what should I do to prepare for an interview?? EDIT: what is business casual??

z0mb13

Lifer
May 19, 2002
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Got an interview for a software engineering job next tuesday (at a quite famous company)

what should I do to prepare??? Look at old class notes???


EDIT: just got an email from HR that the interview attire is business casual, ok now what does this mean???

also does anyone has a good URL resource for me to refresh my C++ ??
 

jemcam

Diamond Member
Jan 3, 2001
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First, try using the search function.

After that, make sure you wear the best clothes you have, polish your shoes, arrive early, and look the interviewer in the eye when answering questions.
 

pinoy

Golden Member
Nov 19, 2000
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just prepare yourself. Show confidence when answering questions.

GOODLUCK!!!
 

Azraele

Elite Member
Nov 5, 2000
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91
Have a list of questions ready that you'd like to ask them. Be sure to make eye contact.
 

z0mb13

Lifer
May 19, 2002
18,106
1
76
Ok now I am thinking of wearing a suit.... but afraid that I might overdress for it...

hmmm Ill just ask the HR about the dress code there

 

newbiepcuser

Diamond Member
Jan 1, 2001
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Research the company, research the job position, how you fit your skills will benefit them, typical job prep stuff.
 

pulse8

Lifer
May 3, 2000
20,860
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Originally posted by: Azraele
Have a list of questions ready that you'd like to ask them. Be sure to make eye contact.

Definitely have questions ready to be asked. This helps A LOT at an interview and it's hard sometimes to think of them on the fly.
 

ManSnake

Diamond Member
Oct 26, 2000
4,749
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Do a little research on the company, know what they do.
Then just relax and be yourself.
 

conjur

No Lifer
Jun 7, 2001
58,686
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check out PerfectAgent.com and setup a profile. In the process, there are many interview-type questions you can answer. Pick about 10-15 and answer them as best you can and go over that (esp. the ones about your biggest strength and your worst weakness).
 

z0mb13

Lifer
May 19, 2002
18,106
1
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Originally posted by: ManSnake
Do a little research on the company, know what they do.
Then just relax and be yourself.

heh I definately know about this company

I bet half of ATOT uses it

 

shopbruin

Diamond Member
Jul 12, 2000
5,817
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definitely dress to impress. make sure you're cleaned up that day - hair is neat, clean shaven, etc.

make sure you reserach the company and the position. when you ask questions, ask ones that you feel are relevant but are NOT already answered on the company website. don't ask questions like "how much do i get paid" and about benefits because it makes you appear to be more interested in what they can do for you instead of what you can do for them. ask things like "are there options to move up in the company? are they readily available" things like that.

eye contact. don't slouch in the chair. sit up straight. bring a small briefcase or portfolio. bring extra copies of your resume if needed.

this link also helps quite a bit.
 

z0mb13

Lifer
May 19, 2002
18,106
1
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Originally posted by: freesia39
definitely dress to impress. make sure you're cleaned up that day - hair is neat, clean shaven, etc.

make sure you reserach the company and the position. when you ask questions, ask ones that you feel are relevant but are NOT already answered on the company website. don't ask questions like "how much do i get paid" and about benefits because it makes you appear to be more interested in what they can do for you instead of what you can do for them. ask things like "are there options to move up in the company? are they readily available" things like that.

eye contact. don't slouch in the chair. sit up straight. bring a small briefcase or portfolio. bring extra copies of your resume if needed.

this link also helps quite a bit.

I am kinda confused about the dress thing

the company is a software company... and in past times that I have interviewed... the interviewers only wear polo shirts and jeans...
If I wear a suit will they think that I wont fit in??





 

Zebo

Elite Member
Jul 29, 2001
39,398
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Do a search wingsnut and pm had some excellent advice in a thread about interviewing but I can't find it cuz im not a susriber and cant text search.
 

z0mb13

Lifer
May 19, 2002
18,106
1
76
EDIT: just got an email from HR that the interview attire is business casual, ok now what does this mean???

also does anyone has a good URL resource for me to refresh my C++ ??
 

TommyVercetti

Diamond Member
Jan 4, 2003
7,623
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From what I have been told by all people, including some recruiters, that even if they say that an interview is business casual attire, still wear a suit. A suit shows that you mean business. It shows that you are serious and you are determined. Even though they say business casual is fine, doesn't matter. You should look your best.
 

Elkcaps

Member
Oct 10, 1999
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0
66
Business casual is basically dress slacks or khakis, button shirt, tie and sport coat optional. You wouldn't have to wear a suite, but it does portray a more professional image. If you want a little less formal look, wear a colored shirt and possibly a non-black/navy suit.
 

fr

Diamond Member
Oct 10, 1999
6,408
2
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Originally posted by: TommyVercetti
From what I have been told by all people, including some recruiters, that even if they say that an interview is business casual attire, still wear a suit. A suit shows that you mean business. It shows that you are serious and you are determined. Even though they say business casual is fine, doesn't matter. You should look your best.

 

jemcam

Diamond Member
Jan 3, 2001
3,676
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Originally posted by: TommyVercetti
From what I have been told by all people, including some recruiters, that even if they say that an interview is business casual attire, still wear a suit. A suit shows that you mean business. It shows that you are serious and you are determined. Even though they say business casual is fine, doesn't matter. You should look your best.

I agree. At my work, business casual is the norm, but you wear a suit when you interview for another job within the company.

I'm telling you dude, wear a suit. It's called attention to detail, and you want to make a good first impression. You're better off overdressed than underdressed, trust me.