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f13.net  |  f13.net General Forums  |  General Discussion  |  Topic: Foot in the door - looking for interview advice 0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.
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Author Topic: Foot in the door - looking for interview advice  (Read 17240 times)
Yegolev
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Reply #35 on: April 15, 2015, 09:12:05 AM

I even wore a button-up and coat to interview at Fiserv, where despite being a financial institution, everyone wore street clothes and one dude was wearing a Harley Davidson tee shirt.  I didn't get that one... is it the shoes?  BOOM SHAKA LAKA

Maybe that's why Fiserv sucks so much.. why so serious?

Heh, that's not why.

Why am I homeless?  Why do all you motherfuckers need homes is the real question.
They called it The Prayer, its answer was law
Mommy come back 'cause the water's all gone
HaemishM
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Reply #36 on: April 15, 2015, 09:28:12 AM

If it's the Midwest/ South, wear a goddamn tie you fucking hippies.

 awesome, for real

Yeah, this. The South is very much head up the ass, 20 years behind for job interviews. Even if you don't expect to be wearing a suit and tie, interviewing in the South requires a tie because most of the people in charge down here think suit = professional, and not suit = not professional. It's fuckstupid.

Signe
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Reply #37 on: April 15, 2015, 09:42:40 AM

Ties are stupid.  And dangerous.  If you, by chance, run into a serial killer on the way to your interview, you've pretty much brought along the murder weapon.  People think!

My Sig Image: hath rid itself of this mortal coil.
Yegolev
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Reply #38 on: April 15, 2015, 09:47:17 AM

I've considered wearing my seersucker trousers.  I don't have the full suit, however I've been to places in Georgia where that is considered more than acceptable.

Personally, I think if you can't be assed to dress up for a couple hours for one day, you probably can't be assed to do quite a number of other, more distasteful things.  Nevermind the respect and professionalism bits.  Of course, all of this is in deference to my primary tenet: If you want to play ball, you have to wear the uniform.

Along the lines of dressing up, you show quite a lot of professionalism (effort) by bringing a list of questions with you.  You should already be taking notes, and this is a natural extension of that.  This is where you show you are serious by asking questions like "Why is this position open?" and "What are your immediate expectations from someone entering this role?"

Using this in a recent interview, I made a note that they were looking at doing a lot of work with configuring a new Chef deployment.  When I got home, I looked up that stuff and I'm glad I did; I'm going to see about deploying it on a EC2 to fiddle with.  I might even send some suggestions to the hiring director so as to demonstrate my ability to learn new tech, as well as build goodwill.

Why am I homeless?  Why do all you motherfuckers need homes is the real question.
They called it The Prayer, its answer was law
Mommy come back 'cause the water's all gone
Bunk
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Operating Thetan One


Reply #39 on: April 15, 2015, 02:58:40 PM

Just got booked for my interviews for the new Manager position in my company. Monday, four meetings, stretching from 9:00 to 12:30. Then I have a Product meeting till 2:00.

I haven't had a job interview in 15 years, since I've been here that long.

"Welcome to the internet, pussy." - VDL
"I have retard strength." - Schild
Engels
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Reply #40 on: April 15, 2015, 04:18:23 PM

Region really does matter. I went to a graduate school graduation ceremony in Oregon and not a single solitary person, from the dean of the college on down, wore a jacket, never mind a tie. I wore a tie out of respect and I felt a bit silly, but no one noticed anyway.

I should get back to nature, too.  You know, like going to a shop for groceries instead of the computer.  Maybe a condo in the woods that doesn't even have a health club or restaurant attached.  Buy a car with only two cup holders or something. -Signe

I LIKE being bounced around by Tonkors. - Lantyssa

Babies shooting themselves in the head is the state bird of West Virginia. - schild
Draegan
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Reply #41 on: April 16, 2015, 09:13:19 AM

I've considered wearing my seersucker trousers.  I don't have the full suit, however I've been to places in Georgia where that is considered more than acceptable.

Personally, I think if you can't be assed to dress up for a couple hours for one day, you probably can't be assed to do quite a number of other, more distasteful things.  Nevermind the respect and professionalism bits.  Of course, all of this is in deference to my primary tenet: If you want to play ball, you have to wear the uniform.

Along the lines of dressing up, you show quite a lot of professionalism (effort) by bringing a list of questions with you.  You should already be taking notes, and this is a natural extension of that.  This is where you show you are serious by asking questions like "Why is this position open?" and "What are your immediate expectations from someone entering this role?"

Using this in a recent interview, I made a note that they were looking at doing a lot of work with configuring a new Chef deployment.  When I got home, I looked up that stuff and I'm glad I did; I'm going to see about deploying it on a EC2 to fiddle with.  I might even send some suggestions to the hiring director so as to demonstrate my ability to learn new tech, as well as build goodwill.

