Please Help: Job Interview Preparation

[terpkristin]

There have been a few of these types of threads lately, and I've been doing what I can to follow them, though I have some specific interview-related questions, hoping to get some input before I go.

My interview is tomorrow with a company I'd really like to work for. I believe I am interviewing for a Space Systems Engineer position, though I talked to the director today and he wasn't able to give me much information about either position. More or less, one job will involve identifying problems with the process/procedure of making a certain component and trying to fix the problem(s). The other seems to be more of a "firefighting" type position, fixing things as needed from a design standpoint.

Now, I'd like to ask intelligent questions, but it's hard to prepare in advance with questions when ou don't know what's going on exactly with the position. I'd really like one of these jobs, so I *really* want to make a STELLAR impression. Is there any advice that anybody can give me on questions (and how to ask question when you know nothing about the project) and/or general interview advice?

I think I'm doing some of my interviews OK (I've had two job offers, though both have resulted in very different problems), but as I said, a) I want to work at this company and b) I'm tired of being unemployed.

Help? Thanks...
/tk

[Airhog]

Give him a happy ending, always seems to work in the movies... :D

[Franklinnoble]

One of the most potent interviewing questions I learned a while back was to ask the interviewer what his impression was of me towards the end of the interview, and explain that I wanted to know if I could clarify anything potentially negative. This gives you a chance to get some immediate feedback, and it really demostrates to the interviewer that you're taking the process very seriously, and that you're sincerely intersted in the job. That's a big thing with most places - they want someone enthusiastic and highly motivated - don't be afraid to show that you really want this job.

Good luck.

[cthomer5000]

1. inform yourself about the company.

If you geniunely take a look at what they do, what they want to do, and how you would play a role in this, questions to ask will follow naturally.

[Logan]

CT...did someone from career services at RU tell you that? I swear I heard the same line from them. By the way, that advice is solid.

[terpkristin]

I think CT's advice is wonderful--when you're talking about a smaller company or a more focused industry. In terms of this particular interview though, I know a lot about what the company does (and it's fairly well spread-out), but in terms of asking intelligent questions about the position I'm interviewing for, I'm not sure what to ask, given that I know next to nothing about said positions.

Ah, oh well. I have a few "generic" type questions for the industry, and I like FN's suggestion. Thanks!!

/tk

[Farrah Whitworth-Rahn]

Going a little further on ct's suggestion - if the company has new and innovative projects they've announced publically, ask how much involvement you would have in those new projects for either one of the positions. As an interviewer it would show me you're excited about what the company is working on, and that you did your homework.

Also, two big pet peaves of mine as an interviewer are unmanicured hands and unshined/scuffed shoes. I pay close attention to these two items because it shows me that the candidate pays attention to details. Which is a big plus. :)

Take some time tonight to trim those cuticles and file your nails. Don't go out and get a full on spa manicure, there's no need. I don't recommend polish (colored polish can be a turn off for men on interviews), unless it's clear. Just clean your nails up a bit. And your shoes - shining them is a plus, but also not necessary. Just make sure they aren't scuffed or scratched.

Good luck tomorrow - knock 'em dead.

[cthomer5000]

CT...did someone from career services at RU tell you that? I swear I heard the same line from them. By the way, that advice is solid.
No, i just interview a lot of people myself as part of my job (hiring intenrns, part-time employees, etc), and to me this is one of the the red flags in an interview... when people are either totally clueless about the company and ask no questions whatsoever.

[cthomer5000]

Going a little further on ct's suggestion - if the company has new and innovative projects they've announced publically, ask how much involvement you would have in those new projects for either one of the positions. As an interviewer it would show me you're excited about what the company is working on, and that you did your homework.
Yup, and usually this doesn't take much work beyond just reading their website. Reading the website is win/win... either you get informed, or you can mention that their website has a dire lack or relvant info about whatever they're doing. http://dynamic.gamespy.com/%7Efof/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif

[jeff061]

I love reading tips from people on the other side of the interviewing process. Note to self, shine my shoes :).

