Job interview tips, advice, help, etc.
 

Got a big job interview coming up, and was hoping you guys could give some tips, advice, pointers. I consider this my first "real" interview since getting my degree last May (AAS in automation technology), meaning first interview for a job directly in my field with a big-name company.

I'm very excited and nervous at the same time, and of course I want to make sure I do everything I can to have the best chance at getting the job. So any advice some of you more seasoned guys have would be a big help.

Thanks!

- Learn about the company's history and what they do as a company.
- Prepare a few questions to ask the interviewer that demonstrate your interest in the position and the company itself. They always ask, "So, do you have any questions for me?", and it helps to have some thoughtful questions lined up.
- Be prepared for technical questions related to the field. The interviewer may have a few ready to quickly weed out the people who don't actually know anything.
- Bring a notebook and paper to jot a few notes if the interviewer tells you anything that seems important to remember.
- Make sure they know that you are not just looking for a paycheck. Present yourself as someone who really wants to help build that specific company for the future.

I'm sure there are many tips to come. I'll add more if I can think of any.

Good luck!

Dress nicely, with a tie to really show that you mean business.

and/or have your wife/GF pick out what to ware,:wink:

Depending on the job, I usually dress the way I would if I got the job on the spot and had to start working - maybe a step or two better since it's an interview. It's supposed to give the impression that you are "ready to go right now".

Prepare yourself for the "where do you see yourself in 5 years" types of questions. There really is no "bad" answer, but most places don't want to take the time/money in training you for your specific duties if you give the impression you are just looking for a paycheck and/or are ready to immediately hop over to the next big thing (even though that is really what you are doing). Basically, imply that the company you are interviewing with is a place you've "always wanted to work for", but don't be a kiss-ass.

If you have any real-world experience at all, make sure you get those thoughts in line. Schooling is great, but from my experience in hiring, experience has a greater impact on my choice to hire or not. Some people can be book smart, but fail miserably in the "real world" when applying the skills they learned at the desk (I've had those types of employees so it does happen more often than you'd think). Make sure they know you aren't one of those types. They may also ask you situational questions where something you did in the past could apply somewhat. A few (preferably true) stories where you went above and beyond solving a problem, working extra hard, etc helps too.

Get a good nights sleep, eat breakfast, brush your teeth after eating, dress nicely but don't over do it, be confident, have a little 30 second commercial about yourself (nothing outlandish, just straight and to the point), don't BS the interviewer, remember you are trying to sell a product (you) to the interviewer, make sure your product stands out, always smile, have a good firm handshake (not limp, but no he-man stuff either), thank the interviewer at the end, make sure and ask about the hiring process (such as how long until a decision and/or what is the next step), a follow up phone call in the next few days is always a good thing too, even if you get voicemail it shows you're interested.

All are a bunch of great pointers so I really have nothing to add except maybe wear clean underwear ?

Seriously, Best of luck to you Jason !

Come on, there is nothing an interviewer likes more from a candidate than having his/her hand crushed in a dominant handshake

Depends.
 

It really all depends on the type of job you are applying for and what kind of person the company is looking for. Some employers want someone right out of school so they can train them in their own way, without already established bad habits. Some want an employee with a little seasoning who can jump right in and know what to do right out of the gate.

The best advice I can give to anyone getting ready to enter the workplace without knowing any of those details is to think hygene. For whatever reason there are still tons of people out there who have no idea that they even have a problem in this area or what the proper eticate is for office hygene. You want to smell good not just for the interview, but every day while working around others. No one wants to work with anyone else that smells like crapp. Deoderant, fresh breath, and a pleasant cologn or aftershave every single day that is not over powering or pungent. Hair nice and tidy, clothing that represent the image that this company wants to promote to its cliants, no visable tatoos or piercings, and an overall clean cut appearance.

