How To Not Embarrass Yourself In A Technical Interview

A technical interview is a stage in the screening process wherein your knowledge and skills specifically required for the position you are applying for are evaluated. To some, preparing for a technical interview is like preparing for a board exam. Most applicants dig in their vaults to look for those crisp-yellowed booklets and review their seasoned notebooks. Others opt to search the internet for tips on answering technical questions. Unfortunately, most technical interview tips on the web are IT related.

So, how do you prepare yourself for a technical interview? The first item is to review the job requirements of the position you are applying for. For example, if you are applying for a document controller position, know the system that the company is using in storing up and retrieving documents as well as the involvement of the position in the document control process. Having an idea of the tasks involved in fulfilling the job that you are applying for will give you an edge in your preparation.

Since you now know the scope of work, you can focus your review on the specifics, knowing especially that technical interviews are job specific. The set of questions vary across disciplines; an electrical engineer will find a different set of questions to that of a mechanical engineer. The questions also vary according to the job requirement; a fresh graduate applying for an entry level position would most likely have a question set evaluating his/her theoretical knowledge, while a seasoned technician will most likely be asked of the equipment and the systems he/she uses. It is better to review the specifics since it would be easier for you to recall.

Lastly, do not just confine your review on the cognitive level. There are companies who also ask their applicants to demonstrate their technical knowledge, also referred to as a trade test. For example, a computer technician may have to troubleshoot a problematic laptop to prove his technical knowledge in computers, or a machine operator to fix their problematic equipment.

Other technical interviews include questions designed to evaluate your creative thinking, logic and reasoning, as well as your problem-solving skills. Some interviewers employ riddles, brainteasers and even puzzles to evaluate these. Though technical interviews are generally designed for those in a technical discipline, it is also used in screening office support staff and therefore becoming a mainstream of the recruitment process.
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Job Interviewing - Say This, Don't Say That - Part 1

"The Ultimate Interview Guide for Job and Career Success"

So you've got some job interviews coming up. Maybe you've had some interviews already, and can't figure out why you haven't gotten a follow-up call. Maybe it's because you blew the interview. Maybe not. Do you know what to say? Do you also know what not to say? Has your resume, or a combination of your resume and applications gotten you some interviews? Good. Job Hunters, as interviewees, range on a scale of 1-10, from 1 being nervous and totally unprepared to 10 being very confident, polished and prepared.

On that scale, where would you rate yourself?

A lot of your rating depends on what kind of work you do, or want to do, how much you've interviewed, how long you've been in the workforce, whether or not you have a complete resume, etc. The good news is, you can improve your odds of doing well and getting job offers if you know what to say, and what not to say.

In today's article, I'll cover a few of the typical interview questions, and how to respond. Plus, I'll cover some things you shouldn't say, no matter what.

Let's start with the basics. The key is to be ready, be yourself, and be brief.

Q. Tell me about yourself.

Hint: Practice this answer, since you'll be asked this question most often. The best way to practice is to study the responsibilities and qualifications for the job, then shape your answer to match them with your background, skills, education and experience. (Keep your response to three minutes or less.)

For instance, let's say you were applying for a job as an Electrician/ Supervisor for an electrical contractor.

Say This-

A. I started working with electronics when I was a kid, taking apart the family radio and putting it back together to see if it worked. During summers in high school, I worked for Gus Gimby, a local electrician, who taught me a lot about wiring buildings and how things worked. After high school, I went to _______(name of school), and got certified as an apprentice electrician while working for Gus.

I understand that you are looking for an Electrician/Supervisor (whatever the position is). Is that right? (Wait for an answer.) Well, I've been a journeyman electrician now for over 5 years on both residential and commercial properties. And, I've been a crew leader for the past 4 years. I think I can handle the job here, helping you to make money and build your business and reputation as a first class electrical contractor. (Hush and grin.)

Notice how this response covers a lot of what the interviewer is looking for, and it brings this Job Hunter's resume to life. Do you do that?

Also, it's to the point, and you've told the interviewer just what they needed to hear. Remember, they want to know if you're the one they should hire right away! Many interviewers would rather have a root canal with light Novocain than have to keep interviewing people.

Some people say things like;

I born in a log cabin, and my dad was injured, so my mom worked in a sweatshop sewing clothes. We ate potatoes and rice and my ten siblings and I walked to school, uphill both ways. In the winter we melted snow for bathwater and used lanterns to save money. I walked an extra 2 miles after school to work on a hog farm, cleaning and feeding hogs. They really stink, but you get used to it.