[Farrah Whitworth-Rahn]

I love reading tips from people on the other side of the interviewing process. Note to self, shine my shoes :).
Also make sure to match your belt to your shoes and your watch. A two- toned metal banded watch will do double duty so you won't have to worry about that. But there's nothing worse than a black leather banded watch with gold trim, when you're wearing a a brown belt with a chrome/silver buckle and brown shoes with black laces.

I'm a brutal interviewer. :)

[cthomer5000]

I'm a brutal interviewer. :) Gee, you think?

I'm all about evaluating the appropriateness of what someone's wearning, but I've never turned it into a full-blown fashion critique. I'm going to go out on a limb and say you're probably in the 99th percentile of harsh interviewers if you're taking off points for watch band color. http://dynamic.gamespy.com/%7Efof/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif

Still, the point is important. Every single thing you bring to the interview is information for those doing the hiring to evaluate. Dress appropriately, give yourself tons of time to get there (and show up early), and know their business as well as your own.

[Capital]

Also make sure to match your belt to your shoes and your watch. A two- toned metal banded watch will do double duty so you won't have to worry about that. But there's nothing worse than a black leather banded watch with gold trim, when you're wearing a a brown belt with a chrome/silver buckle and brown shoes with black laces.

I'm a brutal interviewer. :)
Let me guess, you must be a female interviewer ;)

That being said, appearance definitely does matter.

[Farrah Whitworth-Rahn]

Let me guess, you must be a female interviewer ;)

That being said, appearance definitely does matter.
Well, yes. :p

I'm also an accountant. We're anal by trade.

[jeff061]

Luckily, so far in my career, IT managers are not quite like accountants ;).

[dawgfan]

There's some good advice already in this thread, but let me add this: You asking questions in the interview is your opportunity not only to try and impress the interviewer, but also your opportunity to find out as much info as you can about the position and whether it's a good fit. Now, if this is your entry into a career path, you may not be as concerned about such things as how the company is structured, what your possible advancement opportunities are, how you will be reviewed, etc. If you don't like the company, you might just figure that at some point you'll move on to somewhere else.

However, I think it's important to not make up your mind ahead of time that this is definitely where you want to work - you may find out later that certain things you didn't know about will make you unhappy working there. Take the opportunity during the interview to really get to know as much as you can about how the job would work, especially in the areas that matter most to you.

[Solecismic]

I think you have to incorporate fashion into your research.

For instance, if the company you're interviewing with manufactures equipment for Saks 5th Avenue or Gucci, you definitely want to match your shoes with your belt.

However, if it's medical supplies or something to do with hospitals, you're better off with whites or pastels, and not wearing a belt at all.

Now, if you're going to be working in rocketry, you can be a little cutesy. But don't go overboard, like placing masking tape on your glasses or getting little rocket ship decals for your nails.

If you're interviewing with PETA, no leather belts or shoes at all. Wear flip-flops made from a cardboard box and the twisty-ties you get when you buy bread.

If you're interviewing with a computer company, don't worry about dress at all. There's not a chance in a hundred the interviewer will even be able to pick you out of a lineup afterward, unless you look like Lara Croft. In which case, you'll get the job, but it'll be three months before they'll even let you near a computer.

If you have dark hair and are interviewing with a company that begins with the letters A, B or F, go with a neat beige pantsuit.

If it's Thursday, and you're interviewing south of the Mason-Dixon line, wear two-inch heels, but do not show your toes. In fact, if you're in Georgia, showing an interviewer your toes at any time is a major sign of disrepect.

Do not wear red nail polish with a plaid skirt. It confuses people.

And above all, never wear perfume to an interview, especially if the interviewer is male. Either you'll remind him of a past girlfriend, or you'll cause an allergic reaction (or both).

[terpkristin]

Hmm, the information in this thread has gotten quite interesting!

First, I don't wear a watch. I will take off my Livestrong band prior to my interview.