That's a good point. In my recent round of interviews, I always brought a list of questions and took notes during the interview. Forgot to mention that.
Samwise
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Reply #42 on: April 16, 2015, 09:27:26 AM

As an interviewer I always appreciate interviewees who have questions for me, because I kind of hate interviewing people and having the other person ask some questions gives me a break.

"I have not actually recommended many games, and I'll go on the record here saying my track record is probably best in the industry." - schild
Paelos
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Reply #43 on: April 16, 2015, 11:42:27 AM

Asking no questions or shitty questions is a great way to not get a second interview.

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schild
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Reply #44 on: April 16, 2015, 11:39:55 PM

If it's the Midwest/ South, move.
ezrast
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Reply #45 on: April 16, 2015, 11:51:09 PM

Believe me, I'm trying.
apocrypha
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Reply #46 on: April 17, 2015, 01:00:31 AM

I've been part of the interview process a few times in the past.

The main thing that I always looked out for was if a candidate knew what they were talking about. Bullshit is so, so easy to spot, especially when you're interviewing for a technical post of any kind. I was interviewing for molecular biology research positions, and there were few candidates who both knew a reasonable amount about the field they were supposed to be skilled in *and* were able to admit when they didn't know something. Nobody can know everything in that kind of field. Not bullshitting when you don't know something is a major plus point.

Also, make sure you don't smell. Like, wear clean clothes, have a shower in the morning and use deodorant. Never thought that'd be a problem when interviewing. How wrong I was.

"Bourgeois society stands at the crossroads, either transition to socialism or regression into barbarism" - Rosa Luxemburg, 1915.
Bunk
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Reply #47 on: April 17, 2015, 07:22:31 AM

Also, make sure you don't smell. Like, wear clean clothes, have a shower in the morning and use deodorant. Never thought that'd be a problem when interviewing. How wrong I was.

That's really sad. I have my interview on Monday (an internal promotion, so they all know me anyways) and I'm going to go buy a new shirt and tie this weekend, just because I want to put the best impression forward.

"Welcome to the internet, pussy." - VDL
"I have retard strength." - Schild
Pennilenko
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Reply #48 on: April 17, 2015, 08:56:08 AM

I never interview in a full suit. However, I live in South Florida, and anyone wearing a full suit here gets looked at like they are crazy. I normally go with dress shirt, tie, nice slacks, and dress shoes. Generally lighter colors and materials because it's fucking hot here.

"See?  All of you are unique.  And special.  Like fucking snowflakes."  -- Signe
Viin
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Reply #49 on: April 17, 2015, 01:47:23 PM

Does your shirt have flowers on it?

- Viin
Signe
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Reply #50 on: April 20, 2015, 10:49:22 AM

If jobs were based on cleanliness, I could be King of America.  Unfortunately, they seem to want skills.  Bleh.

My Sig Image: hath rid itself of this mortal coil.
Tannhauser
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Reply #51 on: April 20, 2015, 04:07:36 PM

Listen, strange women bathing in ponds is no basis for a system of government!
Lantyssa
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Reply #52 on: April 21, 2015, 09:12:53 AM

I totally disagree with this assessment.

Hahahaha!  I'm really good at this!
schild
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Reply #53 on: April 24, 2015, 08:45:57 PM

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/sof/4982493312.html

Decorum on the part of the company is more important to me than what I or the interviewers wear. This reads like someone who just learned how to curse and thinks they're "funny."

But then, they play Werewolf. Which is just socially acceptable larping trash.
March
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Reply #54 on: April 27, 2015, 08:48:30 AM

I work on the east coast for a Silicon Valley software company... my work is customer facing and often CxO level.  No one wears suits anymore.

The standard uniform is: Pressed Slacks, Matching open collared long-sleeve shirt (any matching color or pattern), Blazer/Sport Coat (matching).  I'd only avoid Tan slacks, white shirt and Blue blazer, as that is the universal uniform for boys.

The key is to look sharp, clean and put together - matching is important.  Pressed wool slacks (or warmer weather equivalent) and Pressed shirt... not dockers and tumble-dry.

If you get there and its more casual, the coat is easily slung over the shoulder and/or hung on the back of the chair.  If more formal the coat is on, collar is open, everyone is happy.

That's the right-down the middle play.  If you want to gamble on flip-flops, t-shirts, hemp belts or just a goat-skin thong you'd better know your audience or be so freakin' awesome that goat thongs will become a "thing" where you work after you are hired.
Bunk
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Reply #55 on: April 27, 2015, 09:17:49 AM

So you are saying they care about you wearing "higher end" shirts and slacks, yet no one wears a tie. How odd.