Like stated previously do a little bit of research on the company, and the department you wish to work for so you know what your getting yourself into. This will also help give you confidence in yourself, and in your abilities to fullfill the duties of the position you wish to fill. Being a little bit nervous is OK, but if you look scared to death it will send a message that you are incompitent. You want to look like you are ready to jump right in and help them accomplish whatever it is they are looking to do.

Being confident is always good, but being overconfident has cost alot of guys jobs when they were interviewing for my company.

Hygene is very, VERY, VERY important. I once interviewed a younger guy who seemed very pleasant, but his hands appeared to be covered in poo... At the end I really tried to get out of the customary parting ways handshake, but he insisted. Needless to say I washed that hand in a variety of soaps, and solvents and highly toxic chemicals designed to remove lead from church roofs, etc. Do you think he got the job....

Also, avoid saying that you will do anything for the job, sounding desperate is bad, real bad.

You need to sound competent, but avoid telling the interviewer, especially if he is the boss, that you can reinvent the wheel, etc. I have heard alot of BS in my time, and most of it was when someone was trying to get me to hire them.

Dress appropriately, not good to wear italian leather shoes if you are applying to a ship yard, and also not good to wear tennis shoes to a corporate interview. Yes, employers look at shoes. I prefer to see people wear brown or kakhi (shoes, slacks) if it is a more casual enviorment, or a full suit if not so casual. A tie is optional, if you look good with a tie wear it, if it makes you uncomfortable do not. Clean clothes are a must as well. Clean undies may be a good idea, as some interveiwers may require a strip search and cavity check (can't be too careful these days).

Above all be yourself. Listen more than talk. Answer questions throughly, but leave out the fluff and do not ramble. If you suffer from a shitty memory prepare a list, and questions are always good, as long as they apply and are not basic common sense stuff (such as "do you allow sexual harrasment here" and "am I allowed to park my windowless van with the 'free candy' logos by the nearest school).

Try to be funny if the interviewer seems to have a sense of humor. Keep away from the racist and yo mamma jokes. Never discuss politics or religion, unless it is required in the job (priest, president, etc..). If he is one of those really serious types just stick to the facts. Brevity is the soul of wit, someone famous said that a long time ago, and most people have no idea what brevity means, but you can always repeat that during an interview and you will likely stand out as being the only person who has ever said that. Good maybe? Who knows, I would say it.

The firm handshake, good posture and good eye contact are a great way to make yourself stand out. Most have horrible posture, fidget, and generally look like wanted felons during an interview. A return call is good, but do not sound desperate.

Good luck, and by no means should you ever mention your rc hobby as it is a very juvenile thing to most people who do not share the hobby. Also your giant porn stash is no ones business but your own.

And should you end up being interviewed by a very attactive single lady, don't even bother with trying to get the job, just go for a number. Cause if she is doing the interviewing she likely has some money and would make a great GF, etc. Sugar mammas are the shiznit, dawg.

Go drunk. Let them know from the beginning you like the liquor, and that you can perform while legally intoxicated.

Thanks so much for all the help guys. Had the interview yesterday and nailed it, they offered me the job on the spot. Even offered more money than I was asking for!

Good to hear J !

When do you start, do you have to relocate ?

Excellent!! More money for more RCs :D lol

Great news...
 

Thats great news. Especially in these tough times, and hopefully some of our advice may have helped. Even so there was a lot of good input here that can help anyone improve who they are entering a new job. Congratuations and good luck in your new job.

I am very glad you took all of my advise. I am sure it was the main reason they hired you. Hopefully you can live up to the overinflated expectations they have for you.

And since it is basically all my doing, please send me the addl money they are paying you. I think that is fair.

And that Eric guy's resume looks great, wish I had someone like him working for me! I would have hired Jerry, but he wanted me to cover the cost of his adult diapers and weekly mega-colonics, and I was just not willing to deal with that kind of shit. I was willing to toss him a bottle of Colon-blow every now and then but he considers his lack of "regularity" to be more important than the 3 buck an hour job I was offering. Happy BM dude.