My nails are groomed but cut extremely short, too. I was actually going to get a french tip manicure today but prior to going, I chipped 3 nails and had to cut them short, so I figured I'd go ahead and trim the rest to match. Other than that, my hands are neat and soft.

Shoes I'm stellar on, they match the suit I will be wearing...Solecismic, though I'm interviewing south of the Mason-Dixon line, I won't be wearing "heels" per se. My shoes give me about an inch and a half--needless to say, I don't need the height, and if it weren't for how great these shoes looked, I'd try to find something flatter (I'm 6' tall, I really don't need the extra lift).

In general, aerospace engineers are not like accountants, either, but I'm trying to floor them with my energy. As I said, I have a few questions for them (general-type and some that may be project related), but as far as I know, the jobs I'm interviewing for are either a) insanely focused or b) insanely broad. Sounds crazy, right? Sad but true. The first position is for helping work on a wire harness problem and the second position is considered sort of a "firefighter" style position, becoming an expert on some system and fixing whatever goes wrong. Either way, both are just jobs to get me into the company, and will likely not last too long before I get whisked away to somebody else (as the director I spoke with today insinuated).

Needless to say, I know what the company does and how they work and have a general idea of what these interviews are for, but without knowing some other details, I don't have too many *specific* questions to ask, which is a little frustrating.

Oh yeah, the company's website is www.orbital.com

/tk

[CraigSca]

One thing - make sure to ask for each interviewer's business card so you can send them personal thank yous. You'd be surprised how many people don't follow up with a simple thank you.

[Solecismic]

One thing - make sure to ask for each interviewer's business card so you can send them personal thank yous. You'd be surprised how many people don't follow up with a simple thank you.

This is considered de rigeur. I don't agree. First, it makes you look like you've just read a book on interviewing.

People don't like artificial declarations of interest, and now you're making them fish out their wallets or run to their desks to honor a request.

And second, they're probably going to decide in the first five minutes of the interview whether they want to hire you. Now that doesn't mean you'll get a job offer, but it does indicate whether your resume will immediately go into the circular file the minute you walk out the door.

Enthusiasm is a huge plus, Kristin, you sound like you understand that. Ask them a good, pertinent question about the job itself in the first five minutes, and you'll maximize your chances. You said you don't necessarily know what you'll be doing there. Well, what I'd do is summarize to them why you like Orbital in two sentences, then ask them what role they see you playing at the company.

Other than that, focus on getting along with the interviewers. People hire people they like. Smile a lot, answer questions in detail, not as a politician would answer them. If a question touches an area where it's possible, tailor your answer in a way that it compliments the company.

"I've always liked the idea of working with X because I enjoyed my Y class in college where we did Z. One of the reasons I want to work with Orbital is that you're so strong in X." Make them feel good about representing Orbital to you.

[CraigSca]

This is considered de rigeur. I don't agree. First, it makes you look like you've just read a book on interviewing.
Possibly so. I know that I was told recently by a hiring manager that my sending individual email thank you's to each interviewer was a nice touch. Most interviewers will give you their business card upon entering so I didn't have to ask more than a couple of times. Interestingly, I was told (when I was interviewing) that my main competition neglected to send a thank you to anyone, including the person doing the hiring.

[Farrah Whitworth-Rahn]

If you're interviewing with PETA, no leather belts or shoes at all. Wear flip-flops made from a cardboard box and the twisty-ties you get when you buy bread.
Bonus points if you can work in to the conversation how you recycled the plastic bag the bread came in to save fish from an aquarium or tank at a seafood restaurant. http://dynamic.gamespy.com/%7Efof/forums/images/smilies/wink.gif

And above all, never wear perfume to an interview, especially if the interviewer is male. Either you'll remind him of a past girlfriend, or you'll cause an allergic reaction (or both).
Excellent suggestion! Ugh, there's nothing worse than a candidate who bathed in perfume or cologne.

