Job Interview with a Nascar team

[Brandon Gatz]

I'll be interviewing for chief geek at a leading Nascar team in a few days. A country boy born and bred, I've never been a Nascar fan, though I've a great respect for the talent. My town is the world capital for the sport. This would be a dream job, with a dream team. I'm not going to pretend to be the worlds greatest Nascar fan, but I don't want to be seen as a complete outsider. Pointers for not screwing up the interview?

 

[Brybo86]

don't show up wearing opposing team's gear

 

[MolaKule]

Yes, tell them you know a guy who formulates oils.

What exactly is a chief geek for a Nascar team?

 

[zloveraz]

Information Technology is my guess...

 

[Brandon Gatz]

Originally Posted By: zloveraz
Information Technology is my guess...


what he said.

 

[earlyre]

looking @ the cars in your sig, i hope it's a ford team.

 

[Vikas]

Tell him your friends own Nascar teams, just like Mitt did. It worked great for him

 

[Kuato]

Be yourself. Be honest.

 

[simple_gifts]

Just remember #3 refers to Babe Ruth....

 

[Rock_Hudstone]

Originally Posted By: gr8gatzby
I'll be interviewing for chief geek at a leading Nascar team in a few days. A country boy born and bred, I've never been a Nascar fan, though I've a great respect for the talent. My town is the world capital for the sport. This would be a dream job, with a dream team. I'm not going to pretend to be the worlds greatest Nascar fan, but I don't want to be seen as a complete outsider. Pointers for not screwing up the interview?

It always helps to do some research about the business with which you're interviewing. Therefore, do your homework so you can discuss things somewhat intelligently if asked.

Perhaps not being a fan could be a plus as you may bring a objective and different viewpoint to the job.

As for pointers; standard stuff, show up on time, dress appropriately, be polite, speak clearly, look people in the eye, don't badmouth previous employers, etc..

 

[TooManyWheels]

Come into it with the knowledge that autoracing is not merely a business, it is a culture, mindset and lifestyle. In that sense, if you weren't born into it, you are an outsider. On the plus side, you can tell them that geekdom has many parallels.....

In one sense, auto racing is a very serious, disciplined business. In another, I imagine there is still some sense of being wild and letting it all hang out. Try to figure out their mix, and how you will fit.

I do think you will have to explain how you are a male in N.C. and not a NASCAR fan.

 

[Turk]

"STAR" examples on your successful work experiences.

Situation
Task
Action
Result

 

[Mr Nice]

Good Luck !!!!!

 

[itguy08]

Practice making 4 left turns?

In all seriousness, I'd imagine it would be the same as any other job interview. Know the company, know your stuff and hype up what you have done in a positive light.

 

[PhillyJoe]

Years ago, I had a client who worked for Jeff Gordon's team as the pit road geek. He kept all the race statistics for 3 or 4 cars that had the same owner. When I told him I was going to the Darlington race that year, he met our group and gave us a tour of the pits. Be prepared to travel. I got the impression that it is a few very long days each weekend, but he loved it. He would imput various items into the computer during the race and keep the chief advised as to speed, fuel consumption, tire wear, those kind of things - even temperature and humidity. He would also have prior race history at that track in hand so they know how the car performed in similar situations.
We were allowed to look at anything we wanted but do not touch. and the number one warning: don't step on the air hoses.
Good luck with the interview.