Interview Advice

B

bulldog5046

Member
i dont really know what i'm expecting to gain from this thread but i'm just looking for some interview advice, general tips etc.

i have my first interview in 3.5 years on friday, its for a similar job to what i do now and i know basically where i'm heading with it, ensuring i ask all the questions about the job, who i'd be working with, companys current financial stituation etc.

i'm only looking to move as i want more money than i'm currently on and not because i need to.

does anyone have any helpful tips for me? anything specfic to ask given the times?

might be worth mentioning they have advised this job will involve a fair amount of european travel, 1-2 days at a time, once or twice a month... (quite alot for an IT support role IMO!) anything i should ask specifically about this? i'm concerned about pay while away as currently i get bugger all for going to Ireland, Spain, France etc. or being away from home in general...

Ry
 
i would do some research into the company, then it looks as if you have a general interest rather than just another person turning upto an interview. As for the travel, its a bit tricky as you dont want to ask about expenses, but maybe ask questions to let them speak more about it and hopefuly it will become clear without you having to go too indepth?
 
I'd sit down with a friend, someone who'll take this seriously and write out 3 or 4 scenarios of things you've done well in your current role - a friend will ask the sort of questions an interested third party would and allow you to develop the story. Get the BS answers straight in your head too - strengths, weaknesses, why you're moving, the stock questions.

Not sure what the company does exactly but if it's an IT role I'd ask what technology they are looking at in the future - cloud, virtualisation, thin client, etc and what training they'd put behind it. Just stick in your comfort zone technology wise.

If possible get the friend to go run a mock interview - why you need someone who will take this seriously! (this is what I did the other year and it really helped.)

Would leave expenses for a second interview :thumbsup:

Hope that helps. Oh, forgot to add, good luck!
 
Bulldog what do you do? I've been in IT for 20-odd years and worked for several majors (currently with HP) and done a lot of recruitment.

Just a few things:

1. Be yourself - since you don't need this job, its a good chance to relax and not try to pretend to be something you aren't.

2. Hopefully you have a decent CV layout, which should have a page of achievements, headed up by a few good ones, the some less interesting ones, then finally anoher good one. Make sure you can talk to all those confidently.

3. Have a good reason for wanting to leave your current job - say you like working there but you've reached the edge of the envelope experience-wise, like to broaden your horizons, the new company has a good reputation and more to offer etc..etc..

4. Definitely leave any money conversations until next time. If asked about salary expectations, just politely say you'd rather leave that until the next stage if you are successful. Once they decide they want you, they will bend the rules if necessary.

5. I'm always looking for two things in this business - (i) someone who can stand up and chew gum at the same time, i.e. you can do the tecchie bits AND keep the client happy and conduct yourself like a normal human being (you work in IT, you know exactly what I mean!), and (ii) someone who also has a balanced corporate perspective, i.e. is thinking about things like cost management, business development, relationship management etc.. All those things have to be juggled in an IT support role.

But go for it...if you are a 'people person' (sad but true cliche in this business), genuinely competent and with a balanced outlook, you will do fine.....Good Luck!
 
i'm a systems/network admin mostly but i do get involved with user support now and again.

i've been trying to remember achivements for this year for my appraisal anyway but i'm struggling a bit, biggest thing that comes to mind was repalcing our 3com switches/cores/firewalls for Cisco POE to cater for a new Avaya phone system. anything else i'd probably only call day to day implimentation stuff, odd server/service etc..

what do people really want to hear when they ask about your strengths/weaknesses? i'm not really one to blow my own trumpet, i just get stuff done.

thanks for the advice so far, some of it will certainly be helpful.

