Prepairing for an interview..

[DAnDan]

Most of this has probably already been said, but hopefully it helps.

For my placement interview (successful one, I should add), I talked to people who had been at the company before to ask what they did in the role, and anything they could remember about the interview process. Also do some background reading on the company, it seems that quite often a question pops up about how the company got into this/that field and why it's important. Also the more you can find out about the role the better, incase they want to see how much you have researched about it.

 

[Housey]

Most of this has probably already been said, but hopefully it helps.

For my placement interview (successful one, I should add), I talked to people who had been at the company before to ask what they did in the role, and anything they could remember about the interview process. Also do some background reading on the company, it seems that quite often a question pops up about how the company got into this/that field and why it's important. Also the more you can find out about the role the better, incase they want to see how much you have researched about it.

A good point. The amount of times I ask the question "what do you understand about my company and the role" and then hear "well I've looked at your website and...", followed by a 2 minute ramble that shows, in reality they know little or worse, nothing. Research is key, but don't regurgitate a website or corporate statements, take an angle and provide YOUR interpretation of what you think this means and importantly, how you will add value and support this in the role for which you are being interviewed.

 

[DAnDan]

A good point. The amount of times I ask the question "what do you understand about my company and the role" and then hear "well I've looked at your website and...", followed by a 2 minute ramble that shows, in reality they know little or worse, nothing. Research is key, but don't regurgitate a website or corporate statements, take an angle and provide YOUR interpretation of what you think this means and importantly, how you will add value and support this in the role for which you are being interviewed.

Definitely, some of the best help I got before my interview was from the people who had been working with the company in previous years as they can really provide a useful view as to what you're doing there.

 

[Rotty]

I won't try to advise you on the competency based questions as I don't know what HP are likely to ask - Rotty may be able to offer some advice as he works for them.

20 yrs since I had my interview

as said a suit is essential, show willingness to be part of a team, don't try to be someone you aren't, nothing comes across worse than a cocky,arrogant interviewee

what do you know about HP CDS ? make sure you know the companies role, how it fits in within HP, the services it provides etc

 

[Tikkabhuna]

Thanks for the advice.

One other question.

On placement jobs they don't throw you in without any help right? Surely placement jobs are still learning in a way right?

I'm hoping not. I kept asking my interviewers and some of the other people we got to speak to if there is anything I can learn before I start and they said I'll just be pick it up when I'm there. I'm just hoping they haven't overestimated my abilities.

 

[willhub]

Before we have the interviews we have a 30 min presentation done by the current student on placement so that hopefully should tell me abit about the role.

 

[Semple]

My days loaded with events even though i'm only supposed to be there for approx 4.5 hours.

Assessment center will involve a group exercise, a technical interview, a managerial interview and a site tour. Refreshments will also be provided and there will be an opportunity to talk to the current interns.

 

[Marshstyles]

should you wear a suit if your not doing a office type job? surely for someone like a plumber it wouldnt been advisable just incase they make you do some work as part of the interview. id be ****ed if i got my suit dirty

 

[Robbo]

should you wear a suit if your not doing a office type job? surely for someone like a plumber it wouldnt been advisable just incase they make you do some work as part of the interview. id be ****ed if i got my suit dirty

They would tell you beforehand I'd think.