Tips for first job interview?
Discussion
Answer questions and expand on your thought processes. E.g. if you are asked your views on the EU referendum, don't give a monosyllabic answer "out", explain the pros and cons. How have you thought about the issue. I'm not an engineer but I guess they could ask you a technical question that has several possible solutions. Explain the options, which one you'd choose and why.
I tend to like interviewees who have enquiring minds. I like them to ask relevant questions, even if they are only of the nature of "where do you see the business in 5 years".
This won't happen for this role but if you interview elsewhere, you may get a t
ttish interviewer (investment banks specialise in this). They like asking questions to fluster you. Don't let it get to you. Typically, they are impossible maths questions designed for you to fail: "You say you are numerate. What's the cube root of 53?" No normal person can work that out in their head in a pressured interview situation. However, they want to see two things. How do you work under pressure and faced with a difficult problem, how do you approach finding an approximation to the answer. So if you get a difficult question, don't panic. Take your time and work logically - in this case it would be (for me) looking at 3^3 versus 4^3 and making a guess that 3.75 would be about right. Explain your logic and don't keep going back to it in your mind. It will distract you from the current question - which is more important, whatever it is.
I tend to like interviewees who have enquiring minds. I like them to ask relevant questions, even if they are only of the nature of "where do you see the business in 5 years".
This won't happen for this role but if you interview elsewhere, you may get a t
ttish interviewer (investment banks specialise in this). They like asking questions to fluster you. Don't let it get to you. Typically, they are impossible maths questions designed for you to fail: "You say you are numerate. What's the cube root of 53?" No normal person can work that out in their head in a pressured interview situation. However, they want to see two things. How do you work under pressure and faced with a difficult problem, how do you approach finding an approximation to the answer. So if you get a difficult question, don't panic. Take your time and work logically - in this case it would be (for me) looking at 3^3 versus 4^3 and making a guess that 3.75 would be about right. Explain your logic and don't keep going back to it in your mind. It will distract you from the current question - which is more important, whatever it is.
Thanks for the advice all. I went casual, going against the advice, and felt it suited the situation. Overall it went well, nothing bad.
All quite relaxed, and few questions, but one or two on a more personal/aspirations level that were hard to answer. I was there four hours chatting, and learning about the business.
Reassuring talk about part time work over the summer to see how we work together, and chat of pension schemes, organising a scheme to sort a decent car out, bonuses, and 'putting something together' mentioned at the end.
Today i've been told I will receive an offer - hopefully all will be as discussed - very exciting
All quite relaxed, and few questions, but one or two on a more personal/aspirations level that were hard to answer. I was there four hours chatting, and learning about the business.
Reassuring talk about part time work over the summer to see how we work together, and chat of pension schemes, organising a scheme to sort a decent car out, bonuses, and 'putting something together' mentioned at the end.
Today i've been told I will receive an offer - hopefully all will be as discussed - very exciting
13aines said:
Thanks for the advice all. I went casual, going against the advice, and felt it suited the situation. Overall it went well, nothing bad.
All quite relaxed, and few questions, but one or two on a more personal/aspirations level that were hard to answer. I was there four hours chatting, and learning about the business.
Reassuring talk about part time work over the summer to see how we work together, and chat of pension schemes, organising a scheme to sort a decent car out, bonuses, and 'putting something together' mentioned at the end.
Today i've been told I will receive an offer - hopefully all will be as discussed - very exciting
well done, and sounds like you passed the attitude test, so all good from here on in!All quite relaxed, and few questions, but one or two on a more personal/aspirations level that were hard to answer. I was there four hours chatting, and learning about the business.
Reassuring talk about part time work over the summer to see how we work together, and chat of pension schemes, organising a scheme to sort a decent car out, bonuses, and 'putting something together' mentioned at the end.
Today i've been told I will receive an offer - hopefully all will be as discussed - very exciting
Good news!
I think it's always encouraging if you've a long discussion, and they're not yawning as you're the one doing all the talking. (I had a similarly long interview back in early 1998, and I was offered the job the same day.)
Look forward to the next update when you say, "Job offer received. It's great! Job accepted!"
I think it's always encouraging if you've a long discussion, and they're not yawning as you're the one doing all the talking. (I had a similarly long interview back in early 1998, and I was offered the job the same day.)
Look forward to the next update when you say, "Job offer received. It's great! Job accepted!"
Hope you don't mind, but I'll share something I've always done, which I've been told demonstrates confidence and interest well.
When at the interview you're asked if you'd like to ask anything simply ask 'based on what you've heard from me today is there any reason why you wouldn't ask me back for a second interview?'
Firstly it shows you're confident and keen on the company who you've applied with. At the very worst you would stand to learn any mistakes you've made or any areas you need to improve your 'patter'.
