IT help desk analyst Tier 1 interview

techfiend

I'd give it 2 weeks before you email. Some companies are really slow filling IT positions, esp IT companies I've noticed, months. I'd never call, seems too pushy.

Chadius

@meandrunk: No date given, so I'll wait a little longer.
@Techfiend: Yea I definitely don't want to call. The person they are replacing, is retiring. They had a job open date on indeed of Jan 31st. (until the 31st I mean)

Do places email, call or ask you to come in if they are doing an offer?

MeanDrunkR2D2

In my history, offers have been communicated to me by phone, usually followed by an email of the offer with a bunch of paperwork to fill out. Depending, sometimes they may ask for you to come into the office to fill out the paperwork for the offer. I can't ever recall them asking for me to come back in just to tell me I have the offer. Most employers are aware that a person may be working another job, which may make it tricky to find a good time to come in for that, plus it's a killer to wait to hear if that's the main thing that they are going to do.

Chadius

I called them today. They found a better candidate. I emailed them afterwards, and asked them the not-being-hired questions.

So I guess back to the drawing board. I'm 0-5 on jobs I interviewed in person. This sucks.

Guess I'll let you all know when I have another interview. lol /s

On a side note, should I just stop applying at places until I pass the cert tests I have scheduled? Or keep doing what I am doing?
What I am doing, is telling the interview person that I am studying for certs, and will be taking them soon. Kind of gets old explaining
why I am studying for things I am not currently working with.

techfiend

Get the cert, it means a lot more than studying for one. What do you have and what are you working on?

MeanDrunkR2D2

That's a bummer, but at least you got an answer. I hate that many companies don't reach out to inform those who interviewed that they didn't get the job, or at the least send out an email.

You are getting interviews and you are getting callbacks, so I wouldn't say you necessarily need to go back to the drawing board. I'd say just keep on doing what you are doing and improve yourself in the best ways you can by getting those certs knocked out. I wouldn't stop looking while studying and working on those certs. You never know when something that may be perfect will pop up and you could miss out on that chance. So I would suggest keep on looking and you will find one that will be perfect for you. I can understand why it gets old explaining that to people on why you are studying on things. Basically all you need to say is that you are bettering yourself and trying to be more well rounded when it comes to IT as you work forward in your career. HR types may not understand it, but IT folks do that do strive to improve themselves.

As far as being 0-5 that's not that bad. I've had 0-50 streaks in the past when I've been desperate to find a job and spent months unemployed while working hard to find any IT job, much less being picky about my choices. Before I got my current job I was probably 0-9 before I landed this one, which I thought I bombed the interview. I will say, this place is awesome and I'm loving it so far. Definitely a step up from what I was doing and better long term with my career goals.

Chadius

@Techfiend: A+ and N+, studying for CCNA

@meandrunk: It just feels like the interviews go great, and the managers tell me I would be a good fit....to not be chosen. Why blow smoke up my A$$, when their is really no need for it. Maybe they really do mean it, but all it does is get my hopes up. Makes me think I rocked the interview and I am in.

techfiend

One of the main responsibilities of support positions is to leave the client happy, they carry it over in interviews. I think I was always told I'd be a good fit. Occasionally they said we have more interviews to do, which is kind of a flag. Then the typical 'we'll get in touch with you', which rarely happens.

Just keep going man, 0 for 5 is nothing, I was 0 for dozens and it took me years to finally get in. I had to take other positions to make ends meet. Try not to get your hopes up so high, it makes the unacceptance worse, I can relate.

MeanDrunkR2D2

I've been in that position many many times. I feel like I completely knocked it out of the park and even got great feedback, only to find that they usually went with someone else. Recently, it's probably been more because I was overqualified or they knew that it would take more money to get me and they had someone else that wasn't as experienced and they could get that person for 20% less. I know sometimes it's a money game, and sometimes it's about the experience and how long they would expect me to stay in that position or if I would leave after 6 months for something better.

With my current job, I honestly felt like I completely bombed the interview and wasn't even expecting a 2nd, much less get a very competitive offer. It's odd how that all works out when I feel great and that I got the job, but don't. And then do poorly (on the technical part as the job description was a bit vague and hard to study up for) and get the job in my pay range.

