The Swamp

I know we had an interview thread on the old swamp, but I don't see one in this incarnation.

Anyway, have an interview tomorrow for a position that looks like it'd be a great fit -- if not at the very least some leverage.

It involves working with promotions and events. What's appropriate to have some questions written down on? I plan on reading up tonight and jotting down some specifics to ask. Obviously, it's not going to be a notebook, but is a piece of paper cool? Do I need to memorize?

Brontoburglar wrote:I know we had an interview thread on the old swamp, but I don't see one in this incarnation.

Anyway, have an interview tomorrow for a position that looks like it'd be a great fit -- if not at the very least some leverage.

It involves working with promotions and events. What's appropriate to have some questions written down on? I plan on reading up tonight and jotting down some specifics to ask. Obviously, it's not going to be a notebook, but is a piece of paper cool? Do I need to memorize?

I don't think it's gauche to take a pad or maybe a portfolio in to take notes on, and it can serve the dual purpose of having your questions handy. Being prepared is a good thing.

I always have a leather bound notebook with me at interviews with extra copies of resumes in case there are extra people interviewing. Always have a list of questions for them, if you don't it makes it seem like you don't care about the job. Just make sure they are intelligent questions and specific to the company and position. A good question can get you the job.

"Do you guys have a maximum dick size for employees?"

But wouldn't you want your questions to be related to what they've said in the interview? You might bring a script but don't stick to it. Besides, its not like you need to memorize the question verbatim. Just three legitimate questions you have about the job. Its pretty rare that you really know what the job is before you get there. Find out what theyre gonna want you to do.

HaulCitgo wrote:But wouldn't you want your questions to be related to what they've said in the interview? You might bring a script but don't stick to it. Besides, its not like you need to memorize the question verbatim. Just three legitimate questions you have about the job. Its pretty rare that you really know what the job is before you get there. Find out what theyre gonna want you to do.

It lists specific things that the person in the position is in charge of that are pretty easily googleable, so I figure that I can glean some logistical questions and information from what I find

The Sybian wrote:I always have a leather bound notebook with me at interviews with extra copies of resumes in case there are extra people interviewing. Always have a list of questions for them, if you don't it makes it seem like you don't care about the job. Just make sure they are intelligent questions and specific to the company and position. A good question can get you the job.

This is the correct answer.

Also, that allows you write down anything if need be. To echo the sex toy, I think a leatherbound notebook is key. I don't think it would be appropriate to whip out a tablet (or anything electronic) in order to ask your questions.

But that's just my opinion, and I'm just one asshole. I have however conducted maybe 15-20 job interviews in the last few years and think it reflects well on candidates in the way that the sex toy describes.

take a briefcase. but have a dildo in it, then "accidentally" have it fall out.

It was very, very informal. Just myself and the director and it was an hour long conversation. I had four specific questions about the job going in and then piggybacked a lot based off of the conversations. The job description was much different (it apparently needed to be updated) than what it actually is.

The main source of my questions was understanding that in this position, a lot of the stuff that I would do myself in my current role would be done by others and I would merely be responsible for making sure it was done. And they send out 2 emails a month. I send out 25 right now. And the publication is four months a year. Oh, and apparently the job is a 50% pay raise from my current day job.

I thought it went well, right until the end when I had to initiate the conversation about timeline and there was no timeline, nor "we'll give you a call." For as laid back, detailed and lengthy (hour long), that it was, I was very optimistic until the curveball of awkwardness at the end.

I am currently in a spot where I am looking for a position. In my career, I have never had to look for something. The two companies I worked for after my first job was through headhunters contacting me.

Getting laid off in January with a bunch of other folks at our Corp HQ, mostly Sr Mgmt.

In any event, I have thrown a solid question into my mix. In my last interview, the SVP told me it was a great question. I am still waiting to hear back. Anyway, I asked if they had any reservations about my ability to do the job. It puts them on the spot and it gives them an opportunity to follow up on anything they weren't solid on from the interview. It also gives you an opportunity to find out what you may need to address before you walk out the door.