Good luck, but a cursory glance suggests you've already proven successful
When at the interview you're asked if you'd like to ask anything simply ask 'based on what you've heard from me today is there any reason why you wouldn't ask me back for a second interview?'
Firstly it shows you're confident and keen on the company who you've applied with. At the very worst you would stand to learn any mistakes you've made or any areas you need to improve your 'patter'.
Good luck, but a cursory glance suggests you've already proven successful
Thanks guys. Yes, I had wondered if he may see it, so i've tried not to write too much!
Basically the interview was just a 4 hour chat about the business, and lunch. No questions really other than a couple of questions about what I want and where I see myself in a few years. Nothing went badly and I came away feeling positive, there were signs that he was keen, and I had shown my enthusiasm. A few days later he gave the heads up I would receive an offer when he had some time to write it.
Offer received yesterday is as expected. Fairly standard 6 months probationary period, typical amount of annual leave (with more in lieu of weekend work at race meetings), reasonable mileage allowance and pay heavily performance related, but anticipated I will earn 3/4+ of it, giving me a slightly above average salary for an engineering graduate (based on several friends incomes at least).
It seems I would be starting after the summer holidays (North Coast 500 trip?!) but some part time work over the summer. He's a great bloke, and the other guy he employs is really easy to get along with too.
I'm going to read over the offer, and the job description again, but I'm pretty sure i'll be accepting the offer!
Basically the interview was just a 4 hour chat about the business, and lunch. No questions really other than a couple of questions about what I want and where I see myself in a few years. Nothing went badly and I came away feeling positive, there were signs that he was keen, and I had shown my enthusiasm. A few days later he gave the heads up I would receive an offer when he had some time to write it.
Offer received yesterday is as expected. Fairly standard 6 months probationary period, typical amount of annual leave (with more in lieu of weekend work at race meetings), reasonable mileage allowance and pay heavily performance related, but anticipated I will earn 3/4+ of it, giving me a slightly above average salary for an engineering graduate (based on several friends incomes at least).
It seems I would be starting after the summer holidays (North Coast 500 trip?!) but some part time work over the summer. He's a great bloke, and the other guy he employs is really easy to get along with too.
I'm going to read over the offer, and the job description again, but I'm pretty sure i'll be accepting the offer!
13aines said:
Hi all,
I'm a final year student studying engineering. On Monday I have my first interview. I've never had an interview before (been in one long term part time job since 17) and this is an odd scenario - so any advice would be greatly appreciated.
My interview has come about due to performing incredibly highly in a large piece of coursework for a vehicle dynamics and performance module.
My lecturer is an external lecturer, who runs a (small) race dynamics business (him and a graduate) which creates and utilises software to optimise racing car performance. He is aiming to re-program his software using another program. My coursework created a very primitive version of his software, within the software he is hoping to move his programs into, and impressed very much it seems.
When I received my feedback, he told me they were looking to employ someone, and had discussed me and one other (who I believe is staying with a company he works part-time with when he graduates a year after me). He asked me what my plans were next year, and what I expected to earn. He was very very keen on getting me to visit his premises, and gave me his phone number, asking me to call him to arrange. Only a couple of hours later I got an informal email asking if Monday would be a good day to visit - 'visit' has been used a lot.
I don't know the entirety of the job role, but I want to work there. I'm going to go over the basic vehicle dynamics I have been taught at uni, and my coursework, to ensure its all fresh in my head. I'm planning to dress smart casual, as that is how I will be most comfortable, and that is how they dress. I intend to be myself, and get across my hands-on mechanical experience, which my lecturer will not have gleaned from my coursework. Otherwise, I have no idea what to expect, or what will be asked. I'm not sure it's even an interview, as such!
Any general advice?
I want this job so badly. It's incredibly interesting work, close to home, seems it will pay a typical salary, and within a small business (like I have been since 17 where I am comfortable).
Matt
Worst 'performing incredibly highly in a large piece of coursework for a vehicle dynamics and performance module' thread ever.I'm a final year student studying engineering. On Monday I have my first interview. I've never had an interview before (been in one long term part time job since 17) and this is an odd scenario - so any advice would be greatly appreciated.
My interview has come about due to performing incredibly highly in a large piece of coursework for a vehicle dynamics and performance module.
My lecturer is an external lecturer, who runs a (small) race dynamics business (him and a graduate) which creates and utilises software to optimise racing car performance. He is aiming to re-program his software using another program. My coursework created a very primitive version of his software, within the software he is hoping to move his programs into, and impressed very much it seems.
When I received my feedback, he told me they were looking to employ someone, and had discussed me and one other (who I believe is staying with a company he works part-time with when he graduates a year after me). He asked me what my plans were next year, and what I expected to earn. He was very very keen on getting me to visit his premises, and gave me his phone number, asking me to call him to arrange. Only a couple of hours later I got an informal email asking if Monday would be a good day to visit - 'visit' has been used a lot.
