Interview Preparation

[crabbyman]

As a spin off of this thread...

http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2316949


Help me prepare for future possible interviews. As a quiet, behind the scenes workhorse I have problems selling myself to potential employers. I am outgoing once I know you but shy and introverted until then.

Post anything you feel would help me interview better (tips, interview questions to prepare for, clothing suggestions, etc).

 

[kranky]

How many interviews have you been on? And how long ago?

 

[Vdubchaos]

Did you just say clothing suggestions?

There really isn't much to it, wear a fuckin suit (unless you are talking about McD type of a job)

 

[ghost recon88]

Did you just say clothing suggestions?

There really isn't much to it, wear a fuckin suit (unless you are talking about McD type of a job)

Even then, might need a suit these days to land a job at McDs.

 

[maddogchen]

know your resume really well. come to the interview with copies of your resume and a list of references.

 

[crabbyman]

How many interviews have you been on? And how long ago?

Last interview was close to 5 years ago. Before that..I would say 5 years before earlier.

 

[crabbyman]

Did you just say clothing suggestions?

There really isn't much to it, wear a fuckin suit (unless you are talking about McD type of a job)

I usually wear a suit. I just always (as a guy) feel overdressed when I see women just wear casual clothing into an interview or work.

Don't get me started on guys "business" attire vs women's "business" attire. lol

 

[kranky]

Last interview was close to 5 years ago. Before that..I would say 5 years before earlier.

In that case, I think the best thing you can do is get more experience doing interviews. As you become more comfortable, you will naturally be less introverted. You get good at interviews by doing interviews.

Apply for jobs you don't even want. Then at the interview you will feel no pressure and can work on your selling skills. If you have a friend you can practice with, do that. Video the practice interviews so you can review them later and pick out things to improve on.

Watch your body language. Think before speaking so you don't have, um, sentences filled with, you know, pauses. Practice explaining your strengths. Read up on lists of typical interview questions so you are prepared for them. If someone throws you an oddball question that makes no sense, don't panic, just think for a moment and give an answer. "If you were a tree, what kind of tree would you be?"

Interviews can be stressful when you really, really want the job and are super-anxious about what you say and how you come across. The idea is to be comfortable enough with the interview environment so you lose the anxiety.

 

[Tweak155]

If you get nervous - just write down everything you want to ask ahead of time, maybe scroll through their web page and ask questions related to what you read.

I got turned down at a job once at the end of the phone interview. I was shocked because I thought it was going really well... I e-mailed the guy and thanked him for his time, and if he was willing - let me know what I could do better on future interviews.

He actually responded in great detail that he thought I was a good candidate but he felt I had other personal goals that didn't quite collide with their corporate goals, and he thought I'd be happier somewhere else. They were looking for perfect candidates for their corporate goals, and it was one of the best interviews I had ever done. I was glad they turned me down and had EXACTLY in mind what they wanted. He then asked me what made me interested and etc and we shared a lot of good info. We exchanged probably 5-6 e-mails.

Companies know what they are looking for and it should be a relaxed conversation, not a "passing the test" conversation. If you're not going to be excited coming into work every day, you're probably not someone they want to spend money on. Skills a lot of the time are secondary or even 3rd in line as far as priorities in a candidate.

 

[Sonikku]

If someone asks you where you'll be in 5 years, don't say doing your wife or for that matter, doing your son.

It didn't work for Peter.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

I am introverted as well OP, but I realize that I am selling myself to a company and have to appear outgoing, confident, and knowledgeable. In your case, I'd advise going on interviews just for practice if nothing else. Also, prepare for your interview by researching typical interview questions and practicing answers to them.

Don't be intimidated when you interview. Remember, you are also looking for the right fit so look at interviews as a situation where you are interviewing the company as well.

 

[BurnItDwn]

I am usually introverted, but I think of it this way.
A job interview is not a social call, it's not a party where I can sit in the background and be awkward.

A job interview is a professional setting, they want somebody who knows their shit. I am that person. The interview exists so that they can see I am not full of shit.

If they keep it technical and professional, and you really know your shit, you will do exceedingly well. If you are a hack, or they start to make it personal, then it will go south.