Well, it's been creeping up on me for ages now, but it's finally here. Tommorrow is the dreaded "job interview".

It's with a company called "Mitchells and Butler" which are a huge catering company. They own a vast array of pubs, restaurants and hotels across the company (2,200 I think).
I've applied to get on their graduate programme, and it looks to be quite a rigourous process.

First there was the online application which was fine, then I got an email asking me to arrange a telephone interview which to be honest I found quite nervewracking. The interview lasted 30-40 minutes at the end of which I was told I had passed the call, and I should book myself a place on their graduate assessment centre.

Well, tommorrow is the day: I'm travelling down to Birmingham, and there will probably be a number of people all there at the same time.

It starts with a group exercise (not too concerned there) and then there are 3 more aspects before I finish. Firstly there is a numeracy test, which involves being asked questions about a Profit and Loss account which is scarily complex to me. Then there is a panel one hour interview which I feel I can prepare for quite well, and it's not hard to guess many of the questions I am bound to be asked ("Why on Earth should we allow a Scouser to be in charge of money" springs to mind).

Finally there is a presentation I have to make, based on a SWOT analysis of one of their outlets in my area, which I have to say, I have done a cheesy and crap job of. I can only hope my powers of ad lib are strong.

I am quite nervous about it, and anxious about the state of public transport which is going to get me to Birmingham, travelling from Southport to Liverpool, and then from Liverpool to Birmingham. I've booked stupidly early trains to make sure I don't get there late, and anticipate wandering about Brumsville for an hour once I've found the assessment centre.

I don't know if anyone has any experience of Graduate Assessment Centres, but any advice from anyone who has would be great. Other than that, back to my research. :/

Never ever heard of Graduate Assessment Centres, presumably, they're to ensure that the potential graduate have not just the bit of paper to say they have brains, but also can work on the spot and actually work on their own skills instead of paperwork and books placed infront of them.

I'm sure your going to do well, even with the nervousness. Everyone gets it with interviews, even those who know they're guaranteed the job, interview or no interview.

Good luck though

first off - don't worry too much, relax don't over complicate things and try not to be too clever. if it's a proper 'graduate' assessment day then they will be well aware you don't know everything

i had 2 graduate assessment days for my current job, though i work as a software engineer so it may be different. but the guy that interviewed me didn't mind when i couldn't answer a question

knowing when you are at the limits of your understanding is a good thing - it shows you know your own skills and abilities

try to talk yourself up as much as posible without sounding big headed.

and remember at the end of the day there are other jobs out there

best of luck

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Ooh I feel your pain - had my share of run-ins with recruiting firms such as Mercuri Urval and the like. Usually for IT positions though, so I don't think my experience is very relevant. But be prepared for some weird questions... I've been asked the weirdest things, like how I feel about homosexuals (maybe he was coming on to me?), my favourite color and other absurdities not at all related to the position I was applying for...

Hope it goes well, good luck!

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http://www.futt.org/

I have no clue about these things, just thought I'd wish you good luck!

The man speaks the truth.

Can only really relate to normal interviews truth be told but most have often told me (afterwards when i've got to know them better) they tend to lean more towards confident people who dont seem too over confident with themselves.

Basically they want to see the true you and not the person you think they're expecting.If ye dont know something be honest and dont try to bullshit 'em.

If all goes well and ye get accepted they cant be disapointed at a later date as they know exactly what they're getting.

I wish ye all the best with it all and stop panicing...if the jobs right for yeself ye will be get it.

Good luck!

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Here's me preparing for interview questions and I've got to work out an answer to "How do I feel about Homosexuals?". Hmm.

How about, "I really like Queen, and think Freddie Mercury was a genius"?

i've got an interview next week.
for the job I've already got.

sucks. the company is 're-structuring' so we all have to re-apply for our jobs. About 10 people into 5 jobs is never gonna end up with smiles all round eh?

That's poo mate, and similar to what happened to me last year. Company was working on governmental contracts which were pulled with 2 months notice. They had to restructure from 150 people to about 70 people, which involved redundancies, and many people applying for a small amount of jobs.
I just took my redundancy money and have gone back to catering.

Arse!

Interesting response!

If they do ask you that question, just shriek "Ooh get you!" and punch the interviewer playfully on the arm. That should get you the job, no worries.

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What if he or she asks me if I can recommend any good films Sally?

Pulp Fiction. Obviously.