I don't think you can go wrong with that question.

teeteebee wrote:I am currently in a spot where I am looking for a position. In my career, I have never had to look for something. The two companies I worked for after my first job was through headhunters contacting me.

Getting laid off in January with a bunch of other folks at our Corp HQ, mostly Sr Mgmt.

In any event, I have thrown a solid question into my mix. In my last interview, the SVP told me it was a great question. I am still waiting to hear back. Anyway, I asked if they had any reservations about my ability to do the job. It puts them on the spot and it gives them an opportunity to follow up on anything they weren't solid on from the interview. It also gives you an opportunity to find out what you may need to address before you walk out the door.

I don't think you can go wrong with that question.

It's a great question everyone should ask. It shows confidence, and if there is a reason you are going to get the job, you get to address it head on. It gives you an opportunity to answer change their mind if they aren't going to hire you.

"Frankly, yes. You seem like a huge pervert and I'm not sure you'd be a good fit in an office with a lot of female employees."

teeteebee wrote:Anyway, I asked if they had any reservations about my ability to do the job. It puts them on the spot and it gives them an opportunity to follow up on anything they weren't solid on from the interview. It also gives you an opportunity to find out what you may need to address before you walk out the door.

I don't think you can go wrong with that question.

I'd be judicious with a question like that. You're likely making the interviewer uncomfortable and that's risky. A lot of people would interpret that question as asking if you're gonna get the job and not too many interviewers want to answer that during the interview, particularly when there are other interviewers.

I often interview software developers. If they make it to the in-person interview, it's a given that they have the qualifications. They check all of the boxes on the resume and they passed a phone screen. The interview is a chance to see how smart we think they are. Answering that question would be a de facto statement on their intelligence (at least the type we need). I don't want to tell someone to their face that I don't think they are smart enough.

I hear where you are coming from. I am in Finance/Accounting. I have my CPA and a lot of experience in Corporate Accounting and leading business segments with $250-$500 million in revenue. So, for me, the question would allow the interviewer to bring up specific experiences that I may lack.

I wouldn't expect them to say that I am not a cultural fit or smart enough - even if that may be the case. However, as Sybian noted, I think this question can show confidence and also it gives you a chance to see how they react. Kind of turns the tables.

But yes, being judicious is wise with any question.

I also asked about any challenges they face now, or when they started. The panel was made up of folks that started within the last couple years. Had they been old timers, I wouldn't have asked the question.

I have been on the other side of the table and I have typically weighted internal candidate a little higher. Especially, when they came highly recommended. Being on the outside looking in, I view the internal candidates as my main competition. Trying to figure out how to combat that especially as you move up the pyramid and the opportunities become more about timing than anything else.

I just landed a job with a local utility company after 14 months of unconventional employment. Since the position wasn't directly related to engineering, I asked them what they thought my biggest hurdle would be for the job. Their response gave me the opportunity to draw a correlation between my R&D experience and the job description. Two of the interviewers joined the company within the last five years so I asked each of them why they chose to join the company. Company culture is very important to me and answers to those questions help me determine if I really want to work for/with them.

The strangest question I was asked: "When it snows, do you shovel your sidewalk or let the sun melt it?"

test_MRC_test wrote:...after 14 months of unconventional employment.

is that code for hookin?

A lot of this seems to be covered when they ask what your weakness is. I usually know what the potential employers concern will be and that question gives me the chance to address that concern.

test_MRC_test wrote:The strangest question I was asked: "When it snows, do you shovel your sidewalk or let the sun melt it?"

I assume that answered your question about company culture. They value idiocy.

I have a phone interview with Google tomorrow. I haven't prepped like I should have, but then I couldn't put off Breaking Bad for a second night.

I have an interview tomorrow morning with a company that makes backup power generators for hospitals and food processing plants in Alaska and Russia.

And on Thursday I have an interview with the Paul Allen Brain Institute.

Good luck, gents.

Here are some tips:

Shirley wrote:I have a phone interview with Google tomorrow. I haven't prepped like I should have, but then I couldn't put off Breaking Bad for a second night.

