interview panel

[psuedocode]

well.... what can I say? I cant get a interview to save my life. I send more resumes and cover letters than I can count, per week, including follow-up letters and phone calls if they are allowed. I do whatever I can, sign up with all the agencies, schmooze schmooze schmoooze, and nothing...

then suddenly, this morning, I get a phone call and have a 45 minute telephone interview with 'a major northwest software developer'. out of the blue.... they sent me an email after the phonecall and want me to write some papers for them to see my writing style.

further, they want me to come in tomorrow for one of their famous panel interview with a number of managers. oh my... I have heard these panels will throw the kitchen sink at you.

here is my question: has anyone ever been through one of these, or know what kind of things I can expect?

[buntine]

Dress nicely, be confident, use big words. I have been to a few similar interviews. I am normally conducting the interviews, but the concept still applies. They will be looking for someone who is confident they know what they are looking for and and are capable of. I'm not sure how old and experienced you are, but I normally find these things quite intimidating (atleast until the interview is underway).

Normally, a larger company will just add your details and skillset to a database when you apply for a job. Every time a position is available, they just plug in the required skills and hit search. Your name obviously appeared!

Regards.

[Snitchcat]

I agree almost 100% with Buntine. I've been on both sides of the panel -- and I'm not the nicest of interviewers :p

Seriously:

Dress smartly -- regardless of corporate culture, you need to make an impression. If you're bringing supporting documentation, ensure it's in a respectable document case (black is good; preferably hard case for neat edges & corners, etc.).

Be confident -- but not arrogant. It's a difficult balance to pull off, yet when successfully done, it gives a good impression. Be certain of your subject and your expertise. I would suggest not trying to fudge, but don't be negative when speaking about any weaknesses the panel may focus on.

Clear expression -- use big words if you have to, but keep in mind that you need to convey your meaning clearly and concisely. If the panel doesn't fully understand your answer, they may or may not ask for clarification. If they do, it's a good chance to offer more than just the elaboration they want. If they don't, you can offer more, but that depends on the situation.

And the last bit: The following may seem obvious, but I've seen quite a few candidates and competing interviewees who had forgotten these little details.

Ironed clothes
Clean hair
Clean hands and fingernails
Clean shaven (guys: that's if you're not purposely sporting a beard :p )
Suitable make-up (girls: that's if you're usually into outrageous make-up :p )
Keep perfume / aftershave / deodorant fragrances to subtle (the strong version or lots of it is off-putting)

And some final tips:
Turn off your mobile phone before you get to the interview! (You should see interviewee faces go bright red when the phone rings -- I did it once, never again.)
Look alert! Lol. You'd be surprised how many turn up looking half-asleep. :p
Catch up on the latest news in the industry. :D (I've been in one panel interview that asked me about the latest news despite not applying for a position that required knowledge of it. Thank goodness I keep up with the news! Lol.)
If they ask you something you don't know the answer to, don't fudge an answer -- merely assume they know more than you do (a good bet, in fact) and admit something like you don't know much, but you're working on improving your knowledge in that area.
More on the negative stuff: if one says 'are you stubborn' or 'what weaknesses do you see in yourself', turn it positive, e.g., 'I'm dedicated to what I do and I'm not satisfied with half-hearted efforts' or 'I'm improving on my time management' (then give examples of how you've improved).

Okay, this post is getting long and long-winded. I'm stopping.

Hope this helps some and good luck with your interview! Hope you get the job!

Take care,
Snitch.

a.k.a., Snitchcat.

[psuedocode]

Thanks, both of you.

I have asked many people I know in the industry the same questions I posed here. They all say the same things you guys did.

I have no problem interviewing and with the material for which I am going to be supporting if I get the job, its just those 'tell me how to make a PB&J sandwich' questions that are going to shock me. But, I will try not to come across as shocked.

anyways, thanks guys...I will let you know if I get it, though I doubt they will tell me tomorrow...

[smercer]

One of the best tricks of the trade is to always use an example that relates to you being the best person for the job. Example:

I went for a interview and I said I fixed a friends computer (had video card was stuffing up) and I knocked the colour from 16 bit to 264 (or what ever it was) on his Win 2000 machine, and It was better than before and he was able to continue his work, and I said that he had better get a new video card soon so that his work is not disrupted, 2 weeks later he had no video card at all to use.