[Buccaneer]

Enthusiasm is a big plus but also being demure at the same time.

In a more technical field, knowledge is good but confidence in learning is better. I have been on many interview teams in IT and the best hires were the ones that didn't necessarily have any experience or much knowledge in the specific projects we do but knew they could easily learn and adapt. But it is not the tired line "Oh, I want to learn new things" but "I have learned other things (or taught myself these things) in the same manner" (being specific). I look for people that are self-motivated and nothing speaks more to that than having done similar things on their own.

In much of today's culture, technical is only 50%. It's the intangibles that are the other 50%. These include ethics (which I always loved to handle), communication skills, attention to detail (which includes appearance) and committment.

[Buccaneer]

Possibly so. I know that I was told recently by a hiring manager that my sending individual email thank you's to each interviewer was a nice touch. Most interviewers will give you their business card upon entering so I didn't have to ask more than a couple of times. Interestingly, I was told (when I was interviewing) that my main competition neglected to send a thank you to anyone, including the person doing the hiring.
Probably true but in a bigger company with a strict hiring process via HR policies and procedures, all inquiries are sent to HR which recycles them.

[lynchjm24]

I will take off my Livestrong band prior to my interview.



The perfect chance to leave it off.

[jeff061]

Enthusiasm is a big plus but also being demure at the same time.

In a more technical field, knowledge is good but confidence in learning is better. I have been on many interview teams in IT and the best hires were the ones that didn't necessarily have any experience or much knowledge in the specific projects we do but knew they could easily learn and adapt. But it is not the tired line "Oh, I want to learn new things" but "I have learned other things (or taught myself these things) in the same manner" (being specific). I look for people that are self-motivated and nothing speaks more to that than having done similar things on their own.


Certainly agree with this. My best strength is my ability to quickly learn and self motivation(course this also leads to my weaknesses that I don't mention ;)). I played it up in both my interviews to real good effect.

That said we also described in detail the layout of the current network and application architecture, diagramming it on a whiteboard, and I made sure to ask a good amount of low level questions and show I was able to grasp it all in a short time.

In hindsight I dressed like trash, luckily they didn't seem to care.

Hopefully someday I'll be on the other side :).

[terpkristin]

Thanks for all the input, guys and gals!!! :)
I'm at a friend's house right now, crashing on her floor and following her into work tomorrow morning.

Think good thoughts for me! :)

/tk

[Dutch]

I remember going in for an interview in the brand new suit I bought just for the occassion. I thought I was looking pretty decent, but I never took the damn logo tag off the arm.

The (lady) interviewer pulled it off for me after the interview was over. I thought that was pretty funny, I did go back for 2 more interviews after that. But didn't land the job and stayed in the military.

Hell, I had worn a uniform for 10 years and knew how to wear that, but civilian business atire? hehe....

Fish out of water.

....that was me. But you live and learn.

Good luck, but remember, if you don't land the job, keep interviewing. I think I'll be glad I did when I finally leave the military for getting some experience doing so. But I think you'll do just fine.

[Buccaneer]

Suit? What's that?

[Dutch]

Suit? What's that?

Exactly. :)

[Buccaneer]

You also mentioned "uniform". :)

[Dutch]

You also mentioned "uniform". :)

For me, all I have to do is press them at the cleaners and they are like crisp pajamas. :)

[Farrah Whitworth-Rahn]

mmmmm uniform. pixplsk? thx
:D

[Dutch]

mmmmm uniform. pixplsk? thx
:D

haha, we better get Raiders Army in here. He's the one that can do a billion pushups in a minute. :D

[BuffaloHuskey]

Must agree with Farrah's comment about interviewing with accountants, we are anal and pick out the most ridiculous things in interviews. Having been on both ends of the interviewing process in the last six months, I have been able to pick out some do's and don'ts. Number one for me is that the person I am interviewing remembers my name. It sounds simple, but if the candidatae does not pay attention when we exchange introductions, it is an indiciation of a person's lack of attention to details. My biggest do not comes from the interviewee side. If they offer you a glass of water when they start the interview, do not refuse it. Sometimes you can be in the interview for hours, and your mouth starts to dry up like the Sahara, it never hurts to have that water. In addition, if there is an awkward silence, or you just need a brief second to gather yourself, taking a sip of water does not hurt.

