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So I have an interview....

S

SockHaser

Member
And i'm probably woefully under-experienced for the job. I was just up late one night and decided to apply for a bunch of different things and now I have an interview with one of the companies. The job is for an IT specialist position and their requirements are ridiculous. Anyone have any advice so I at least don't make a fool of myself. Prior to this I have only had interviews for retail D:
 
When they ask you "Do you have any experience with XXX" and you don't have the experience, don't just say no. Say that you aren't familiar with it but given your background in XXX and understanding of XXX you think you could pick up and learn this new thing very quickly. Maybe even give a story about how you learned a specific task on the job at your last position or give a story about how you are a quick learner.
 
SockHaser said:
And i'm probably woefully under-experienced for the job. I was just up late one night and decided to apply for a bunch of different things and now I have an interview with one of the companies. The job is for an IT specialist position and their requirements are ridiculous. Anyone have any advice so I at least don't make a fool of myself. Prior to this I have only had interviews for retail D:
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Most IT "specialist" positions I've seen that pay under 90k a year post ridiculous requirements because they are usually written by someone who doesn't really understand what they do.

Anything beyond 90k range, they usually are serious with their requirements.

If you have an interview with the actual hiring manager, you'll be just fine. Biggest thing is be honest, DO NOT BS. I've gotten jobs (consulting) because I've said I honestly don't know but I'm willing to find out and they've given me feedback about how it is refreshing not to deal with someone who is trying to BS them.
 
SockHaser said:
And i'm probably woefully under-experienced for the job. I was just up late one night and decided to apply for a bunch of different things and now I have an interview with one of the companies. The job is for an IT specialist position and their requirements are ridiculous. Anyone have any advice so I at least don't make a fool of myself. Prior to this I have only had interviews for retail D:
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You should make yourself look like a fool. It'll make your skin thicker and build confidence on your next interview.
 
Like they are asking for someone for graphic design, front end development, back end development, desktop hardware and software support, video production, streaming media experience, app development and more shit. I've done a lot of that before but am by no means a master of most of it. They also want a Bachelors and all I am just finishing up my A.A.S. At least it'll give me experience with actual job interviews for the future even if it goes badly.

Edit: also am interviewing with their COO and two "technology specialists" whatever that means
 
It's probably one of those postings where they list every single possible IT certification under the sun and then some.

c++, java, fortran, ruby, sql, A+, MCSE, CCNA, CFA, MBA, MD, JD, and MLB MVP
 
Lose the defeatist attitude. Knock that shit out right now or you'll do exactly as poorly as you're expecting. Even if it feels hard or impossible, go in with a better attitude because they'll recognize the difference.
 
MrDudeMan said:
Lose the defeatist attitude. Knock that shit out right now or you'll do exactly as poorly as you're expecting. Even if it feels hard or impossible, go in with a better attitude because they'll recognize the difference.
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Good point. I just wish I knew what they were looking for more specifically so I could prepare better.

Also what is expected for an actual interview? Do I bring copies of my resume? What is the dress code normally?
 
SockHaser said:
Good point. I just wish I knew what they were looking for more specifically so I could prepare better.

Also what is expected for an actual interview? Do I bring copies of my resume? What is the dress code normally?
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Is this your first interview? It's ok if it is.

Yes bring extra copies of your resume (like 5, just in case) and carry them in a leather bound folder/portfolio thingy.

Usually you will wear a suit/tie to an interview. Not every interview requires a suit, but it's better to overdress than underdress. Make sure your suit fits, is clean, no wrinkles, and you wear matching belt/socks/shoes. Bottom line, look professional.
 
Schfifty Five said:
Is this your first interview? It's ok if it is.

Yes bring extra copies of your resume (like 5, just in case) and carry them in a leather bound folder/portfolio thingy.

Usually you will wear a suit/tie to an interview. Not every interview requires a suit, but it's better to overdress than underdress. Make sure your suit fits, is clean, no wrinkles, and you wear matching belt/socks/shoes. Bottom line, look professional.
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Extra copies of your resume in a folder is a good idea. I'd also suggest a blank piece of paper and a pen, just so you can jot down notes if you have to.

Call the receptionist and ask what the dress code is for interviews. If you have to guess, go up early in a suit and tie, scope the place out and then ask to go to the washroom. If you have to dress down, take off the tie and unbutton your collar. If you have to dress down more, take off the jacket. If you are still overdressed, roll up your sleeves.
 
silverpig said:
Extra copies of your resume in a folder is a good idea. I'd also suggest a blank piece of paper and a pen, just so you can jot down notes if you have to.

Call the receptionist and ask what the dress code is for interviews. If you have to guess, go up early in a suit and tie, scope the place out and then ask to go to the washroom. If you have to dress down, take off the tie and unbutton your collar. If you have to dress down more, take off the jacket. If you are still overdressed, roll up your sleeves.
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What if I don't have a suit?
 
One thing I have easily learned in my 4 years of the working world already.

No one EVER wants to hear concern. No one wants to hear you can't do it. I've been handed shit like I am just like "WTF how the fuck do you expect me to do this and make anything useful out of it?" The end result? If I throw some shit together with a confident presentation/email I'm seen as amazing... If you try to RIGHTFULLY explain anything such as risks, uselessness, impossibility, etc... people get pissy.

With that said my point is simply this: Sell yourself. No, don't be bluntly honest. You don't just know shit, you FUCKIN know it. It's basically confidence, but it extends further than that. Semi hard to explain.

Also, wear a suit + tie. I don't give a shit what your excuse is, go to a discount store or some shit and get one with dress shoes. Anyone who says otherwise is just retarded.


Goodluck - let us know how it goes.
 
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s0me0nesmind1 said:
One thing I have easily learned in my 4 years of the working world already.

No one EVER wants to hear concern. No one wants to hear you can't do it. I've been handed shit like I am just like "WTF how the fuck do you expect me to do this and make anything useful out of it?" The end result? If I throw some shit together confidently I look good. If you try to RIGHTFULLY explain anything such as risks, uselessness, impossibility, etc... people get pissy.

With that said my point is simply this: Sell yourself. No, don't be bluntly honest. You don't just know shit, you FUCKIN know it. It's basically confidence, but it extends further than that. Semi hard to explain.

Also, wear a suit + tie. I don't give a shit what your excuse is, go to a discount store or some shit and get one with dress shoes. Anyone who says otherwise is just retarded.


Goodluck - let us know how it goes.
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Thank you. I can't remember how many times I've read people post here about how a suit is uncomfortable so they don't wear one, or that they think it'll be ok since the company is laid back, etc.
 
SockHaser said:
And i'm probably woefully under-experienced for the job. I was just up late one night and decided to apply for a bunch of different things and now I have an interview with one of the companies. The job is for an IT specialist position and their requirements are ridiculous. Anyone have any advice so I at least don't make a fool of myself. Prior to this I have only had interviews for retail D:
Click to expand...

So their requirements are "ridiculous," you apparently have little or no IT experience, and yet they're calling you in for an interview? What am I missing?
 
IndyColtsFan said:
So their requirements are "ridiculous," you apparently have little or no IT experience, and yet they're calling you in for an interview? What am I missing?
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I never said I didn't have any IT skills, their requirements are just silly. They want a front end web developer, back end developer, graphic designer, video producer, PC support tech, app developer, and more all in one. I've done a lot of this stuff before, but am by no means a master of most of it.

Schfifty Five said:
Then wear a dress shirt (pressed/ironed, no wrinkles), a non-flashy tie, slacks (no wrinkles), matching belt, socks, dress shoes (no black tennis shoes please).
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I do have that...
 
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