Not had a job interview for quite sometime, have things changed?

mr.bond said:
Not really no, the build up has been getting to me though which I didn't expectl!
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Deep breaths and positive thinking :D

Had my first interview last week, well it was 2 interviews, group discussion (observed) and a presentation all within a few hours. Was really nervous the night before, come the next morning I was pretty confident and wasn't nervous at all. Probably helped as there was around 8 of us so we were having a laugh and a chat between each 'assessment' but still!

good luck!
 
We do phone interviews then get candidates in for a few hours to write some c# and do some basic database work.

It's the only effective way of interviewing developers.

No idea What the score is for non development roles, but expect something practical.
 
oli356 said:
Deep breaths and positive thinking :D

Had my first interview last week, well it was 2 interviews, group discussion (observed) and a presentation all within a few hours. Was really nervous the night before, come the next morning I was pretty confident and wasn't nervous at all. Probably helped as there was around 8 of us so we were having a laugh and a chat between each 'assessment' but still!

good luck!
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cheers ;]
 
Mr^B said:
We do phone interviews then get candidates in for a few hours to write some c# and do some basic database work.

It's the only effective way of interviewing developers.

No idea What the score is for non development roles, but expect something practical.
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I thought I was going t have a phone interview first to be technically vetted, it's what I was expecting to be honest. Turns out it's into the techie stuff face to face, practical it will no doubt be ;-]
Should be fun, and an experience I'm not used to.
 
[DOD]Asprilla;22416586 said:
I tend to view interviews as a two way street; they are just as much for me to ask them questions and decide if I really want to work there as it is for them to find out about me.
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Yes, this, this x 1,000

You are not only being interviewed you are interviewing. If you are a strong candidate, why should you work for them? Why not their competitor (find out who the competitors are and ask why you shouldn't work for them instead...)

Very few people actually ask that question, and I welcome it when they do because it's a chance for me to sell the role and the company to them. Plus it shows a degree of confidence that I like to see.
 
Prepare some questions that you might want to ask them, as interviews tend to end with an opportunity to ask them.

Also, I'd bring in a printed copy of your CV, as well as the questions that you want to ask.
It will show that you're organised and prepared. They are not going to expect you to memorise all your questions.
 
Remember that interviewers feel pressure in these situations too...they can't afford to miss out on good people but don't want to be seen to have been responsible for a poor hire.

Totally agree on having lots of questions ready...if they are covered make sure you say "that was going to be one of my questions" or list your questions at the end and explain they were all covered.

If you're asked about weaknesses, talk about one/s you have identified in the past and what you did to surmount them...this way you can admit you have weaknesses but show that you are aware of how you can learn form them and that you are on top of them.
 
If you're nervous, just take your questions, even some answers, in with you in a notepad/folder or whatever. Just do your research into the company, and seem interested in about the job.

Avoid just answering questions with just yes/no and then having that awkward silence. Kills the mood.
 
I've had two interviews in as many weeks. Nothing has changed but this is dependent on the kind of role you're after/which sector/how senior.

My first interview lasted 2 and a half hours with no break, completely burnt out after it.

Second interview (different company) was also 2 and a half hours but broke up into interview, theory test, practical test, and tour around the building and was generally a lot more manageable.

Interviews get a lot easier the more you do.
 
mr.bond said:
2. any advice on curbing the nerves?

:-/
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Get up an hour earlier, go for a walk, get back have a good breakfast, not too much caffeine or other stimulants and relax until the interview.

Arrive early but no more than 15 minutes. Be presentable but not overdressed. Its better to be comfortable in what you wear.

Carry the minimum amount of stuff in a briefcase so that you are not fumbling and searching for things.
 
The way I look at interviews isn't simply a Q&A. I try and build a decent rapport with the interviewer and try to turn every situation into a conversation almost - that way I, and the interviewer I've noticed - feel a lot more comfortable about the whole situation. If you can get them talking as well as yourself, you're more likely to leave them smiling and a lasting impression; i.e. they will remember you.

Hasn't failed for me yet ;)
 
Mr^B said:
We do phone interviews then get candidates in for a few hours to write some c# and do some basic database work.

It's the only effective way of interviewing developers.

No idea What the score is for non development roles, but expect something practical.
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For developers this is the only decent way IMO. I actually interviewed somewhere recently (probably one of your rivals from what I seem to remember about the sort of company you work for!) and they used http://codility.com/ to do an online technical test before getting to the interview stage.
I thought it was OK, but doesn't let you see someone actually coding and therefore doesn't give any insight into their thought processes and how they go about things.

As it turned out they offered me a permanent position when I interviewed for a contract one so I turned it down in favour of a contract that I had also been offered!
 
Mr^B said:
Yes, this, this x 1,000

You are not only being interviewed you are interviewing. If you are a strong candidate, why should you work for them? Why not their competitor (find out who the competitors are and ask why you shouldn't work for them instead...)

Very few people actually ask that question, and I welcome it when they do because it's a chance for me to sell the role and the company to them. Plus it shows a degree of confidence that I like to see.
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Funny I asked this for my last job interview. Why should I work for that company and what career opportunites would it bring. (I got the job btw)
 
Em3bbs said:
'the' city would immediately imply London, but you knew that anyway didn't you. :)
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Ah, but does he actually mean The City or in the colloquial term?
;)
The City being the city of London, not "London" which includes Westminster, Lambeth, Tower Hamlets etc..
 
Well had a first and second interview, quite a grilling by all accounts but interesting and enjoyable none the less!!
Didn't think they'd invite me back but pleased they did. Fingers crossed.
 
mr.bond said:
Well had a first and second interview, quite a grilling by all accounts but interesting and enjoyable none the less!!
Didn't think they'd invite me back but pleased they did. Fingers crossed.
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Glad to hear that they invited you back! Best of luck for the future !
 
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