I had a phone interview with Google in 1998. It lasted eight solid hours. Let's hope your interview is of considerably less duration.

Good luck, All.

I'm currently contemplating a complete career change and getting in with one of my oldest friend's surveying company. He can guarantee me nearly what I make now, plus OT. It'd be learning the trade and then helping him get the business off the ground organizational-wise. He's been doing this for years, has made a lot of connections and finally went out on his own last year to a rousing success. He's even turning down jobs at this point, hence his need and want to expand a little. And the main thing is I'd be working for one guy (well, technically I'd be an independent contractor) and not a bunch of VPs and upper management.

Scottie wrote:

Shirley wrote:I have a phone interview with Google tomorrow. I haven't prepped like I should have, but then I couldn't put off Breaking Bad for a second night.

I had a phone interview with Google in 1998. It lasted eight solid hours. Let's hope your interview is of considerably less duration.

Wow. Google had barely started by late 1998. You don't want to think about what those options would have been worth today.

And no, fortunately my call is scheduled for about 45 minutes. I did two phone interviews with Google for a SW Engineer position about three years ago and they were about that long. Tough, but fair. I got through to the on-site interview that time. This time, I'm interviewing for a Product Manager position, so it'll be different. I've never interviewed for that type of job (my current company just moved me into it), so this will be a learning experience for me.

Giff wrote:Good luck, All.

I'm currently contemplating a complete career change and getting in with one of my oldest friend's surveying company. He can guarantee me nearly what I make now, plus OT. It'd be learning the trade and then helping him get the business off the ground organizational-wise. He's been doing this for years, has made a lot of connections and finally went out on his own last year to a rousing success. He's even turning down jobs at this point, hence his need and want to expand a little. And the main thing is I'd be working for one guy (well, technically I'd be an independent contractor) and not a bunch of VPs and upper management.

That sounds like a pretty good deal, actually.

Hey, while we are discussing job interviewing, I just went in for a fourth rounder for a position I am really hoping to get. Fifth and final round tomorrow. Has anyone ever had to go through that many rounds of interviews before? It is crazy. The good news is that they have been moving extremely quickly and have either given me feedback at the end of the interview, or the corporate recruiter sends me info on the feedback within hours. It has all been extremely promising, and the position is NOT practicing law!

That is insane.

Yesterday I hired my assistant in about 5 minutes.

The Sybian wrote:Hey, while we are discussing job interviewing, I just went in for a fourth rounder for a position I am really hoping to get. Fifth and final round tomorrow. Has anyone ever had to go through that many rounds of interviews before? It is crazy. The good news is that they have been moving extremely quickly and have either given me feedback at the end of the interview, or the corporate recruiter sends me info on the feedback within hours. It has all been extremely promising, and the position is NOT practicing law!

Good luck, Syb.

degenerasian wrote:Yesterday I hired my assistant in about 5 minutes.

Rules.

degenerasian wrote:That is insane.

Yesterday I hired my assistant in about 5 minutes.

Big rack?

hahaha no it's not that.
She's bubbly but I wouldn't say hot.

It's sort of luck of the draw too. We had 3 interviews yesterday (the only 3 good candidates from the resumes we got).

The first two interviews were absolutely awful so my manager said, if the 3rd one can even talk in complete sentences she's got it. She turned out quite pleasant so we've already begun the paperwork.
Very entry level data entry/records position.

degenerasian wrote:That is insane.

Yesterday I hired my assistant in about 5 minutes.

The job is a little bit more involved than entry-level data entry. At least all but one interview was on the phone as the interviewers are in Boston and San Leandro. And they were each about one hour, not the insane 8 at Google.

of course, but anything more than 3 interviews is pretty crazy and wasting everyones time.
How many questions can one really ask?

Shirley wrote:

Giff wrote:Good luck, All.

