Landed my first interview.

brfitzp

So I posted a resume online and the next day i was contacted by a recruiter in my area. He basically interviewed me and landed me an interview with the employer.

This will be my first real interview and I'm very excited/nervous.

I have all the skills and experience they require for the position

I currently hold my A+, Net+, and Sec+, and by tuesday will officially have my BS in IT (although I won't have the official diploma for a while I guess, not sure how long that takes to get)

So what should I bring to the interview? Any tips?
This job would be a big jump in my career and I don't wanna mess it up.

*also this will pretty much be my first real interview, my current job I pretty much do the same thing they're asking except I knew the owners and they we pretty desperate so I started there initially by just helping them out.

Dieg0M

You could start by telling us what is the job and position. Telling us it's the same as your current job does not help us at all.

kohr-ah

First off congrats!

I always bring a copy of my resume and legal pad and pen (in case I need to take notes).

Only advice I can give is be enthusiastic about it. It shows you are truly interested in the job and don't be afraid to say you don't know something.

Last you never "only did" or "just did" something. Be confident in the experience you have under your belt

gbdavidx

Dieg0M wrote: »

You could start by telling us what is the job and position. Telling us it's the same as your current job does not help us at all.

this information would be helpful

brfitzp

The job title is: system support analyst.

I will be supporting the pos infrastructure for a large restuarant chain.

I currently work for s much smaller company managing their pos systems (about 40 in total).

-hype

Good Luck!!

Based on your previous experience with POS systems, this sounds like a done deal.

astrogeek

Congrats on landing an interview so quickly, you seem to already be doing things better than I, so I'm not sure how valuable my advice can be, but...

• Google the company - the last thing you want to do is go into an interview without really knowing what they do. If you know the name of anyone in the interview Google them and try to find out who they are, what they do in the company, and what their level of experience is.
• Make sure to go to Staples, Kinkos, or any print store and print out your resume on a quality printer with good, thick paper. Get at least 2 copies, (I usually get 3), because there might be multiple people in the interview and you'll want each of them to have their own copy.
• When preparing for the actual interview I would think about the accomplishments you've made from your current job, specifically what you have helped improve, or any major projects you completed. You basically want to explain how you provided value to your current employer.
• Write a thank you letter or email after the interview. This offers you another chance to emphasize the value you can bring their organization, and also lets them know you want the job.
• And finally just try to relax. Interviewing itself is something that can always be improved upon, so worst case scenario you will have an opportunity to practice your interview skills.

That's all I can really think of for now, good luck!


*Just a side note; I failed to do all of the above for my current job so even if you "bomb" an interview you could still get the job. I have to laugh at how unprepared I was back during my interview, and somehow still got the job.

jibbajabba

Just a word of advise - if you do bomb it - do NOT worry about it. It sometimes isn't even your interview or the way you presented yourself, sometimes internal company policy changes and they cannot hire you and need to find an excuse.

Bottom line is: You will get jobs, you will bomb out interviews, you will screw them up, you will ace them - all part of the game of finding a job.

I am at the point where I don't even get nervous in interviews. I failed and passed so many interviews that they now become natural. Unfortunately you need experience in interviews as much as you need experience in your relevant field to shine.

dsager

Bring your resume and record of the certificates that you hold. I also found the interview tips on the AT&T website helpful for any job interview situation.

brfitzp

Ok thanks for the advice. I have everything put together, I think I'll do well.

Dieg0M

I would review some SysAdmin questions in case they ask you technical questions on the spot. Also, be prepared to give detail explanation on what you did on your resume.

--chris--

I always like to think of a few things I might want to know about the postion/company and right them down to ask during the interview. Things like how many people will I work with in the department/unit? What type of technology will this position support (Brand, versions, etc). How much travel? Can I meet anyone from the department/management of department (ask this if the interview is progressing into an offer or if you feel its appropriate)? Stuff like that. Tailor it to you and the position.

WiseWun

If you get nervous, let them know. They will understand and you'll feel at ease. Trust me on this.

brfitzp

All sounds like good advice, I'm making a list of questions right now, interview is in the morning i'll report back with how it went.

Also is it normal to get hired on the spot? Or do they usually call you back at a later time?

Thanks

jvrlopez

I've been hired on the spot and have had to wait for a call back.

On the spot was more informal, the call back was more procedural and they had a few other people to interview.

brfitzp

Just got back from the interview, it went pretty well (I think)

Got interviewed by the CTO and then the manager of the department i'd be working for.

I felt like I answered all of their questions with no problem and was able to relate that to previous experience at my current job.

I emailed the recruiter and he told me they give him the word then he is the one who would inform me of a hire or not. He told me they usually know the same day or the next day of their decision. So i've got my fingers crossed.

Thanks for the help and advice everyone.

W Stewart

Good luck with the job. Do you know what os those point of sales' run? Also what are the point of sales systems at your current job running? I used to support point of sales for cicis pizza and a few other places and they were running an eol linux distro but we had some competitors running windows.

brfitzp

So I got a call this morning saying they loved me and wanted to hire me for a different position but same pay range. They said to wait until after the holidays for an offer and also that theyll be sending me paperwork this week for a background check and a credit check.

Does this sound bad to anyone? Like maybe theyre trying to hold me to see if a better candidate comes along?

Also there pos systems run windows xp pro ans windows embedded. They'll be moving to posready 7 after xp goes eol.

brfitzp

brfitzp wrote: »

So I got a call this morning saying they loved me and wanted to hire me for a different position but same pay range. They said to wait until after the holidays for an offer and also that theyll be sending me paperwork this week for a background check and a credit check.

Does this sound bad to anyone? Like maybe theyre trying to hold me to see if a better candidate comes along?

Also there pos systems run windows xp pro ans windows embedded. They'll be moving to posready 7 after xp goes eol.

Anyone have any input on this situation? I'm excited but i'm trying not to be until i find out more.

WiseWun

brfitzp wrote: »

So I got a call this morning saying they loved me and wanted to hire me for a different position but same pay range. They said to wait until after the holidays for an offer and also that theyll be sending me paperwork this week for a background check and a credit check.

Does this sound bad to anyone? Like maybe theyre trying to hold me to see if a better candidate comes along?

Also there pos systems run windows xp pro ans windows embedded. They'll be moving to posready 7 after xp goes eol.

Congrats. But don't push it! What is the difference between the two positions? Are you okay with it? Generally speaking, people feel "lazy" during the holidays, so I doubt they are looking for someone else if they already expressed interest. Be patient, don't blow this opportunity, you got nothing to loose but a lot to gain.

--chris--

brfitzp wrote: »

Anyone have any input on this situation? I'm excited but i'm trying not to be until i find out more.

It goes both ways, if they are holding out for a better candidate who says you might not get a better offer on Jan 2nd in an interview you don't even know will happen yet? See what I am saying....

I'm sure they are not playing games, just sit and wait. Research the company and think of questions to ask for the next time you get in their. No more trying to impress them, think of things you want to know and that will help you hit the ground running!

Congrats again!

brfitzp

Thanks for the input guys. I forgot to update the thread, I got the job and they gave me the same position that I interviewed for. My first day is January 6th, I can't wait. Only downside is they require formal business attire so I had to go out and buy some new clothes.

earonw49

Congrats!!!!

shyguyIT

Congrats!

compstudent

WOW! Congratulations!!! Gives me hope for my future job interviews.