is it inappropriate to ask a potential employer...

[monto]

what they plan on quizzing me on during an interview? i haven't performed a remotely related task for ~4 yrs, and that knowledge is not required for the job (at least not noted in the advertisement) but can i ask just to be sure? if so i'd need to do some last minute reviewing before the interview

 

[pulse8]

It probably would be....you might come off as unqualified or unprepared...

 

[monto]

<< It probably would be....you might come off as unqualified or unprepared... >>

hmm, but i'd be even more unprepared if they indeed question me on the field and i draw a blank

 

[edjam]

Perhaps do some revision anyway?

 

[monto]

i was thinking of being very open in my inquiry...instead of asking whether or not i should know something specifically, i'd ask if they could detail briefly what knowledge in that field is required of me

 

[sohcrates]

i've been in interviews like that....the way i dealt with it was by answering "i don't know the answer right now, but i would easily be able to if i could review my notes/books". it makes you sound like your at least competent.

i mean, in real life, you're not gonna know everything, you're gonna look it UP!

so yes, i also agree that it would be a bad idea to ask, at least asking anything specific

 

[Shazam]

This is a very good question to ask. It means that you've actually bothered to at least think about what you should prepare for.

 

[jehh]

<< i've been in interviews like that....the way i dealt with it was by answering "i don't know the answer right now, but i would easily be able to if i could review my notes/books". it makes you sound like your at least competent.

i mean, in real life, you're not gonna know everything, you're gonna look it UP!

>>




Bingo... In all the people I hire, it is those who will say in an interview, "no sir, I don't know that, but if it is imporant I can go learn it or get the answer".

I don't expect someone to know all the answers... Someone who things they do can be a problem... Someone who admits to their faults and expresses a willingness to find out is more valueable to me...

Jason

 

[Texmaster]

<< what they plan on quizzing me on during an interview? i haven't performed a remotely related task for ~4 yrs, and that knowledge is not required for the job (at least not noted in the advertisement) but can i ask just to be sure? if so i'd need to do some last minute reviewing before the interview >>



I agree. I wouldn't do it.

Basically the questions you will get are

#1 Why should I hire you?
#2 Expand on your resume
#3 Tell me about your formal employer and the history there


Basically its a little knowledge and a little psychology. Be confident in your skills and yourself and it shouldn't be a problem. Also be wary of who greets you first when you walk in, that many times is also a test.

 

[ShotgunSteven]

BTW, if you use the corny line, "Well, my only real faults are that I am a perfectionist and I work too hard" you deserve to get kicked out of their office.

 

[p0ntif]

no, not appropriate. The last thing you want your employer to think is that you are manufacturing answers to potential questions. If a guy can;t think on his feet, then i sure as hell don't want him working for me. Are you gonna ask every potential customer what they might complain about before they buy something? *nuff said*