Interview Questions - IT Technician

[TW]Fox said:
Find out what he's like as a person. Lets face it, fixing PC's isnt rocket science so I'm sure he can manage - as you are a small team its far more important that you will get on.
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I would agree with that.

Ask how he would go about fixing a problem if he doesn't know how to fix it (go on google, forums etc) as most of the questions in this thread are pretty rubbish, even if he didn't know the answer (like the different types of RAID) if a problem ever came up with them, or he needed to set them up, it would take <30 seconds to find out exactly how to deal with it with a good google search.

Then maybe ask a few simple questions like whats the difference between SATA and IDE, how do you disable things from starting on boot up
 
Vai said:
I would agree with that.

Ask how he would go about fixing a problem if he doesn't know how to fix it (go on google, forums etc) as most of the questions in this thread are pretty rubbish, even if he didn't know the answer (like the different types of RAID) if a problem ever came up with them, or he needed to set them up, it would take <30 seconds to find out exactly how to deal with it with a good google search.

Then maybe ask a few simple questions like whats the difference between SATA and IDE, how do you disable things from starting on boot up
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As a former school technician I would agree. It's all about being able to prioritise and adapting to situations. You'll find that a lot of teachers are very keen to use ICT, have a clear goal in mind with it, and the technician would be the enabler.

One of the main questions I was asked was purely what I'd do in a situation where I would face a variety of different problems - and how I would deal with/prioritise.
 
Hope this helps :)

Interview Question (to ask)

Can you tell me a little bit about the people who work in the team?

How have others progressed within the organisation?

Are there any job related training programs ?

What is the decision process and time scale for this position?

To whom would I report?

Who are the key people I would be working with?

How long has this position been open and why?

What will I be doing the highest percentage of the time?

How long has the company been established?

What is the most rewarding aspect of this job?

When do you want someone to start?

What sort of person are you looking for?

Do you have any company literature I can take?

Could I see where I would be working?


Heres a letter i got from a job agency, very good actually.

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[font=Times New Roman][size=3]Preparation [/size][/font]

[font=Times New Roman][size=3]Your preparation for the interview should involve:[/size][/font]

[font=Times New Roman][size=3]• Gathering information on the company who are interviewing you [/size][/font]

[font=Times New Roman][size=3]• Establishing the location of the interview and, if necessary, doing a practice run to make sure you get there on time [/size][/font]

[font=Times New Roman][size=3]• Planning your appearance (in light of the style of company you are visiting)[/size][/font]

[font=Times New Roman][size=3]• Preparing some questions[/size][/font]

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[font=Times New Roman][size=3]Your consultant will provide you with company information, but most companies have a web site these days so you can access your own information. Use this company information to ask questions but try not to come across as a "know it all". Always be on time. All employers will disapprove of lateness. The best idea is to arrive 15 minutes early and wait out the time nearby, but not at the interview location. If you do anticipate being late call your consultant. First impressions last. Hair should be well groomed; make up, cologne and perfume kept to a minimum. For many office-based positions suits are required. Your consultant will advise you of appropriate attire for the specific company but you should always be smart and professionally turned out.[/size][/font]

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[font=Times New Roman][size=3] [/size][/font]

[font=Times New Roman][size=3]List on a piece of paper all the questions you would like to ask. We have attached some samples but use company information to prompt questions. Likewise, think of the questions that you may be asked and list those down also. This will help you work through the interview process and allow you, to a degree, to control the interview. [/size][/font]

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[font=Times New Roman][size=3]Remember to be pleasant to everyone you meet. It maybe that the receptionist is asked his or her opinion of you after you have left. When the interviewer meets you, offer a firm handshake, call the person by name, smile and maintain a comfortable amount of eye contact. [/size][/font]

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[font=Times New Roman][size=3]It is highly likely that you will be asked to explain you CV. Be sure that your past history is achievement driven and be prepared to talk about specific achievements rather than your job description. Be open enough to explain your successes or failures. Feelings are important. [/size][/font]