I did go out and buy a nice new shirt and tie for my interview. I knew the shirt was nice because there were at least ten push pins holding it together in its neatly folded bundle.  awesome, for real

"Welcome to the internet, pussy." - VDL
"I have retard strength." - Schild
Polysorbate80
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Reply #56 on: April 27, 2015, 09:47:36 AM

Then you put it on and found that eleventh pin, right?  Oh ho ho ho. Reallllly?
« Last Edit: April 27, 2015, 12:35:56 PM by Polysorbate80 »

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March
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Reply #57 on: April 27, 2015, 10:20:49 AM

So you are saying they care about you wearing "higher end" shirts and slacks, yet no one wears a tie. How odd.

I did go out and buy a nice new shirt and tie for my interview. I knew the shirt was nice because there were at least ten push pins holding it together in its neatly folded bundle.  awesome, for real
Well, "care" is an existential question... I'm not sure that they care about the actual cost, just that you are wearing clothes appropriate to the occasion and not your Saturday man-cave outfit.  I'm just passing along what the standard is for the typical hiring manager at an east coast IT shop would be.  Naturally there a lots of good reasons to dress differently than the "standard" (known corporate culture, what looks good on your body-type, your cultural background, your recruiter told you to wear xyz)... but if you can't give yourself those reasons, then don't.  I'd say that your clothes won't get you the job, but they might prevent you from getting the job.

The latest trend I've noticed for executive personal expression are wild socks.  Hot Pink, Lime Green, garish patterns, etc.  But always with the basic uniform of Pressed Slacks and Shirt.
Viin
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Reply #58 on: April 27, 2015, 10:45:41 AM

I've seen the sock thing too. Especially on banking types.

- Viin
Paelos
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Reply #59 on: April 27, 2015, 11:00:23 AM

I've seen the sock thing too. Especially on banking types.

That's just because they are repressed.

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schild
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Reply #60 on: April 27, 2015, 12:03:17 PM

A pop of color in the socks was stolen from the gays and hipsters. Well, gay hipsters.

It's pretty standard in Austin. It's basically the universal symbol of "tryhard jackass."
Yegolev
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Reply #61 on: April 29, 2015, 01:16:11 PM

I'll not have you slander my socks.  I was complimented by a pair of ladies on my colorful socks that happened to match my shirt.  If you're not going to wear a tie or a pocket square (and you probably should not), then it's fine to color up your ankles.  Depends on where you are, though.  When interviewing with someone who has been in the same company for 16 years, I chose to wear black socks and a suit+tie.  These guys were mostly scientists.

Why am I homeless?  Why do all you motherfuckers need homes is the real question.
They called it The Prayer, its answer was law
Mommy come back 'cause the water's all gone
MahrinSkel
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Reply #62 on: April 29, 2015, 03:59:46 PM

Did you wear garters for the socks?

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Viin
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Reply #63 on: April 29, 2015, 04:19:15 PM

We used reverse suspenders for our shirts when wearing dress blues in the Air Force. Those connected to your socks. Not sure if they still do, but it was standard issue 7-8 years ago. (damn I'm old)

- Viin
Yegolev
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Reply #64 on: May 07, 2015, 10:37:53 AM

Connecting my shirt to my socks?  Genius!

Why am I homeless?  Why do all you motherfuckers need homes is the real question.
They called it The Prayer, its answer was law
Mommy come back 'cause the water's all gone
Tannhauser
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Reply #65 on: May 07, 2015, 05:37:08 PM

They had that in the Air Force.  Shirt stayed tight and looked great.
Yegolev
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Reply #66 on: May 08, 2015, 08:10:00 AM

I mentioned this to my wife and she stated that I'd find and use anything which made me unattractive.  I don't understand women.

Why am I homeless?  Why do all you motherfuckers need homes is the real question.
They called it The Prayer, its answer was law
Mommy come back 'cause the water's all gone
Ard
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Reply #67 on: May 08, 2015, 10:22:41 AM

You own an orange suit.    swamp poop
Yegolev
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Reply #68 on: May 08, 2015, 10:27:32 AM

I wore it and don't regret a thing.  It was incredibly awesome.  You people, how do you live in your tiny grey worlds?

Apparently the detractor is elastic.  Any elastic removes sexy points.

Why am I homeless?  Why do all you motherfuckers need homes is the real question.
They called it The Prayer, its answer was law
Mommy come back 'cause the water's all gone
Viin
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Reply #69 on: May 08, 2015, 10:30:11 AM

She's not suppose to *see* them. Just the results.

- Viin
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