First ever interview

[hazza]

Next wednesday im going for my first ever Job interview. Its nothing special just a place called First Estate, no its not real estate, its a wine bottleshop. www.firstestate.com.au . Now who wants to give me either some tips on wines, cos they might ask me some tricky questions about wine because i kinda lied on the application and said my knowledge was 'intermediate'. Also what should I wear? Casual? Jeans? Black Pants? Morning suite?

Any help is appreciated.

[Grumblefish]

Shiraz is a white wine, and snobs love people who have holes in their trousers.

[dwarfthrower]

What's the position? -> If it's some sort of customer facing position (cellar door or something) you'll probably want to wear pants, shirt & tie. If it's working in the vineyard or other such hands-dirty type work wear a decent pair of jeans (or casual trousers) and a shirt.

As for wines... what's your knowledge like at the moment? Do you know the basics or are "red" and "white" the only terms you can understand?

[hazza]

Its a store position, they havent given me any specifics but im guessing its just behind the counter work. Normally bottle-o type stuff.

Ummm I know the different types of wine, and that the different types are named by the grapes, white wine should be served chilled, red kept in a cellar e.t.c. I the know the basics like white should go with fish n chicken, and red with steak n stuff like that.

Would a tie be a bit over the top though? :S

[Hippy Vindalou]

Go past the shop sometime before wednesday and see what everyone else is wearing. Then dress likewise but a little snappier. (whats a morning suite?)
Read the latest news page on thier website and hit a few other ones as well so it looks like your up to date with whats going on in the industry. (or buy a wine magazine)
Do not mention tubgirl. I cannot stress that enough.
Good luck.

[Kez]

Its a store position, they havent given me any specifics but im guessing its just behind the counter work. Normally bottle-o type stuff.

Ummm I know the different types of wine, and that the different types are named by the grapes, white wine should be served chilled, red kept in a cellar e.t.c. I the know the basics like white should go with fish n chicken, and red with steak n stuff like that.

Would a tie be a bit over the top though? :S
Tie is never over the top with a job interview.

[dwarfthrower]

Its a store position, they havent given me any specifics but im guessing its just behind the counter work. Normally bottle-o type stuff

Cool... for some reason I misread and thought you were applying for a job at a winery, rather than a wine shop.

Pants and shirt should be ok... tie won't be too bad with a casual jacket but avoid suiting up for retail positions.

Learn the names of some of the basic French and Italian varietals and a few of their key characteristics if you want, but don't worry too much. Customers pretty much either know what they want - or pretend they do to impress the chick hanging off their arms, so you won't have to worry too much about being quizzed on the best wine to serve with quail or abelone.

[EvilMuppet]

Do not mention tubgirl. I cannot stress that enough.

Always a good tip that one

[druckfugged]

Be yourself.

[Phyltr]

Avoid accidental words.

[excalibur]

First estate is the woolies upmarket bottle O (having been in BWS, and Dan murphys, both other woolies bottle o's). This means tie. Also, mention in the interview that you are not afraid to ask questions f you don't know. First estate shop generally aren't that busy, so you will have some time to ask questions and learn if you get the job.

The stronger the flavour of the food, the stronger the flavour of the wine it should be matched too.
These should help. Pm for more advice if you need it.

http://www.winedefinitions.com/learningcenter/articles/winetastingbasics.htm
http://wine.about.com/od/winebasic1/ht/winetasting.htm

[Deimos]

If you don't think you can convince them that you know a lot about wine, make sure you convince them that: a) you like wine, b) you're interested in learning more about it, and c) you can learn things quickly. Good luck - make sure you let us all know how you go!

[TheMightyPhill]

Just read up on some basic Australian stuff and a few regions or varieties regarding Europe. The biggest thing I would suggest is stressing to them that you want to learn, hence applying for the position. If you go too far out of your depth you will get shut down. No need to lie too much.

In fact, I would argue that most peoples 'intermediate' knowledge is very much beginner in Industry terms.

Good Luck mate.

[hazza]

Bah no knowledge of wine was needed but i managed to sneak it in there that i was interested in wine and it sparked his curiosity quite a bit. The dude basically said i have a job, said there was a %90 chance of me getting a job, just gotta wait for a call now.

[dwarfthrower]

Well done dude... yer almost a taxpayer :)

[hazza]

yay heh one step closer to getting the fuck out of my parents house

[ersatz]

Nice one mate, now which one is it and is there a Zgeek discount?

[metalhed00]

Show them how to drink wine. Usually they're impressed after 8 bottles.

[hazza]

So I officially got the job today, BWS Lane Cove, the big blue building on burns bay road, its drive through o.O Start working next monday, wooo harro cash.

[King_Crud]

well done, if you want advice on beer let me know. Wine suxors

[hazza]

k so its actually not the big blue building on burns bay road, its another building on burns bay road... first shift is today... OoooOo

[kré]

congratulations, working mang

[hazza]

update:

this job rox i do nothing, listen to the radio / read the paper and i get paid!

[dwarfthrower]

update:

this job rox i do nothing, listen to the radio / read the paper and i get paid!

Sounds like my first job as a pump jockey at a servo.