I'm currently contemplating a complete career change and getting in with one of my oldest friend's surveying company. He can guarantee me nearly what I make now, plus OT. It'd be learning the trade and then helping him get the business off the ground organizational-wise. He's been doing this for years, has made a lot of connections and finally went out on his own last year to a rousing success. He's even turning down jobs at this point, hence his need and want to expand a little. And the main thing is I'd be working for one guy (well, technically I'd be an independent contractor) and not a bunch of VPs and upper management.

That sounds like a pretty good deal, actually.

There are some other issues under consideration, such as insurance, me taking a complete 180 on my career path, working outside in the Texas heat and, most importantly, do I trust my friend to get some of his personal issues under control (two DUIs in recent years)? He's seeing this as an opportunity to expand his business immediately (I'd be able to supervise a new crew allowing him to pretty much double his bookings off the bat) and has even offered to sign something that protects me if something like that happens. He's a single guy with no family, so he knows that I'm taking a huge risk if I do this. Plus he absolutely adores my wife and daughter, so my presence here may ultimately help rid him of his stupid decision making. Hopefully anyway.

degenerasian wrote:of course, but anything more than 3 interviews is pretty crazy and wasting everyones time.
How many questions can one really ask?

Honestly, I feel like most of the process was for me to learn about the job and the company than them interviewing me. First there was the corporate recruiter. Then my hopefully soon-to-be boss, then an employee currently in the same role to answer questions you can't really ask the boss, then an in-person with a local manager, because you really do need to have someone vet the candidate in-person. Finally is the boss' boss, who insists on signing off on all new hires. I suppose they could have some people sit in the same room for a conference call, but whatever. I recently had another interview with 3 people in 3 different cities at the same time on a propriety Skype-like program. That was pretty crazy. It was like double picture in picture, and whomever was speaking would be shifted to the large picture. It actually wasn't too bad a setup.

Giff wrote:

Shirley wrote:

Giff wrote:Good luck, All.

I'm currently contemplating a complete career change and getting in with one of my oldest friend's surveying company. He can guarantee me nearly what I make now, plus OT. It'd be learning the trade and then helping him get the business off the ground organizational-wise. He's been doing this for years, has made a lot of connections and finally went out on his own last year to a rousing success. He's even turning down jobs at this point, hence his need and want to expand a little. And the main thing is I'd be working for one guy (well, technically I'd be an independent contractor) and not a bunch of VPs and upper management.

That sounds like a pretty good deal, actually.

There are some other issues under consideration, such as insurance, me taking a complete 180 on my career path, working outside in the Texas heat and, most importantly, do I trust my friend to get some of his personal issues under control (two DUIs in recent years)? He's seeing this as an opportunity to expand his business immediately (I'd be able to supervise a new crew allowing him to pretty much double his bookings off the bat) and has even offered to sign something that protects me if something like that happens. He's a single guy with no family, so he knows that I'm taking a huge risk if I do this. Plus he absolutely adores my wife and daughter, so my presence here may ultimately help rid him of his stupid decision making. Hopefully anyway.

I swearto God this is the plot of the song Corpus Christi Bay.

Ha!

The Sybian wrote:Hey, while we are discussing job interviewing, I just went in for a fourth rounder for a position I am really hoping to get. Fifth and final round tomorrow. Has anyone ever had to go through that many rounds of interviews before? It is crazy. The good news is that they have been moving extremely quickly and have either given me feedback at the end of the interview, or the corporate recruiter sends me info on the feedback within hours. It has all been extremely promising, and the position is NOT practicing law!

My former employer did that.... for positions that were below $50K at a nonprofit

It was insane. And a definite sign of the dysfunction.

Good luck, everyone.

The Sybian wrote:Hey, while we are discussing job interviewing, I just went in for a fourth rounder for a position I am really hoping to get. Fifth and final round tomorrow. Has anyone ever had to go through that many rounds of interviews before? It is crazy. The good news is that they have been moving extremely quickly and have either given me feedback at the end of the interview, or the corporate recruiter sends me info on the feedback within hours. It has all been extremely promising, and the position is NOT practicing law!

I had something similar when I first moved out here. It was a position atNCAR that in retrospect, I should have taken. They even called me when I turned down the job to see why I couldn't take it. Mad props to them