Interview tips

[Rackne]

As some of you know I'm currently on the hunt for an internship for the next academic year as part of my degree course. I've got a lot of applications in progress as obviously it's better to be rejecting offers than scraping around for a place. I won't say who I've applied to as a lot of people have informed me that several of the companies I've chosen are the devil.

Happily, it looks like I have an interview with Sun Microsystems in a couple of weeks time (date to be confirmed ) for a year working for them in Cali, Colorado or Boston. Needless to say this is a big deal for me and would be the chance of a lifetime. If I get it.

Up until now any interviews I've had have been fairly trivial and my grades have been enough to pull me through. This time though the stakes are considerably higher and the competition very very fierce and i'm bricking it.

I've had a couple of preliminary interviews with companies that I'm waiting to hear about, but Sun is a one shot deal. The interview is a videoconference with people in California and from speaking to people who applied last year I know they're gonna be tough nuts to crack.

I know the technologies I've stated on my CV, I have examples of team work and leadership and problem solving etc, even got the suit so I look all business like and not scummy student like. Obviously the company research goes without saying (also trying to get to grips with Solaris and stuff) but what else should i do to prepare for this and how on earth do I convince a panel of scary Americans that they want to employ me? General interview tips please!

[Betty]

hmm...what worked for me when they pop the "Why should we hire you?" question....
answer: "I'm the best."
Seriously. Or: "I may not have the most experience, but, you will not find anyone who will work harder for you"

[Staz]

#1 Be polite. If they introduce themselves you you with their first name they just gave you permission to use it. Always answer questions with yes mam or no sir but don't go acting as if your in the military. Try to keep your answers shot and to the point. Don't ramble on or give them info they didn't ask for. Usually they will give you a chance at the end of the interview to add anything.

#2 looks are only a first impression- but if you make a bad first impression you won't get a chance to make a second impression. A gray business suit is good. Shoes are also important. Wear make up, but do so sparingly. Some foundation and conservative lipstick. You want to look smart and business like.

#3 Be confident but not ****y. You want to come off as someone with a can do attitude. You don't want to seem like a know it all but like someone who is knowledgeable. Make eye contact but don't stare. Smile, Smile, Smile. Make sure that you have good posture. Sit up straight and keep your ears shoulders and hips in a straight line. Lean slightly forward and keep your hands clasped and resting in your lap.

#4 Be prepared. They are going to ask you questions like why do you want to work for us, what do you have to bring to our company, and plenty more that I'm sure you can guess. Have answers to possible questions ready. It is a good point to research what they do and act excited about being a part of it


It's really a balancing act isn't it. I would tell you to show up between 10 and 15 min early (if you show up earlier than that wait in your car or dive around the block). Also while waiting it is a good idea to sit on your hand, it absorbs the sweat and ensures a warm dry firm handshake. But I don't think that matters in a video conference.

[dod]

Most things been said already. One thing I tend to do as well is go through applications and do the "so what" test.

FOr example someone claims to have done something, been part of something. The "so what" is what value does that have here, how has it made this person better or advanced them. Have they just put down some of the generally expected statements to make it sound good? Check your CV and see if you can challenge anything on it. If you can get your response ready; you may not need it but preparation is the key. Employers want to know what sort of person you are, not just can you do the mechanical things.

YOU'RE NOT ALONE, the others are bricking it too. And remember that although it may not seem like it the interviewers are actually on your side. They may be tough but they should genuinely want you to do well. They want the best they can get. If you dont understand something tell them and ask them to clarify it.

Well done for getting this far and enjoy the interview.

BTW you say videoconference. Is it just you and the panel or is it a group of applicants and the panel cos that does change things a bit.

[Random Nonsense]

Hehehe, Im not gonna offer advice! Last job interview I went to I wore jeans and a Tshirt... I felt that it was better to appear like a scummy student as you put it Lorna, than as someone with severe anxiety and nervousness, which is what I get like in unfamiliar clothing.

[Rackne]

Originally posted by dod
BTW you say videoconference. Is it just you and the panel or is it a group of applicants and the panel cos that does change things a bit.

Just me and the panel.

Originally posted by Random Nonsense

Last job interview I went to I wore jeans and a Tshirt... I felt that it was better to appear like a scummy student as you put it Lorna, than as someone with severe anxiety and nervousness, which is what I get like in unfamiliar clothing.