[Farrah Whitworth-Rahn]

haha, we better get Raiders Army in here. He's the one that can do a billion pushups in a minute. :D
I'm a sucker for any man in uniform...so long as it's not a McDonald's uniform.http://dynamic.gamespy.com/%7Efof/forums/images/smilies/wink.gif

[Logan]

My biggest do not comes from the interviewee side. If they offer you a glass of water when they start the interview, do not refuse it. Sometimes you can be in the interview for hours, and your mouth starts to dry up like the Sahara, it never hurts to have that water. In addition, if there is an awkward silence, or you just need a brief second to gather yourself, taking a sip of water does not hurt.

Great point. Especially to use the water when you're thinking of that word you're trying to say. But like he said...keep it to a quick sip, and don't do it on every question.

I've interviewed for as little as a half hour and found my mouth completely dry.

[dawgfan]

I'm a sucker for any man in uniform...so long as it's not a McDonald's uniform.http://dynamic.gamespy.com/%7Efof/forums/images/smilies/wink.gif

Here you go:

http://www.rotten.com/library/culture/village-people/victor1.jpg

[Airhog]

I have to wear a blue esd smock at work, does that count?

[Glengoyne]

I'm doing a series of interviews this week for a Network/System administrator. I think the thank you note is a nice touch, but really it isn't going to help any of these candidates unless they are in a dead heat. In other words, it can't do any harm. DO accept the glass or bottle of water offered, and do write down the names of the interviewers. That will show them you pay attention to detail and take appropriate notes, and it will also prompt them to provide you with business cards.

Regarding appearance at an interview. One candidate last week, showed up wearing a T-shirt with an unbuttoned, un/tucked Oxford shirt over the top of it. He was wearing khakis with brown shoes and white socks. To top that off he sported full fledged dreadlocks down to the middle of his back. Not something you typically see on an IT type, let alone a pasty white guy. I figured it was going to be a short interview, as I didn't figure my corporate type bosses would manage to last even a few minutes. Instead, the guy completely blew us away with his knowledge and experience. He went straight to the top of our list of candidates.

After he toured the office, a number of employees wanted to know if we were going to hire the "Ganja-guy". I told them that they were jumping to unfounded conclusions, that he was extremely talented, and Yes we might be hiring him. That said, when I followed with a specific question about what solution he would use to combat spam, and he replied with "I usually roll my own", our Chief Operating Officer nearly fell out of his chair. I had to explain that it was actually a pretty common term for Sys Admin types.

In any case answer their questions, and be informed enough about them to ask questions throughout the interview as well as at the end. Send a thank you....It can't hurt.

[Franklinnoble]

I'm doing a series of interviews this week for a Network/System administrator. I think the thank you note is a nice touch, but really it isn't going to help any of these candidates unless they are in a dead heat. In other words, it can't do any harm. DO accept the glass or bottle of water offered, and do write down the names of the interviewers. That will show them you pay attention to detail and take appropriate notes, and it will also prompt them to provide you with business cards.

Regarding appearance at an interview. One candidate last week, showed up wearing a T-shirt with an unbuttoned, un/tucked Oxford shirt over the top of it. He was wearing khakis with brown shoes and white socks. To top that off he sported full fledged dreadlocks down to the middle of his back. Not something you typically see on an IT type, let alone a pasty white guy. I figured it was going to be a short interview, as I didn't figure my corporate type bosses would manage to last even a few minutes. Instead, the guy completely blew us away with his knowledge and experience. He went straight to the top of our list of candidates.