That’s what I mean about giving an example, as long as it makes you look good and relates to the job application.

If you are applying a computer job which I think you are, take along your laptop and have it loaded with your most impressive work that relates to their requirements.

see if you could get inside info on what job you would be filling.

If they ask a question such as "do you have experience with Visual Basic?" and you know you don't, don't give up, instead say "no, but I have experience with C++ and I feel confident that I could learn Visual Basic using Internet tutorials and books very quickly without disrupting other team members"

One other thing, keep mentioning "team members" and that would make it sound like you would fit nicely into a team.(that’s what office work is about, isn't it?)

Always look the interviewer in the eyes and not at the floor or the fly on the wall.

Try to remember interviewer names and call them by what they introduce themselves as. But try not to pronounce their name as something else. Example: I have a person I work with and you pronounce her name as all-sa, and I keep pronouncing it as Ul-sa(as in stomach ulcer), and that makes her very angry.

I would have to emphasise this: Do NOT show up with a bunch of earrings and studs in your ears, eyebrows, nose etc. this is not going to get you the job, but instead they will tell you to go home and close the door behind you.

If you have long hair and you’re a male, have it tied back in a pony tail so that you are not looking like the floor mop that’s just been used. Females can get away with this rule I think as long as the hair is tidy.

Have you got a list of questions you think they might ask, and are you propraired for the answer?

Do research on the company that you are trying to get a job at, I got asked once on what I could tell the employer about the company.


I think thats enough for you to think about

[buntine]

Excellent post, Snitchcat. Thanks for the clarification. You too, smercer.

[psuedocode]

again, thanks for the insight...

I am applying at god-forbid... the big software manufacturer... I think u know the one. hint: not macromedia

yes, I have many sample questions they ask, provided by my recruiter.

its a panel of interviewers, so its going to be fun, to say the least...

I can try to know their software packages, but there are so many, and the division I am interviewing for is one that encompasses many applications in one.... think SMS and related

I do have some insight into some of the areas they expect me to be knowledgable in as it pertains to their division, again, thanks to the recruiter.

to remark on the inside info: I know many people who work there and have for over 10 years and they all say the same things.... beware of the panel interview! they already asked me to describe how to make a PB&J sandwich in detail. if they ask me something like that in a serious way with 3 or 4 managers looking at me, I might laugh. Thats what I am afraid of.

regarding appearance... I have some nice button down shirts and slacks, some nice Bass shoes and nice belt. unfortunately I dont have a sport jacket, so I will go with a decent jacket that I do own; thankfully, it goes well with the shirt I will be wearing. I dont have any piercings or that sort of thing. I am the type of guy a girls mother would love her to date; clean and lean.

thanks for the comments though

[smercer]

Originally posted by psuedocode
again, thanks for the insight...

I am applying at god-forbid... the big software manufacturer... I think u know the one. hint: not macromedia
Microsoft? Adobe?
Originally posted by psuedocode

yes, I have many sample questions they ask, provided by my recruiter.

Great!! post them (if not all, than the ones you know you are going to have difficulty with) and we can help you out if we can
Originally posted by psuedocode

its a panel of interviewers, so its going to be fun, to say the least...

A piece of cake, you just need to know one thing: the person who asks you the question(s) look person who asks you in the eye during your answer. Just imagine that it is a one to one conversation during your answer, and that would make you feel better. They are all going to take turns in asking questions. How many do you think will be on the panel?

I know it's kind of like them ganging up on you, because there is more of them, It would feel almost like stage fright if there is too many.
Originally posted by psuedocode

I can try to know their software packages, but there are so many, and the division I am interviewing for is one that encompasses many applications in one.... think SMS and related

I do have some insight into some of the areas they expect me to be knowledgeable in as it pertains to their division, again, thanks to the recruiter.

Don't let them answer all your questions for you before you ask questions of your own. If you have no questions it means you have not given the interview much thought. Plus the more questions you ask them, by the time they have answered your question, you have calmed your nerves ready for the next of their question.

