Got an interview, but need help

[c3111068]

Hi,

Ive got an interview next week for a Trainee Systems Technician.  I am pretty good with software in general, but not very techy, if you know what I mean.

What type of questions am I likely to face, and how do I best answer them? I dont want to lie, but I dont want to seem like I dont know anything.

Im not very good with interviews anyway, so general advice is also welcome.

Steph

[acw]

Well little things can help you to be confident:

• Find the place well in advance and sit and have a cup of coffee round the corner
• Check your outfit the day before. 
• Practice your handshake - somewhere in the middle between bonecruncher and dead fish is good! :-)
• Write a list of all your qualities
• Write a list of your achievements over the last 5-10 year (depending on how old you are! Sorry!)
• These last two tasks will help you feel good about yourself and it will focus your mind.  During the interview - try to tell them about times you've demonstrated these qualities. 
• Remember that every "failing" you have is an opportunity to learn more.  So if you're "not very techy" - then that's why you're going for a trainee position.  You tell them you are a quick learner and you would look forward to developing skills and playing an increasingly important role within the tech team. 
• Try to find out as much as you can about the company.  I mean the wider picture - not just the tech stuff, but knowing about what they do as a whole.  This way (see below also) you can ask "Had I been a Trainee Tech Bod at your firm last month, what sort of role would I have played in Project X?".  
• They will ask "do you have any questions for us?".  Don't ask about hours or salary at this stage.  You can check that later.  This is your chance to flatter them.  Ask them to tell you more about their role or their vision for the company over the next few years. 
• Smile and relax - you have beaten many candidates just to get there.  They just want to know if you'll fit in or not.  :-)
• If you don't get it - think of it as a lucky escape, but remember to ring and ask for feedback. 

I hope some of my ideas help you!  GOOD LUCK!!! :-)

[c3111068]

Thats fantastic advice, thanks very much!!!!

[acw]

I hope it does the trick for you! :-)  If you are a recent graduate, you could go to your old uni careers service.  Or if you know someone who is at uni, you could get them to pick up interview tips info pamphlets from theirs.  This may give additional information.  One thing I was going to say (but ranout of space before) was - if you wear tights - pop a spare pair in your handbag.  And if you smoke - try to find a none too over powering (e.g., nivea handbag size) spray - as you're bound to want a cig b4 u go in - but u won't want to smell! Good luck! :-)

[c3111068]

Good idea, I am a smoker.

I tend to act very nervous in interviews, and say "er" a lot, and im not good with eye contact. I dont beleive the "imagine they are all naked" trick works, so any ideas to get over nervousness?

[acw]

Yes!  All these are tips I've been given by careers services or recruitment staff.

Hands:

• Keep a tissue in your pocket for wiping your hand SUBTLY before a handshake.
• Don't sit on them.
• Dont' cross your arms.
• Try not to over waft the hands about - but don't be afraid to be a bit animated. 

Eyes:

• So long as you look somewhere between the eye and the forehead it looks like you're concentrating.
• Don't try to stare them out.
• I've forgotten the exct percentage - but it's only about 60% of the time you should maintain eye contact.
• If there is a panel of people - try to look at them randomly.  Try not to be like a lighthouse panning left to right and back again!
• If there is a panel - when person A asks you a Q - look at everyone else too! :-)

[acw]

With eyes - when I said concentrating - I mean it looks like you're looking at them.  Don't talk to a point in the middle distance, or your lap.  Just look at them while you feel comfortable and then look away - to give yourself a little break.  Don't worry about it too much though! :-)

The best way to overcome nervousness is to remember that you are right for the job.  The question is - is the job right for you?  You KNOW you can get this job.  You have the qualifications and your CV was obviously excellent.  You have a great propensity to learn and will develop new skills really quickly.  Will you be happy in this firm?  Judge that for yourself on the day!  Good luck! :-)

[c3111068]

Thanks for the Excellent Advice!!

[acw]

I hope it helps and that I didn't over-bombard you!  Good luck and please post to tell me when you get the job! :-)

[c3111068]

I will do.x