Originally posted by Staz
#2 looks are only a first impression- but if you make a bad first impression you won't get a chance to make a second impression. A gray business suit is good. Shoes are also important. Wear make up, but do so sparingly. Some foundation and conservative lipstick. You want to look smart and business like.

My suit rocks. I can't explain it but it provides a definite confidence boost. It's a black trouser suit (makes me look thin rarrr!) and usually team it up with some sensible looking heels (which are actually my favourite knee length boots hehe) and a button up blouse of some variety with just the right number of buttons undone . Makes me look scarily business like and efficient especially when combined with hair in a stylishly messy up do and glasses. hehe.

Make up is a no no. I don't wear it normally and I feel paranoid when I do. Equally, suit with a skirt would be a bad bad thing.

I know how to dress the part it's the rest I need help on!

[Rackne]

Originally posted by dod
Most things been said already. One thing I tend to do as well is go through applications and do the "so what" test.

FOr example someone claims to have done something, been part of something. The "so what" is what value does that have here, how has it made this person better or advanced them. Have they just put down some of the generally expected statements to make it sound good? Check your CV and see if you can challenge anything on it. If you can get your response ready; you may not need it but preparation is the key. Employers want to know what sort of person you are, not just can you do the mechanical things.

My CV is a thing of wonder. I've spent hours upon hours working on that baby. I know it inside out and everything on there is a relevant talking point. Ask me a question about it and I'll have an answer. Different people will see different faults in it of course but considering I'm only 19, it's got some good stuff on it.

[dimmreaper]

Best advice in the world:

Just be yourself. If they can't live with the person you are really going to be day in and day out, you really don't want to work for them anyway do you?

[dod]

Originally posted by Rackne

Just me and the panel.

My suit rocks. I can't explain it but it provides a definite confidence boost. It's a black trouser suit (makes me look thin rarrr!) and usually team it up with some sensible looking heels (which are actually my favourite knee length boots hehe) and a button up blouse of some variety with just the right number of buttons undone . Makes me look scarily business like and efficient especially when combined with hair in a stylishly messy up do and glasses. hehe.

Make up is a no no. I don't wear it normally and I feel paranoid when I do. Equally, suit with a skirt would be a bad bad thing.

I know how to dress the part it's the rest I need help on!

I'm not sure who needs the help here.

Its VERY good that its just you and the panel. As Dimmreaper says you can be yourself and you're not having to compete to be heard or put your personality across.

Serious note, keep the dress professional, dont look like the office vamp. If the panel has women on it they're not (normally ) going to appreciate your chest grinnning back at them. Possibly the wrong first impressions?. It might even distract from your answers and all they have left at the end is a pleasant memory :clown:

[Rackne]

I said the right number of buttons! Nothing slutty. That's for after work.

[dod]

Originally posted by Rackne
That's for after work.

LOL youre a quick worker. Youve not even had the interview yet and already youre planning the apres-work.

Best of luck

[mookydooky]

To be more relaxed, imagine the interviewer naked. Then you'll realize that they're no different than you or me. I got that little tidbit from "The Brady Bunch." The episode where Marcia had to do something or other and she imagined the guy naked. If it can work for Marcia, it can work for Rackne.

[dimmreaper]

Originally posted by mookydooky
To be more relaxed, imagine the interviewer naked. Then you'll realize that they're no different than you or me.

You mean its just not me, you walk around naked all the time too? :-D

[drow_elf]

(bet you didnt quite see that coming mooky....)

if you speak like me (ie are unable to make up BS to say on the spot) make your BS up beforehand... like "-why do you want to work here? -i feel it is a great opportunity that will allow me to gain real world experience." though dont use what i just wrote but figure out why you do want to work there...

also refer to your resume a lot (dont refer them to it but give concrete examples like "what makes you so special? well i was a beauty queen when i was 10" (ooh and if they actually ask that, you can quote me.... but they never will so you can never quote me! hehe)) the idea is to make it so that when they read your resume they already know whats on it and dont wonder what something means (because you've explained it)

but above all be yourself and be confident

[Random Nonsense]

Originally posted by Rackne
(which are actually my favourite knee length boots hehe

How did I know you would own some?

[Rackne]

How could I not own some?

Got my eye on a new pair, real pointy toe vamp ones. Bring on the next student loan check!