Interview for data center tech job next week, need suggestions.

Shoe Box

I have an interview next week for a level 1 data center tech job, which I think would be a great experience builder for me to get more into networking / noc / data center tech work.
My work experience up to this point has been 3 years of primarily desktop support through xp to 7 migrations and hardware refreshes. I recently got my first Cisco certification and have been watching a lot of training videos on youtube, some on Udemy, and a couple on cbt nuggets. Until the 1 week free trial there ran out, anyhow.
I want to really not blow this interview, and am worried about questions I’ll be asked, as there’s lots I don’t know.
For example, prior experience with:
Linux – none
OSX-anything – nearly none
Server 2003/2008/2012 – none
VMware / virtual anything – none
VPN networks – nearly none
Actual building of networks in real life – nearly none
So I have to spin this into some sort of “not yet, but eager and willing to learn” type of answer, while being aware of the fact that the company probably won’t want to do much on the job training.
Any suggestions?

Verities

If you're listing off all the skills that are required for the job function and you don't have experience with any of them, your resume must have really impressed them if you're getting an interview. The best thing you can do for yourself is be honest about your skill set because if you are not and they hire you, they will find out quickly what level you are actually at.

The "I'm eager to learn" appeal may work if they like your personality and they have someone who is willing to take you under their wing. Research the company well, tell them where you want to see yourself moving towards, and let them know you're doing a lot of outside studying to expand your current skillset.

ypark

I actually had few interviews for data center tech position recently and I start at one of them this coming Monday. You want to look over the required skills/job description from the job posting and find out what technologies/platforms they are working with. Memorize few basic and network related command lines and network protocols. I had one interview at Microsoft data center and one smaller company that mainly used linux. So that's one of the things you want to figure out and prepare accordingly. Also prepare for standard interview questions ("Tell us a little about yourself.", "Why should we hire you?" etc). They will often also ask questions to test your troubleshooting/logical thinking skills.
Also, don't forget that if your position involves dealing with clients, they will pay close attention to your people skills. Try to keep your smile, be optimistic without trying too hard and communicate clearly. Don't be shy and try to relax.

I wish you luck my fellow TE'er.

Shoe Box

For “tell us a little about yourself”, I never quite know what to say. A brief summation of my current hobbies, the course of an average day in the life of me, what video games do I play, outside interests, things I’ve done in computers, etc? I never really know what they are looking for, as “tell us a little about yourself” seems like a very broad question that could have many many answers.
One possible answer – “Well, I’m a rompin’ stompin’ hard driving stud horse who was enjoying the single life for 3 years in Los Angeles until my girlfriend and I got married, then I HAD to move back to this blue collar living hell known as Pittsburgh. I gained 20 pounds, I play Halo and World of Warcraft a little, and I figured that since I’m back here now, I might as well make money, so I am boosting up my IT skills and looking for a good paying job that is worthy of my attention and effort. I visit friends and family now and then, do my own PC repair on the side to make more money, mostly in cash, and…. that’s about it. I have other goals and interests unrelated to the IT field, but since I’m in Pittsburgh now, I can’t really do anything to further those interests, so it is all IT for now.”

Maybe I shouldn't be too honest...

HailHogwash

Its not tell us about your personal life but rather your professional life i.e your career in summary.

techfiend

I always keep within the IT field but occasionally start with first time touching a computer and a few sentences until I get to my professional experience. There I give a brief overview of what I've achieved and what my personal strengths are like interpersonal, troubleshooting, quick learner, etc. If things come up that aren't familiar I say something like 'it sounds interesting and I'm eager to learn it'.

Shoe Box

Had the phone interview today, it seemed to go pretty well. We talked about my experience and what I hope to do, and along the way, the interviewer made me aware that pursuing a certification in VMware, like a VCA or VCP, would be a good idea. So I am looking into that now. Hoping to hear back about the next round of interviews, he said 7-10 days.

Verities

Shoe Box wrote: »

Had the phone interview today, it seemed to go pretty well. We talked about my experience and what I hope to do, and along the way, the interviewer made me aware that pursuing a certification in VMware, like a VCA or VCP, would be a good idea. So I am looking into that now. Hoping to hear back about the next round of interviews, he said 7-10 days.

Nice. Make sure to send a thank you email or letter to the interviewer after about 3-4 days. It will keep you fresh in their mind and it leaves a good impression.

DoubleNNs

If you think you'll make it to the next round of interviews, might want to study up some VMware between now and then. Many of us on the forum were able to pass the VCA exams in a single day each. You don't necessarily need to have the exam completed, but could easily go thru all the material on the VCA within a few days. That would give you some talking points on the next interview.

Good luck!

tahjzhuan

Just went through a first round interview for an enterprise data center position on Tuesday and hoping to make it to next round (panel interview). VCA-DCV already scheduled using the free VMware courseware and Pluralsight CBT's. If I don't make it to the 2nd round, I already know more about virtualization than I did a few of weeks ago. Best of Luck!