Chadius

I hear you guys. I'll keep applying, and working on my certs. (have to anyway, because I'm at WGU lol)
Maybe knocking out the security + and CCNA will help with my endeavors. This first step is a doozy.
I think if I didn't have the experience of doing IT related things part time at my current job.....I would really be screwed.

Maybe volunteering somewhere would be something to push me over the experience bump? I remember on some thread recently,
someone posted a link to a place for volunteering. (and there was another one about doing pro-bono work for people. I assume
you wouldn't put each individual job or project on your resume. Probably put it like a job and then list things you did for people that way?

Mooseboost

Bummer you didn't get the job, but in the end at least it was good interview practice. Keep at it and I am sure you will find something.

Chadius

The interview experience is definitely good. That's one thing all of them have said is good about me. (good interview)
The lack of experience is probably my biggest hurdle at the moment. I have 3-4 years experience. But it is part time
desktop support helping our IT dept at our parent company. (helping them by doing that job at my current company)
But I don't think that is translating into definite bonafied experience.

Chadius

I had an interview yesterday for an IT Support Specialist position. It was the HR interview. Went well. She said if chosen for round 2 interviews,
I will interview with the IT manager. (he is located in New York and would be in town for a week)

Here is the job description:

FUNCTION:
The IT Support Technician position is primarily responsible for supporting the Information Technology infrastructure for two manufacturing sites in Kansas.
This position requires hands on support.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Ensure the IT systems infrastructure and connectivity is maintained to systems hosted elsewhere.
Provide support for the Servers (Windows 2008 and 2012), PCs (primarily Windows 7), PC applications and Printers throughout the facilities.
Install Company approved software (MS Office, Lotus Notes, Smarteam, etc.).
Provide proactive maintenance and troubleshooting for any IT issues.
Work with local and wide area network (TCP/IP, DNS, WINS, etc.), wireless/RF devices, Aruba.
Responsible for all PC Break and Fix needs including:
Ensure maximum local system availability and remote connectivity.
Identify and diagnose software/hardware issues, provide options, recommendations and troubleshooting.
May require working off hours as business needs arise.
Maintain/enforce the IT Security Policies and procedures.
Develop key relationships with users and develop an understanding of key business processes.
Perform other work related duties and special projects as assigned
On occasion and prior to holidays due to business priorities, overtime may be required. At times, work hours may need to be adjusted depending on the needs of the business and backup covering for vacations etc.

The HR lady wasn't a technical person. When I would talk tech, she would gloss over a bit. So I calmed it down after I saw that. lol

But that is all I have for an update. I did get a call from a recruiter for Desktop support at Dell. But it was a 1 year contract without benefits. I said nope. I need insurance. (kids etc)

MeanDrunkR2D2

Those Dell jobs are a complete joke if you were to ask me. I've heard the talk about how great it would be, and honestly it sounds like a major pain in the butt. I'd have to use my own vehicle, and since I'd be using it for work I'd have the added expense of changing my car insurance because it would be used in that manner. Of course, the pay and benefits were a joke.

Good luck with this prospect! Hope it works out for you.

Chadius

Got the email this morning. Turned down for second round of interviews. Awesome.

Chadius

I emailed the HR lady asking what I could do better and if there was any particular reason I wasn't chosen.

Here is their response:

Thank you for taking the time to come out and interview with us. I was impressed with your qualifications and enjoyed hearing more about your future plans. While we selected a different candidate to move on in the process with; your interview was fine and I thought you did a good job of presenting yourself and your qualifications to me. The candidate we chose had the specific skill set we were looking for and, as you know, in the IT world there are a wide variety of systems and qualifications to choose from. You said nothing in the interview that caused me to reject you it was specifically based on trying to match the type of experience and training you had to the job we were trying to fill.

I will keep your resume on file because you never know if something will open up in the future. I wish you much success in meeting all of your future career goals.


So that makes me feel a little better.

MeanDrunkR2D2

Sounds pretty much like they likely had an internal person that was selected for that position, which happens quite often. Many companies will require them to interview outside candidates just to make sure they find the right person, or they luck out and find that perfect candidate that they just cannot say no to and hope that other person won't be pissed about not getting it.

