IT Job Interviews..

[aidan80 9]

Well it's that time again... I've been applying for IT jobs and have had an interview already with another scheduled next week. I wanted to pick (IT) peoples brains on any weird or strange questions I should expect at an interview. The reason I ask is.. my last interview didn't go so well.

The job was listed as IT Technologist/Technician I. It asked for a 2 year degree and/or MCP/MCSA/MCSE plus experience. I was confused about the requirements for what appears to be an entry level position so I applied anyway.

Long story short.. I had a phone interview with the IT Director (who had a masters and every + and MS certification out there) who basically asked 95% networking questions about systems I've never even seen or used! The guy continually cut me off while answering questions, going as far as stating "ok, you just don't know" when I didn't answer right away! At the end of the interview the guy basically said thanks, well let you know and hung up. I can't believe that anyone could be that unprofessional, I know now why they have an open position.

[nin 1]

Nice. Typical too. I call it unrealistic expecations from the employers side.

Poorly written job ads are abundant. Often a manager (or worse yet an HR person!) who doesn't have a clue about the job in question writes the ad.

Don't take it personally!

[Jasman0717 9]

Nice. Typical too. I call it unrealistic expecations from the employers side.

Poorly written job ads are abundant. Often a manager (or worse yet an HR person!) who doesn't have a clue about the job in question writes the ad.

Don't take it personally!

There are a lot of them out there

[aidan80 9]

Thanks. The more I think about what you both have said the more I can see a lazy manager passing off the task or worst yet an incompetent HR person copying and pasting something. Anyway I got to learn a lot from that interview and that I should state what job I've applied for before the interview gets moving!

[Mononoke28 135]

No offense but most IT people have no people skills, at least that's what I've encountered. Don't take it personal though.

Diana

[Brad&Meera 0]

Dice.com is a good resource for a tech job hunt. Other than that, the usual CraigsList, etc. are helpful. If possible, having a contact within the company is always better than a cold interview.

Unfortunately, as with any job, it's difficult to get in the door without having contacts. Also, many companies require listing a position and interviewing a few candidates even if they already have a person lined up for the job. Don't give up, though; your interview skills will get better, and you'll find a good fit if you work at it enough

What are your degrees/certifications/experience/qualifications? It's easier to give advice about where to look with that info

[Mononoke28 135]

Dice.com is wonderful, I use it all the time for telecommunications and even most of them are contracting companies, the majority are "contract to hire". Monster.com and Careerbuilder.com are the other two I use on a daily basis with very good results.

Diana

[aidan80 9]

Dice.com is a good resource for a tech job hunt. Other than that, the usual CraigsList, etc. are helpful. If possible, having a contact within the company is always better than a cold interview.

Unfortunately, as with any job, it's difficult to get in the door without having contacts. Also, many companies require listing a position and interviewing a few candidates even if they already have a person lined up for the job. Don't give up, though; your interview skills will get better, and you'll find a good fit if you work at it enough

What are your degrees/certifications/experience/qualifications? It's easier to give advice about where to look with that info

I've checked Dice.com in the past but stopped using their service after I got my current job. I've noticed quite a few companies and government agencies will list a job on Monday and if you call about it on Tuesday it's been filled? It's happened to me and I have to say I was not impressed as I wasted time sending in a resume and application!

My certifications from back home where mainly 3 years worth of training lab/classroom/on the job in using and supporting desktops. I've 5 years worth of experience managing a small network for a small agency, nonthing flamethrowing I know. I'm currently sitting the A+ (due to sit 602 after christmas just did 601) then I'm aiming for (assuming the cash holds out) MCP/MCDST, N+ after that then taking on the MCSA/MCSE one module at a time

As the man says.. we have the technology.. we can rebuild you!

Edited December 12, 2007 by aidan80

[Dr. Obvious 49]

Nice. Typical too. I call it unrealistic expecations from the employers side.

Poorly written job ads are abundant. Often a manager (or worse yet an HR person!) who doesn't have a clue about the job in question writes the ad.

Don't take it personally!

Really. About two months ago, I interviewed for a job as an administrative assistant. The interviewer literally said to me "Well, I don't remember what the job ad said. Something about answering phones, I guess? Well you know, right?".

Oh, aren't they getting rid of N+ at the end of this year? My husband wanted to take it in January, but when we read about it on the CompTIA site, they said they were getting rid of it on Dec 31.

Good luck.

Edited December 14, 2007 by Wacken

[aidan80 9]

Nice. Typical too. I call it unrealistic expecations from the employers side.

Poorly written job ads are abundant. Often a manager (or worse yet an HR person!) who doesn't have a clue about the job in question writes the ad.

Don't take it personally!

Really. About two months ago, I interviewed for a job as an administrative assistant. The interviewer literally said to me "Well, I don't remember what the job ad said. Something about answering phones, I guess? Well you know, right?".

Oh, aren't they getting rid of N+ at the end of this year? My husband wanted to take it in January, but when we read about it on the CompTIA site, they said they were getting rid of it on Dec 31.

Good luck.

Ah, don't be telling me they are ditching the N+... ah well... no matter they am sure will replace it with something more difficult which I hope MS will take into account for the MCSA/MCSE!

After taking taking the 601 for the A+ I have to admit I was expecting something more difficult. It appears either I got very lucky with the questions the computer dished out at me or it's actually not that difficult. Although I did get caught on a couple of no correct answer questions! grrr No matter 92% isn't anything to be sniffed at! Experience in doing the job helped answer almost 80% of everything in that module if I was just out of school with a few books I'd have failed.