Wow
 

WOW you must really be bored over there James. Not enough banged up vehicles to work on this week? You need to spend more time working on your R/C's and less time trying to come up with your comedy routines that lately have been less than your best. I must say I did laugh at your humorous yet sad attempt on my account. I must say that some one out there will take your dribble seriously and hopefully one day interview for a job with you. Of course than you will have to hire him/her for using your advice just to honor your own words. Good luck with that.

Just to clearify when I stated that there were some very good inputs in this thread you have to satisfy your own judgement on which advice to take seriously, and which ones are more for our own RCM amusement. Good luck in your new job, and thanks James for the laughs. You are one of the reasons I always enjoy visiting this forum. Have a great week guys.

Figured I'd revive an old thread about the same topic instead of creating a new thread.

I too have an interview this Monday (Memorial Weekend... who knew people still worked?), @ 4..

But since I'm 16 y/o, I don't exactly want to dress in a suit and tie.

I have a bad case of clamminess, so I'm constantly sweating, even if it's in a ventilated & cooled area..

When it comes to dress, I'm thinking of just wearing a plain white t-shirt, with some nice darker-ish jeans.

The interview is for a summer position @ a computer repair shop, so I won't necessarily be needing to dress to impress?

Obviously, I'm going to wear clean undies, shower and clean up before I go in, but that should just be about it right?

thanks guys!

I would at least wear a Polo/collared shirt, and khaki pants. You don't need a suit or anything, but a plain white tee and jeans seems a little too casual.

Doesn't matter if you are young and it's just a summer job, you want to show them you make the extra effort to look your best. No one is supposed to judge or base hiring decisions on appearance, but we all know in the real world that's BS, you are judged on your appearance in a big way. Better to be a little overdressed than underdressed.

At least wear a collared T-shirt and NO flipflops. The guys at all the PC repair shop's I've ben into dress casual except the Geek squad so I'd guess you'd be OK.

Good Luck young man.

At exactly 9:06 two great minds melded together to form the best advice ever given :na:

Thanks, yeah; I think I'm going to wear one of the polos in my closet.. if I can find where I stash them :lol:

Since this is actually, my first interview (make you guys feel old yet? :oops:); not sure what I should bring?

I know a notepad (in my back pocket) & pen..

Should I bring a copy of my resume?
I emailed them my resume; so I'd assume they have a copy already.

You always bring a copy of your resume, even if you already gave them one. Bring one for you, one for the interviewer. A copy of the application is good also.

Never got an application, just emailed the shop.

That's kinda awkward isn't it? walking in, with just a slip of paper?

maybe it's just me... :oh:

Get a folder, or a manilla envelope and put all your paperwork in there.

Yeah, I usually use a plane folder to carry resumes and paper and what not. Just forked out $35 for a nice black leather portfolio with my college's logo on it (actually I won a gift card to the bookstore anyway, and it was on sale, usually $50). Makes me feel really fancy when talkin to people.

Heading for my bunker now, you can have my job I'll put in a good word.

That's what I have been using now too. When I was still in school I went to a financial literacy seminar and the bank who sponsored it gave everyone a surprisingly nice leather portfolio. It was collecting dust in my closet, but I was glad I had it when it came time for the interview.

Should I wear a short sleeved polo, or a long sleeved dress shirt?

Maybe just wear a nice long sleeved dress shirt with normal darker jeans? (of course, no rips)

Future reference
 

For future reference you can also ask about dress when you setup the interview. I had one last week, and during the conversation for setting up the interview I asked if there was anything specific that they would prefer me to wear for the meeting, and they told me to wear "Office Casual" clothing. Of course I nailed the interview and wore black slacks and a long sleeve polo button up dress shirt. It felt good so I wore it. And at 52 this was not my first interview either. When they asked me when I could start I told them today if they needed me, and that I am available 24/7/365, but that we already have plans for a 6 week vacation setup in June-July. They hired me on the spot and told me thanks for being right on time, and for being prepared with confidence and detailed info. I have no experience for this particular job, but with my background I could tell them that there is nothing that I cannot do without a little up front hands on "one-on-one" training. Good luck with your interview kid.