Keep up the good work and you'll soon find yourself with a good new job. Stay positive and good things will happen. It's grueling to do all those interviews, get your hopes up, and then get turned down. It happens ALOT. I've had many interviews that I've felt great about and was expecting an offer, only to be turned down at the final step. It gets annoying when you manage your time to go to many interviews and feel like you wasted time. The key is to be positive and it's possible that they will remember you in the future and you'll have a big opportunity then.

Chadius

Good info. My wife told me basically the same thing. Keep at it and eventually someone will hire me. Getting my CCNA might help in this endeavor. I'm about ready to go take the first test. I'm taking the security + test in April as well. We'll see.

I'll keep on applying. One thing I noticed, was having to explain how I do support and engineering lab work at each interview. Wondering if I should fix my resume, so that it is more logical to the employer before I get in there. Takes a good 15 minutes to explain what I do, and how we go about it daily at my work.

Chadius

I haven't updated in awhile. I had some phone interviews recently. Wasn't selected on one. Another wanted
me for an interview, but wanted me to move. (family is unable to move at the moment) That position would have been great for my career.

But on to now. I have an interview with Dell. Supporting a bunch of hospitals, clinic, office buildings....all owned by one Large health care company. Here is the job info:

Client Field Technical Services Senior Associate - Wichita, KS

The Dell Field Technician is responsible for performing various managed client services for a strategic customer. These services include: IMAC, Software Break Fix, etc. This role combines strong technical skills with an emphasis on delivering a high level of customer service. Responsibilities include performing advanced configuration of desktop/notebook computer equipment. This is a remote/On Site Client based position. This role will travel to Dell customer Campus/Remote sites. It is anticipated that the position will evolve as the customer needs change.

Role Responsibilities
- Provides technical support and training to personal computer and PC network users. Assists users in solving problems using available hardware and software tools
- Supports, installs, and maintains personal computers, local area networks, server hardware, operating systems, software, and related IT sanctioned peripherals
- Installs and supports both hardware and software components for user group
- Performs preventive maintenance, test and repair of equipment
- Evaluates system configuration and software to ensure effective use of hardware resources
- Addresses and resolves hardware, software and customer issues
- Engages users to determine their potential future business requirements
- Provides positive customer experience with each customer interaction
Requirements
- 2-4 years of relevant experience or equivalent combination of education and work experience
- Strong ability to develop business relationships and communicate effectively with the user community
- Strong troubleshooting skills
- A+ Certification a must
- Good understanding of the fundamentals of network and server/desktop administration, installations, upgrades, techniques, tools, materials, and equipment; Applies good knowledge of processes and resources required to perform analytical and technical tasks on PC systems
- Local travel to client sites
- Applies good understanding of customer service techniques as required to address PC


Preferences
- MCP, MCSE, CNE or Network+ certification is a plus


My email about the interview, said I would get a technical and competency interview, along with the normal stuff. (i.e. where do you see yourself, what did you do at you last employer, etc)

What can I expect in the technical/competency portion of the interview? When I had my phone interview, they asked 5 tech questions, and I hammered them. But I assume these next ones will be harder. The regular associate position is the same duties and everything except the difference between it and the senior one are years of education/experience. Apaprently I am interviewing for all three positions. The other being a Senior Analyst position.

Chadius

Any ideas on the questions I might be asked at the interview?

Chadius

Interview with Dell went ok. I messed up on a couple technical questions.....mainly because of a brain fart.
They told me I will hear back in one to two weeks, either way. If I don't get an offer,
I'll get feedback.

Had a phone interview for help desk admin today. Should hear either way from them in one to two weeks. That will get me a
Face to face interview.

MeanDrunkR2D2

Mistakes happen during interviews, and does happen. Hopefully you get some good news with that job, or the other one pans out. Good luck!

Chadius

Thanks! I hope so too. How is your job going?

--chris--

Chadius wrote: »

Interview with Dell went ok. I messed up on a couple technical questions.....mainly because of a brain fart.
They told me I will hear back in one to two weeks, either way. If I don't get an offer,
I'll get feedback.

Had a phone interview for help desk admin today. Should hear either way from them in one to two weeks. That will get me a
Face to face interview.

