Job interview help needed UPDATED

[Nocturnal]

I go in for a second interview with Time Warner for tech support. A friend has already been hired and he informed me what the interview will be like. He said its exactly like the first one. They're going to ask what my weaknesses are. I told them the last time I'm a hard worker and that people tell me to relax a little and to take a break from work sometimes as I'd always volunteer to go in on my days off to do inventory or other various jobs that weren't neccessarilly needed to be done on my day off.

HELP?

--------------------

I guess since I don't have "phone" tech support experience they wanted me to be a CSR. But they called in the lady who hires for the "tech support" and she asked me questions regarding computers.

"What is DHCP?"

I couldn't remember the meaning of the acronym but I did say that it is a protocol that automatically assigns IP addresses for cable internet.

"What is a basic home network setup of two computers, what type of components would there be?"

There would be a router/switch, two nic cards, cat cable and a cable or braodband modem.

"What is TCP/IP, and what is it used for?"

It's a protocol used by various operating systems, and it's used for the internet and networking.

"What e-mail programs do you have experience with?"

Thunderbird (Lady asked me what is Thunderbird?), Outlook, Outlook Express, and I was trying to think of Eudora but I couldn't so I just said those three.

"What internet browsers do you have experience with?"

Mozilla, Opera, and Internet Explorer

I can't think of the other computer questions she asked but I mean in their tech support area there were a lot of women... and I mean they didn't really look like they knew that much about computers. I think I'm in for the tech support but I'm not getting my hopes up. The CSR position is going to be just like the bank, crappy.

 

[HamSupLo]

say that you have a fear of public speaking. I use that one everytime.

 

[AFB]

I have problems finding the right size knee pads, but I seem to luck out everytime.

 

[LordSnailz]

Attention to detail?

 

[Nocturnal]

Originally posted by: HamSupLo
say that you have a fear of public speaking. I use that one everytime.

Truly appreciate an honest answer. I'm hoping something like this will work. I know this question can make or break you and the interviewer does not want to hear something negative, never tell them something negative. Its always trying for a negative good thing spinning it back into a positive.

 

[SethK28]

"I enjoy my work and always give each project my best shot. So when sometimes I dont feel others are pulling their weight, I find it alittle frustrating. I am aware of thhis weakness, and in those situations i try to overcome it with a positive attitude that I hope will catch on"

 

[badluck]

Originally posted by: HamSupLo
say that you have a fear of public speaking. I use that one everytime.

bump on this suggestion....i used it three times in the past week.

i also suggest that you say that you took a public speaking course in college to get better at public speaking (if you attend college). This will show that you are proactive towards fixing weaknesses.

 

[RagingBITCH]

Good luck Nocturnal :beer:

 

[maddogchen]

IF you don't mind lying:

"I enjoy helping people too much! I've been known to go on tech site forums and help people with their problems. I've helped so many people that I've racked up 12122 posts and been labeled a nerd lifer"

 

[ActuaryTm]

Originally posted by: Nocturnal
They're going to ask what my weaknesses are.

"I lack confidence. I had to ask complete and utter strangers what to do prior to arriving here today."

In all honesty, be yourself and answer truthfully. No better advice could be given.

 

[SethK28]

Originally posted by: badluck

Originally posted by: HamSupLo
say that you have a fear of public speaking. I use that one everytime.

bump on this suggestion....i used it three times in the past week.

i also suggest that you say that you took a public speaking course in college to get better at public speaking (if you attend college). This will show that you are proactive towards fixing weaknesses.

Tailor your response to the position, a weakness in public speaking probably aint the greatest idea when you are going to be interacting with the public (tech support). I wouldnt want to hire a computer geek who had that as a weakness it would mean to me that he has no social skills.

 

[Rickten]

Originally posted by: Nocturnal

Originally posted by: HamSupLo
say that you have a fear of public speaking. I use that one everytime.

Truly appreciate an honest answer. I'm hoping something like this will work. I know this question can make or break you and the interviewer does not want to hear something negative, never tell them something negative. Its always trying for a negative good thing spinning it back into a positive.

I don't agree. They don't want to hear some bs answer that you thought up prior to the interview that you think sounds good. "Oh I'm a perfectionist". Tell the truth. If people who don't do their work piss you off, tell them.

 

[Nocturnal]

Good God this is hard as heck.

 

[HamSupLo]

you can tailor the fear of public speaking into "I feel nervous when speaking before a large number of people at a meeting".

Don't use the "i'm a perfectionist" because that one that EVERYONE saids. It can easily sound detrimental because someone people might think you're compulsive impulsive.

Fear of public speaking is a safe one to use because who doesn't have that fear? you're on much safer ground here.

 

[Yossarian]

"I have no weaknesses. I am as close to being a perfect human as you will ever see."

 

[joinT]

what they are really looking for is a sign that you learn from your mistakes/weaknesses.
So it really doesn't matter what you pick, so long as you have a good anecdote about how you overcame it.

ie. I'm always late, and in my last position being on time was very important, therefore I trained myself to keep a day planner to avoid missing deadlines.

 

[desiplaya4life]

Originally posted by: Yossarian
"I have no weaknesses. I am as close to being a perfect human as you will ever see."

:laugh:

 

[HamSupLo]

Originally posted by: desiplaya4life

Originally posted by: Yossarian
"I have no weaknesses. I am as close to being a perfect human as you will ever see."

:laugh:

and then proceed to take off your shirt and flex

 

[RossMAN]

Best of luck Ryan, let us know how it goes

 

[rudeguy]

Originally posted by: HamSupLo

Originally posted by: desiplaya4life

Originally posted by: Yossarian
"I have no weaknesses. I am as close to being a perfect human as you will ever see."

:laugh:

and then proceed to take off your shirt and flex

then whip it out and challenge the guy to a sword fight!!!!!


Seriously though, my answer has always been that I take on too much responsibility. I over work myself and sometimes crash under the burden. Which is actually the truth.

 

[Nocturnal]

I plan to say I'm too nice and people often take advantage of me. It's the truth so I'm going to use it. I'm going to say both during and off work it happens.

 

[rudeguy]

Originally posted by: Nocturnal
I plan to say I'm too nice and people often take advantage of me. It's the truth so I'm going to use it. I'm going to say both during and off work it happens.

so no sword fight?

 

[Nocturnal]

Originally posted by: GoodDad

Originally posted by: Nocturnal
I plan to say I'm too nice and people often take advantage of me. It's the truth so I'm going to use it. I'm going to say both during and off work it happens.

so no sword fight?

I guess not but I'll be back to report in a few hours. Thanks for the quick advice!

 

[Nocturnal]

ttt

 

[richardycc]

thunderbird, Mozilla, Opera? haha I bet those interviewers have never heard of these programs. Do yourself a favor, don't mention these nonmainstream softwares first. being an expert in these softwares won't get you the job. just my 2cents.