Ry
 
Raided these of the Net - theres loads of advice sites but these points seem to cover most things:

What to do:

* dress smartly, look bright and attentive, and speak clearly and confidently. Don't forget that only 7% of the interviewer's opinion of you is formed by what you say - the rest is judged on how you look, act and sound
* find out where the venue is beforehand, how to get there and how long it takes
* get your outfit ready the night before
* find out what kind of interview it will be so you can prepare
* examine the person specification and your CV/application form, and think about what type of questions they will ask you
* prepare answers for the main questions - for example, why do you want the job, what are your strengths and weaknesses, what are the main tasks in this job
* make about three or four points in each answer
* quote real examples of when you've used certain skills - just saying you've got a skill isn't enough
* take your time when answering the questions. Make sure you understand the question and take your time if you need to think
* sell yourself. No-one else is going to! Be positive about yourself and your experiences
* prepare some questions to ask at the end - use it as an opportunity to find out more about the role and the company. Don't just ask about money or perks
* when discussing salary, know your market worth and start by quoting a little higher than this
* get feedback on your performance, whether you were successful or not
* turn off your mobile! Treat the interviewers with respect and give them your undivided attention
* keep your answers focused on what you can do for the employer, not what they can do for you

What not to do:

* don't be late!
* don't swear or use slang words
* don't slouch in your seat or do anything else that makes you look disinterested
* don't lie! The interviewer may see through you. Even if you get the job, your employer can dismiss you if they find out (and it can be a criminal matter)
* don't let your nerves show too much. A few nerves are normal but extreme nerves will affect your performance.
* don't be arrogant and assume you've got the job. Nothing turns off employers more than someone who is disrespectful and over-confident
* don't discuss controversial topics such as religion, politics and gender relations
* don't read from notes or your CV. You should be familiar enough with your own history to be able to talk about it unprompted
* don't criticise former employers or colleagues. Interviewers may mark you down as a troublemaker and a gossip
* don't argue with the interviewer, no matter what. Remember to keep things positive!

I was always told NOT to wear a white shirt for the interview as it can make you look 'washed out'. If you have to stay somewhere overnight before the interview take a pillow from your own bed with you - you will sleep much better.

Best of luck :thumbsup:
 
Best bit of advice is to be yourself, they want to employ you, not somebody you think they want to see...

I am currently filling out applications forms for specialty training starting in August - dull dull dull! MMC was supposed to be 'modernising medical careers' but more like 'messing-up medical careers'.

Good luck!
 
Smile and crack a joke. That's how i get on in life :D
 
I am with AlanJ on this one. I interview quite a few people who work on contract basis for me, and I am quite old fashioned in quite a few areas, and probably not pc!

- Respect is important to me.
- I would not hire someone with tattoes ...
- I do not hire smokers ...
 
pvr said:
I am with AlanJ on this one. I interview quite a few people who work on contract basis for me, and I am quite old fashioned in quite a few areas, and probably not pc!

- Respect is important to me.
- I would not hire someone with tattoes ...
- I do not hire smokers ...
Click to expand...

I heard Amy Winehouse works for you? :rofl:
 
Weaknesses can be a difficult one, but you just need to put a positive spin on things...e.g. "I sometimes feel as if I'm asking a lot of stupid questions, but then other people always seem interested in the answers"....or "I'm not very good at taking No for an answer, theres always got to be another way"...I'm sure people will suggest others, but you get the idea... :thumbsup:

Or a good one for a sysadmin is "I've been accused of being too methodical" LMAO!
 
just back from the interview, lasted around 1:45 and was pretty standard stuff.

i was quite supprised not to be asked my Strengths/weaknesses (seeing as i prepared them!).

all of the questions from the HR advisor were 'give and example of'... which i HATE being questioned like this as i can never remember good examples i can use.

answered what i could and i think only passed on one of them, or asked for a hypothecial situation.

technical questioning was very breif which i was supprised at, only asking me to give examples i've of work i have done with certain systems. I think i touched on a few things problems/solutions they currently have in their enviroment.

i'm not sure if i would accept the job if offered, i'm not too keen on their mix mash system setup that doesnt seem very structured or well thought out. but at best i can try to convince my current employer to pay me more without having to move :)

Thanks for the advice above

Ry
 
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