Job Interview - Help!

Gammawolf · 8 Apr 2011 at 22:58

Hey guys really dreading this interview so i want to prepare as much as possible to help me calm down, So currently I'm an undergrad on a computing course with next year being a placement year. I've got an interview for TalkTalk soon for a job role called "IP Network Engineer". Anybody have any helpful tips for things i should know or particular things they look for? Particular knowledge in certain areas? Or any other generally good interview advise? I've had a quick search round the web but just keep finding high level job descriptions and responsibilities of which I'm confident won't be applicable to an undergrad type job :rolleyes:

. So i'm wonder what exactly i can expect to do there as it wasn't really clear on the job description.

Thanks in advances

[TW]Fox · 8 Apr 2011 at 23:00

Surely they wont hire you as an engineer if you are not yet qualified? Do they know you are just after a placement?

Learn as much as you can about the company and ask questions which demonstrate this knowledge.

buckeejit · 8 Apr 2011 at 23:02

[TW]Fox;18862631 said:
Learn as much as you can about the company and ask questions which demonstrate this knowledge.

Gammawolf · 8 Apr 2011 at 23:11

Yes they know its for placement, they've been doing it for a few years previous which i guess they deemed successful, I shall definitely do the customary learn as much as i can about the company though

I'm just worried about the technical/business aspects since i have no experience in a business/work environment of that type

Pestilence · 9 Apr 2011 at 01:40

I don't mean to sound horrible, but why are you applying for a job entitled "IP Network Engineer" when you have no idea what it entails?

Malachy · 9 Apr 2011 at 02:58

just be confident buddy, looks into what you need for the job and think of scenarios/places where you have shown these skill.

I have a job interview for a big promotion at work on Monday and i too am a little ----HELP! I have been cramming in as much reading and studying of six sigma as possible.

Regards
Andy D

callumburns · 9 Apr 2011 at 03:22

questions will be asked like:

Why do you want this job?

Think carefully about that question, stress the positive aspects, which have attracted you to apply for the position.

What can you contribute?

Tell them about your achievements in previous experience, even if you are an undergrad on a computing course.

Tell me about yourself?

Your CV intro would be a helpful start. Focus on your positive points and keep this to a brief couple of minutes.

Why do you want to work for this company?

Emphasise the positive reasons why you want to join their company.

What do you know about this company?

Like people have said in above posts, revise. Give them a run down of their products/services, sales figures, news, customers etc etc.

What are you looking for in a new job?

Make sure you just answer stuff that fits with the company who is interviewing you. A suitable reply would be that you are looking for a job in this particular roll because you have been studying it at college doing a course or whatever.

then you will have the general questions like what interests do you have outside work? being hobbies & interests. Are you prepared to relocate might be a question that could crop up. And they would ask you if your willing to travel - just say yes regardless.

These are all the type of questions that i have been asked in job interviews for like call center rolls etc, which is kinda similar to what your going for because you might start at that level. And after 7 months of perfecting all those questions I am now a Customer Service Representative with Sky in Glasgow and I start this Monday coming.

Hope that was some help to you, try and think of answers and roll play with someone. Just relax and you will do fine

Robi · 9 Apr 2011 at 10:11

[TW]Fox;18862631 said:
Learn as much as you can about the company and ask questions which demonstrate this knowledge.

This.

Research, research and more research.

Check local newspapers, business press and company history etc.

Knubje · 9 Apr 2011 at 10:42

Given the fact that you are looking for a job as an IP Network Engineer I'd make sure you know your subject matter and brush up to make sure you are 100% confident in your technical knowledge and terminology.

Turn up in a suit and tie with polished shoes and an ironed shirt. There has been a few interviews at my workplace recently for reasonably senior technical jobs and 2 out of 3 people turned up looking like sacks of **** quite frankly. Given that first impressions count for so much the mind boggles on how stupid some people can be.

Keep eye contact, be polite and talk your A game. Be honest and don't make stuff up.

Good luck!