First interview!

I landed my first (in person) interview in the IT realm! This Friday, 11 am! Its for a helpdesk position in a smaller multinational company.

I am a bit surprised, as my resume and technical skills are the bare minimum for a position like this but the HR person and I really had a good conversation on the phone and she allowed me to pick the day and time.

It might just be an interview, or it could be my foot in the door. We will see! In the meantime, I will enjoy a beer tonight and watch the Tigers dominate the Red Sox again

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matt333

I take offense to that last statement. There will be no dominating tonight!!

Cpl.Klinger

--chris-- wrote: »

I am a bit surprised, as my resume and technical skills are the bare minimum for a position like this but the HR person and I really had a good conversation on the phone and she allowed me to pick the day and time.

Definitely with help desk, some folks look more for personality than technical skills. If you are in an exceedingly customer facing position, then doubly so. Some of the folks that got hired in with me aren't near as technical as I am, but they have awesome people skills. Don't gloss over your tech side, but be ready to balance it. To be honest, I think that is what even got me hired is my people skills, considering I had a lot I had to learn as far as what I am supporting. Good luck, and knock it out of the park.

--chris--

It could be, but they sounded like they wanted an interview before they called me and TBH my email/resume was nothing spectacular. Just two sentences with the required info they said to include, and a resume that included almost not technical skills lol. I didn't fluff anything, I knew it would be a long shot if anyone contacted me...I better no fluff a single skill. I literally listed that I am comfortable with VMware workstation 9, M$ office suite, a little bit of AD user management (add/delete users, GPO, reset pass, etc...), basic TCP/IP network trouble shooting, hardware install/upgrades, and software install/troubleshooting. Thats it for technical stuff.

I have been "hunting" for a position since July 14th, just for reference for anyone reading this. I have a A.S., but in Management and no technical certifications.

The real zinger about this whole thing is I have kept decent notes on where I applied and why using the notes in GMail. For some reason, I have no record of applying to this place yet I distinctly remember applying to it because of the name. I don't know what the position title is, pay rate, if its an Internship/Externship, part time or full time....I think I will be calling the HR person tomorrow and figuring it out. I just know its a Helpdesk type job, because that is all I have applied too.

Tigers lost, I am eating crow.

Slithy

--chris-- wrote: »

Tigers lost, I am eating crow.

That's what happens when you start posting GIFs!

Anyway, grats on the interview!

matt333

Enjoy that crow, I'm enjoying a win

. GL at the interview

--chris--

Slithy wrote: »

That's what happens when you start posting GIFs!

Anyway, grats on the interview!

Thanks and thanks guys! Its been about 6 years since my last interview. I am getting my suit cleaned now, need to pick up some socks and shoes later today. Im beyond rusty, but I am hoping non of that shows during the sit down.

Ill be going over what kind of tips I can find today, anyone have some advice they want to hand down?

puertorico1985

Good luck on your interview.

(rereads last sentence)

Forget what I said above! Screw you!

Sincerely,
A Red Sox fan

(To avoid confusion, I am just playing around. I wish you the best of luck in the interview, and worst of luck to your Tigers.)

redz

Where are all the Yankees fans at? I feel like they should show up and make fun of the Red Sox with us... Even though the Ol' English D lost

Common enemy, right?

--chris--

Thanks mate! Even if your on the wrong side of the fence.

Ive been working through those "most common interview question" sites reading up on them and also how to respond or what an expected response is. How many of these might I actually see since this is a very entry level position? I don't expect them to ask any very in depth technical questions, but what about stuff like "Tell me what you know about this company, and our competitors" or "Where else have you applied" and "Tell me about yourself"?

Im working on pre-fabbed answers to all of them now just in case, but Id rather be focusing on what they do and where they land in there market than creating some outlines for answers to questions that may not be asked.

redz

Chris,

You are stressing too much right now.

