So I have my first professional interview on Tuesday with a software engineering company. They're aware I'm only a freshman and have little past coding experience, but I will mention that I will have had a C++ course before interning with them, if they choose to hire me, so that's really all I have to go by as far as being an asset to them of any kind. But besides that, can I get some general tips or words of advice on what to expect? Anything he might ask that could catch me off guard? And it's obvious I can't contribute too much to the actual workings of their company, so what should my angle of attack be to make myself sound worthy of hiring?
First professional interview Tuesday
- Thread starter archcommus
- Start date
They're considering hiring a frosh? Sounds like grunt work to me. Most companies won't even talk to unless you're a junior or senior.
freshman are typically difficult to hire unless they have a lot of experience outside of school, most software companies will ask you to do some coding.
Gibson486
Lifer
- Aug 9, 2000
- 18,378
- 2
- 0
Do you know how a pointer works and teh difference between C and C++? If not, then you better start learning.
Ig you can show them you pick up stuff vert fat, then you are good as afr as you yourself is ocncerned. Hoever, if other people have more experience, then you are kind of screwed.
Ig you can show them you pick up stuff vert fat, then you are good as afr as you yourself is ocncerned. Hoever, if other people have more experience, then you are kind of screwed.
That's why I'm surprised they asked for an interview at all. I made them aware when I first met them that I was a freshman and only minorly dabbled in some coding on my own.
Spydermag68
Platinum Member
- Apr 5, 2002
- 2,615
- 98
- 91
Wear a suit.
Take several copies of your resume to past out to everyone you interview with.
Have a copy of you references.
Get business cards from everyone.
Send thank you letters.
Take several copies of your resume to past out to everyone you interview with.
Have a copy of you references.
Get business cards from everyone.
Send thank you letters.
Don't have a suit here and can't get one by then (interview's on campus). I really wasn't expecting to be doing this in November!
Originally posted by: archcommus
Don't have a suit here and can't get one by then.(Interview's on campus.) I really wasn't expecting to be doing this in November!
You can't go out right now and buy a suit?
think about what you're gonna say for the tell me about yourself question. also you should have an answer to the question you're asking us: what good would you do for them
Originally posted by: archcommus
Don't have a suit here and can't get one by then.
Borrow one from a friend. You're still expected to be in business attire for on-campus interviews.
I already own a suit, and I'm not even sure how seriously these people will consider me, can't warrant a hundred bucks for that right now. But...Originally posted by: DeviousTrap
Originally posted by: archcommus
Don't have a suit here and can't get one by then.
You can't go out right now and buy a suit?
That I can do. I just asked someone. So I will be in good attire. I wasn't thinking I'm not expected to be in one just because it's on campus, I was just saying why I can't get my suit by then, because I'm not leaving campus at all.Originally posted by: AmberClad
Originally posted by: archcommus
Don't have a suit here and can't get one by then.
Borrow one from a friend. You're still expected to be in business attire for on-campus interviews.
And I'm still working on how I can be an asset to them... Guess it depends on what they want to hire me for.
alkemyst
No Lifer
- Feb 13, 2001
- 83,769
- 19
- 81
you like drunk or something?
Most only care about C++ now. A lot want Java or C# instead.
They may be looking to teach on site and develop a future programmer. I doubt he is going to get paid what a 'real' programmer makes, but it will beat McDonalds and give him experience.
Basic programming is not that hard, esp if you can cut and paste/use snippets at work.
I think I am a terrible programmer...but I have done a lot of huge projects that run very well. I had to use ASP, where .NET may have been more ideal.
I only knew ASP, C, C++ when hired for an exclusively Scheme(LISP) job...I was up to speed in a few days.
It's not that hard anymore.
alkemyst
No Lifer
- Feb 13, 2001
- 83,769
- 19
- 81
Originally posted by: archcommus
I know they use C# at this place. Develop a future programmer? Maybe, but I'm an EE major!
Then how is this a professional interview? You'd be better off looking for an engineering internship.
I did one in High School for a Mechanical/Civil engineering firm. I designed the fire sprinklers in a geriatic center and the new wing for a private college. There were no revisions to my work...the head engineer was able to sign off on them. I learned a lot (climbing a 50' ladder was one thing)...but more importantly I learned I didn't want to go engineering unless it was R&D, you are too locked in otherwise...but in R&D unless you make something big or have the experience you aren't making great money.
I think I made $10/hr back in 1989 on this internship. It's wasn't a fortune, but it was excellent money for no degree or experience + learning on the job.
Find out if you alma mater/college has Engineering firms that have openings for the noobish.
I do have a few local engineering firms in mind, as well, but this was the first one to contact ME about an interview. Of course I wouldn't turn it down.Originally posted by: alkemyst
Originally posted by: archcommus
I know they use C# at this place. Develop a future programmer? Maybe, but I'm an EE major!
Then how is this a professional interview? You'd be better off looking for an engineering internship.
I did one in High School for a Mechanical/Civil engineering firm. I designed the fire sprinklers in a geriatic center and the new wing for a private college. There were no revisions to my work...the head engineer was able to sign off on them. I learned a lot (climbing a 50' ladder was one thing)...but more importantly I learned I didn't want to go engineering unless it was R&D, you are too locked in otherwise...but in R&D unless you make something big or have the experience you aren't making great money.
I think I made $10/hr back in 1989 on this internship. It's wasn't a fortune, but it was excellent money for no degree or experience + learning on the job.
Find out if you alma mater/college has Engineering firms that have openings for the noobish.
Good luck. If you have little practical skills but it is something that interests you, I would emphasize your ability to learn and interpersonal skills. I would try to use examples of good teamwork experiences whether it was a group project or extracurricular group thing. Perhaps you did some volunteering? Try to discuss your other skills in a sense that would make you a good candidate for this position.
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