Job interview advice

[skiing-in-jackson]

Got any advice, real or joke?

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.

Look the interviewer sharp in the eye and don't talk!!!

[Venus Flytrap]

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.

[runethechamp]

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).

[El Chupacabra]

Adapt some of the answers for your interview from this one:

http://www.craigslist.org/about/best/sfo/273595054.html

[BLOOD SWEAT STEEL]

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.

[seanyob]

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.

Bwhahahaha! Excellent description....I fuggin hate that. Just happened to me about 30 min ago.

[hutash]

Don't forget, at the end of the interview go down on the interviewer. Do it earlier, if the interview is not going well.

[hev]

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.

[uncle crud]

Eschewed the suit....

Young man, we'll not have any truck with that kind of language in this fine establishment!

[booner]

Retainer!

[Shorey]

I think Viva makes a good point- be sure to say "fuck" as much as fucking possible.


Fuck.

I cite this as the reason I didn't get into med school a few years back.

[Blatant]

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.

[The Reverend Floater]

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.

[MrsTromano]

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).

Noooo, I thought we discussed this already (see tie un-appreciation thread).

my bad. I am lazy and don't read everything. Just go in with sweat pants and a wife beater.

[Adolf Allerbush]

Wear a rubber under your pants. The uncomfortable feeling will keep you sharp and alert.

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.