- Know how your prospective position impacts their ability to make money as a company. (Hint: If it's internal support, the people you're supporting can't do their jobs because their computers don't work, the company isn't making money. If it's external, you're making them money by keeping external clients happy. A happy client is a returning client.)
- Have goals. Short, mid, and long term ones. Short term could be things like A/N/S+. Don't lie about your goals to make it seem like you're going to stick around forever, but don't be like "oh yeah my goal is to be out of here in the next 2 years and on to a real job."
- Ask a question or two - simple things that aren't even about the business: "What traits would really make a candidate successful in this position?"
- Wear a suit, navy blue, with a plain shirt and a plain silk tie. Paisley will not be tolerated. If you aren't comfortable in a suit, then wear it all day tomorrow, and on your way home, swing by CVS and pick up a pack of Dryel (they're like $10 and it let's you faux-dryclean in a dryer)

This is going to be all about comfort level for you - you NEED to be relaxed. Don't go in there fear-sweating and biting your nails. And don't forget to clean your nails. Pet peeve of mine. You'd be amazed how many men show up to interviews with just disgusting nails. Start getting ready two hours before you need to leave (getting your suit on should be the last thing you do, the longer you wear it the wrinklier it'll be - and don't put the jacket on until you're out of the car and about to walk into the building).

If you're a smoker, like me, don't smoke in your car on the way, get there 25 minutes early, walk out of sight of the building, smoke, then throw in a mint or two. The only thing that'll smell like smoke is your hand, and they won't be smelling your hands.

--chris--

Thanks, I really like that advice

Im comfortable in a suit (just had one tailored last summer), but unforutnetly my current job keeps me out of them. Thats one of the things I look forward to about IT, is dressing nicer.

On the long term goals, should I use my dreamer goals or should I keep it grounded? I don't want to come off as an unrealistic flake.

I am honestly excited at the prospect of working for this particular company, from the founder/owner to what they have done and what they currently do...its all very cool stuff. I just hope that excitement comes across in the interview as enthusiasm to work hard and not as nervousness.

redz

--chris-- wrote: »

should I use my dreamer goals or should I keep it grounded?

I don't know what you mean. Don't answer with "I want to be doing .NET source code review next to a pool on a cruise ship in the international waters after renouncing my citizenship to avoid US Tax law while sipping a martini", but talk about some things in IT that interest you, certifications you'd like to have, and things you'd like to grow into. If you can explain how you can grow into them with the company, even better.

EDIT: The job I applied for when I used that exact line, except replacing code review with security engineering, I got. However, I was already friends with the hiring manager and both directors at the company due to having consulted for them in the past. I don't recommend trying it.

EDIT AGAIN: Also, keep in mind, 5 years is basically a century in IT.

--chris--

redz wrote: »

I don't know what you mean. Don't answer with "I want to be doing .NET source code review next to a pool on a cruise ship in the international waters after renouncing my citizenship to avoid US Tax law while sipping a martini", but talk about some things in IT that interest you, certifications you'd like to have, and things you'd like to grow into. If you can explain how you can grow into them with the company, even better.

Good explanation, it does help. I more or less meant in 10 years I plan on having finished the formal education (college), get cert'd up in something I enjoy and be a real specialist in that field working towards the top of the totem pole.

Your response kind of reminds me of a friend of mine. Hes currently a cop for a nicer community in Metro Detroit. When he interviewed for the job 10 years ago, they asked him one of the quintessential questions in that type of interview "Why do you want to be a cop?".

His response:

"Because I want to wear a suit to work, carry a gun and drive fast."

He got hired. Sometimes that type of honesty does pay off...but I understand that's uncommon lol.

Cpl.Klinger

--chris-- wrote: »

Thats one of the things I look forward to about IT, is dressing nicer.

Huh, and here I thought I was riding high because I work from home, so no uniform or suit. To each there own, I guess.

redz

--chris-- wrote: »

nicer community in Metro Detroit

So basically any one of, like, twenty gorgeous suburbs? Thinking about moving to Auburn Hills or Farmington Hills. Man I just want to be in the hills.

LarryDaMan

Ask some questions too and interject a story or anecdote about specific experience if the timing is right. For my present position, I felt like I interviewed them. This can be done naturally without overpowering the conversation.

--chris--

redz wrote: »

So basically any one of, like, twenty gorgeous suburbs? Thinking about moving to Auburn Hills or Farmington Hills. Man I just want to be in the hills.

I work in Auburn Hills now, nice community. Farmington Hills is nice as well, but Auburn Hills would be my choice if I was looking to live and play. I prefer the sticks though, the position I am interviewing for is 55 miles each way

Serious though, if you want any info on the areas around Detroit let me know. Ive been a delivery guy & sales rep all over Metro Detroit for 10 years.

@ larry

Ive had one interview that went like you described, but it was 6 years ago (and I got the job). It was like a conversation between new friends, it was smooooooth.