I don't know the entirety of the job role, but I want to work there. I'm going to go over the basic vehicle dynamics I have been taught at uni, and my coursework, to ensure its all fresh in my head. I'm planning to dress smart casual, as that is how I will be most comfortable, and that is how they dress. I intend to be myself, and get across my hands-on mechanical experience, which my lecturer will not have gleaned from my coursework. Otherwise, I have no idea what to expect, or what will be asked. I'm not sure it's even an interview, as such!
Any general advice?
I want this job so badly. It's incredibly interesting work, close to home, seems it will pay a typical salary, and within a small business (like I have been since 17 where I am comfortable).
Matt
Edited by 13aines on Wednesday 3rd February 11:36
KAgantua said:
13aines said:
Hi all,
I'm a final year student studying engineering. On Monday I have my first interview. I've never had an interview before (been in one long term part time job since 17) and this is an odd scenario - so any advice would be greatly appreciated.
My interview has come about due to performing incredibly highly in a large piece of coursework for a vehicle dynamics and performance module.
My lecturer is an external lecturer, who runs a (small) race dynamics business (him and a graduate) which creates and utilises software to optimise racing car performance. He is aiming to re-program his software using another program. My coursework created a very primitive version of his software, within the software he is hoping to move his programs into, and impressed very much it seems.
When I received my feedback, he told me they were looking to employ someone, and had discussed me and one other (who I believe is staying with a company he works part-time with when he graduates a year after me). He asked me what my plans were next year, and what I expected to earn. He was very very keen on getting me to visit his premises, and gave me his phone number, asking me to call him to arrange. Only a couple of hours later I got an informal email asking if Monday would be a good day to visit - 'visit' has been used a lot.
I don't know the entirety of the job role, but I want to work there. I'm going to go over the basic vehicle dynamics I have been taught at uni, and my coursework, to ensure its all fresh in my head. I'm planning to dress smart casual, as that is how I will be most comfortable, and that is how they dress. I intend to be myself, and get across my hands-on mechanical experience, which my lecturer will not have gleaned from my coursework. Otherwise, I have no idea what to expect, or what will be asked. I'm not sure it's even an interview, as such!
Any general advice?
I want this job so badly. It's incredibly interesting work, close to home, seems it will pay a typical salary, and within a small business (like I have been since 17 where I am comfortable).
Matt
Worst 'performing incredibly highly in a large piece of coursework for a vehicle dynamics and performance module' thread ever.I'm a final year student studying engineering. On Monday I have my first interview. I've never had an interview before (been in one long term part time job since 17) and this is an odd scenario - so any advice would be greatly appreciated.
My interview has come about due to performing incredibly highly in a large piece of coursework for a vehicle dynamics and performance module.
My lecturer is an external lecturer, who runs a (small) race dynamics business (him and a graduate) which creates and utilises software to optimise racing car performance. He is aiming to re-program his software using another program. My coursework created a very primitive version of his software, within the software he is hoping to move his programs into, and impressed very much it seems.
When I received my feedback, he told me they were looking to employ someone, and had discussed me and one other (who I believe is staying with a company he works part-time with when he graduates a year after me). He asked me what my plans were next year, and what I expected to earn. He was very very keen on getting me to visit his premises, and gave me his phone number, asking me to call him to arrange. Only a couple of hours later I got an informal email asking if Monday would be a good day to visit - 'visit' has been used a lot.
I don't know the entirety of the job role, but I want to work there. I'm going to go over the basic vehicle dynamics I have been taught at uni, and my coursework, to ensure its all fresh in my head. I'm planning to dress smart casual, as that is how I will be most comfortable, and that is how they dress. I intend to be myself, and get across my hands-on mechanical experience, which my lecturer will not have gleaned from my coursework. Otherwise, I have no idea what to expect, or what will be asked. I'm not sure it's even an interview, as such!
Any general advice?
I want this job so badly. It's incredibly interesting work, close to home, seems it will pay a typical salary, and within a small business (like I have been since 17 where I am comfortable).
Matt
Edited by 13aines on Wednesday 3rd February 11:36
More to the point I want to know if the OP is the kinda guy that will pick up the milk on the front doorstep on the way into the office, or just ignore it, and then when its brew time questions where the milk is.........................................people under estimate the impact of bringing in milk on the doorstep, in a small business.
10penceparalyzed said:
More to the point I want to know if the OP is the kinda guy that will pick up the milk on the front doorstep on the way into the office, or just ignore it, and then when its brew time questions where the milk is.........................................people under estimate the impact of bringing in milk on the doorstep, in a small business.
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