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What are your best interviewing tips? *Update in the OP*

Posted on 3/9/12 at 7:27 am
Posted by LNCHBOX
70448
Member since Jun 2009
89158 posts
Posted on 3/9/12 at 7:27 am
I graduated this past December with a BS in civil engineering. I interned with DOTD for 2 years while in school. They weren't hiring when I graduated, so unfortunately I haven't worked since then.

Now I have two interviews next week. A phone interview with Halliburton and an in person with DOTD. I'm tired of not working, so I'd like to impress both of them.

So what are your best tips for a great interview? Thanks in advance.


*UPDATE* Two interviews turned into two job offers. In this economy, I feel very fortunate to have a decision. Thanks for all the help and advice
This post was edited on 5/23/12 at 5:11 pm
Posted by Kingwood Tiger
Katy, TX
Member since Jul 2005
14162 posts
Posted on 3/9/12 at 7:41 am to
My wife interviewed a girl that is graduating from Texas A&M a couple of weeks ago. She said that she was blown away by her. The girl came in with a powerpoint presentation, showing what she had done at her previous internships, school, etc, and what she knew about the company.

They sent her an offer yesterday.
Posted by C
Houston
Member since Dec 2007
28262 posts
Posted on 3/9/12 at 7:42 am to
Talk about things you know. Relate to them as a person. Be positive about past work oportunities. Show up/call in on time.
Posted by TheHiddenFlask
The Welsh red light district
Member since Jul 2008
18384 posts
Posted on 3/9/12 at 7:53 am to
quote:

Talk about things you know. Relate to them as a person. Be positive about past work oportunities. Show up/call in 15 minutes early.


FIFY.

Also, calling in 3 or 4 minutes early is optimal. If you aren't 15 minutes early for an interview, you are late.
Posted by Will Cover
Davidson, NC
Member since Mar 2007
40256 posts
Posted on 3/9/12 at 8:56 am to
quote:

What are your best interviewing tips?



S.T.A.R.

Situation - Describe to me a situation that ...

Task - What were your tasks?

Action - What actions did you take?

Result - What were your results?

This post was edited on 3/9/12 at 8:57 am
Posted by Will Cover
Davidson, NC
Member since Mar 2007
40256 posts
Posted on 3/9/12 at 8:58 am to
quote:

If you aren't 15 minutes early for an interview, you are late.


I look for this. I just interviewed 6 people this past week and thankfully, all were on time.

Another tip - be sure to follow-up with a thank you letter recapping your conversation and why you believe you are the best fit for the job.

And finally, ASK for the job. Try to close the interviewer multiple times. Out of the 6 people that I interviewed on Wednesday, only 2 asked for the job in person, but all asked for it in a follow-up e-mail. Not good.

Posted by Cold Pizza
Member since Sep 2011
7639 posts
Posted on 3/9/12 at 9:13 am to
1) Masturbate right before. You can't walk around with a loaded gun, man.

2) Remember to zip up your pants afterwards. That's gotten me a few times.
Posted by GumboPot
Member since Mar 2009
140573 posts
Posted on 3/9/12 at 9:18 am to
quote:

I graduated this past December with a BS in civil engineering. I interned with DOTD for 2 years while in school. They weren't hiring when I graduated, so unfortunately I haven't worked since then.


A very effective tactic is to bring a binder (not too thick) of your portfolio of projects that you have either managed, built, or participated in. For each project simply have the site plan or PFD and PICTURES (four per project). I would not recommend any verbiage describing the projects. That is for you to verbally communicate during the interview process.

The interviewer will ask you about your previous work experience and if you can point to a picture or drawing that will go a looooong way. It will also prompt him/her to delve into other projects that are in your portfolio.

Good luck.
Posted by hiltacular
NYC
Member since Jan 2011
20225 posts
Posted on 3/9/12 at 9:21 am to
I always try and be as extremely witty as possible. I also feel like this should go without saying but make sure you are lively/happy/engaged throughout.

Make it known that you think you are a good fit for the job and want it.

I would also try and ask some industry-specific questions.

Send a handwritten letter after thanking them for taking the time to interview etc. I have had two different companies specifically thank me for writing them a letter afterwards (I got an offer from both).

Posted by bctiger6
NOLA
Member since Jul 2007
1355 posts
Posted on 3/9/12 at 9:27 am to
Tell them you like Michael Bolton's music
Posted by LSURussian
Member since Feb 2005
135038 posts
Posted on 3/9/12 at 9:27 am to
Brush your teeth and make sure your fly is zipped.
Posted by GumboPot
Member since Mar 2009
140573 posts
Posted on 3/9/12 at 9:29 am to
quote:

1) Masturbate right before. You can't walk around with a loaded gun, man.

2) Remember to zip up your pants afterwards. That's gotten me a few times.


Posted by GFunk
Denham Springs
Member since Feb 2011
14970 posts
Posted on 3/9/12 at 10:00 am to
Be yourself. If you aren't confident, the interviewer-if they're worth a sh!t-will smell you quicker than a bear can smell Veronica Corningstone PMEssin.

I never wanted to hire anyone who froze up when they were asked direct questions about themselves.

Assertive, self-starting, self-confidence along with outstanding written & verbal communication skills are always gonna be my bedrock. They should be everyone's.
Posted by cjared036
Houston, tx
Member since Dec 2009
9569 posts
Posted on 3/9/12 at 10:04 am to
slip 'em a hundred. I bet they would appreciate that.

Posted by reb13
Member since May 2010
10905 posts
Posted on 3/9/12 at 10:49 am to
Also if they ask you a question that you do not know right away, pause instead of verbally getting your thoughts together. (um, like, etc)
Posted by TheOcean
#honeyfriedchicken
Member since Aug 2004
46140 posts
Posted on 3/9/12 at 11:14 am to
I'm about to interview my first person ever next week - kind of daunting for 23 y/o but it'll be a good experience.

My advice (which has been covered by everyone else): be confident, personable, focus on what you can offer the company, and ask poignant questions that show off your knowledge for the field/potential job.

Also..be enthusiastic!
Posted by kfizzle85
Member since Dec 2005
22022 posts
Posted on 3/9/12 at 11:22 am to
They let us interview people here constantly. I thought the same thing at first but once you do it you realize how much less of a big deal it is. It also makes you realize that while people say you should know your own resume to a T, the odds are the guy interviewing you may not have looked at it until he sat down in front of you. Interviewing other people was/is probably one of the most helpful things I've learned at this job.
Posted by Zach
Gizmonic Institute
Member since May 2005
117698 posts
Posted on 3/9/12 at 2:24 pm to
I talked to a guy today who hires for G.E. He said his main problem with interviews was younger guys who said "Yeah, I can do that" when they couldn't.

Older applicants would tell the truth. "No, that's not my area of expertise. Thanks for your time."

So, when the older applicant says "Yeah I can do that" they can.
Posted by Rantavious
Bossier ''get down'' City
Member since Jan 2007
2131 posts
Posted on 3/9/12 at 2:34 pm to
make sure the back of your heels are polished and in good repair
Posted by Breadcrumbs
Baton Rouge
Member since May 2005
3043 posts
Posted on 3/9/12 at 2:36 pm to
Read the book Strengths Finder 2.0 and take the test. Know your top 5 strengths and how they benefit the workplace and you'll always have something to say to boring interview questions. Be genuine though and not like you are throwing back scripted answers. Helps you talk about yourself.
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