Wednesday, June 15, 2005
Top 10 Interview Tactics
Well, I was off yesterday finishing up some interviews. It appears that I will be making my decision by Friday morning. Right now I have 2 definite offers and 2 more are expected. I gave my 2 weeks notice and they were sad to see me go but they all understood why. At this point I have mastered interview tactics so I will now give my top 10 interview tactics.
1. Talk about your accomplishments. Even in a straight technical interview talk about how you implemented or created something new and how it helped the company - answer the question quickly but elaborate on all your answers.
2. Study for the interview. There is a set of interview questions that are almost always asked and they all pertain to programming or attitude. Like - "Tell me your worst trait". You can't possibly know it all, but having a good answer will show you care. Always turn negative questions into positive answers.
3. If you can't answer something then tell them. Nothing beats honesty. If you try to make something up tell them your are making a logical guess. I did that a couple of times and I actually guessed the right answer and they were able to see my brain in action. A couple of times I was way off, but they knew that I was guessing because I told them.
4. Don't use words like "We worked on this" because they will assume you did not do much. Always use "I" and bring out your ego - but don't sound too conceited because that is a turnoff.
5. Shine on the open ended questions. Talk about how you implemented something exciting or how you created something on your own. Always talk about how good you are with people and how you think attitude makes a difference in a work environment.
6. Always try to wear a suit and tie. If you are currently working and can't wear one then explain that to them.
7. A tactic to get them to move is to use an existing offer. It is very political to play the offer game, but if they know you are wanted somewhere else it will give them reason to move. However if the position itself is extremely generic they will assume that you will take the other offer and not get back with you. It is a risky judgement call. It is better to let them know of other offers after you have gone on a first interview and can judge their interest.
8. Always act like their job is the best job in the world. Until you get an offer it is. Always be positive and never talk bad about any of your jobs.
9. At the end when they ask you for questions have a list of questions to ask them. Be sure to ask about benefits and environment. While it may make them uncomfortable because most environments are bad, it will give you a better idea of what you would be getting into. Also your last question should be - "Is there anything else I can talk about that will make a difference in getting this job?"
10. Last but not least stress that you are definitely interested in the position. I recommend giving thank you emails only if you are really interested and if you think it will help.
I have used these tactics and can say they definitely work. Remember everything in life is a two way street. It has taken me years to realize that. They want a good employee and you want a good job. They will get what they pay for and they will reap the benefits of a good environment vs a bad one. It's just like people who complain why you never call them, yet they have your number. Thinking like that is a good way to judge how much you are wanted. Even at a current company if you are treated bad, think about how much of an impact your leaving would be. It may be time to ask for a raise by judging your value. The idea that we are all slaves to our companies makes workers feel powerless. It is not hard to break out of that thinking and starting stepping up. You never know what you'll get.
In the programming industry job security is based on knowledge and experience. The more knowledge you have the better able you are to get hired. So if you feel like you are stuck, pick up something new and implement it in the work environment. Study and learn other pieces and expand your resume. That is the job of the Resume Hawk - which I have become. You end up having solid credentials and can get a job practically anywhere which is what real security is about. So as I look at these offers I am always thinking about the future. Since I am a contractor I am already thinking about the contract I will get after the new one is over and what the new job will get me in terms of skills. It is a process few are really cut out to do. But those who do will reap the rewards.
Thought of the Day
The toughest thing about success is that you've got to keep on being a success.
Irving Berlin
1. Talk about your accomplishments. Even in a straight technical interview talk about how you implemented or created something new and how it helped the company - answer the question quickly but elaborate on all your answers.
2. Study for the interview. There is a set of interview questions that are almost always asked and they all pertain to programming or attitude. Like - "Tell me your worst trait". You can't possibly know it all, but having a good answer will show you care. Always turn negative questions into positive answers.
3. If you can't answer something then tell them. Nothing beats honesty. If you try to make something up tell them your are making a logical guess. I did that a couple of times and I actually guessed the right answer and they were able to see my brain in action. A couple of times I was way off, but they knew that I was guessing because I told them.
4. Don't use words like "We worked on this" because they will assume you did not do much. Always use "I" and bring out your ego - but don't sound too conceited because that is a turnoff.
5. Shine on the open ended questions. Talk about how you implemented something exciting or how you created something on your own. Always talk about how good you are with people and how you think attitude makes a difference in a work environment.
6. Always try to wear a suit and tie. If you are currently working and can't wear one then explain that to them.
7. A tactic to get them to move is to use an existing offer. It is very political to play the offer game, but if they know you are wanted somewhere else it will give them reason to move. However if the position itself is extremely generic they will assume that you will take the other offer and not get back with you. It is a risky judgement call. It is better to let them know of other offers after you have gone on a first interview and can judge their interest.
8. Always act like their job is the best job in the world. Until you get an offer it is. Always be positive and never talk bad about any of your jobs.
9. At the end when they ask you for questions have a list of questions to ask them. Be sure to ask about benefits and environment. While it may make them uncomfortable because most environments are bad, it will give you a better idea of what you would be getting into. Also your last question should be - "Is there anything else I can talk about that will make a difference in getting this job?"
10. Last but not least stress that you are definitely interested in the position. I recommend giving thank you emails only if you are really interested and if you think it will help.
I have used these tactics and can say they definitely work. Remember everything in life is a two way street. It has taken me years to realize that. They want a good employee and you want a good job. They will get what they pay for and they will reap the benefits of a good environment vs a bad one. It's just like people who complain why you never call them, yet they have your number. Thinking like that is a good way to judge how much you are wanted. Even at a current company if you are treated bad, think about how much of an impact your leaving would be. It may be time to ask for a raise by judging your value. The idea that we are all slaves to our companies makes workers feel powerless. It is not hard to break out of that thinking and starting stepping up. You never know what you'll get.
In the programming industry job security is based on knowledge and experience. The more knowledge you have the better able you are to get hired. So if you feel like you are stuck, pick up something new and implement it in the work environment. Study and learn other pieces and expand your resume. That is the job of the Resume Hawk - which I have become. You end up having solid credentials and can get a job practically anywhere which is what real security is about. So as I look at these offers I am always thinking about the future. Since I am a contractor I am already thinking about the contract I will get after the new one is over and what the new job will get me in terms of skills. It is a process few are really cut out to do. But those who do will reap the rewards.
Thought of the Day
The toughest thing about success is that you've got to keep on being a success.
Irving Berlin
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