Howdy everyone.

I have my first 'real' interview coming up for a sales fast track program at an electric supply company.

I had met with the recruiter as I was walking by the career fair booths. I wasn't even expecting to attend and wasn't dressed for it, but I had been working on the company's application. I decided to go for it and put a face to my name. We had a great conversation that lasted about 15-20 minutes, and I actually got an email the next day from him asking me to finish the application so he could select me for an on-campus interview. I have plenty to feel confident about going into this interview.

Still, if anyone has any insightful tips, I would very much appreciate it. I'll be sure to have appropriate attire, and I tend to be comfortable asking questions about the company and answering questions about myself. I will bring a copy of my resume. Aside from those basics, is there anything else I should take into account?

[This message has been edited by AgStephen12 (edited 2/22/2013 2:07p).]

Don't just bring a copy of your resume bring multiple. I've shown up at interviews before where they brought more than one person. Also its good to have a copy in front of you for when they ask you questions directly off your resume.

Always look them in the eye.
Sit up straight but not uncomfortably strait.
Shake their hand firm but don't try to break it.
Don't demean previous companies if you have past experience.
Don't ask about money.
Do ask them about what they would ideally like to see from a person in this new position.
Do ask them what their favorite things about the company are.
Make sure you thank them for the interview and all their help.
Make sure you send a follow up email the next day after your interview.

Good luck

Thank you!

AgStephen, congrats on the interview! Ive been on a lot of interviews in the past and I also interview a lot of candidates at my current job. I always say go into the interview like a final exam: research the company thoroughly, anticipate possible interview questions, have answers prepared to recite, practice interviewing with a friend or relative. Also bring a portfolio with your resume and a notepad so that you are able to write notes down while interviewing. This will make you look prepared. Also write down 3-5 specific questions about the job or company you want to ask during the interview. Nothing is worse than interviewing a candidate and you ask if they have any questions and they say no. Good luck and let me know if you have any other questions.

No problem.

Also he's ^ right definitely take a note pad and take notes. It shows definite interst. Just don't get so focused on notes you don't participate in the discussion. Theres a happy medium you just have to find it. Also you can ask if they mind if you take notes.

Make sure you have a few questions to ask. Even if you know the answer to them ask something. Interviewers hate when they ask if you have any questions and you say no.

Good luck and let us know how it goes.

Those sound like very good suggestions, and certainly things I wasn't thinking about. The notepad especially sounds like a great idea. Thanks!

Google interview questions and have an idea how you'd answer them. What is your greatest success? Tell me about a time you overcame adversity to succeed. What are your strengths? What is your greatest weakness (i like to say that I'm so motivated I've taken on more than i can chew but tell a quick story how I've overcome that).

Take the time to get some solid knowledge about the company. Prepare some questions you have for them. They will always ask if you have questions. Ask at least one or two intelligent ones.

Look up the company on glassdoor.com and there will usually be reports from people who have interviewed that should give you an idea of what to expect.

Research the company (a lot) and have a general idea of what the actual job is. Have three questions ready to ask. Have a conversation with the interviewer; that is, treat you actually want him to know about you and you actually want to know about him.

Also, have answers practiced for the common interview questions (e.g. Tell me about a time when you had to work on many different projects at once, how would you handle a situation where you found out you made a mistake but no one else noticed, how have you handled working with difficult people in the past... And so on.) Interviewers generally ask similar questions in these situations.

The last two I have had both asked "Name your 3 greatest accomplishments." I definitely second checking glassdoor for different questions that company asks.

I also NEVER answer a question with a single sentence. Take every question as a chance to let them know your strengths and traits. Elaborate.

For instance, if one of your greatest accomplishments is graduating from Texas A&M... don't just leave it at that. Explain why this was such a great accomplishment. Perhaps your family could not provide you enough financial support so you had to work throughout school. Explain the effect that had on your time at A&M and how you overcame that obstacle. Remember, this may be the ONLY chance you get to make an impression, so do not leave something unsaid.

If you don't mind me asking, what is your major and who is the company? I currently work for an electrical supply house.

Sent you a pm, Rocketman. Not sure if I should mention the company here.

Thank you for the tips, everyone. I can't wait for Wednesday!

I have completed my first interview! Overall, it was a very casual discussion, and I had read that it was. The interviewer was an older guy who had retired from the company in 1999, but he has still done recruiting for them.

He didn't ask me much, but I was able to ask some of my own. It was also very informal in the way that we talked about current events, Aggie football, and the company.

Afterwards, he gave me a folder with more information. He had written something down after I mentioned that I'm looking for a place in Houston primarily, and he told me that they didn't have any full time positions for their fast track program open in Houston. However, I said that I would very much consider another city in Texas, and he wrote something else down.

I felt like the interview went well and comfortably, but I can't quite judge how I fared as a job candidate. At the very least, I have some valuable experience under my belt for future interviews.

Stephen, best of luck looking for a job. I know it can get frustrating but never let yourself get down. You have been given some good interviewing tips here on your thread but let me add one more item I don't think has been brought up.

If at all possible, bring along samples of the type of work you can produce. For example, if spreadsheets are necessary in the job, show an example of your skills - don't just tell them. My guess is the majority of those interviewing will not do this and by doing so, you will stand out to the inteviewer by showing you went the extra step.

Good luck.

Stephen, is there a reason you're limiting yourself to just Texas?

Among other reasons, I feel there are enough opportunities in Texas to start and would like to be closer to friends and family for now. I know it's not the best thing to limit myself to one state, but I feel it is best for my career "debut".

Thanks for the encouragement, texashornfan! Whether or not I get this job, I feel I have increased my value and experience as a result of being proactive. It is possible for me to get a job through just relying on some family connections, but I'm not one for entitlement. I don't give up easily, and I'm very optimistic about my future.

Stephen dont forget to send him a thank you email.

quote:

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Stephen dont forget to send him a thank you email

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I just took care of that a few moments ago, actually.

Thank you to everyone who has given me advice. I put many of them to use and felt much more prepared because of it.

I think if you lived in Rhode Island and limited yourself to just that state... then that would be bad.

But seeing that 3 of the top 10 cities in the nation for jobs are in Texas, there should be plenty of opportunities.

[This message has been edited by jlb2957 (edited 3/1/2013 9:14a).]

Well, I received a response to my follow-up email. I was not selected for an on-site interview. I appreciate the tips, though, and this was a valuable learning experience. Here's to next time.

Don't get down, bud...we've all been rejected for jobs. Keep at it and just chalk it up to experience.

Thanks Sea Bass!

I'm moving forward with the search. If anyone has some tips, insight, and/or referrals I would be very grateful! This is a learning experience, and I would like to find an entry-level sales opportunity.

[This message has been edited by AgStephen12 (edited 3/5/2013 11:15a).]