After he toured the office, a number of employees wanted to know if we were going to hire the "Ganja-guy". I told them that they were jumping to unfounded conclusions, that he was extremely talented, and Yes we might be hiring him. That said, when I followed with a specific question about what solution he would use to combat spam, and he replied with "I usually roll my own", our Chief Operating Officer nearly fell out of his chair. I had to explain that it was actually a pretty common term for Sys Admin types.

In any case answer their questions, and be informed enough about them to ask questions throughout the interview as well as at the end. Send a thank you....It can't hurt.
What's the salary range for the job opening you have? I always like to keep my options open.. ;)

[terpkristin]

Well, I just got back to a friend's house after the interview. I *think* it went well, aside from the lipstick I managed to get on my blouse (luckily where it went was easily hide-able).

I guess the best thing about the interview was that the director of the group outright said he really wants to bring me in, it's just a matter of finding where I'll fit/finding the right project to start things on. Also, I was scheduled to be "done" at 11:30 but I went until noon.

Both interviewers were hard to read--the first one said that I was the first person he's ever interviewed, while the second was a guy who the director warned me in advance was somewhat like "Eeyore" in that he was always very down to earth and not overly responsive. Oddly enough, the second interviewer was the one who seemed more "hesitant" early on, but seemed to open up a little as the interview progressed. He mentioned that he was happy I could write and that I was eager to work (he liked my cover letter and admitted being weary at first about the time I've had off since graduating, but I assured him I was excited for the opportunity and more than ready to jump back in to working).

I *did* use FN's suggestion about asking what else they needed to know to ensure that they knew everything they needed to, to help make me "the best candidate." The first guy actually asked me another question in response to that, while the second guy didn't seem to need to know much more about me.

I dunno. I'm optimistic, I think I did a good job, hopefully they'll think so too and I'll have a job soon! :)

Thanks again for all the advice in this thread!!!

/tk

[Dutch]

Well, I just got back to a friend's house after the interview. I *think* it went well, aside from the lipstick I managed to get on my blouse (luckily where it went was easily hide-able).

I guess the best thing about the interview was that the director of the group outright said he really wants to bring me in, it's just a matter of finding where I'll fit/finding the right project to start things on. Also, I was scheduled to be "done" at 11:30 but I went until noon.

Both interviewers were hard to read--the first one said that I was the first person he's ever interviewed, while the second was a guy who the director warned me in advance was somewhat like "Eeyore" in that he was always very down to earth and not overly responsive. Oddly enough, the second interviewer was the one who seemed more "hesitant" early on, but seemed to open up a little as the interview progressed. He mentioned that he was happy I could write and that I was eager to work (he liked my cover letter and admitted being weary at first about the time I've had off since graduating, but I assured him I was excited for the opportunity and more than ready to jump back in to working).

I *did* use FN's suggestion about asking what else they needed to know to ensure that they knew everything they needed to, to help make me "the best candidate." The first guy actually asked me another question in response to that, while the second guy didn't seem to need to know much more about me.

I dunno. I'm optimistic, I think I did a good job, hopefully they'll think so too and I'll have a job soon! :)

Thanks again for all the advice in this thread!!!

/tk

Cool. Let us know how it goes. I remember interviewing with TRW (I think it was) and I thought it went well, but they didn't call me to ask for a 2nd interview until after I was already committed to the military again (which was about 3 weeks time).

I wonder what the standard time is for a call back? I guess it's kind of dependent on when the position is open.

[Farrah Whitworth-Rahn]

Glad it went well TK. Good luck!

[FrogMan]

that's good news tk! Fingers crossed from now on :)

FM

[Franklinnoble]

Glad to hear the interview went well.

[lurker]

Also, two big pet peaves of mine as an interviewer are unmanicured hands...


This is so weird. When I'm interviewing a woman, if I notice she has manicured hands, it would probably work against her because I would think that she's probably not too bright and way too much into her looks. I know it's not right that I think that, but that's what happens. So you shouldn't assume it's the right thing to do to get one unless you normally do.

And actuaries nitpick too, so that's my defense. :D