interview advice

BOB · 03-05-2005, 02:44 PM

i'm getting butterflies now.. i have an interview for a permanent project manager/business analyst position this coming tuesday. looks like it could pay pretty well too.

basically, there's this system called oracle financial analyzer that i've worked on in the past. the place i'm interviewing at also has this system and they're looking for someone to help them with the new release.

figured since a lot of you are older and more experienced, i'd ask you all for some interviewing tips. i've always found asking the interviewers questions to be a challenge. never quite sure exactly what to ask, and when it comes to money, how to ask/negotiate.

i'd appreciate any advice you can give.

Desert Sleet · 03-05-2005, 04:39 PM

<blockquote id="quote">quote<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Quote by Bob
i've always found asking the interviewers questions to be a challenge. never quite sure exactly what to ask, and when it comes to money, how to ask/negotiate.
i'd appreciate any advice you can give.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Asking questions can be a challenge, but usually worth it. It shows you are interested in the job for what it involves and not just how much it pays. Whether or not you actually SAY it, you want the interviewer to know you expect to make a serious go of this job and you want to be sure your talents can be effectively utilized.
The trick is to be able to read the interviewer so you can guess which questions to ask and how many. Look interested and knowlegeable but don't come across as ****y.
If you see the interviewer is becoming interested in speaking to you (and he might even drag the interview out longer than you expected) you're on the right track.

Dress the part and make eye contact. I know, how basic can you get? I've interviewed people (and was responsible for hiring them) several times and also had the advantage of a LOT of advice from a buddy who did it for a living, and he told me you'd be surprised how many people forget the basics. Eye contact for sure, as was already mentioned. A good interviewer isn't going to give someone a chance if they're staring at the floor during the interview, and don't be fidgety.

Here are a few tips to set you off

If you're not used to wearing a suite, practice before hand (seriously), it's really obvious when a candidate is too dressed up for their own comfort... althought that will slid for the right candidate if the company is not a super formal company. Soo Your dress style should be a notch above what you'd normally be wearing to work in the position you're applying for, not more, too dressy isn't good.

It's a great idea to go to a job centre and do a practice interview before hand, or if you can't get someone to interview you video tape yourself, watch your body language and kill the bad habits (finger tapping, knee jiggling, "umm" and "err's" etc...)

Be about ten minutes early for the interview, shows your prompt and serious about the job.

Always approach and interview as a conversation between equals not a power struggle, remember an employer is just as desperate to get the "right" employee rather than just anyone to fill the slot (especially at the higher levels of employment). As far as you being a little nervous, try to look at the situation differently. You're not there to lobby for a position with this place as a boss-employee type of relationship. You're there to see if selling your skilled labor is worth what they're willing to pay. It sounds proletariat, I know, but if you can put yourself in the light (in your mind) as the one who they need, as opposed to the other way around, it might take the edge off. I honestly walked into my interview with the attitude that I'd like this job but I don't need it... there are others out there. Maybe he sensed that, I don't know, but in the past I was more intimidated being interviewed.

The first intereview is always about what you can do for them. Not about what they can do for you. They are making the offer of employment it is your job in the interview to give the counter offer of deliverables.

Never discuss money on the first interveiw. If they ask what your expectations are, repeat the top three things you are offering them and say that if they are pleased with what you are bringing to them you are sure that an amicable arragment in salary can be reached. An offer of salary should be extended after the company has made it clear that you are their top choice. That way you know that they are interested in what you have to offer and are in buying mode... not shopping around mode. If you really want the job, be willing to bring down your price for alternative arragement... i.e. longer vacation or more flexiable hours.

At the appropriate time ask some questions about the company, preferably pre-thought out if you can, but avoid asking a lot of questions than make it sound like you're asking "What can this company do for me?" Better to ask less risky questions, about the companys' structure and hierarchy, plans for future growth and how you might fit in there.

Where do they see the company in the next 5 and ten years?

Is the company in growth or cut back mode? Why for each.

What management style is used and how do they find that style beneficial in helping employees understand their role and contribution to the company?

What did the person who had this position previously do especially well that they would like to see continued?

What could be improved about the position?

If you don't get hired straight out... it's very important to thank the interviewer and let them know you'll be following up in a few days. Again, showing you are genuinely interested, and professional.

Hope this helps a little, and if I'm too late.... sorry... but the best of luck to you!

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If I could... Then I would... Turn back time!!

the_farhan · 03-05-2005, 06:23 PM

excellent reply, mr sleet.

although i m not very experienced like u, but i ve given a couple of interviews in past. i want to say tht one of the most important things in interview is our communication skills. if the intervee is highly confident, with relaxed body language, n with appropriate gestures of hands, n shows good fluency in english language, his chances r bright. but plz mind it tht if the interviewer is not interested in english, immediately switch back to urdu (or whtever language). this is the most common mistake the intervees make, tht they keep using english to 'impress' the employer ___ it goes -vely.



FARHAN

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