Upcoming job interview hints

[Neo Badness]

Hey everybody,

I've an interview coming up for a job with a main agent (BMW) as a panel beater. I've always worked in wee independent shops in the past so this is a step up potentially. They also run a bonus scheme which I've heard can be quite lucrative, any info?

Anybody work for a main agent to give me any hints or tips for interview?

Any help or advice greatly appreciated.

 

[clipperjay]

Know nothing about bodywork..........
But good luck buddy! 
Jay

[baka]

A mate of mine just landed himself a job as a mechanic at a BMW motorcycle dealership.

I can't remember exactly what he told me about the way the bonus scheme works. But it sounded very lucrative! You'd certainly be earning well above your basic, and it seems to improve exponentially the longer you're with them.

Another friend started as a panel beater with Elms BMW years ago, and it set him up very nicely. He's now raking it in working as an assessor, pricing insurance repair work. 

By their accounts, they would seem to be a great employer.

I'm not very good at interview tips. But you know that bit in Trainspotting where Spud gun goes for an interview? Don't do that. 

[dubber36]

Try to be as confident as you can without coming across as cocky. You obviously know about bodywork, so you ought to be able to answer technical questions in an informed way.

When they ask you if you have any questions, don't do in with "how much bonus can I earn, and how many holidays do I get?" Ask them about the type of work you'd have to do, their preferred methods of doing the job, what products they use etc. Make them think that you can fit into their way of doing things, even if you don't agree with them. 

[justalex81]

As long as your technical knowledge and ability are there, it comes down to your personality. Be confident but don't overdo it. If they ask you a question you don't know the answer to, just be honest and tell em. Humility goes a long way. Let them know you're keen to progress your career and you're willing to do what it takes to achieve that goal. Do your research and go armed with some questions of your own.

[Neo Badness]

Fantastic stuff. I'm a bit nervous if I get offered it as the places I've been working have been high end stuff but super laid back. Place looks like a bit of a shock to the system, in a good way as time to grow up get deposit together etc.

And stay off the ching prior, got it

[clipperjay]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_O6bWb7oEuE

[Neo Badness]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_O6bWb7oEuE

 

Well had interview, went pretty good I'd say.
 Mostly him telling me how bad the industry is at the moment and how there is no profit margin and how they barely make enough to make it worth while blah blah blah. Tour of workshops indicates a group of employees with low moral.
I'll worry about it if I get offered it but tbh it doesn't look my scene at all. Unfortunate but you need to investigate all avenues.
Now seriously investigating self employment.

[clipperjay]

Hey all experiences are good even if they were bad.
TBF I hear this from small firms all the time and have to say starting your own business is not easy, but you tick the right boxes and carry on as a going concern, and not a fly by night it will become easier mate.
Have a good plan and act upon it!
You should have asked the interviewer loads of questions, I like the ones who ask me questions, as it shows you how switched on you are 

"Do you have any weaknesses?"
"I'm a perfectionist!" 

[Neo Badness]

Yeah dude, I'm in this for the long haul.

I did ask questions, re their setup and how they liked stuff done. But they're a numbers game. Been considering starting my own shop for about 2yrs now, just getting the capital. Business plan looks plausible though.