Job Interview Next Week

[quakeworld]

I also posted this in the programming forum but wasn't really sure if it's about programming per se so...

I have a job interview/test next week for a C# programmer position. My background in programming is VB and VBA (self taught) and write small, adhoc programs at work (I currently work as a user acceptance tester) and simple games in my spare time. I did dabble in C++ and was able to somewhat grasp the concept of OOP but I never really was able write something using that language.

I was surprised that the company responded to my resume stating that they're willing to take me in as an entry level C# developer provided I pass the test they give me. They said the test would consist of the following (quoting from the email I received from 'em):

1.create a web-based app using VB through Visual Studio (not a Windows form)
2. do a database using MS-SQL 2005, and a front-end where you will be provided with sliced graphics for a pre-designed mock-up.
3. The test also includes JavaScript and HTML

I'll be given 5 hours for this test including research over the internet (!).

I'm thinking I might be a little over my head on this one. The closest thing I've used SQL was modifying some scripts in Access and some queries in Crystal Reports but nothing from scratch. I've read up on Java a little but never had the time to fully grasp it either.

I did mention in my email to them that I really like programming and that I have an ok foundation to grasp programming concepts quickly.

Any tips on what to expect or what should I read up on this weekend so I could cram? Or did I just get myself into something potentially embarrassing?

 

[busydude]

They saw some potential in you.. unless you lied in your resume, I see no reason to feel embarrassed.

 

[TecHNooB]

Sucks that it's a test and not an interview. Seems like an elaborate test as well.

 

[RKS]

Sucks that it's a test and not an interview. Seems like an elaborate test as well.

I think that is a great way to interview. Here is what we need you to do, if you can do it or show great promise, the job is yours. It's a better measure than "what the most difficult work situation you have dealt with?".

 

[TecHNooB]

I think that is a great way to interview. Here is what we need you to do, if you can do it or show great promise, the job is yours. It's a better measure than "what the most difficult work situation you have dealt with?".

I meant technical interview. I guess if they look over your work at hte end of 5 hours and determine that you were close, it'll be about the same. It's just good to know you still have a shot even if you didn't get everything 'right'.

 

[Saint Nick]

If you can, spend the next few days SERIOUSLY digging into the subjects you aren't familiar with. Work with them on their own, then try to make them integrate. You can do this!

Even if you don't complete their test, I wouldn't sweat it. Five hours to develop an app from the ground up? Pretty intense!

 

[sunzt]

Hope you realize the test began the moment they sent you those questions. Better start researching and preparing now! Playing around with some test code wouldn't hurt either.

5 hours may seem a lot, but it'll go much faster when you're there.

 

[Gunslinger08]

Sounds like you are a very basic WinForms programmer and you're interviewing for a low level (but not basic) WebForms job. You're going to have a lot to learn. If you're really interested in being a professional developer and in doing web stuff, you need to get busy over the next few days.

You'll want to learn:
1. The basics of ASP.NET web stuff (System.Web namespace). Something like this: http://www.w3schools.com/aspnet/aspnet_intro.asp
2. The basics of RDBMS/SQL Server. You'll want to know how to browse around in Management Studio, create/edit tables, create/edit table relations, run queries, write stored procedures, etc. http://www.w3schools.com/sql/sql_intro.asp
3. The basics of HTML and JavaScript, if you don't already. Check out jQuery for JavaScript - makes everything easier. http://www.w3schools.com/html/html_primary.asp

They're asking for a lot out of you, given your current knowledge. You aren't going to learn everything you need to know between now and then. You need to make it clear that while you don't have much/any experience right now, you are more than willing to learn and to help yourself (ex. Google stuff and read on your own vs. bugging other people).

 

[quakeworld]

Thanks for the encouragement everyone. what makes me nervous is that i saw how my wife got all excited and happy when i got the call from their HR saying they're willing to give me a shot because she knows how i want to be in a programmer job.

Sounds like you are a very basic WinForms programmer and you're interviewing for a low level (but not basic) WebForms job. You're going to have a lot to learn. If you're really interested in being a professional developer and in doing web stuff, you need to get busy over the next few days.

You'll want to learn:
1. The basics of ASP.NET web stuff (System.Web namespace). Something like this: http://www.w3schools.com/aspnet/aspnet_intro.asp
2. The basics of RDBMS/SQL Server. You'll want to know how to browse around in Management Studio, create/edit tables, create/edit table relations, run queries, write stored procedures, etc. http://www.w3schools.com/sql/sql_intro.asp
3. The basics of HTML and JavaScript, if you don't already. Check out jQuery for JavaScript - makes everything easier. http://www.w3schools.com/html/html_primary.asp

They're asking for a lot out of you, given your current knowledge. You aren't going to learn everything you need to know between now and then. You need to make it clear that while you don't have much/any experience right now, you are more than willing to learn and to help yourself (ex. Google stuff and read on your own vs. bugging other people).

appreciate the info. that's how i would call myself, a WinForms programmer . when i went to the activex.exe part of VB i was like 'where's the userform?' lol