First interview in a long time

[macgyver]

Well after 9 years with the same company (since I left highschool in year 11) I am finally going for an interview for a new job, the time has come to finally get off my ass and possibly leave small business for the bigger business world.

So basically next tuesday I have an interview with the CSIRO for a job and to be honest I am really not that nervous, but I am sure once the time comes things will be a little more daunting. I get along very well with people and am very personable so things shouldnt be too hard. But hit me with your best advice and horror stories if they are worth a read :)

My first question - being an IT job I was going to wear what I normally wear to work, a good pair of dress pants and a long sleeved collared business shirt - the question is to tie or not to tie. i dont wear a tie normally and I dont want to give false impressions that I will wear one every day because I dont :)

Opinions? Suggestions?

[Goat Boy]

Job interviews are all about creating false impressions.
Wear a suit and tie.

[108]

Yeah, suit and tie definately. Even if it's not the normal dress code for that place, you have to look like you've put the effort in.

The biggest problem I had with interviews was sounding eager for the job. I'm natrually pretty laid back and casual and I've heard feedback that I don't really sound intrested. The problem is, if I try to fake eagerness, I sound like a twat and feel like smacking myself.

I am really not that nervousDont worry about that. You'll start getting nervous closer to the interview. If they called and you go to the interview the next day it would be fine, but the long buildup to the interview is a killer.

:goodluck:

[Diva]

do some research on the place you will be working for if you get it - is it some specific project for CSIRO? If you aren't sure just do some general reading etc.

write out some questions that you might get asked, about your experience, why you want the job, etc. identify some strengths and weaknesses of yours - they will almost certainly ask you this - but make the weakness one that isn't too bad.

eg I generally say that I'm a bit of a control freak and find it hard to delegate to people I don't know well, but once I know what they are capable of I'm happy to do it. The reason this is a weakness for me is that it means I do extra work, stay back longer than I should etc.

don't be afraid to use examples of when you did stuff outside of work - do you have any hobbies or interests that gave you additional skills, where you were able to show leadership or initiative, that kind of thing.

hope that helps. I'm the interview queen these days, averaging 3 a week at the moment (mostly with temp / contract agencies, but they ask the same questions).

break a leg dude :)

[BtrFly]

definitely booted and suited mac. be calm and confident (even if you arent feeling it inside). i have been working as an agent the last year or so and i have definitely learnt that if you are confident, and seem like you can do the job,- you are likely to be called back to do it.

also make sure you dont have sweaty palms when you meet them!

Diva - good luck with the hunt :)

[btwong]

No tie...
i have never worn a tie to a interview ever, and i am 3 from 3, and they have all been IT jobs. With IT (and as long as it isn't dealing with customers face to face) they don't need you to look spic and span while working. Just respectable. A good pair of slacks and a nice long sleeve collared (i cannot spell) shirt will be fine!

edit: as long as you can actually do the job competently and well, as well as personable, thats all that matters

[108]

but make the weakness one that isn't too bad.

eg I generally say that I'm a bit of a control freak and find it hard to delegate to people I don't know well, but once I know what they are capable of I'm happy to do it. The reason this is a weakness for me is that it means I do extra work, stay back longer than I should etc.
Hehe, the old switcharoo.

Most websites I checked out with interview advice told me to prepare a response about a weakness that isn't really a weakness. I had a great lie (since forgotten) all planned out, but I never got asked that question.

Try to remember (or make up) stories about problems in your old job or outside of work, and what you did to solve it. That one seemed to be popular.

[macgyver]

Thanks so far for all the advice guys - I think i will do some reading on interview techniques over the weekend, and I am guessing that eyeing off the interviewer isnt going to get me anywhere either (hopefully its not a guy! :) )

Although I have just realised I forgot to mention in my interview my ability to solve any problem with a mere match stick and chewing gum.

[Vardsy]

When I get asked my weaknesses in interviews I say

"I can't commit, am terrible with money and think of sex like 23 hours a day"

Then I look at the female interviewer and say

"See right now I am thinking what your just about to orgasm face must look like"

[Kez]

My first question - being an IT job I was going to wear what I normally wear to work, a good pair of dress pants and a long sleeved collared business shirt - the question is to tie or not to tie. i dont wear a tie normally and I dont want to give false impressions that I will wear one every day because I dont :)

I wore a tie for the interview I did, and now I have the job. :)

Tie's are good. Right now I'm wearing a tie and I look just dashing to the ladies.

[Kez]

definitely booted and suited mac. be calm and confident (even if you arent feeling it inside). i have been working as an agent the last year or so and i have definitely learnt that if you are confident, and seem like you can do the job,- you are likely to be called back to do it.

also make sure you dont have sweaty palms when you meet them!

Diva - good luck with the hunt :)

Also by telling him not to have sweaty palms on the day, he's now going to have sweaty palms from being nearvous about having sweaty palms?

Generally it's something you can't avoid.

[banga]

well since you alreeady have a job you wont be feling so anxcious, and like the ppl say treat it like a walk in the park, should go for a pretend interview with btterfly and then everything else will not seem scary :P

[Diva]

Mac - it is better to be overdressed for an interview, and get a feel for the work environment, than to be underdressed and look unprofessional.

wear a suit at least, and prob a tie unless you think you can pull off the open collar look (some guys can).

I worked in IT, as Executive Assistant to the Head of IT at a large financial institution for 7 years (until I took a voluntary retrenchment and am trying to switch career paths, hence all the interviews).

I used to have to set up interviews for new staff, upto and including App Dev Managers. Trust me, the more formal you look, the more likely you are to get a job. Mind you, the CIS people I sat near then turned up in trackies etc once they actually had the jobs, but that was their work environment once they got there. It is the getting there that is the hard part. And if you are thinking of trying for the management track later on, then make sure you make a good first impression now.