Buzz Quiz
Learn more about your animal type
Preparing for a job interview - top tips for Octopuses
- The most likely positive feedback for Octopuses following an interview is they are creative, deep, calm, and team-players. The most likely negative comments are they were too impractical, modest, and easily distracted. What are interviewers likely to say about you? Here are some tips to help you do well in the interview.
- As a naturally good listener you are likely to appear calm and polite throughout the interview. You will listen carefully to the question and answer it concisely. Do make sure you answer fully. If you are asked for an example to demonstrate you have a skill required for the post do not give a brief and self-effacing answer. Do include all relevant facts. Practice saying some of your answers with a friend to ensure you include all the relevant details. Do maintain eye contact. Look at the interviewer regularly.
- As a naturally flexible and spontaneous person you should be ready for unexpected questions or situations and be able to remain calm under pressure. If you dry up and are unable to think of an answer have a couple of prepared and rehearsed general answers about one of your proudest achievements. You could say that is a great question, I'm the sort of person who likes to think before giving an answer. That way I give a really good answer. For example, in my previous job we were asked in a meeting how to improve our service at reception. I gave my thoughts the next day and two of my suggestions were implemented.
- Do ensure you have prepared fully for the interview. Do not be tempted to ‘wing it’ or ‘see how it goes’. Here is a checklist of the essentials: discover and adhere to the company dress code, be well groomed, on-time, check and stick to realistic travel times to reach your destination, research the company and the role you have applied for, take a folder containing your qualifications, certificates and references if you have been requested to bring them along, telephone beforehand to find out how long the interview will be, how many people will be interviewing you and if there are extras like tests or group discussions. All this preparation will serve you well. Fewer surprises on the day will put you at ease and help you retain control and composure.
- As a naturally considerate and caring person you are likely to make a good impression with the people you meet before, during and after the interview. Use your natural skills to read the people and the situation to project a positive vibe.
- Be careful not to be too modest about your achievements. You do need to showcase your best achievements and qualities in an interview. You can say things like ‘people say I’m incredibly kind/creative/diligent, for example…’ if you don’t want to say ‘I’m very kind/creative/diligent’.
- Beware your tendency to see criticism where there may only be feedback being given, or an attempt to see how you react to a tough question. Stay focused and concentrate on providing clear answers. Do not get personal in your answers. The interviewer probably does not need to know what you did not like the people with whom you used to work.
Coping with change
As humans we are programmed to look out for danger and to avoid it. This helps us survive. We grow to like familiar things and prefer to avoid change. We can see change as a potential threat. However, some change is inevitable and most change is not a threat, but we are programmed to be wary and suspicious of change which can cause stress and unhelpful patterns of thought. We have a big brain which can make us worry in a big way. Our personality has a huge influence on our response to change.
Does change affect you the way it does people who share your personality animal?
Octopuses often feel somewhat detached from the practical, mundane, and real world around them
They enjoy observing people with intense curiosity but often do not join in. This can act as a protection from stress. It is like having a forcefield around you that shields you from some of the strange and bad things and people in the world. The downside of this can be the occasions where you need to join ‘the real world’ of people or making important decisions. Check with one or two trusted friends that you are not missing any relevant information or procrastinating.
When they do connect to the real world, Octopuses like to support and develop those around them
You value tolerance and integrity. You rarely let anyone down so can be hurt and stressed if you are let down by others. Learn not to take it personally. Cut other people slack, do not hold a grudge, they may have been going through a difficult time or have different priorities. Nobody is perfect, move on and it will lower your stress levels.
During stressful times, our natural strengths often desert us and expose our weaknesses
Octopuses lose their usual positivity and compassion. Their instinct to empower people ebbs away. This is replaced by aggressive and critical behaviour, nit-picking, and grumpiness. The future appears bleak. If you feel these emotions be reassured that they are temporary feelings and a sign you should pause, reset, and return to your strengths to guide you.
Job suggestions for Octopuses based on West Yorkshire key sectors:
Roles that blend creativity with linking organising, managing, and maintaining accurate, detailed records to make people’s lives better in jobs would suit Octopuses such as:
- Software developer
- Web developer
- Business intelligence analyst
The Octopuses natural empathy and originality can suit roles such as:
- Architect
- Carpenter
- Plasterer
Octopuses are natural mentors and coaches, especially when dealing with people individually. This is a strength in roles such as:
- Social services manager
- Social worker
- Speech/art therapist
Many Octopuses like to apply their skills to design or make things. This can be achieved in roles such as:
- Robotics technician
- Tool maker
- Industrial designer
Octopuses are most comfortable in roles which allow their creative side to flourish. More frequently advertised roles unleashing creativity that would suit Seals include:
- Researcher
- Interpreter/translator
- Advertising executive
- Interior designer