Sorry I missed your post/questions, I worked for Dell and could have answered this.

My tech interview was pretty basic. What is DNS? What is DHCP? Explain to me what overclocking is in simple terms... Give me an example of a time you failed to meet expectations. My technical interview was mixed with character questions.

This was for a sub-contractor to dell. During the interview an account rep of the sub-contractor and a dell manager interviewed me. I later found out (I met the Dell manager) that its a formality, and he said he never paid attention during the interviews and simply let the account reps "take charge".

MeanDrunkR2D2

Chadius wrote: »

Thanks! I hope so too. How is your job going?

Everything is going great at this time. Love it and everyone here.

Chadius

@Chris: There was three people in the panel. One guy who never spoke. One of three did all the talking. Questions I got were what does tcp/ip mean, what is an active directory forest, a user buys a brand new computer and it craps out....what is the problem out of these 4 options, you have a pc with all these specs....which windows 7 is best fit for it....win 7 pro, enterprise etc. That's all I can remember. They asked about some file type I had never heard of. I hope to hear back from them, in an offer type way.

@meandrunk: I have called, emailed, and applied at your place. I don't get any feedback at all from them. Guess I'm not to that level yet. lol
I'm glad to hear you are doing good there!

Chadius

Still waiting on the email from Dell or the invite from the other company for a face to face.

I do have this job that has contacted me, and I'd like some input from you all on it.

Here is the job description:

[SIZE=+1]Network Technician Support[/SIZE]


Job responsibilities include installation and technical support of client servers, installation of software and upgrades as needed with minimal support of network equipment. Provide technical support to company staff. Key skills - router and switch configuration, good network trouble shooting skills.
Good communication and customers service skills. Must pass a background check.
This is a fulltime position with medical benefits, company product training, paid holidays, PTO,
and company vehicle.
Submit resume with any special skills, training, or certifications
Pay is based on experience and skills.

I met with the owner in the middle of March. His company is a security company that installs cameras and badge readers over IP. He is an authorized Honeywell dealer. The company is like 8 or 9 people. The description does not really tell me too much info, so I asked him about the network part. How much skill is needed? What exactly I would be doing? etc So he has servers he installs, or he uses the customers if they insist. There is software that gets installed, and then you make sure the equipment is talking to the switches etc.

I needed more info from him. He was busy for a solid month and called me today. So we're meeting again. What do you guys/gals think of the job description, type of work it might be, etc. Is there anything I should ask him at the next meeting?

To me, it sounded like a job where I would troubleshoot if camera A wasn't operating over the network. Sometimes I would have to assist the customers IT team, in incorporating the equipment correctly. But for some reason it sounds like I wouldn't be learning there.
I'd really like to be in an environment, where I can learn and grow my skills.

So any ideas, questions, etc would be greatly appreciated.

Chadius

I talked to the guy again tonight. He said I would do IT support functions at the company and the rest of the time
I'd do field network work. The second part meaning installing our servers and software. Implementing
Our equipment onto the customers network. Troubleshoot why the network and or equipment isn't working.
Setup switches and routers.

So my questions from my last post are still valid concerns on my part. (To you guys)

RockinRobin

Keep it up, Chadius. You have a really great attitude. Something will break through for you very soon.

MeanDrunkR2D2

Chadius wrote: »

I talked to the guy again tonight. He said I would do IT support functions at the company and the rest of the time
I'd do field network work. The second part meaning installing our servers and software. Implementing
Our equipment onto the customers network. Troubleshoot why the network and or equipment isn't working.
Setup switches and routers.

So my questions from my last post are still valid concerns on my part. (To you guys)

I think that it could be a good learning job that will get you some much needed experience in a variety of things IT related. I've worked in past positions with other companies that would send in the folks that would upgrade/install the badge readers. It's definitely a technical role and not something that is a glorified "Geek Squad" type of role. Will it get old after a couple years? Absolutely. But you'll gain some great experience with the servers and other IT roles they will have you work with. Alot of the setup would be network related settings. The installing would likely be racking the server and then just plugging in IP info as needed into that server and work with that clients network/IT team to configure them and testing to make sure that they work. It's definitely worth a talk/interview and to grasp everything that the role would entail. It's great experience to be honest.