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[font=Times New Roman][size=3]You must sell yourself. Be enthusiastic and positive. Sell your experience, your willingness and your drive and determination. Be yourself and be upbeat. [/size][/font]

[font=Times New Roman][size=3] [/size][/font]

[font=Times New Roman][size=3]As the interview winds down the time comes to leave the recruiter in no doubt that you are interested in the position. Phrases like "...thank you very much for seeing me today, from what you have told me about this position I feel it could be just what I am looking for; what would be the next step?" or "...Mr Recruiter, based upon the information you have about me so far, do you feel that I would be the right person for your organisation and this position?" or finally "...Mr Recruiter, I very much enjoyed our meeting today, Jones and Jones is a great company and I would be keen to meet with you again; what would be the next step?" Leave them in no doubt![/size][/font]

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[font=Times New Roman][size=3]Interview Question (to ask) [/size][/font]

[font=Times New Roman][size=3]Can you tell me a little bit about the people who work in the team? [/size][/font]

[font=Times New Roman][size=3]How have others progressed within the organisation? [/size][/font]

[font=Times New Roman][size=3]Are there any job related training programs ? [/size][/font]

[font=Times New Roman][size=3]What is the decision process and time scale for this position? [/size][/font]

[font=Times New Roman][size=3]To whom would I report? [/size][/font]

[font=Times New Roman][size=3]Who are the key people I would be working with? [/size][/font]

[font=Times New Roman][size=3]How long has this position been open and why? [/size][/font]

[font=Times New Roman][size=3]What will I be doing the highest percentage of the time? [/size][/font]

[font=Times New Roman][size=3]How long has the company been established? [/size][/font]

[font=Times New Roman][size=3]What is the most rewarding aspect of this job? [/size][/font]

[font=Times New Roman][size=3]When do you want someone to start? [/size][/font]

[font=Times New Roman][size=3]What sort of person are you looking for? [/size][/font]

[font=Times New Roman][size=3]Do you have any company literature I can take? [/size][/font]

[font=Times New Roman][size=3]Could I see where I would be working?[/size][/font]

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[font=Times New Roman][size=3]  [/size][/font]

[font=Times New Roman][size=3]Interview Question (you may be asked) [/size][/font]

[font=Times New Roman][size=3]Why do you think you are suitable for this position? [/size][/font]

[font=Times New Roman][size=3]What are your good points/how would your boss describe you? (strengths)? [/size][/font]

[font=Times New Roman][size=3]What are your bad points? (weaknesses)? [/size][/font]

[font=Times New Roman][size=3]What motivates you? Why did you leave your last job? [/size][/font]

[font=Times New Roman][size=3]Why does this vacancy interest you? [/size][/font]

[font=Times New Roman][size=3]What salary are you seeking? [/size][/font]

[font=Times New Roman][size=3]What do you know about our company? [/size][/font]

[font=Times New Roman][size=3]What aspects of your last job did you enjoy? [/size][/font]

[font=Times New Roman][size=3]What are your long-term goals? [/size][/font]

[font=Times New Roman][size=3]Where do you see yourself in three years time? [/size][/font]

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[font=Times New Roman][size=3] [/size][/font]

[font=Times New Roman][size=3]Interview Mistakes [/size][/font]

[font=Times New Roman][size=3]Poor appearance[/size][/font]

[font=Times New Roman][size=3]Egotistical, "know it all" attitude[/size][/font]

[font=Times New Roman][size=3]Asking no questions about the position[/size][/font]

[font=Times New Roman][size=3]Inability to express self clearly[/size][/font]

[font=Times New Roman][size=3]Lack of company knowledge[/size][/font]

[font=Times New Roman][size=3]Mention of salary or benefits too soon[/size][/font]

[font=Times New Roman][size=3]Lateness[/size][/font]

[font=Times New Roman][size=3]Unrealistic goals[/size][/font]

[font=Times New Roman][size=3]Lack of professionalism[/size][/font]

[font=Times New Roman][size=3]Being negative about last/current employer[/size][/font]

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[font=Times New Roman][size=3] [/size][/font]

