 30 years of interviewing people and it's 30 years since I had an interview myself!

 

Best of luck with the job, Ian.

 

John Russell

[ian.harrison]

Rupe.

I have never had a job where you have only 1 hat to wear so to speak you always muck in and get the job cracked as a group because then you all can finish on time.

 

John.

Thanks for the inside knowledge on what you look for. 2,3 & 4 i have alot of examples from my previous career and a few from the last job i had. No. 1 i'm itching to get back in the harness so to speak and learn as much as i can from everyone so that has number 5 covered to go with my quals. And number 6 i have from my last employer so hopefully it will go ok.

[ian.harrison]

Thank you for the advice to both Rupe and John. I went in was honest, enthusiastic and managed to get myself the job. So as of Monday i'm back in the trees thank god.

[Rupe]

Good for you. And remember the small jobs that need doing to make the large jobs run smooth!

[Tom2020]

well done chap

[likeitorlumpit]

Good for you. And remember the small jobs that need doing to make the large jobs run smooth!

 

Thats such a good way of putting it

I've still got guys who just wait around for instruction:thumbdown: