Tips for first job interview?
Discussion
Here are some dont do's courtesy of real interviewees I had back in the days when I interviewed candidiates for banking jobs;
Don't turn up half an hour late expecting to still have your interview.
Don't tell the interviewer you really want to work for ABC Ltd, when you are sat in the offices of XYZ Ltd.
Don't tell the interviewer really you'd like to start your own taxi company.
Do ( if female, attractive and Russian ) turn up wearing bright red lipstick, bright red shoes and a tight fitting skirt suit. However don't then attempt the manouvere from Basic Instinct, yes it worked for Sharon Stone but she wasn't interviewing for a job in Banking Ops and it's hard to assess a candidate fairly when all you can think about is her gusset.
Don't assume that because you Uncle is apprently a minor regional dictator in a failed African State that this is in any way shape or form going to swing the interview for you.
Don't turn up half an hour late expecting to still have your interview.
Don't tell the interviewer you really want to work for ABC Ltd, when you are sat in the offices of XYZ Ltd.
Don't tell the interviewer really you'd like to start your own taxi company.
Do ( if female, attractive and Russian ) turn up wearing bright red lipstick, bright red shoes and a tight fitting skirt suit. However don't then attempt the manouvere from Basic Instinct, yes it worked for Sharon Stone but she wasn't interviewing for a job in Banking Ops and it's hard to assess a candidate fairly when all you can think about is her gusset.
Don't assume that because you Uncle is apprently a minor regional dictator in a failed African State that this is in any way shape or form going to swing the interview for you.
Don't think this has been mentioned, but "I don't know" is a perfectly acceptable answer to a question, when I interview people for technical roles I would much rather they say they don't know than just try to blag it. Much better if you can expand on the "I don't know" with "if it's similar to xyz then..." to show you can figure things out, but if you honestly have no idea then say so and explain why you don't know (for me it's been because a different department handled that particular job so I didn't know what was involved).
Whatever he offers you, ask for double. Be a techie and if necessary go German and start a sentence with Because
There's no real wrong way to do this by the way, treat it as an open conversation, put forward what you actually want rather than what you think he wants to hear and you'll both do better out of it. It's a two way street
There's no real wrong way to do this by the way, treat it as an open conversation, put forward what you actually want rather than what you think he wants to hear and you'll both do better out of it. It's a two way street
Unless specifically told otherwise, I would go for suit and tie, maybe ditch the Jacket if you're thinking more informal. It's not about looking smart, it's about being bright enough to know that an interview is a place to look smart and showing you've made the effort.
Don't be scared of "I don't know - but I'll find out and get back to you". A new colleague of mine was giving our sales presentation for the first time internally. One question I gave someone to ask him was "what's the exact paint spec we use on the coupling?" It was completely unreasonable to expect him to know the answer, that was the point, but the main thing to see was how he dealt with it.
Go to the place the day before so you know exactly where it is and how to get there.
Arriving 5-10 minutes early is ideal. 30 mins early is rude, bang on time is pushing it, one second late would need a pretty bloody impressive excuse. Aim to get there 20-30 minutes early, sit in the car gathering your thoughts, walk through the door at 10 to.
You'll have things you want to mention of course, your experience in x or y, that time you helped out at the old folks' home etc. No harm in wanting to crowbar them in if the conversation naturally goes that way. I would however try to avoid having a "script", as if you get drawn off it, you may flounder. Just know your stuff and have a conversation about it. You're talking about the work you're doing, and yourself, both things you already know plenty about.
Have questions about the business. Look them up, do research (you seem to know lots about it already) so you have relevant things to say.
And good luck!
Don't be scared of "I don't know - but I'll find out and get back to you". A new colleague of mine was giving our sales presentation for the first time internally. One question I gave someone to ask him was "what's the exact paint spec we use on the coupling?" It was completely unreasonable to expect him to know the answer, that was the point, but the main thing to see was how he dealt with it.
Go to the place the day before so you know exactly where it is and how to get there.
Arriving 5-10 minutes early is ideal. 30 mins early is rude, bang on time is pushing it, one second late would need a pretty bloody impressive excuse. Aim to get there 20-30 minutes early, sit in the car gathering your thoughts, walk through the door at 10 to.
You'll have things you want to mention of course, your experience in x or y, that time you helped out at the old folks' home etc. No harm in wanting to crowbar them in if the conversation naturally goes that way. I would however try to avoid having a "script", as if you get drawn off it, you may flounder. Just know your stuff and have a conversation about it. You're talking about the work you're doing, and yourself, both things you already know plenty about.
Have questions about the business. Look them up, do research (you seem to know lots about it already) so you have relevant things to say.
And good luck!
Vaud said:
You could ask him?
Dear xyz
Looking forward to our meeting on Monday. Is there anything in particular that you would like me to prepare ahead of time - e.g. presentation / coursework / material to support an interview?
Kind regards, etc
Good call. +1 but he is your lecturer and obviously knows you. I don't think that, in this instance, it'll be under exam-like conditions, especially as there is only him and one other in 'the firm'. I'd be relatively relaxed about it fella. It appears that you are halfway there already since it was him who asked you to 'interview'. My guess is that it wont be a traditional interview but more like a chat about what they are doing now and what happens next. Don't give any ideas away until he has employed you and make sure that he is able (legally) to use your ideas without compromising your own position. As soon as he employs you there is a potential for all your software and systems writing to be transferred to his ownership. Cynical bar steward ain't I! Sounds an exciting prospect too! Have a few questions for him about how he sees the future and what he is expecting of you.Dear xyz
Looking forward to our meeting on Monday. Is there anything in particular that you would like me to prepare ahead of time - e.g. presentation / coursework / material to support an interview?
Kind regards, etc
Good luck and let us all know when you bag the job!
All the usual stuff arrive early, but not rapey 1 hour early etc
Every interview I've been involved with, we know most of the candidates have the skills etc, but more often or not it's whether we can see the person working with us/ being easy to communicate / be around
Nothing worse than employing some plonker who is an arse to get on with
So be normal, smile, thank people for their time etc
Every interview I've been involved with, we know most of the candidates have the skills etc, but more often or not it's whether we can see the person working with us/ being easy to communicate / be around
Nothing worse than employing some plonker who is an arse to get on with
So be normal, smile, thank people for their time etc
All the advice you'll ever need is here: http://www.businessballs.com/interviews.htm
And for gods sake...wear a suit to an interview. No exceptions.
And for gods sake...wear a suit to an interview. No exceptions.
Dr Doofenshmirtz said:
All the advice you'll ever need is here: http://www.businessballs.com/interviews.htm
And for gods sake...wear a suit to an interview. No exceptions.
No, there are exceptions. I had a final round with UK CEO. In a bar and was told to dress smart, but casual. And for gods sake...wear a suit to an interview. No exceptions.
He wanted to talk about anything but work. As he said "we knew you were qualified - wanted to see what you were like as person" - so we talked F1 and rugby for an hour over a beer or 2...
Also tech industry - can be very anti suit. Especially American companies.
Judging it right these days is quite hard!
OP, you sound like you're in a similar position to me when I finished off my PhD. My group had worked quite closely with a company which had originally spun off the same research group a few years previously. Consequently I worked with their products a lot, and spent a few days at the company and got to know a lot of the people.
Towards the end, as I was writing up, my Professor had to visit the company to deal with some paperwork, and right at the bottom of the email was:
"I know Weeredmetro will be finishing up soon, if he's free, would you ask him to visit as well, to talk about the possibility of a job"
I went dressed in a suit and smart shirt, but no tie (had one in my pocket just in case), and polished my shoes specially.
I was taken into a meeting room by one of the engineers and spent an hour discussing the plans for the next generation of products, he wanted my opinions from a user perspective.
After about an hour of this, the MD came in, asked how we'd got on, asked how my writeup was going and if I had any plans, then said "Suppose I was to ask if you could start on Monday, what would you say?"
It never felt like an interview, but I had prepared as if it was going to be one, which probably helped. It's definitely worth dressing smartly as it helps to show you're serious. As it's unlikely to be a "normal" interview, be ready for curveballs like spending an hour discussing a product and 2 minutes discussing a job. Try to be relaxed (but obviously not too relaxed) and be yourself. From the sound of it they already know that you have the right skills (they came to you after all) but they will still want to make sure you will fit in and be able to work with everyone.
Oh, and if they do take you out to lunch, don't order spaghetti bolognaise unless you are a lot better at eating it tidily than I am!
Towards the end, as I was writing up, my Professor had to visit the company to deal with some paperwork, and right at the bottom of the email was:
"I know Weeredmetro will be finishing up soon, if he's free, would you ask him to visit as well, to talk about the possibility of a job"
I went dressed in a suit and smart shirt, but no tie (had one in my pocket just in case), and polished my shoes specially.
I was taken into a meeting room by one of the engineers and spent an hour discussing the plans for the next generation of products, he wanted my opinions from a user perspective.
After about an hour of this, the MD came in, asked how we'd got on, asked how my writeup was going and if I had any plans, then said "Suppose I was to ask if you could start on Monday, what would you say?"
It never felt like an interview, but I had prepared as if it was going to be one, which probably helped. It's definitely worth dressing smartly as it helps to show you're serious. As it's unlikely to be a "normal" interview, be ready for curveballs like spending an hour discussing a product and 2 minutes discussing a job. Try to be relaxed (but obviously not too relaxed) and be yourself. From the sound of it they already know that you have the right skills (they came to you after all) but they will still want to make sure you will fit in and be able to work with everyone.
Oh, and if they do take you out to lunch, don't order spaghetti bolognaise unless you are a lot better at eating it tidily than I am!
No job interview question is complete without the 'don't do this'........
http://youtu.be/vPKhhne8mCs
http://youtu.be/vPKhhne8mCs
Thanks for all of the advice. Taken on board 
I hope it's a shoo-in - we'll see! Equally I could get grilled and falter on Monday but hopefully it's more of a case of seeing if I'll fit in.
Given I haven't even started looking for jobs yet this is great - if i'm offered a job I will gladly take it.
I hope it's a shoo-in - we'll see! Equally I could get grilled and falter on Monday but hopefully it's more of a case of seeing if I'll fit in.
Given I haven't even started looking for jobs yet this is great - if i'm offered a job I will gladly take it.
TVR1 said:
No job interview question is complete without the 'don't do this'........
http://youtu.be/vPKhhne8mCs
http://www.gotlib.net/interview/http://youtu.be/vPKhhne8mCs
iphonedyou said:
Seriously though - don't dress smart casual.
This: dress smartly. Anything else, and you're not taking the process seriously.Ask some well thought out questions such as, "Where do you plan to take this business in the next 3 years, what sort of growth are you expecting?" & "What do I need to achieve in my first three months in this job?"
The first shows that you want to work in a growing successful organization (that you can grow with), the second shows that you are serious about doing well if you get the role.
Exactly on the dress stuff.
When you dress smartly for an interview you aren't demonstrating what you would wear for the job day to day, or what he is used to seeing you in, you are showing respect for the situation.
Also second the bulls
t point - if you are blagging it, no matter how well you think you are blagging it - from the other side of the table it sticks out like a sore thumb. Honestly. Say you don't know, but maybe add in what you would do to go about finding out.
Not knowing is fine. Pretending you know and blagging can get you in a lot of bother in the world of work.
When you dress smartly for an interview you aren't demonstrating what you would wear for the job day to day, or what he is used to seeing you in, you are showing respect for the situation.
Also second the bulls
t point - if you are blagging it, no matter how well you think you are blagging it - from the other side of the table it sticks out like a sore thumb. Honestly. Say you don't know, but maybe add in what you would do to go about finding out. Not knowing is fine. Pretending you know and blagging can get you in a lot of bother in the world of work.
"Is there anything we've discussed today that would give you any doubts about my suitability for the role?" - practice saying that... it's easy for it to sound wooden. It gives you a second go at anything that didn't go well as you can say "Oh, maybe I didn't explain myself clearly" or "I think it might have been relevant to mention my experience with...".
I interview people fairly frequently and the longer I do it the earlier in an interview I make my mind up (although people have then made me come around to them towards the end)
People have said most of these already but..
-Turn up 10 min early, or make sure you can't possibly be late
-Dress applicably, that can be smart, smart casual or casual depending on the role, never dress like a slob though.
-If asked "have you every done x or do you have experience of y?" Don't say no and sit waiting for the next question. Pause, think a bit and say "I don't but I'm aware of it and actually I've done A and B before so I understand the issues etc" i.e. don't lie but use your experience in relevant areas to show you know what your talking about. Interviews aren't worried if people know things if they feel that learning them isn't a roadblock.
-Don't tell people they're wrong, you can disagree and ask why they think something and highlight an opposing opinion to show your aware of wider issues.
-Similar to above ask questions, show an interest, how they do things, what they're goals are etc.
Treat it as a conversation not a test. Remember your CV/experience etc got you the meeting the next step is to be likable, prove you can think on your feet, your not going to be stroppy/disruptive.
People have said most of these already but..
-Turn up 10 min early, or make sure you can't possibly be late
-Dress applicably, that can be smart, smart casual or casual depending on the role, never dress like a slob though.
-If asked "have you every done x or do you have experience of y?" Don't say no and sit waiting for the next question. Pause, think a bit and say "I don't but I'm aware of it and actually I've done A and B before so I understand the issues etc" i.e. don't lie but use your experience in relevant areas to show you know what your talking about. Interviews aren't worried if people know things if they feel that learning them isn't a roadblock.
-Don't tell people they're wrong, you can disagree and ask why they think something and highlight an opposing opinion to show your aware of wider issues.
-Similar to above ask questions, show an interest, how they do things, what they're goals are etc.
Treat it as a conversation not a test. Remember your CV/experience etc got you the meeting the next step is to be likable, prove you can think on your feet, your not going to be stroppy/disruptive.
s p a c e m a n said:
Sounds more like he's trying to convince you to work there than you asking for a job. You're interviewing him, he's showing you what hes got and can offer so just figure out what you would want out of the job and ask him loads of questions about the work you will be doing. You're already hired, he's trying to take you off the market before you go looking for work so you need to decide if it's the direction you want to go in
This was what I was thinking - it sounds like the OP could probably get a job at a number of companies, so if it were me I'd think a little about other options (look at what jobs are open) first. That said, a first job isn't critical and working for a small company you get to produce very measurable work, rather than being a "small cog" and leaving a larger company with perhaps less to show.Gassing Station | The Lounge | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff