25 replies to this topic

[SushiKitten]

So I have a job interview tomorrow morning with a hydro company that I would love to have. I really don't want to mess it up, so I just wanted to ask you guys some questions and maybe get some tips and such about job interviews?

The last job interview I had with Altera, I think I lost the job because I had tried to memorize so many of the acronyms and so much information about the company that I lost sight of the bigger picture. What are they looking for when they ask to tell them about their company? Like, is it too much to comment on how 80% of their generated energy is clean and that I really admire that? Are the company values something that I should memorize? And if they work under another company (this hydro company works under Nalcor Energy), how much should I know about the head company? How in depth do I need to go?

I've decided if I get the dreaded question, "what is your weakness?" I would talk about how university has helped me grow to become more confident in my abilities and less shy. Is that appropriate to talk about or would that make them think I'm unfit for the job?

[SushiKitten]

I would be a co-op student, so I would be assisting project managers with generation plant and terminal station designs. I'd also occasionally travel around the province and help with some maintenance work, as well.

I try to tell myself that, it's just a conversation to get to know you better and see if the job is the right fit for you. It still makes me rather nervous though.

[Calvary]

It takes 12 seconds for an interviewer to know whether or not they want to hire or fire you according to some psychologists. You must exude confidence, be polite, make constant eye contact with all the interviewers and gesticulate with your arms when speaking to come across as if you care about what you're talking about. Paralinguistics are pretty important.

[No-Danico]

Sleep a lot the night before. Eat before you get dressed, dress professionally. Don’t talk too much, keep your answers short and concise. The exuding confidence this is totally right, but don’t go too far. Appear confident, but not overtly aggressive. They need to see you on level with them, not above or below. Think wolf pack, they’re the alpha and you’re a newcomer wandering into their den. Not act scared, but don’t back down.
Knowing about the company and things they might ask is a good idea, you seem to have that covered. And ask questions, but not overtly familiar questions. Asking about the salary and benefits and such. The questions you ask tell them more about you than you about them. And when they ask a question, give just a second of pause to think about it. It makes you seem thoughtful, and gives you time to think.

[SpleenBeGone]

Emo has things set up right. Getting the line right between confident and cocky is the hardest thing to do.

As far as the weakness question, you need to go with something that sounds more like a strength if they ask it. Since you're a student, I'd give them an answer like "My main weakness is lack of experience. Being a student of *subject* I've gained a large amount of classroom knowledge, but I still need to work along side senior members in the field to learn the ins and out of the trade."

[(V) (`m`) (V) ︵ ┻━┻]

Titties.

If you got em, flaunt em.

[SpleenBeGone]

Bullshitting is my strength. >.>

Many employers want a lack of field experience so that they can train the worker easier with how their particular system works.

[SpleenBeGone]

Yep. >.>

[Wolf]

Titties.

If you got em, flaunt em.

Unless you're male, then you might wanna wear a sports bra

[SushiKitten]

Emo has things set up right. Getting the line right between confident and cocky is the hardest thing to do.

As far as the weakness question, you need to go with something that sounds more like a strength if they ask it. Since you're a student, I'd give them an answer like "My main weakness is lack of experience. Being a student of *subject* I've gained a large amount of classroom knowledge, but I still need to work along side senior members in the field to learn the ins and out of the trade."

I really like this answer. That was the hardest potential question for me to answer, and you've given me a great way to answer it while being truthful and not seeming unfit for the job.

Thank you guys for the advice! I'll keep it all in mind tomorrow morning

[SpleenBeGone]

Good luck, and let us know how it goes.

[No-Danico]

Titties.

If you got em, flaunt em.

'I went in and flashed my boobies and the female lady boss said ‘What!?! Aboot time!’ and she took off her red skirt suit and from nowhere dubstep music started playing and the ceiling folded out and a strobe light descended and now I’m the regional district manager in charge of gettin' parties started, eh!’

...That’s how these things go, right?

[SushiKitten]

Thanks again for the advice, guys!

I was really nervous in the beginning but I think I pulled it back by asking questions that proved I'd done my research and sincerely showing I wanted the position. Unfortunately, they won't have decided until next week, so it's back to applying for more jobs until I know.

[Calvary]

What job are you applying for, if you don't mind me asking? =)

I can't remember if you said in the first post and..well...I'm lazy. >>

[SushiKitten]

The job was to work with the province's hydroelectric company for a semester. My degree requires at least four co-op positions before I can graduate, so this would've been my first one.

[Calvary]

Ahh, well good luck! They'll pick you if they know what's good for 'em.