Interview Advice

Musashi · Scrummy Translator Gender: Joined: 07 Nov 2002

Where has Musashi been lately?? If anyone's been wondering why I've kinda seemed a bit vacant from the boards recently, Shino can tell you I've been on the job hunt. And finally, I think I may be getting somewhere. Long story short... I applied for a Software Engineering position at IBM recently. I got a call back and lo and behold I've been granted an interview =D. They're going to call back tomorrow to set up an interview time, which should be sometime next week. So, if anyone has any interview advice, especially interview questions that could be asked, or links to interview advice, or anything else... pleast post it!! Especially any of you guys in the IT industry, I'd love to hear some first IT job experience stories. After all, I can't be -too- prepared. Thanks guys!!

Azurel · The Bringer of Levels Gender: Joined: 24 Sep 2002

I've got great advice, don't look like me.

Tobias · *explodes* Age: 38 Gender: Joined: 17 Jan 2003

First off, im gonna say that for starters, you talk to Ming. If you see him on AIM, talk to him (his AIM addy is Mingthem3rcil3ss i think)

But as far as my advice...just be honest. Make sure you know what your talking about...and dont get uptight. They arent testing you completely on the material that you have, but also on how you react to each question. If you need time to think of an answer to a question, take it. Aside from that...just go in and be your good old self, and dont fret in the interview.

Hope that helped

That is all

Daijaga · Chosen of Luck Gender: Joined: 17 Dec 2003

I understand that skylah is in an IT oriented situation, and shes really good at talking ^_^. Maybe she'll post here?

reaper · I miss you Shar Gender: Joined: 28 Dec 2002

Yeah stay calm, and don't be afraid to bullshit. It is important not to lay it on to think though lol.
And try and think of things that would set you above other applicants. You need to leave a good impression.

Faye · Luna Sierra Age: 42 Gender: Joined: 28 Apr 2004

I always hated interviews. You can never really tell what a person will be like in an interview, because they are always acting so they will put forth a good "First Impression". I guess my advice is to just be yourself and dont try too hard. Just do and say what comes naturally. Its always worked for me..... but I have never really worked for a big Corporation nor have I worked in the IT field.

Reverend · I kin Age: 41 Gender: Joined: 21 Oct 2002

When it comes to an interview, every single thing you do reflects somehow on you. How you are dressed, what you do when you fidget, how long it takes to answer questions. It's really incredible what can happen when you wig out and start actually thinking about the interview.

So my advice is just that, don't think meat, it only hurts the team. Go into the interview with a sense of confidence, that you are going to be all of yourself and wow that person across from you. A good handshake, lots of eye contact, answer the questions to the best of your ability, and tell them if you don't have an answer to something. Otherwise, bullshit your heart out so you sound competent.

Skylah · Hips Don't Lie Gender: Joined: 25 Mar 2003

Oh Josh, they finally call you for interview.. good luck & all the best man..

Shino · Posted: Fri Aug 13, 2004 8:39 am Post subject:

Well being a former IBM employee, I can tell you that you will have to be ready for anything.

Depending on who you get, you could be judged on several different things.

When I interviewed with them I first interviewed with a guy name Zane. He was very technically oriented. Awesome guy though. Remember I was telling you to take the best project you did in college in with you. Well Zane took a look at it. Mine was a DB project. So he started asking me all sorts of DB questions. About querying a database and creating tables stuff like that. I actually screwed up one of his questions, but he was impressed at my ability to think about what I did on the spot. You will be put on the spot, so be ready.

The next person I interviewed with was Bill. He was also a nice guy, but he was a salesman. So he looked at my project and he was interested in the quality of the report. If you get information about your interviewer, know that information and make conversation with them.

Remember I told you that I found out that Bill was from Long Island, and I started out with "It's very nice to meet you, I have been looking forward to this interview b/c I am also from Long Island."

So here is some advise I will give you...

1) Look good. Wear a suit and present yourself well. Stand tall and have good posture. You can tell a lot about a person by how well he presents him/herself.

2) Bring one and only one project that you are very proud of a know a lot about. Make sure you have a very presentable report for it.

3) If at all possible, learn something about your interviewer. When you find out for sure, let me know and I'll try and dig up some info if you don't have any. I still have several contacts at IBM I can milk a little.

4) Be confident. You have to go in there KNOWING that you are the best one for the job and they don't even need to interview anyone else. IBM doesn't just interview anyone, you have to have a quality somebody liked to call you in. You need to now bring that quality out in person. Easier said than done I know. You have to be ready to talk with a strong voice and show no intimidation from your interviewer. This isn't the Big Blue of old. Keep that in mind. Many of the young people that are being hired on are fresh outgoing people.

5) Stay relaxed. You will be nervous, there is no doubt about that. Especially when you walk into your interviewers office and IBM is written somewhere on EVERYTHING in the room.

6) Bring paper and pencil to write down information. Have it out while you are talking with your interviewer.

7) Bring several hard copies of your resume. It is possible that the interviewer will not have your resume on hand for some reason, when they are looking for it, pull out another one and say "here you go!"

Cool

This one goes for everything... This one is Toolman's actually. It's the "P" rule.
Proper Prior Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance. As Sky said, do some research on IBM.com and know your interviewing company. Their stock is currently at ~$82. Wiggle

Josh, you are a smart kid, and If I had the say here, I would hire you on in a second. Know that. Be relaxed. Be confident (but as Sky said... not too confident). If you can do that, you are half way there. Remember, in an interview, you are trying to sell yourself. You want them to know, that you know, that you can do this job. But you don't want them to see an arrogant ass sitting in front of them. This is a time when it is ok to brag about yourself a bit. That's what they are looking for.

I have full confidence in you man. IBM is one of the best companies to start with. If you have good experience there, you are good to go! The one thing I can't say enough is STAY RELAXED. I know you will be nervous (God knows I was) but if you can make them think that you aren't, that's a bonus.

Let me know what's going on. Who you are interviewing with, when and where. I'll do what I can to help.

Musashi · Scrummy Translator Gender: Joined: 07 Nov 2002

Thanks guys, this is all excellent advice. The trick will of course be staying calm. This is probably the most intimidating situation I can think of. Interviews rank right up there w/ root canals and public speaking on my top ten least favorite things to do. The worst that can happen though is I go back to searching, but I -know- I can do this job. I just hope I can convince that to an interviewer.