Polynomial

I will take it to the grave that I think the people skills can and do outweigh the technical skills.

Even if its a 51/49 split.

--chris--

The interview went well! The organization has a very easy going atmosphere, very much the opposite of "stuffy" or "restrained" feeling. Of course, its casual Friday and I stood out like a sore thumb in my suit and tie

I spoke with the receptionist, another receptionist (i think) and then interviewed with one of the owners. The two receptionists were very happy in their positions and with the employer. The owner was a very nice guy, laid back but down to business.

Above I mentioned that I lost the notes I made describing the position, so I was uncertain what exactly I was applying too when I went there today. It was in fact an paid intern position, but not at help desk. The position will be supporting the chief network engineer for the entire network (this location is the corporate HQ) in the organization. They understood the very shallow nature of my technical skills, but made it clear this is a position to learn and they didn't expect a network guru to be applying nor did they want that. The position will simply be delegated/taught how to do things, summarizing requests (for whatever the network guy needs), and meeting with the owner once a week to relay and communicate these needs and problems.

I was blown away when he said the position will be working directly with the chief network engineer, or as I put it and he agreed "the cornerstone" of the network. Needless to say, I hope I am there selection for this position.

I asked a few questions at the end. They work with Microsoft servers, HP blades, Barracuda stuff, Cisco, etc...

The best part (for me anyways) of the entire interview (and there were plenty of good parts) was when he told the founder/owner that he liked me as a candidate because "He is very articulate in speaking and writing". I was floored! Being articulate is something I have to work very hard on, it does not come easily for me. He also liked my business background, and pointed it out to the founder/owner.

Overall, I feel the interview went very well.

They will call me Thursday to let me know what happens. They had 4 total candidates including me, and I was the first. So we will see....

jamthat

Awesome! Hopefully you'll report back with some good news on Thursday - sounds like a great opportunity.

--chris--

Thanks, I hope so as well. This is just about as good of an opportunity as I see someone in my position getting.

I know others are in my position and often are looking for advice on interviews. Here are a few things that I found while preparing for this all week.

-Bring extra resumes and bring your references on paper
-I brought 3X resumes and 3X reference sheets. I put them together in pairs (one reference with one resume) and put them inside of those clear presentation folders. Since it had been 2 months since I applied and my resume had changed slightly, I made sure the interviewer had a new copy in his hands from the start.

-Bring a notepad and pen
-I wrote down everyone's name I met with from the front door to the interviewer. They were having a small server problem today which delayed the interview. When the interviewer came in he apologized because of the delay. I told him person A and person B mentioned you guys were having some trouble today, if you need to tend to that please do so. I can always come back. I was only able to mention person A and B because I had their names written down. It only added to the overall impression that I wanted to make.
-I also wrote down what technology they used, software, etc...as well as dress codes, scheudales, owners and names and the network guru's name.

-Gum or mints! No matter what, gum or mints! Swallow or throw them away before entering the building

That stuff and the basics really helped to make a good impression.

gadav478

Congrats on a solid interview!

redz

Congrats on a good interview. I think I'm going to be in the Novi/Northville area for the Lions game (I live in Ann Arbor), you should PM me. I'll buy you a celebratory drink if you show up.

EDIT: Unless you're like, under 21. Then I'll pretend I don't know you.

Master Of Puppets

Well done, congrats!

--chris--

redz wrote: »

Congrats on a good interview. I think I'm going to be in the Novi/Northville area for the Lions game (I live in Ann Arbor), you should PM me. I'll buy you a celebratory drink if you show up.

EDIT: Unless you're like, under 21. Then I'll pretend I don't know you.

Well damn, I am not in the area....another time buddy! Ill jump at any opportunity to meet up with some locals from TE.

I am well over 21, no worries there

Thanks Gadav and MOP! I found a lot of help on here from everyone who had commented on prior threads and such.

--chris--

I not only got the internship, they offered me a 40 hour a week job! I go in tomorrow to get orientation and discuss numbers with the vp.

Blown away is my feeling. I can't even believe I got this internship let alone a job!

Sent from my iPhone sorry for typos!

jamthat

Awesome!! Congrats!

networker050184

Congrats!

redz

Congratulations, Chris! Great to hear!

Kimura410

Thats awesome man, congrats! Heres to the start of your career