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Just been told I've been put forward for a Java job..

Posted: Tue Oct 17, 2006 6:19 am
by Jenk
.. by an Agency, so I'm not holding my breath.. (I've had 100's of offers and promises of callbacks, but without anything more..)

But this one sounds more promising, as they (The agency) actually want me to come to their office for a kind of interview and discussion for this particular role.

Now, all things going well, this will actually be my first full on development role.. I've done development work in the past, but not as my primary role (thus far I've been in support - both application and 'user' support - which has required changes etc.)

I've got a fair idea of what will occur, I've been to a thousand interviews and am confident with the 'basics' - but what else should I look out for, in regards to asking the right questions, or giving the right answers etc.. should I go all out and ask very technical questions (I had questions like "Do you guys operate with a common development environment?" and so forth in mind) or should I just stick to the usual questions and let them ask anything technical, then answer as best I can?

Many thanks for any advice :)

Posted: Wed Oct 18, 2006 11:08 am
by Jenk
Didn't get selected for interview, so it's a non-issue (for now) but wouldn't mind if anyone could post some ideas just for curiosity's sake if nothing else :)

Posted: Wed Oct 18, 2006 8:39 pm
by Weirdan
I usually don't mind to ask what I'm interested in.

Posted: Fri Oct 20, 2006 5:05 am
by CoderGoblin
A lot depends on who is doing the interview. I know one job I went to I was interviewed first by managers then by a technical person. Another was with manager and technical person together others have been only managers or technical.

In general I would ask "top level" development questions to get some idea of the environment you would end up in. It should go without saying but in reality the interview is for both the employer and also the prospective employee. If you don't like the sound of the environment you may not want the job.

Posted: Wed Nov 01, 2006 7:03 am
by Jenk
Yeah, I already treat interviews as two way.

I was just trying to get a feel for what is the generally accepted 'boundary' for asking too much/little.

I don't want to appear like a slackworth, nor do I want to appear like I am up myself :)

Thanks for replies :)

Posted: Thu Dec 14, 2006 11:07 am
by BDKR
CoderGoblin wrote: In general I would ask "top level" development questions to get some idea of the environment you would end up in.
I agree with this 100%. And not only in terms of development paradigm, but the social environment as well. This is very important to certain
shops.

Posted: Sun Dec 24, 2006 2:11 am
by jyhm
In a time where professional courtesy is rare, I try to start an interview with thanking the person for their time.

I do the yes sirs, thank you ma'ams, but in the back of my head I always remember that this is business for them and for me.

They judge you by appearance so try not to convey anything that would make you appear in a negative light because negativity always takes the seat before you do.

But don't worry to much, because you want to be yourself to give the interviewer a chance to see that you are a real person and not just an appointment—and that you are professional.

Don't be afraid to be a little bold with restraint when asking questions.

When it starts silent, I kind of make a "thesis" statement about myself and my objectives and that usually starts them talking about the job. The more questions you ask (with an even exchange) the more they start to feel comfortable with you.

Go get'em man!

Posted: Sun Dec 24, 2006 2:47 am
by RobertGonzalez
I actually like to swing the interview a bit. I like to ask questions like 'what are your year-to-year turnover rates' or 'what are your projected growth rates this year'. This shows them that you are not just interested in occupying a seat in their office, but that you have an interest in the business as a whole. I also ask questions about their take on work-life balance and how they view technology in relationship to the rest of the companies core values. And lastly, I always, without a doubt, ask them if it is ok if I loosen my tie because even though I look stunning in a tie, I am a much more jovial person when I can actually breath. But before I throw that out at them I make sure they have a sense of humor, as lightening the interview goes a long way in making them see you as a person (with a personal side) as opposed to a name on a list on a sheet on a schedule.

Posted: Sun Dec 24, 2006 2:58 am
by jyhm
I have to agree with you there Everah,.. I like your sense of humor but you have to find theirs before you convey yours.

And I like your line of questioning too. Those are great turn arounds for the old "where do you see yourself in five years" line thats been over used.

Ha! where do you see your company in five years bro! I hate those kind of scripted crap questions. If they use that old bologna line I swear I walk right out. I can't stand it!!! :evil:

Posted: Sun Dec 24, 2006 3:17 am
by RobertGonzalez
jyhm wrote:And I like your line of questioning too. Those are great turn arounds for the old "where do you see yourself in five years" line thats been over used.
Dude, I got this...
Well, I'd like to say that I will be in a more advanced role within the IT/IS department here, but it really depends on where the company sees itself in five years. Will we be here in five years? Will we be profitable, firmly grounded and have a significant market share ownership? Or will we be sitting on the sidelines watching what the other guy does hoping it works for us too when we copy their approach next year? In all honesty, I am a proactive, forward thinking person that is quite interested in securing success for myself by ensuring success for the company, so in five years, if we all have done our jobs, I see us all part of a significantly stronger and more marketable company.
Or something like that. :wink:

Posted: Sun Dec 24, 2006 7:40 am
by Ollie Saunders
:o

Hmmm...perhaps I should be taking notes.