Any interview tips?

[Orangutan]

Hi guys,

I was wondering if any of you have any good tips on interviews. I went to a couple of interviews the past two weeks and I dind't get the jobs . see, the reason I'm frustrated is because, I lost the job to people that are socially handicapped ( I mean non-friendly guys) or maybe I just suck during interviews . Do you guys know of any sites I should check out? If you guys have any good tips on interviews don't hesitate to write me a line .

I'm getting really frustrated because I really like to get a IT job. I'm stuck in a really sh*tty job at moment :|

 

[snut]

smile, dont stink

 

[Praetor]

Hrm. Some things that I have learned:

* Look your interviewer right in the eye.

* Smile and/or nod when needed.

* When you shake his/her hand, have a firm handshake.

* Don't sit until invited.

* When you DO sit, sit up straight and don't slouch, don't cross your legs, basically, don't make yourself look like you're too comfortable.

* Address the interviewer as sir or ma'am, unless invited to do otherwise.

* Speak in a firm, steady voice. Avoid slang at all costs and be certain of all your answers. You want to come across as knowledgeable. However, if you truly do not have an answer to a specific question, be forthright about it.

 

[IcemanJer]

You should know what the company does fairly well going into the interview.. have questions ready to interview the company as well. Don't look at it as the company scrutinizing you, think of an interview as a dialogue between you and the interviewer(s). For an IT job, the interviewer might also test your technical knowledge, so be prepared for that as well. Er.. wear something comfortable, should adhere to the company's dress code and think of the interview like your first day on the job.

Good luck!

 

[FelixDeCat]

If you are wearing a ponytail, cut it off. Those things are so tacky.

Loose the mowhawk and hair die.

Ear ring, nose ring, toungue ring "" - they all gotta go.

Avoid saying, "dude" and especially "excellent".

Dont ask for a ridiculous amount of money, usually a grand over your old job will do (hey, at least its a better job!).

Good luck!

EDIT: Oh yeah, a golf shirt, slacks and dress shoes is better than a suit I think, depending on the position. Just look and act like your dad. Youll be a sinch.

When you get the job, never talk bad about the company unless your leaving. Word gets around. Avoid gossip at all costs.

 

[lo5750ul]

Remember that this is as much a company interviewing you as it is you interviewing the company.
Research the company before your interview - year company started and by whom, products, services, number of employees, turnover, etc.

Do not be afraid to tell the interviewer that you are very excited about the opportunity and that you want the position.
Find out the dress code before the interview and dress accordingly.
Get a hair cut. Clean and trim your nails. Shave. Go to the loo and drink some water before the interview. etc.
NEVER EVER give a negative answer. Always be positive.
DO NOT lie. There is no need.
DO NOT ramble on.
Be friendly and smile.
Relax in the interview.
Research body language as this is a very important indicator of people's mood and attitude. This will assist you to be more aware of how you are perceived by an interviewer and will assist you in determining how the interviewer is feeling. e.g. clenched hands - nervous, darting eye movements - deceit, etc.

Standard interviewer questions:-

1. Thank you for coming....please introduce yourself.
2. What makes you think you are right for this job?
3. What benefits would you bring to our company?
4. Why did you leave/are you leaving your previous job?
5. What are your two best assets?
6. What are your two worst assets?
7. Where do you plan to be in a year? 2 years? 5 years?
8. What do you do to relax?
9. Why are you applying for this job?
10. Give me an example of ... (e.g. how you troubleshooted a user who could not print.)
11. Who do you admire and why?
12. How would you describe yourself?
13. This is a relaxed/easy going/stressfull/busy/hectic department. Do you have any issues working in such an environment?
14. What do you dislike about work?
15. What is your favourite joke?
16. What salary are you looking for? WARNING - never state a figure! Always say you are open to offers.

Standard interviewee question:-

1. What benefits does the company provide?
2. Will I be on call?
3. Will I be expected to carry a pager/cellphone?
4. What are the normal business hours?
5. What is the normal dress code?
6. MOST IMPORTANT QUESTION YOU SHOULD ASK - Is there anything we have not discussed that you are concerned about, or anything else you would like to know to remove any question that I am the ideal candidate fo this position?

 

[emonkey]

Use your hands alot when you talk. And bring a bucket of chicken. You dont want to get hungry right in the middle of an interview.

 

[IcemanJer]

<< Use your hands alot when you talk. And bring a bucket of chicken. You dont want to get hungry right in the middle of an interview. >>

Not if it's a lunch/dinner interview!

 

[Anfield]

I'd just be yourself. I spent alot of time in early 20's reading interview books 'by the experts' and by the time I was done I was so hamstrung w/ all their advice I was afraid to say or do anything. Most job decisions (in my guesstimation) are made more on how well you fit the firms culture, than your skills (not that they are ignored). Course I haven't had a job in years

 

[damocles]

Interviews are all about preparation and making a good first impression.

If you have been invited to an interview be reasonably confident that they believe you have the skills to do the job.

Dress to impress. Appear confident. Investing in the right clothes and a high strength deoderant is advisable. No matter how much you love your Mullet, it has to go. Your hair and nails need to be impreccable. I have found that 'communal hugs' and 'high fives' don't go down well either

Find a web site with the the most commonly asked questions and actually study them. Prepare fluid answers that draw on real experiences. If they ask how you would approach something it is always better to show them a practical example of you at work as opposed to how you would theoretically behave

If you get thrown a curve ball -don't panic. They know you are human (in fact a good interviewer should put you at ease). Take a breath and think out your response. If you are unsure of what they meant with a question then politely ask them to repeat it- don't guess

 

[Orangutan]

Thanks guys,


Those are awesome tips . I think I'm going to move to a bigger city (Calgary,Canada ) . I live in a small town and it is really, really, really hard to get an IT job here. Everybody knows everybody, (you know how it goes - somebody's friend's son will get the job before I do ) and there is no chance in hell I'm going to get a job here.


Thanks again