Interview Advice

[Cymaster]

They simply relied on my networking to vouche for me. Both were not interviews as much as "this is what we do, here is what you would do...do you want the job?" These were for specialized engineering positions and I have 0 yrs of experience outside of class/internships.

Can I buy you lunch?:yes:

 

[weR138]

Networking is huge. I had 2 connections through my major professor in grad school that invited me for a visit. Both places did not ask me 1 question, nor look at my resume. They simply relied on my networking to vouche for me. Both were not interviews as much as "this is what we do, here is what you would do...do you want the job?" These were for specialized engineering positions and I have 0 yrs of experience outside of class/internships.[/quote]

Where's that picture of the "Sorry, none left for you..." Awesome Guy.

 

[rhlentz]

Probably a bit late to help you today, but some thoughts. Numerous companies now use behavior interview technique. Instead of asking questions about you, why you are qualified, why you deserve the job, etc., you will be asked to give examples of how you handled actual situations previously. For example, you might be asked "Tell me about a time you had to persuade a co-worker." or "Tell me about a time you had too much to do. How did you prioritize what you would accomplish." The interviewer is looking for you to describe the situation, the tasks involved, actions you took and the results of your actions.

The competency interview is similar, as it asks about a situation. The interviewer then follows with questions about how you did it, why you did what you did, what did you learn and how has it helped you.

I have seen these types of interviews catch the interviewee off-guard. To prepare, it helps to list some experiences to draw upon and try to answer some sample questions to yourself. They don't have to be about how you saved the company from certain destruction, just examples of how you effectively dealt with a situation using a logical, efficient and effective methodology. Search online for "behavioral interview" or "competency interview" for examples.

That is exactly the type of questions they asked

 

[shildreth]

Couple things:

Make eye contact as much as possible and be sure to give everyone a firm handshake before and after the interview. As little as this may seem it's a big first and last impression and shows you are confident. Don't play with your hands or move around in your chair or stare in the same direction all the time. Sit comfortably but also with good posture and make acceptable hand gestures once in awhile but nothing that seems not natural.

Be sure to send a thank you email to whoever you interviewed with the day after and not one of this butt kissing ones either just a simple few sentences thanking them for their time and the opportunity to discuss the job with them. Also there is nothing wrong with asking a follow up question if you thought about something after you left the interview. It shows you are interested in the job.

Don't make up an answer to a question. Especially with these entry level jobs don't make up a BS answer because the people interviewing you obviously knows more than you do so if you don't know something don't fake it, they will know it. You are better off admitting you don't know the answer to that but I always spun that too that I may not know the answer but if given the opportunity I would like to learn this or that, depending on what the question was.

Ask questions during or at the end of the interview. Be relevant though, don't ask things like "so what do you think of the Cyclones this year?" but ask things relevant to the job that shows your interest and that you want to learn more about their company and the job you are applying for. Some casual talk is fine if they initiate it but I think this is one place you can stand out from other applicants is by asking a relevent question that is not on their list of things they planned to talk with you about. Qualifications are 1 thing but employers are also looking for people that are always seeking to learn more and this is one way to show it.

Just be yourself. This is probably the most important one. I've sat in on interviews before and you can tell just by how someone presents themself and talks who is being sincere and talking with you like they would every day and who is trying to hard to impress you with big words and answers that are more than what they really need to say when asked a question.

Good recommendations. Can't stress enough using real world examples. Even if this is your first "real job" use example of leadership, team work , work ethic etc. Just because you havent had a job in the industry doesnt mean you havent had experience.

Answer questions honestly. For example, "What are your weaknesses." Dont use the typical, "I work too hard," or "I work long hours." It's old and tired. Be aware of competencies you mght need MORE training on. You may be have practice in a certain function but are looking for more practice opportunity to use etc.

Do your research on the company. Nothing bothers me more than those who interview that didnt AT MINIMUM go to the website. You might not find out all the you need but at least show that you took the time to research.

Try to find a common bond. Research shows the best employees are typically referrals from current emmployees. If you know someone in the company be sure to mention it.... and hope they are a good employee! :wink:

Give a firm handshake. Jobs have been lost with a weak handshake. Bad first impression.

Good luck.

 

[DanCyn]

That is exactly the type of questions they asked

Principal Financial Group? They are famous for behavioral based interviewing techniques. I used to do a lot of interviewing for them and that approach is very effective - I still use it to this day. Past behavior is the best indicator of future behavior - plus, it makes it hard to lie when the interviewer keeps delving into the subject.

I know it's too late for this interview - but someone above mentioned interviewing the company as much as they interview you. It's important, you have to land somewhere that you can fit and believe in what the company does and how it operates - otherwise you're just drawing a paycheck.

 

[benjay]

be awesome

 

[benjay]

also behavioral interviews are a total pain in the buttocks. h8 compaines that use them :skeptical:

 

[DanCyn]

also behavioral interviews are a total pain in the buttocks. h8 compaines that use them :skeptical:

I love them - it lets you cut through the fluff and get to who/what the person really is. I would have to admit they're hard interviews for entry level people, they don't have a lot to fall back on.

 

[leg4cy]

While researching the gentlemen who would be conducting one of my past interviews, I found out that one was a Hawk undergraduate. Upon introducing himself to me, I asked if he was the Hawkeye. His eyes lit up and he said, "Why yes, I am." I responded with, "I'm sorry." I didn't get that job.

Another point of interest from that same interview. The other guy stepped out of the room to take a phone call in the middle of the interview and called me by the wrong name at the end of the interview. I thought the interview went well as the Hawkeye and I actually hit it off. Apparently, that wasn't the case. Either I sucked or the phone call guy really was a complete D-bag just like he came off as.

 

[brianhos]

Couldn't disagree more, it's there casual friday not yours.

Take some extra resumes with you.

You will never be thought of poorly for over dressing.

 

[rhlentz]

Principal Financial Group? They are famous for behavioral based interviewing techniques. I used to do a lot of interviewing for them and that approach is very effective - I still use it to this day. Past behavior is the best indicator of future behavior - plus, it makes it hard to lie when the interviewer keeps delving into the subject.

I know it's too late for this interview - but someone above mentioned interviewing the company as much as they interview you. It's important, you have to land somewhere that you can fit and believe in what the company does and how it operates - otherwise you're just drawing a paycheck.

no it was allied, it must be an insurance thing