A little compliment on how eager to work there because of its reputation is a great idea well yea its sounds like brown nosing but they will remember who said the place is good just no overkill like this

I agree, a little flattery is good, just don't push it too far. One or two statements complimenting the company and/or interviewer (on a professional and job related level) is plenty.

make sure you say you would like the job as the interview is closing. I've talked to a few recruiters at job fairs and they say that nobody ever comes out and says "I think I would like working at your company". Which is actually a huge turn on, since if you like doing what you do you'll probably do better...

I always try to close an interview with something like "Thanks for the time you've taken to meet with me today. I'm very interested in this position and would love to have the job." thanks again-hand shakes-blah blah-have a great day

Woooo! :party:

Interview was postponed because the guy forgot about Memorial Day!

Scared me at first, who forgets a 3 day weekend? :neutral:

E-mailed back and forth this week, and came up with today, and just whenever I could.

Came home from school, and went straight to the shop!

Anyways, decided to go from my dark jeans & nice polo to nice slacks & nice polo. and it was for the better! I was complimented on my dressing, near the end. He also gave me a shirt to wear! woo!

But let's go back! I first walked in, he had a customer at the register, so I just waited, then introduced myself, and then we went into the back room (It's really just a small room, divided into two..), and he complimented on the things I'm able to do that I put on my resume. He almost didn't believe it! (I'm guessing he still doesnt! But I'll show him on my first day! :yes:)

Basically just said he could really use somebody like me, at my skill level since he is just backed up with computers. Regardless of my age, he said he could really use me.

It's just a one man shop, one owner, maybe 3 tech's in the shop, and a few onsite engineers that rarely come into the shop.

Said I could start whenever I'd like, but would like the first couple weeks (1-3 weeks) to be a trial, mainly with virus removal, and all the easy stuff, and if he likes what I do, then he'll put me on his payroll! (yipee!)

So I start Monday, from 10:30 til 4:30, Mon/Wed/Fri for the first week, I guess... Then he said we'll go from there.

I'm really excited!

Although it's in a pretty busy plaza, the shop is way clean!
Has a really nice setup, he stocks up the waiting room with just parts, a nerd's paradise!

He also showed me how he organizes, he had 2 HUGE shelves full of computers, laptops stacked on top of each other, the ones he works on in clear boxes (in pieces, waiting for parts). Everything is so organized, it's really amazing.

Has two really nice work benches, one has 3-4 screens wall-mounted, 2 screens on the side, all just for diagnosing & repair, then has another solely for hardware repair.

Has a pretty neato front desk, it's a nice two-tone desk, blue & brushed aluminum, with a very beautiful iMac on top (as much as I hate Macs for their pricing, they sure do make a work area very nice) for invoicing and whatnot.

Has a CB radio in one corner where he can quickly talk with his drivers if he's too lazy to call them up (I could see this being useful! :na:)

Although the back room is really, really compact (I'd say probably, 4 guys working at the work benches, and then you can't really maneuver with a lot of space)

It's owned by one guy, and he seems to be in his mid-20's, which is pretty cool!
He's very nice, and even told me "If you're ever late, don't freak out, just as long as you don't come midway through your shift, I really don't mind"; also complimented on my politeness when he talked with me, and said he doesn't see much of that when he speaks with teenagers these days...

All in all, an awesome day!

Thanks guys again for all the good pointers!

My first interview, has been aced!

Anyways, it's a VERY nice shop, and I'm really looking forward to it!

Rock on dude !

Glad to hear all went well and your clearly very excited, condratulations young man.

I really am!

My parents complain about work all the time... Maybe I'll be the odd one out and actually like it! :whistle:

Get back to us in 20yrs and let us know if you still love work :sarcastic:

congratz bud! hope it works out as well as you plan and it's still fun in a few months :)

I think if you like the type of work you choose it becomes a matter of just enjoying what ur doing and not work so it doesnt become a chore