Job interview tips, advice, help, etc.
 

Got a big job interview coming up, and was hoping you guys could give some tips, advice, pointers. I consider this my first "real" interview since getting my degree last May (AAS in automation technology), meaning first interview for a job directly in my field with a big-name company.

I'm very excited and nervous at the same time, and of course I want to make sure I do everything I can to have the best chance at getting the job. So any advice some of you more seasoned guys have would be a big help.

Thanks!

- Learn about the company's history and what they do as a company.
- Prepare a few questions to ask the interviewer that demonstrate your interest in the position and the company itself. They always ask, "So, do you have any questions for me?", and it helps to have some thoughtful questions lined up.
- Be prepared for technical questions related to the field. The interviewer may have a few ready to quickly weed out the people who don't actually know anything.
- Bring a notebook and paper to jot a few notes if the interviewer tells you anything that seems important to remember.
- Make sure they know that you are not just looking for a paycheck. Present yourself as someone who really wants to help build that specific company for the future.

I'm sure there are many tips to come. I'll add more if I can think of any.

Good luck!

Dress nicely, with a tie to really show that you mean business.

and/or have your wife/GF pick out what to ware,:wink:

Depending on the job, I usually dress the way I would if I got the job on the spot and had to start working - maybe a step or two better since it's an interview. It's supposed to give the impression that you are "ready to go right now".

Prepare yourself for the "where do you see yourself in 5 years" types of questions. There really is no "bad" answer, but most places don't want to take the time/money in training you for your specific duties if you give the impression you are just looking for a paycheck and/or are ready to immediately hop over to the next big thing (even though that is really what you are doing). Basically, imply that the company you are interviewing with is a place you've "always wanted to work for", but don't be a kiss-ass.

If you have any real-world experience at all, make sure you get those thoughts in line. Schooling is great, but from my experience in hiring, experience has a greater impact on my choice to hire or not. Some people can be book smart, but fail miserably in the "real world" when applying the skills they learned at the desk (I've had those types of employees so it does happen more often than you'd think). Make sure they know you aren't one of those types. They may also ask you situational questions where something you did in the past could apply somewhat. A few (preferably true) stories where you went above and beyond solving a problem, working extra hard, etc helps too.

Get a good nights sleep, eat breakfast, brush your teeth after eating, dress nicely but don't over do it, be confident, have a little 30 second commercial about yourself (nothing outlandish, just straight and to the point), don't BS the interviewer, remember you are trying to sell a product (you) to the interviewer, make sure your product stands out, always smile, have a good firm handshake (not limp, but no he-man stuff either), thank the interviewer at the end, make sure and ask about the hiring process (such as how long until a decision and/or what is the next step), a follow up phone call in the next few days is always a good thing too, even if you get voicemail it shows you're interested.

All are a bunch of great pointers so I really have nothing to add except maybe wear clean underwear ?

Seriously, Best of luck to you Jason !

Come on, there is nothing an interviewer likes more from a candidate than having his/her hand crushed in a dominant handshake

Depends.
 

It really all depends on the type of job you are applying for and what kind of person the company is looking for. Some employers want someone right out of school so they can train them in their own way, without already established bad habits. Some want an employee with a little seasoning who can jump right in and know what to do right out of the gate.

The best advice I can give to anyone getting ready to enter the workplace without knowing any of those details is to think hygene. For whatever reason there are still tons of people out there who have no idea that they even have a problem in this area or what the proper eticate is for office hygene. You want to smell good not just for the interview, but every day while working around others. No one wants to work with anyone else that smells like crapp. Deoderant, fresh breath, and a pleasant cologn or aftershave every single day that is not over powering or pungent. Hair nice and tidy, clothing that represent the image that this company wants to promote to its cliants, no visable tatoos or piercings, and an overall clean cut appearance.

Like stated previously do a little bit of research on the company, and the department you wish to work for so you know what your getting yourself into. This will also help give you confidence in yourself, and in your abilities to fullfill the duties of the position you wish to fill. Being a little bit nervous is OK, but if you look scared to death it will send a message that you are incompitent. You want to look like you are ready to jump right in and help them accomplish whatever it is they are looking to do.

Being confident is always good, but being overconfident has cost alot of guys jobs when they were interviewing for my company.

Hygene is very, VERY, VERY important. I once interviewed a younger guy who seemed very pleasant, but his hands appeared to be covered in poo... At the end I really tried to get out of the customary parting ways handshake, but he insisted. Needless to say I washed that hand in a variety of soaps, and solvents and highly toxic chemicals designed to remove lead from church roofs, etc. Do you think he got the job....

Also, avoid saying that you will do anything for the job, sounding desperate is bad, real bad.

You need to sound competent, but avoid telling the interviewer, especially if he is the boss, that you can reinvent the wheel, etc. I have heard alot of BS in my time, and most of it was when someone was trying to get me to hire them.

Dress appropriately, not good to wear italian leather shoes if you are applying to a ship yard, and also not good to wear tennis shoes to a corporate interview. Yes, employers look at shoes. I prefer to see people wear brown or kakhi (shoes, slacks) if it is a more casual enviorment, or a full suit if not so casual. A tie is optional, if you look good with a tie wear it, if it makes you uncomfortable do not. Clean clothes are a must as well. Clean undies may be a good idea, as some interveiwers may require a strip search and cavity check (can't be too careful these days).

Above all be yourself. Listen more than talk. Answer questions throughly, but leave out the fluff and do not ramble. If you suffer from a shitty memory prepare a list, and questions are always good, as long as they apply and are not basic common sense stuff (such as "do you allow sexual harrasment here" and "am I allowed to park my windowless van with the 'free candy' logos by the nearest school).

Try to be funny if the interviewer seems to have a sense of humor. Keep away from the racist and yo mamma jokes. Never discuss politics or religion, unless it is required in the job (priest, president, etc..). If he is one of those really serious types just stick to the facts. Brevity is the soul of wit, someone famous said that a long time ago, and most people have no idea what brevity means, but you can always repeat that during an interview and you will likely stand out as being the only person who has ever said that. Good maybe? Who knows, I would say it.

The firm handshake, good posture and good eye contact are a great way to make yourself stand out. Most have horrible posture, fidget, and generally look like wanted felons during an interview. A return call is good, but do not sound desperate.

Good luck, and by no means should you ever mention your rc hobby as it is a very juvenile thing to most people who do not share the hobby. Also your giant porn stash is no ones business but your own.

And should you end up being interviewed by a very attactive single lady, don't even bother with trying to get the job, just go for a number. Cause if she is doing the interviewing she likely has some money and would make a great GF, etc. Sugar mammas are the shiznit, dawg.

Go drunk. Let them know from the beginning you like the liquor, and that you can perform while legally intoxicated.

Thanks so much for all the help guys. Had the interview yesterday and nailed it, they offered me the job on the spot. Even offered more money than I was asking for!

Good to hear J !

When do you start, do you have to relocate ?

Excellent!! More money for more RCs :D lol