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A job interview can really test our nerves. Yes, doing your homework and rehearsing our standout performance can help, but while we can maximize our chances, we can't prepare for everything.

"About 80% of interview questions are usually predictable, but there's always going to be that one oddball question," career coach Emily Liou said.

And nothing illustrates this better than one recent Twitter thread — it started when Amy Brown from California, seeking moral comfort, asked other users to share their worst job interview stories. Turns out, it was all they needed. Recruiters and applicants alike immediately started describing the trainwrecks they were a part of.

More info: Twitter

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Job interview and career coach Margaret Buj, who has helped thousands of people around the world get hired or promoted, thinks that apart from doing thorough company research and spending some time thinking about how your experience and skills match the requirements of the role, standing out in job interviews is actually pretty simple.

"Always back up your answers with examples, quantify your answers as much as you can and make sure you have a few examples prepared of what you've done in your current/previous job that would benefit the employer you’re interviewing with," Margaret told Bored Panda.

"If there is one thing most of my clients have in common is that they struggle with answering competency or behavioral interview questions during job interviews," Margaret explained. "The questions will start with 'Tell me about a time…' or 'Describe a situation…' and then you might be encouraged to elaborate further with questions like 'So, what were you thinking at that point?' or 'What was your decision-making process?' The interviewer will try to establish what benefits you will bring to the company and why the benefits you offer might be more appealing than those of other candidates."

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    chi-wei shen
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    A survey done by researchers at Everest College found that 9 in 10 employed adults fear at least one thing about the job interview process.

    Ironically, many are worried that they'll come across as nervous. 17% of respondents stated having the jitters as their top concern, followed by being overqualified for the job (15%), being stumped by the employer's questions (15%), being late for the interview (14%), being underqualified (11%), and not being prepared (10%).

    "For so many, the job interview can be a high-pressure, make-or-break event when searching for a job, so it's only natural that anxiety can play a major factor," survey spokesman John Swartz, regional director of career services at Everest College, said. "Everyone is different when coping under the pressure, but the best advice to help manage job interview fear is to simply be prepared. Conducting research, anticipating questions, and acting professionally are staples that will stand the test of time, regardless of the latest job interview trends."

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    An immaculate implementation of Murphy's law... This is both absolutely hilarious and fuel for my worst nightmares 😂😱

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    Luckily, Jody Michael, the CEO & Founder of Jody Michael Associates, a company that specializes in executive coaching, leadership development and career coaching, said there's an effective way to overcome these anxieties, one that she practiced personally when she worked in the corporate world and has been coaching her clients to do the same for over than 20 years.

    "My advice is to prepare for your interview just like you prepared for your multiplication quizzes when you were a kid: with flashcards," Michael wrote. "Get a pack of five-by-seven lined index cards. On the blank side, write down the interview question. On the lined side, write your answer — how you would speak it, not like you're writing a paper."

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    This one physically hurts me. Why would they think that a real Irish accent is fake???

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    Michael suggests starting with the most common interview question: "Tell me about yourself." But also include obscure ones like, "What book are you reading right now?" that recruiters might use to throw you off. If you need inspiration, you can look for questions online, or think back to the previous interviews you've had. 

    "Your deck should include anywhere from 50 to 100 questions with varying difficulty," Michael said. "Once you have the cards written, practice speaking the answers out loud. Include keywords that will help remind you of the answers."

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    Got Myself 4 Dwarves
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    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My husband does interviews all the time for new staff and I’m always giving him crap for expecting some b******t about wanting to be part of *insert retail shop here* and all that crap. They want to be paid, they want to earn money and where he works pays decent wages (my 16yr old worked there and was getting £9 an hour when her mates were working elsewhere getting about £6) - that is a perfectly acceptable reason and should be accepted as such. Paying a decent wage brings a lot more loyalty than some fake work culture nonsense.

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    The good thing about creating these flashcards is that the process doubles as a self-reflection exercise to help you understand who you are and how you want to communicate that to others.

    Your answers will help clarify these questions for the interviewer:

    • What is your value?

    • How can you contribute to the company?

    • How well do you fit into the company’s culture?

    • Are you competent in what you say?

    • Are you trustworthy?

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    Peppy Piplup
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    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is (sadly) the second time I've had to say this in this article but: fellas, is it unprofessional to be hydrated?

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    "In addition to being prepared for your interview, reviewing proper interview etiquette rules can help alleviate stress," Michael said.

    Read the email the company sent you with details about your interview, and then reread it again.

    "My coaching clients get a very detailed email that includes information about how to enter the office and where to have a seat. Just last week, a client who admittedly did not read the email, barged in on me during a session with another client. You certainly don’t want to seem like someone who cannot follow instructions at the interview. Also, this may sound obvious, but arrive at the interview early. Very early. You never know what can happen with traffic or public transportation, so plan ahead."

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    chi-wei shen
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    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There is always a right time for jokes, but a job interview usually is not that time.

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    survey done by CareerBuilder revealed that we need to work on our body language too. When asked to identify the biggest body language mistakes job seekers make during an interview, hiring managers named the following:

    • Failure to make eye contact: 68 percent
    • Failure to smile: 38 percent
    • Playing with something on the table: 36 percent
    • Fidgeting too much in his/her seat: 32 percent
    • Bad posture: 31 percent
    • Crossing their arms over their chest: 31 percent
    • Playing with hair or touching one's face: 26 percent
    • Handshake that is too weak: 22 percent
    • Using too many hand gestures: 13 percent
    • Handshake is too strong: 8 percent
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    Vasana Phong
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    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I would’ve left, came back in the next day to start my new job position ( remember you said I got the position before you fell asleep?)

