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I’ve got an interview on Monday the 26th, and was just wondering if you guys could give me some advice. I know how to go through an interview and stuff like that, but if you guys have any tips or anything that could help me stand out I would really appreciate it.

12 Spice ups
2

Be yourself and don’t BS. If they ask a question and you don’t know say so.

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3

Don’t be afraid to say you don’t know. Focus on being calm and confident in your answers. Have some questions ready for the people interviewing you. Get a good nights sleep and do something you find relaxing before heading out.

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4

Research the Company and know details. (What are their products? How long have they been in business? Who are their competitors? etc…) Know why you want to work for them, what you have to gain from the position, and what THEY have to gain from hiring you. Have questions for them about the company, position, facilities, and anything else that might be deemed relevant.

5 Spice ups
5

Thing through some of your responses to anticipated questions. I just went through several and here are some of the questions I was asked.

How do you handle difficult customers?

How do you troubleshoot a problem?

What is some software you are familiar with?

Where do your passions lie in IT?

How do you learn new technology?

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Be open, honest, but most of all confident.
When applicable, relate your past experiences to the questions they have.
And of course, dress to impress. :wink:

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HR folks are nervous about their IT folks looking like, well, IT folks. Don’t forget the wonders of a shirt and tie, a haircut, and appearing neat and presentable at your interview. Looking like the Comic Book Guy does you no favors in an interview. The usual rule of thumb is to wear a suit.

8

Actually know your audience would be a better answer. I’ve always done interviews in suites and lately I’ve found to have mixed results. Many companies thought I was to flashy because I wore a suit. I would highly recommend to do your research, see what they wear and dress accordingly, but always dress neat. I would recommend no lower than business casual.

1 Spice up
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Have a few “statements” prepared beforehand - a list of strengths, ‘weaknesses’ (and how you are working to fix them), a couple examples of some challenging projects or emergencies and how you handled them, and also how you were able to handle either a conflict or disagreement with a coworker. More than likely they will ask about these things, and it would be a good idea to have some things in mind beforehand so that you aren’t scrambling and stuttering. It will help you stay calm and collected if you already have an idea as to what you will say.

10

Where a tie with Tux on it. That is a for sure spot for the job.

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Lie your ass off! lol

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Or a Spicerex tie.

http://www.originalpenguin.com/PG-ALL-OVER/PG054302OP,default,pd.html?dwvar_PG054302OP_color=420&start=8&cgid=opgaaprltac&srule=best-matches

http://www.zazzle.com/cute_t_rex_pet_tie-151315056352951682

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Or wear one of those Tuxedo T-Shirts…you know, because it says I want to be formal, but I’m here to party

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  1. Do not, I repeat DO NOT go in guns blazing and telling them where all the faults and flaws in their system’s are, that will only irritate them.

  2. Don’t act pretentious and cocky, making yourself look flawless and perfect, only makes you look flawed and annoying.

  3. Be calm, as Justin Davison said “Don’t be afraid to say you don’t know.”

  4. Smile

  5. Eat something before you go to the interview, you don’t want the stomach gurgles 5 minutes into your interview (told from experience)

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Be ohnest and open with the interviewer or committee. Lean forward and engage in the conversation and project confidence and an interest in what they are saying. ASK QUESTIONS of them as well, it should not be a one way conversation. If you do not know the answer to a question be honest and state that you do not know the answer. Ask for clarification on questions you do not understand. It is an interview, not an inquisition and you are there to learn about the company you are interviewing with. And by all means do a little research on the company before going to the interview. Research past employee reviews of the company as well at glassdoor.com

1 Spice up
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The Spicerex tie only works if my interview was with Spiceworks. Thanks for the information guys. I have already started writing things down that I want to ask, and I am thinking about getting a new shirt and tie combo before my interview. It does look like I need to start a list of answers for things they might ask. Again thanks for all the help guys, and if you have any more advise keep it coming.

17

I think the biggest thing that helped me was remembering that the people interviewing me are just that - people…

They put their pants on one leg at a time, just like everyone else…

Stay comfortable and confident (as noted above), and (also noted above) don’t be afraid to say you don’t know something.

It’s way better that they understand your knowledge level ahead of time. That makes it a better fit when you do get hired.

Lastly, do your research on the company itself. You should know their mission and at least some of the direction they are heading, and then be able to explain to them why you’re the person to help them get there.

Good luck!!

18

Great reply, I agree with Will, conveying to the company that you want to work for them (not just be the next person and leave later on down the road) is the best thing you could do. They want long term employees they don’t want to keep hiring new people every couple of months.

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Once when hiring for a helpdesk position a candidate came in very strong. They interviewed well and were asking probing questions about the infrastructure. Then they torpedoed themself, they started in about how wrong some stuff was and how they would fix it because the person who did it didn’t do it right. I let them go for a while, smiled and said ‘I agree that much of that is outside of ideal, would you like to know the circumstances that forced me to implement it that way?’

They got vetoed for the job for their overconfidence and because they effectively interviewed for a job that wasn’t open, mine.

2 Spice ups
20

“They want long term employees they don’t want to keep hiring new people every couple of months.”

I find this statement a bit dated. We all want to believe that this is what they want, but the reality of the market place these days is different. Many surveys indicate that if you are not ‘seeking new challenges’ every couple of years, you’re thought to be ‘stagnant’ in your position. And frankly, most people won’t stay more than a few years at one jobs these days.

Sad statement. Gone are the days when one could start and retire at the same company.

I concur with the suggestions about researching the company. Look into it’s history, too. Have they been in litigation? Why? Do they see technology as an avenue for improvement? Do they embrace newer technology (newer than Svr03 and XP)? What’s the work environment like? Do they have windows to actually see the sun once in a while? Is the environment depressing or upbeat?

The fit has to be both ways. I got suckered into a job by a manager that outright lied to me about the technological status of the network (as I found out after I was hired) and did not take me on a tour of the facilities (no windows anywhere, dark, dungeon-like environment). Full disclosure goes a long way.

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