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So I have two interviews next week, one for an engineering company as an environmental tech and one for a groundwater and environmental services company. They haven't told me what position I will be interviewing for.
Got any advice, real or joke?
The first job opened up because my buddy got canned, which is pretty funny.
Tell the interviewer to "take a seat" just before he sits down.
Drink at least a case before the interview, piss on his desk.
Seriously,
Business professional attire, cleaned and pressed. Have a nice notebook (leather bound) and take notes during the interview (even if you are just drawing cartoons of yourself bombing sickter lines in the BC, it gives the appearance that you care). Get a fresh haircut, if you're a long hair hippy.
Quote:
Originally Posted by MassLiberal
^^
Always wear a suit and tie. It doesn't matter what job you're interviewing for. It shows you are a professional and take the opportunity seriously.
Unfortunately I don't have a suit, and can't really afford one. I also talked to someone from there that said he wore khakis and a shirt/tie and was fine. A suit would be better I'm sure but I don't think I can swing that... but maybe.Quote:
Originally Posted by tromano
make sure the tattoos and piercings are covered. wear a bogner, so they know that you are that core. and dread out the dirty hippy hair the night before, to hell with cutting it :D
Do some research on the company if you haven't already done so. Say something about the company, recent news or whatever to impress your interviewer. Keep your answers short and to the point. And what ever you do, don't pick your nose are scratch your ass during the interview. Do it before and make sure to have a good hand shake.
Let them know that you can help them right away- when the guy says "We do X," say "That's great, I did X in my old position and know all about it" or even "I took a class in X and really enjoyed it." It's great to be a good learner, etc., but they're hiring you to do a job and hit the ground running. Bring the subject back to your qualifications and what an awesome job you'll do.
I also think it's good to ask about the business- if its expanding, if so in what areas, etc. Let 'em know you're serious about the job and will stick around a while if it's a good fit.
I know this sounds cliche, but this worked for me. Just be yourself. What I mean is, try not to sound scripted and try not to appear nervous. Just be relaxed and answer the questions with an 'as-matter-of-fact' attitude. Smile and chat in between. Ask honest questions back to them to show that you are actually paying attention and know a little about the operation. Ask questions that will teach you more about it and go for the information that you cannot find published anywhere. Make them spill some beans and open up to you as well. Basically treat your questions as if you already have the job and need to know these datails in order to get started. That will put them in the same mind set as well. I know some people say not to 'chit-chat' in a job interview, but I found it helped me. When the formal questions were all over, I asked questions about the work environment and culture, then went into questions directed at my interviewers like where they were from, how long they were with the company, etc. I kinda turned it around and started interviewing them, as if to say that I was the one who wanted to know if THEY were who I wanted to work for. Good luck!
Some random thoughts.
You don't know what the fucking position is?! Ask what the fuck the fucking position is and why the fuck they want you. What responsibilities? Who will you be working with and where? Is there equipment involved? What kind? Ask to see the facilities if you're going to be working with equipment. If you tour facilities, touch everything- no self-respecting engineer can keep his/her grubby paws off of kool and novel stuff. If you see something you can't identify, ask what it is, how it works, and if you can stick your dick in it.
Any new job should be about growth- ask how this job/firm might help you to the next level. Find out why your buddy was fired (from him, of course).
Edit- more thoughts. Suits are essential for an exec-level position, but not so important for rank & file positions. I'm a senior-level fucktard and I wore slacks with dress shirt, jacket, and tie for my interview. Eschewed the suit, although I could have worn one. Dress nicely- slacks with jacket and maybe a tie if you have one that works with the rest of your outfit. Ties can make you look really good and they can make you look really stupid.
I think Viva makes a good point- be sure to say "fuck" as much as fucking possible.
Fuck.
Find the guys daughter, and have crazy monkey sex with her, brag about it to the father, that always works.
eye contact and confidence--lots of engineers can have problems with this
When the interviewer asks "Do you have any questions?" Be sure to reply, "Yes, what are the companies strengths and weakness?" It will guarantee you won't get the job, but it is fun to watch 'em try to answer their own inane question.
Shine your shoes.
Ask if hookers and blow are part of the package.
Be on time. Be nice to the secretary/assistants. If you're nervous don't be afraid to admit it. If he asks you a tough question, thoughtfully say, that's a great question, and pretend like you're actually thinking about your answer. Consider investing in one sport coat. Fucking listen to what fucking Viva says.
Know the difference between accuracy and precision.
Answer every question with "Que?"
I just interviewed a 22 y/o for an entry level Tech position. Nice kid but:
1. Weak handshake with no eye contact.
2. Poor posture in his interview.
3. Mumbled.
4. Hadn't researched the company very well.
5. No copy of his resume with him.
I liked this kid but I won't hire him. Too green. Not hungry enough. Needs more polish.
Do not under estimate your first impression. I don't hold lack of "a suit" against a candidate.
I hired a kid just because he had excellent manners and and was confident. He's turned out to be one of my best players.