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    Snorkeldorf
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    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You answered correctly. To assume that all 4 walls are the same color would be incorrect if you hadn't actually seen the wall on your way in. I would have given you extra points for that answer.

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    Momma Panda
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    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    She probably was, so she is seeking comfort in people who are the same as she is 😉

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    "Before the interview begins, perform deep diaphragmatic breathing. This is, in my experience, the fastest way to slow your body’s physiological response to stress," Michael said.

    "Breathe in through your nose, concentrating on filling your belly with air like a balloon. Hold your breath for a count of two seconds, and then, exhale slowly through your mouth until your belly flattens. Breaths should be at a ratio of 1:2, with exhales about twice as long as inhales. Try counting to four as you inhale, hold for the count of two, and then exhale to the count of eight. You can easily do this undercover while you are sitting in the lobby."

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    Kivebo
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    2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    “I could use it to hit myself and still feel less pain than in this interview.”

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    Lastly, when you get shocked by a question in an interview, it’s easy to freeze or stumble. But reaching for that glass of water they gave you instead. Use the time as you have a sip to calm your brain down. Just like that, you've just given yourself five to eight seconds to respond.

    However, there's no guaranteed recipe to make all of your job interviews a success. There's always an element of chance. So if things do go south, at least tell the internet about it. That can be the only way to get something out of it, even it's just a few likes.

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    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I once told a guy "more linkedin and less instagram" when he sent me his cv.

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    Bobby
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    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Endured one interview like that... was not hired because I had "too much" experience.

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    ZAPanda
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    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    .... as in the thing where you think about stuff and it becomes real? I hope you declined the job

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    Jamie Sullivan
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    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The same answers work for both. Just say "it should be illegal". Or "people getting screwed is none of my business". Or "the founding fathers spent a lot of time on it"

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    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I feel like too many men think women operate via their boobs and vagina. Female authors write books with their boobs, female scientists do science with their vagina, etc. I don't know how else to explain all those "... for a girl" things.

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    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I learned early on that when I was desperate for work and applying for everything, I should leave most qualifications off the application, and only put the qualifying credentials, if I wanted to be considered. It worked.

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    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's like asking, "have you stopped beating your wife?" It leaves no option to say you wouldn't bring any kind of gun to work ever.

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    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Never heard of a candidate asking what an employers weaknesses are. They ask you so I don’t hate it!

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    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I showed up to a job interview (project manager for a start-up) in a sport coat and tie. The hiring manager conducted the interview wearing short running shorts and sat across from me with nothing but his skinny ass legs between us. He said my professional attire made me fake. I understand an employer wanting to cultivate an informal culture where attire is unimportant. But if this your intention, then it shouldn't matter to you if your employees wear business casual or a track suit.

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    Got Myself 4 Dwarves
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    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That’s not too bad, you could’ve passed it off as meaning what their shift hours were rather than their opening hours

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    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not preparing for a job interview tells me you would not be a good hire, no matter what kind of promises were made.

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    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I spent more time discussing playing World of Warcraft in an interview than everything else. I got the job too. Major US defense contractor.

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    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I actually quit my job at a bakery/cafe - I job I had worked at for three years and honestly thought I'd stay at forever - when I had the lightbulb moment of "This is JUST cake and pastries and coffee. There is NO reason I should be so stressed out at this job. I am doing nothing important or world changing!"

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    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    what's with these american firms thinking women don't need to work? I thought this was america, not talibanistan?

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    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Say: the zip of my coat is broken, I’m afraid I’ll have to keep it on during this interview. Proceed with interview.

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    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think I understood the word "mall", and "interview" but the rest no. Can anyone translate?

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    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That would literally make me want to vomit. Immediately!

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    Everyone who work every where have stories. Q

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    Bender Bending Rodríguez
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    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'd say it's their loss. Those fractional jeans just might be hot new trend you never know.

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    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Don't make people come for an interview if you have already chosen someone, poeses.

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    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Don't lie too much, otherwise you might not keep track of all your lies.

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    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It happens when post has already be decided for one of the relatives.

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    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I've got to ask. What was the position where they would expect someone to know the answer to that? Though important in the US as well, I'm not sure that E.C. Stanton and S.B. Anthony would be on the tip of many peoples' tongues.

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    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes, friend, writing and editing are two very different things. Some writers cannot edit for sh#t and some editors cannot write for sh#t. And at least they asked if you had seen their email instead of assuming you did.

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    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    with VICE? as in the magazine? wow what fuckwads. I will now make sure I turn on my adblocker on their site. See? Punishment for evil.

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    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    90 minutes should be the max in one session. Everybody performs better with a break and you could miss out on a great candidate with a bad interview process.

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    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Free dinners? That’s the only positive spin I can put on it!

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    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Just out of interest, what part of the company failing to secure a hire for six months suggested to you that they had improved their offer?

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    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Tsk tsk tsk, very irresponsible though going out the night before knowing you have a job interview

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    2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    neither are faster, the only difference is whether you want more or less control over the shifts. If you are a person with limited patience, a shifter is more satisfying because you can whip past people by downgearing suddenly. The only advantage to automatic is traffic jams. You don't need to fuss as much. However, if your car stalls or the battery fails, a shifter is useful because you just put it in gear and give it a shove, voila the engine powers up.

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    ZAPanda
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    2 years ago (edited)

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    People must just use UTC/GMT and drop it all. Especially DST, no one cares.

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