Not quite back yet....

[Paddy]

I have an interview for an IT helpdesk job.
I have done this sort of thing before, but never had to do a 3 hour interview before.
Anybody got any *tips* that I should be aware of?

Cheers all,
(The move was acomplete nightmare - will tell you later)

Patrick

[Helevitia]

welcome back

A few tips...

Never lie. Especially in a technical interview. I always down play what I really know and then when I explain it to them they are very impressed.

Tell them that teamwork and attitude are the most important things of any job.

Make them believe that you want to work for them forever and that it has been your life long dream to get a job sch as what you are inteviewing for. Make them feel special, like they are doing you a huge favor by interviewing you and that you are extremely appreciative.

Show more enthusiasm then you are used to.

I know all of this sounds extreme, but I interview people all of the time and this is the minimum standard I follow when interviewing people.

As far as technical stuff is concerned...study hard my friend

Dave

[ahartman]

When I interview people, I look for the following:

1) Train of thought - can you answer a multiple part question in order and completely?

2) Get a feel for how they work with others

3) Have them walk thru a hypothetical problem and solve it at a high-level

4) See how they work in adversity

I don't ask many techology specific questions. If you made it to the interview, you're probably pretty smart - we can teach you what you need to know. I'm more interested in what you're going to bring to the team that we don't already have.

Best qualities as far as I'm concerned:

Dedicated, intelligent, patient, fun, willing to contribute to a team effort.

Personally, I hate it when recruits suck up to me - I'm smarter than that and it's an insult to my intelligence that you think I'd be swayed by it... Don't be arrogant, but don't grovel either. It's a calm confidence I look for.

People are always amazed that I don't ask more technical questions. I'd rather see if you have the tools to work the technology than have the technology alone.

Good Luck!
Andy

[bacon]

My tip is...

Never go for a job which involves a 3 hour interview.

Work in bookies, it's much more fun!

Although, if you really want the job, just don't suck up. And if it's for a help desk, don't tell them that Harold Shipman taught you everything you know.(< that is a joke)

[This message has been edited by bacon (edited 18 June 2000).]

[paulcs]

I think Patrick's a med student. Should he admit this?

Paul
paulcs@flashcom.net

[Jorden]

Depends on what IT stands for in medical terms...

Oy, Patrick, is there IT in medical terms?

Probably something like Internal Terminolgy.

[Paddy]

I will admit the medic bit, wont do any harm!

I have the experience (and it is an easy job!) - easy money!

Its just things like "What does TCP/IP stand for?"
I know its an internet protocol, i know how it works, when to use it etc... i just dont know what it stands for. Nevermind.

There are only 3 other people going for the job, and i have the most experience.....

I just know my limits, and in a 3 hr interview, they are going to know mine too!

wish me luck guys!

---
glad to be back, although i have to use an AOL freebie (dont do it!)
When i get my cable account sorted (could be 3mths) ill be here for good!

Cheers