Here is some good questions to fire at them:
"May I please ask for a tour of my future working environment?"
"How is the team environment you are placing me with made up of" (this question you would hope they tell you how many people you would be working with, their positions, their skills, their duties etc, even if you know from your friends, this is an attempt to show interest, but do not attempt this question if they have already told you.)

look through what they have given you to find questions that would be good to ask at the panel. One of the *** questions are the ones that relate to how much you get paid, your holiday pay, your sick leave benefits etc just try to avoid these.


Originally posted by psuedocode

to remark on the inside info: I know many people who work there and have for over 10 years and they all say the same things.... beware of the panel interview! they already asked me to describe how to make a PB&J sandwich in detail. if they ask me something like that in a serious way with 3 or 4 managers looking at me, I might laugh. Thats what I am afraid of.

Sounds like you need to get used to being interviewed. use a mirror and interview your self. in this way you can practice eye to eye contact and get used to answering interview questions.

another thing to be wary of: your body language. If you have your arms crossed, your legs crossed, hand over mouth, or you have your resume or any thing else in frout of your body including having a seat with the back of the chair in front of you is a sign that you feel threatened and you are trying to protect your self from the threat.

what ever you do, do not touch your face, ears or head as this is a sign that you are lying, eg when you put your hand in front of your mouth. Remember what kids do when they do something naughty and say they didn't do it? they put their hand in front of their mouth or look at the floor.

Originally posted by psuedocode

regarding appearance... I have some nice button down shirts and slacks, some nice Bass shoes and nice belt. unfortunately I don’t have a sport jacket, so I will go with a decent jacket that I do own; thankfully, it goes well with the shirt I will be wearing. I dont have any piercings or that sort of thing. I am the type of guy a girls mother would love her to date; clean and lean.

The basic rule to go by is to look at what their employees are wearing and follow suit with that. this is a sign you are what they want in an employee. if it is like a uniform try to wear something similar and is formal.

[psuedocode]

well... the interview went well? I think so, anyhow.

also.. I didnt get any trick questions. it was all very pleasant.

I find out thursday if I am to be assimalated.

p.s. I got a 16 page manual regarding how-to-interview-at-the-mans-empire and it was pretty much what everyone here said and, honestly, was a little easier than I thought it would be.

with that said... cant wait for thursday

[psuedocode]

oh, btw... the whole interview, I couldnt get that dang tune out of my head...

'I love the Tender Crisp Bacon Cheddar Ranch......'

man... that is killin me, but for some odd reason, I love that tune... I still cant get it out of my head

[buntine]

Excellent! Good job and good luck.

[smercer]

So if you get the job, our service fee will be, hummmm lets see, what do you reckon Buntine? $50? :D

[buntine]

$5,000 .... Each.

[smercer]

Originally posted by buntine
$5,000 .... Each.

and a BMW each?

[psuedocode]

you guys....

so, what happens if I dont get the job?

am I still indebted?

btw... for the record... this isnt the only place I asked. I have 3 recruiters for this position, each of them preped me. there were 2 recruiters on-site who preped me and debreifed me, I have my own private recruiter, and I know several people who work there.

everybody told me the same thing, none of it happened....

Do I owe everyone?

better get out the goldcard

[smercer]

We were only kidding, No our advice and jokes are free. :cool:

[psuedocode]

I have been assimalated...

dear god help me

[smercer]

Originally posted by psuedocode
I have been assimalated...

what do you mean?

[psuedocode]

a vague reference...

I got the job

[smercer]

Thats good to hear. If we did not help, do you think you would have still got it?

[psuedocode]

as I said, I have MANY people who have aided me in this process.

I came to this forum to ask because it is a different venue. it has a demographic that is seperate from the one with which I am most familiar, yet there are some folks here who are pretty savvy.

I still would have gotten the job had I not placed this thread. nothing here was said that I had not already heard nor already knew.

I am in my late 30's and have had many corporate positions and many interviews. I just was looking for some more insight if anyone had any to give.

and I got that from this thread. it helped to affirm my current beliefs and point of view.

cheers

[Snitchcat]

Congratulations on getting the job! Woohoo!

Glad we could help.

Take care,
Snitch.

[scragar]

You guys should write a book.

[buntine]

I think most of the stuff mentioned in this thread is common sense. Psuedocode would know that. But put in his position, you need confirmation. Thats why we sometimes ask rhetorical questions.

Regards.