2nd Interview advice

Geetar28

Well, I interviewed for a job (actually two) on Thurs. and I think it went alright....actually I don't think it went alright, I just think I didn't choke which is certainly not the same thing.

Anyway, I'm finding out that my sorry memory is not nearly as good as it was just a few years ago. I am really losing what I had while studying for CCNA (which is natural but not good). During the interview, which seemed a bit short to me (only 30 min. which is a bit nerve wrecking...) I was upfront with all three interviewers in that I had indeed passed the CCNA, but as with anything, you use it or lose it....obviously I'm startig to lose it. I'm hoping for a follow-up interview, but I am really feeling unprepared for it if they want me to configure anything. I have been going over some old labs, and feeling a bit better because things are "starting" to come back to me. I'm just not sure it would be in time for a 2nd interview next week.

Went in for an interview for what was termed a "Wireless Administrator"...it was really a entry level network position that deals with a state-wide cellphone provider. I think that the interviewers had the idea that I work with Cisco on a daily basis, which I explained that I do not...I tried to start talking about what I had set up in my labs, but conversation took another turn. They actually wanted to interview me for another higher level network job while there and so the other engineer sat in and asked questions. I was out of my depth, which I knew, and I hope I didn't come off as a complete idiot....we will see if I get a call back for another interview

I guess what I'm looking for from this epic post (gotta gimmie a break, I'm an English major..lol) is what should I really focus on as far as configurations and questions to answer...obviously I don't have quite enough time to get back everything in a week...but what do you think might impress on them that "yeah this dude has potential, let's give him a go...." ?

If you're still reading thanks for any input....hah ha ha

Ryan82

I wouldn't worry about it too much. I lot of times interviews are about finding out if you would fit well with the team personality wise and see what kind of person you are. It seems that you were being honest about your situation and people will recognize and appreciate that. What they don't want are the people who will try to BS their way through even when they clearly don't know what they are talking about.

If I had a week, I would probably purchase the CBT Nuggets or Train Signal videos and watch those during the week to quickly get yourself back up to speed. As you mentioned there is no way you can get to the point where you were when you passed your CCNA in a week but I think with a quick video refresher a lot of what you learned will come back to you.

Best of luck

Kasor

2nd Interview usually is more technical or they want to clear up some extra skill set that you might have compare to other candidates. First, make sure you look good and know the position that you applied. Second, be flexible and review what is the latest technology out at the market that might help you to score more on the interview.

Geetar28

Ryan82 wrote: »

If I had a week, I would probably purchase the CBT Nuggets or Train Signal videos and watch those during the week to quickly get yourself back up to speed. As you mentioned there is no way you can get to the point where you were when you passed your CCNA in a week but I think with a quick video refresher a lot of what you learned will come back to you.

Best of luck

Been watching CBT nuggets (forgot how much i like Jeremy's style and unpretentiousness) ....and running through labs for the past two days...hopefully it'll be enough. Gonna keep doing that until I get a call back. Some of it is coming back surprisingly quickly. I have high hopes that one of the two jobs will pan out. Opportunities are scarce around this area...don't want to blow a good one. Hopefully I've learned a lesson probably not..lol. You don't intentionally forget...I think day to day work just kinda takes over and you don't make the time.

After taking the CCNA I promised myself that I would lab every so often to stay sharp...obviously I didn't, and may suffer the consequences now. Oh well gotta keep pushing forward and do what I can to hopefully salvage things. It's a bit funny, when I told them that I rarely get into the switches at work, and that I don't have access to the router you could visibly see they were kinda... idk...deflated I guess. My resume doesn't speak of that type of work, however... it mostly talks about the projects I've been involved in at work. I have the certs listed at the very bottom. So I don't feel that I was trying to come off as something I'm not by any means. Hopefully they weren't too disappointed and will give me a chance. Part of me wants to just come out and say "look, just give me a chance and if in a month or so you think I can't hack it...send me packing". Don't know how to do that diplomatically though. lol.

thanks for the responses.

Priston

If you really want to keep sharp with cisco stuff, start studing for CCNA security, wireless, or voice. Instead of just studing for something you already have, set a goal for something new and keep moving.