Interview

[kerrymoralee9280]

Right guys, I've just been invited for an interview soon. I've been settled in my job for 3 years, but after deciding it's time to move on I'm a little worried that 3 years without an interview will catch me out. I'm quite comfortable in interviews but theres a "questions relating to IT systems" part. Don't get me wrong, I know my stuff but what kind of questions should I expect to be asked?

I'm not expecting people to say they'll ask this this and this, just a rough idea would be good.

Thanks

[plexer]

Whats the post for?

I always dread the whats your worst/best point question.

You have to try and answer it in a way that doesn't show you up.

Such as I tend to bury my head in my work forgetting everything else, personal, social etc... but I'm learning how to create a balance in my workload.

Ben

[kerrymoralee9280]

Yeah, I know what you mean. The post is for a network manager.

[simongrahamuk]

Where is the job at? I never noticed any positions advertised on the extranet today?

[bishopsgarthstockton]

Expect to be asked some MCP questions. they probably give you a senario where you have to demonstrate that you can manage you work load etc

[kerrymoralee9280]

It's through at Sunderland so it won't have been on the Durham Extranet.

[Lee_K_81]

You could always try and find out what systems they have:
is it RM, Viglen, Vanilla?

They may ask you about their MIS - remember if they ask about one you havent yet used your answer is: "I havent used that one, but i have used x which is also a management information system and provides similar functionality, i'm also a very quick learner and confident i could pick up a new system very quickly"

They may ask how you feel you can take the school forwards, what your vision for ICT in education is.

Experience of web development, VLE's, etc.

You could always ask for a tour, that would give you a brief snapshot of how many pc's in classrooms, servers etc.

[plexer]

I know when I was interviewed for the position here that I had a chance to come in and talk to the current tech before the interview and also had a tour with students on the day.

That way you can ask students what they like/dislike about their current ICT allowance and what you changes you can make.

I ended up with over a page of A4 for the interview itself.

Ben

[CyberNerd]

One of the purpose of the interview process is to test your knowledge of the essential criteria. Read the essential criteria and think of examples for each situation.

[StewartKnight]

I always think that the dumb questions such as "list your good points and bad points" or "where do you see yourself in 5 years time?" says more about the interviewer than about the interviewee!!

If you're asked questions like that, then the person hasn't conducted many interviews before!

[Friez]

"where do you see yourself in 5 years time?"

Realistic answer:

On a tropical beach with beautiful weather on a lounger chilling out. Drink in one hand, laptop on a table to my side. Girls at my side feeding me grapes and fanning me.

Interviews where questions are asked like that are generally LIE driven.

Anyone who answers off drivel like they want to scale the heights of said company blah blah blah is a dirty liar. Most people are only in it for the money. The majority of people are looking for a stopgap. Your success at said interview is all down to how good your poker face is and how good you are at lying.

The best interview I ever had we discussed what our favourite video games were over a few pints!!

[GrumbleDook]

I was at the staff Christmas knees up (my wife was a teacher at the school) and I had already been in and seen the Principal for a chat about a placement for a fortnight upon leaving the forces, but the party ended up with me chatting with the team, the network manager and then being told I could have it the job full time.

[kerrymoralee9280]

I've been to the school twice now, so I have rough ideas here and there. but there was no support team in place so nobody with technical knowledge to ask the all important questions. I don't know whether the headteacher is going to be asking the "tecnhical questions" or whether they will actually draft a 3rd party in to support the interviews.

[kerrymoralee9280]

Well, the interview was yesterday guys and it went alright. Few mistakes but nothing too serious.

It's horrible when you're driving home and you start to think...... I wanted to say this, and this was the big thing I wanted to push and I forgot to say it etc etc.

Waiting for a call one way or another from the school, should be by the end of the day.

[mark]

Good luck!