[font=Times New Roman][size=3]Do try and do the following [/size][/font]

[font=Times New Roman][size=3]Make small talk whilst walking to the interview room [/size][/font]

[font=Times New Roman][size=3]Be positive in posture and attitude[/size][/font]

[font=Times New Roman][size=3]Concentrate and make frequent eye contact[/size][/font]

[font=Times New Roman][size=3]Give thought to answering questions - it is ok to pause before answering[/size][/font]

[font=Times New Roman][size=3]Be polite, listen and look interested[/size][/font]

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[font=Times New Roman][size=3] [/size][/font]

[font=Times New Roman][size=3]Feedback is very important. You must call your  Consultant immediately after the interview. In certain circumstances this could be the difference between a job offer or not! By the same token, we will give you feedback from the interviewer and if you are not successful, give you guidance and tips for your next interview.[/size][/font]

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[font=Times New Roman][size=3]  [/size][/font]

[font=Times New Roman][size=3]GOOD LUCK [/size][/font]
 
Ekim said:
Congratulations you win the I didn't read the first post award. High Five! :p
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Hi five..i liiiike!!

Wooops, looks like my brain aint working either!:o

However i would say... expect them questions then!!

Think i'll go crawl in a hole!
 
It depends on the quality of your candidates really but I'd ask:

How would you prioritise your workload?

What do you need other than the hardware to connect a computer to a network?

If you are stopped and asked to look at a customers computer while you are doing something else, how would you respond?

If you see some sensitive information on a computer screen and the customer is not around what do you do? What would you say to the customer upon their return?

What do you know about the school?

What is your experience of printer problems?
 
Rotty said:
Just curious what does a Technician do ? how does this differ from the role of an Engineer ?
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Differs by about 10k :P :)

Depends what country you're in, if you're in good old blighty then anyone is an engineer if they do anything remotely techy :P

If you're in another country however then the term is used properly.

The engineer designs things, the technician fixes them :)

So the engineer was the guy who designed the computer components and systems in the first place, the technician is the guy who swaps the part out when it goes wrong :P
 
Ev0 said:
Differs by about 10k :P :)

Depends what country you're in, if you're in good old blighty then anyone is an engineer if they do anything remotely techy :P
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agree, I thnk the technician term has been introduced to reduce the wage in lower technical jobs

A proper "systems engineer" in a semi specialised field can still earn big money but it seems to be heading away from this
 
i had an interview for an it technician at a group of primary schools last week. Got the job, the interview didn't really comprise of many technical questions. Instead it was more to do with how i'd handle certain situations.

For example, the interviewer asked what I'd do if was was stuck with a problem I couldn't figure out and nobody was around to help. Also asked what stages i'd undertake when creating a website (ie meet the user and ask questions, draw up a design etc). I went in expecting to be grilled on my knowledge of IT but i was pleasently surprised.
 
My friend got asked to prioritise things for a job in a school, such as:

"On your own in the office, nobody else instantly available;

a) a member of staff requests some help with a program they're trying to use
b) a student comes to ask about their corrupt profile
c) some equipment needs setting up in a classroom for a lesson about to start

In what order/how do you deal with each of the tasks?"
 
gumbald said:
My friend got asked to prioritise things for a job in a school, such as:

"On your own in the office, nobody else instantly available;

a) a member of staff requests some help with a program they're trying to use
b) a student comes to ask about their corrupt profile
c) some equipment needs setting up in a classroom for a lesson about to start

In what order/how do you deal with each of the tasks?"
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i'd have said in this order -
CAB
 
jellybeard999 said:
id have gone CBA
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but wouldnt it be better to have put the fellow member of staff before a student?

or i suppose i can see what your side of the reasoning is, you want to get the more important function parts working e.g. classroom setup for a class asap then sort the lads profile so he can work etc then help the staff member with extra circular work.
 
You might say that you'd have a quick look at if you could instantly fix the corrupt profile and do that first, it was all about your reasoning. I suppose that it can just give an interviewer some guidance as to your personality somehow. I'm doing CS, not psychology :)
 
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