My handshake is fine, but did you ever shake hands with somebody and they squeze to early, so they end up just shaking your fingers and you can't get a good grip? That sucks, and it isn't even your fault. Hope that doesn't happen.Quote:
Originally Posted by 4matic
I'm not an engineer.Quote:
eye contact and confidence--lots of engineers can have problems with this
I asked, but I was talking to some lackey receptionist that didn't even know. All she knew was it was a tech position.Quote:
You don't know what the fucking position is?! Ask what the fuck the fucking position is and why the fuck they want you.
answer every difficult question with "i know the answer to that, why dont you tell me what you think it is, and i'll tell you if you're right"
This is really important, and does make a huge difference. During my first internship the organization was hiring a new Executive Director. I was only in the office 3 days a week, so was not always up on what was going on when I got to the office. One of the days I was in was the first day of interviews fo the position, I happened to walk by the reception desk when one interviewee walked in the front door. I was not sure what to do so I welcomed her, and offered her a seat until the receptionist came back. Apparently she bitched to the board of directors who was interviewing her that I did not offer to take her coat and offer her a cup of coffee. Needless to say she did not get the job.Quote:
Originally Posted by Tye 1on
Also, coat, button down shirt and tie are key, if you can. Even if it is a pair of Khakis, a blazer and shirt and tie.
Ask questions that show you are interested. (What do you like best about working here, how long do people typically stay in this type of position, what type of opportunities for advancement are there, Ask what type of person they are looking for and then provide information on how you meet those characteristics if you can)
Make eye contact.
Remember that you are interviewing them as much as they are interviewing you. this is a chance for you to see how you feel you would fit in there.
Do the opposite of this kid and youll be fine. Resume, look through the company- see whats in the news, what they do, figure out a couple questions (maybe youll have real, actual questions for him which is great, if not make some shit up. Look him in the eye like a man and shake his hand like a man. Thats all you can really do at this point- your resume and experience and answers to his questions are important but theres nothing you can do about any of it at this point.Quote:
Originally Posted by 4matic
Walk in and say "I just got back from interviewing at company A.....NAILED IT!"
And tell them you're kinda a big deal. They need to know that.
Don't talk. Keep your mouth shut. Most interviewers really enjoy their position of power, and will talk your ear off. The more you talk, the higher the chance you'll incriminate yourself.Quote:
Originally Posted by PaSucks
Look the interviewer sharp in the eye and don't talk!!!
The 'little people' may not be all that little after all. MrsTromano has a perfect example.
At one of my jobs, I was doing the testing for the techs and engineers who applied for either position. I was the lowest person on the pecking order, and because of that, lots of candidates took me less than seriously.
It turns out that my recommendations were given considerable weight, and if you blew it with me, you weren't hired.
Treat everyone you meet there as if they are the ones you'll work for.
Noooo, I thought we discussed this already (see tie un-appreciation thread).Quote:
Originally Posted by MrsTromano
Adapt some of the answers for your interview from this one:
http://www.craigslist.org/about/best/sfo/273595054.html
I'm 100% with Viva on this one.
Fuck them not taking you seriously... They're not even telling you what position they're hiring for? What is this? You show me yours and I'll show you mine? I wouldn't waste my time interviewing for someone who wasn't organized enough to clearly define the job responsibilites, as well as the knowledge, skills, and abilities required of the applicant before even considering looking at someone's application.
But maybe that's just me.
Bwhahahaha! Excellent description....I fuggin hate that. Just happened to me about 30 min ago.Quote:
Originally Posted by PaSucks
Don't forget, at the end of the interview go down on the interviewer. Do it earlier, if the interview is not going well.
Body language and confidence is big. Also, focus on interviewing them. Google the company, and the people you are interviewing with and find out whatever you can.
Young man, we'll not have any truck with that kind of language in this fine establishment!Quote:
Originally Posted by Viva
Retainer!
I cite this as the reason I didn't get into med school a few years back.Quote:
Originally Posted by Steven S. Dallas
ask fckn questions, even if you know the answers...go to google and type in interview questions and surf around, print out 20 or so as the interviewer will most likely answer a bunch. ask about progression, seasonal pressures, why the jobs available, advancement etc etc, you get it. even interviewers love a horse and pony show and smoke blown up their ass, play the part,
questions to the interviewer are gold, you're interviewing the company as well.
Bring a notebook with some questions already written down. Like mentioned above, google them if you have to, but ask some questions about that specific company and its venue that'll catch them a bit off guard. Take notes on specific topics that warrant it. If you look like you're shopping, they're more apt to move quickly if they like you.
Don't be quiet--to me this means the potential hire has no sack and isn't ready to contribute. Instead, cultivate a report with the person that can continue to the second interview.
Wear a rubber under your pants. The uncomfortable feeling will keep you sharp and alert.
my bad. I am lazy and don't read everything. Just go in with sweat pants and a wife beater.Quote:
Originally Posted by MrsTromano
Also, coat, button down shirt and tie are key, if you can. Even if it is a pair of Khakis, a blazer and shirt and tie.
Noooo, I thought we discussed this already (see tie un-appreciation thread).
Quote:
Originally Posted by runethechamp
This is a good point...but also, I work in the env field and we just hired an env. tech to do various bitch work and to learn about what we do. Anyhow, this person spoke when she needed to but didn't blather, she knew some relevant programs and discussed with us about her specific knowledge in each...for example she had taken courses in GIS, CADD, etc and had a working knowledge of them....she did some water sampling in college...etc. I wouldn't be affraid to say you know certain programs well, or techniques well, even if you don't feel like you have them down 100%. At least in my expirience newbies fresh out of school or somewhat green aren't going to know the intricacies of how to use the programs/techniques anyhow...they really need to work on a project that requires them to use these programs/techniques to get any sort of real expirience. anyhow, just be confident and professional...you'll be good to go.Quote:
Originally Posted by The Reverend Floater