Job interview

[wavinwayne]

I have an interview on Tuesday for a position at the company where I was a contractor until 2 weeks ago, when the contract ran out. It is not for the job I was doing, but for a position in another division of the company. The job is a CAD designer for military weapons systems.

Although I've worked in several different companies, I've been working with the same core group of people for the last 17 years. So it's been a long time since I've been on an actual job interview. Other than several copies of my resume (just in case), my references, and a list of questions I have for the interviewer, what else should I bring with me?

 

[Pablo]

Seems like plenty of paperwork. They must know you, or know of you. Just bring a can-do, work hard attitude. Relatively speaking, pretty fast "call back".

Way to go!

 

[Turk]

This will WOW them.

Bring 4-6 S.T.A.R (Situation, Task, Action, Result) examples that you have performed.

If you interview with multiple people, give each one a different example, so when they meet later and discuss you, they each discuss a different situation!

There ya go, bud.

PM me if you would like some more ways to highly influence them to choose you.

 

[JHZR2]

I like that! Good idea.

Simple as it may sound, dress and look very professional. I doubt that the company desires for "creative" looking people. Be polite and all the rest. Don't be afraid to pull technical terms or discuss things that make the compelling argument that you are the expert in whatever areas (I suppose the STAR documents will do this for you!).

 

[Pablo]

That is good - and if a manager doesn't like that - would you really want to work for them?

 

[wavinwayne]

Great ideas all. Thanks for the suggestions.

I'm not sure what my real chances are of getting the job. There are requirements listed in the job posting, that I do not meet. They want to talk to me anyway, so we'll just see what happens.

 

[Turk]

Originally Posted By: wavinwayne
Great ideas all. Thanks for the suggestions.

I'm not sure what my real chances are of getting the job. There are requirements listed in the job posting, that I do not meet. They want to talk to me anyway, so we'll just see what happens.


Dude.

If I read that correctly, it seems like you're taking a so-so approach to the position. So, unless you have another great job or other sources of income, you will want to take a driver's seat approach!

If you want the job:

- Go full bore, "own" the position

- Type up some S.T.A.R. examples

- Go to it with a humble, servant's attitude

There's more, but that should get you there.

Now, go forth and stake your claim,

or we're wasting our Saturday trying to help you!

 

[wavinwayne]

Didn't mean to sound so-so about it. I'm already working on putting together some info from suggestions here and elsewhere.

Thanks again.

 

[daves87rs]

Good luck!

 

[duaneb9729]

Good luck Wayne we are keeping our fingers crossed for you!

 

[wavinwayne]

Thanks guys!

I'll let you all know how it goes.

 

[Boomer]

Always look folks in the eye, use a firm but not overpowering handshake, don't cross your arms or legs, and be prepared for questions like:

1. What is your greatest weakness? How do you know? How are you working to overcome it?
2. Give us an example of a failed project in which you were involved. How did you deal with it?
3. What are your long term goals for your career?
4. Tell us about tema of which you were a part. Can you function as a follower as well as a leader?

 

[Johnny]

Good luck Wayne. All the best to you.

 

[Johnny]

Originally Posted By: Boomer
Always look folks in the eye, use a firm but not overpowering handshake, don't cross your arms or legs, and be prepared for questions like:

1. What is your greatest weakness? How do you know? How are you working to overcome it?
2. Give us an example of a failed project in which you were involved. How did you deal with it?
3. What are your long term goals for your career?
4. Tell us about tema of which you were a part. Can you function as a follower as well as a leader?


1A. Women 1B. Been married to three 1C. Staying with this one

2A. Bad second marriage 2B. Divorce

3. Survive retirement

4. I am now a couch potato

 

[rg200amp]

Some university did a study on what colors to put on for a interview.

They found for men:
All black suit and black pants, with a Royal blue dress shirt and a like colored tie got the job more often than not.

I have used that system, never got turned down for a job

I know it sounds weird!

 

[Tempest]

Do you know the CAD software that you will be dealing with? That is very important. I'm a CAD guy so I can tell you.

 

[crinkles]

good luck

 

[moribundman]

Originally Posted By: JHZR2
I doubt that the company desires for "creative" looking people.


Good heavens, who wants to work with creative people? Stiffs are so much more suitable.

 

[JHZR2]

That wasnt what I meant... but read into it how you like...

 

[Dave Hess]

rg200amp,

Maybe it was your work experience/educational background that got you the job ?

Having a positive attitude helps with any interview, even if you aren't fully qualified for that position.