Newbie Interview Advice

[crc-ict]

Hi all,

I've just found out that I have an interview for my first 'proper' tech job!

The interview is to be with the Head of ICT and the IT Services Manager, and will include a 'computer test' and an individual interview.

Anyone got any tips on things to sharpen up on, and general technique things for the day?

Never had a proper interview before, so I'm dead nervous!

Would be very grateful for any tips.

Cheers,
Chris.

[plexer]

Just be yourself if you know what you are talking about you should be fine. Don't try and bullsh*t if you don't know something just say so.

What sort of network setup etc.. do they have? that would give you an idea of the sorts of things you need to know about.

Ben

[witch]

What is important is to show that you are keen to learn, and not to overexagerrate your skills.
The computer test is usually a machine with problems such as disconnected keyboard, duff video settings, sound plugged into wrong hole, that sort of thing.

Take a deep breath and look people in the eye.

Really though, it is enthusiasm which will get you the job!
Good Luck

[alan-d]

As stated above - be yourself and don't try to bluff your answers. If you don't understand the question ask them to repeat it or rephrase it.

If you don't know the answer - just say you havn't come across that problem before but you could easily look up the answer by using the internet, manual resources, edugeek etc

You may be asked a question which makes you give priority to either the Head, teacher or student. Personally I tell my techies that the students come first, but whichever you choose, depending on the question, stick with it and be prepared to justify it.

Don't be afraid to ask questions to enable you to give a proper answer.

Relax and good luck

[ChrisC]

What is important is to show that you are keen to learn, and not to overexagerrate your skills.

Couldn't be more true!

If it's your first proper techy job, they won't expect you to be all knowing!!!
But showing that you're keen to learn is vital, also, as said above, if you don't know the answer, explain that you would then use the internet or any other support you can to find out a solution, and then you will know it for the future.

To be honest, I've been in this job for about 9 months, and the ammount of practical knowledge you aquire in the first couple of weeks-month is huge, I just hope you'll have good support.

Also, enthusiasm can't be beat!

Chris

[crc-ict]

Thanks for all the help and the good luck wishes

I've been doing the technician role informally part-time for a small primary school for almost a year, but got that by knowing the head so I have a little experience, but not of interviews or the big world of the secondary school!

One question that has sprung to mind - are they likely to expect me to take a toolkit with me for the test, or do they generally have tools there / want you to use things they provide?

Just don't want to look a twit not having one, but equally don't want to haul one there on the train if I don't need to!

@alan-d - would certainly use edugeek as a very valuable source of answers!

Cheers
Chris.

[russdev]

i always say take small kit that can be hid away in a bag just few things maybe screwdriver with number of different bits for end of it, anti static strip if got one (looks good) and few other bits that can be carried in very small case.

then got it if need it

russ

[GrumbleDook]

Best of luck with it, Chris.