We also had an old transistor radio at home that I had to work on all the time. Our one room schoolhouse lights started sparking one day, and caught the place on fire. School was dismissed early. After the volunteer fire department left, Gus, the electrician, came out to rewire the building. I got to be his helper and have been doing electrical work ever since then. And I've only been shocked 6 times.

Don't say that!

Here's another typical question where a lot of people really BLOW their opportunity to knock the socks off the interviewer.

Q. Why are you looking for a new job? (A loaded question.)

Say This-

A. This job sounds great and seems to match up well with my qualifications. I like a challenge and I like to stay busy. I look forward to getting trained in different ways to make myself more valuable to the company. I'm also looking for a position where I can move up to higher positions with greater responsibility and pay. I understand that you offer these things here. Is that right? (Hush and grin.)

-or-

A. This job sounds great and seems to match up well with my qualifications. I want to be with a company that is growing, has promotion opportunities for experienced and highly motivated workers, and cares about its people. This is a company with those qualities, right? (Hush and grin.)

-or-

If you were laid-off, fired, or displaced from a corporate takeover, or Hurricane Katrina, just say so. Just remember to limit your responses on each of these topics.

Very few, if any, companies or books will tell you the Secret I'm about to tell you.

Here it is: The real reason most people get crossed off the list for the job during or right after the interview is that they say the wrong things, especially when answering this question.

Bad response- "I was fired/laid-off because Gus hired another boss who was a real jackass. I couldn't get along with him so I told him to 'take this job and shove it,' just like that Merle Haggard song. Ain't that funny?"

Don't Say That!

Also, don't ramble, complain, cuss, get physically upset or sick, start talking bad about former bosses, tell victim stories, hard luck stories or get so personal or say anything that will make the interviewer depressed. You don't want the interviewer to get depressed at anything you say or do. It amazing that some people say these types of things all the time! Duh!

I understand that it's tough dealing with all these situations. I've had to deal with all of them except Hurricane Katrina.

Say This:

A. "I've had some challenges. Some were from making wrong decisions. I'm quick to admit mistakes when I make them, like all human beings do occasionally. Wouldn't you agree?" (Pause to let that sink into the interviewer's brain. The point being; everyone, including him/her, has made mistakes galore in their lifetime. Nobody's perfect, so get over it.)

Now you come back with a positive twist:

"However, getting laid-off, (or displaced by Hurricane Katrina), were circumstances beyond my control. The good news is, that despite what happened in the past, it's in the past. I'm here now and ready to help improve the operation and profits of the company." (Hush and Grin.)

The interviewers will be very impressed, because they hardly ever hear this kind of talk from a job applicant. You'll be put on a short list for the job right away.

In the next article, Part 2, I'll tell you more about, 'How to say this, not that,' in your job interviews.

Be looking for it.

To your success,

Michael W. Hall

Copyright, 2008, Michael W. Hall. All rights reserved
Interview materials related

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Tell Me About Yourself - Job Interview Answers

Steps to answer interview questions:

Step 1: Give a brief introduction about yourself:


For example: My name is Peter. I graduated from XYZ University with bachelor degree in Sales. After 5 years working as a Sales Manager, I have well experienced in training, mentoring and motivating other sales personnel to achieve the goals of the Company.

Step 2: Give a brief summary of your experience in your latest positions:

Give a summary of 2-3 latest companies that you have worked for and companies that have helped you succeed with your new jobs.

For example: recently, I have worked for ABC Company as Sales Manager for North-East Region. With my skills from training courses, I developed many sales campaigns which contributed much to the development of new customers and maintenance of current customer base. After 6 months, my sales force and I did regain the company’s market and promote the sales revenue up by 37%.

Step 3: Connect your ability to the employer’s requirements:

Never assume that the employer will by himself be able to connect all of your abilities to the job requirements.

Step 4: Make a concerning question:

With a concerning question, it will help you gain “control” of the interview. You may reduce the stress of the interview with such questions.

For example: I would like to know the strong points of your company’s current Sales force.

Some tips in answering:

1. Records/references: when giving information about yourself, remember to provide records/references as well;
2. Don’t make up the information: your information will be kept as records for a long time when you are employed. Also, the employer has many ways to checking whether your information provided are correct or not. Therefore, give the most faithful information as possible;
3. Practice: to answer well an interview question, you can practice with your friends or do it by yourself in a private room. Be sure that your answer is brief and within 3 minutes;
4. Keep information brief and relevant: Try making your answers more and more concise; Try to give much information in as short time as possible;
5. Eliminate irrelevant and unnecessary information.


Tell Me About Yourself - Job Interview Answers
By Easter Becker-Smith
Easter Becker-Smith
Level: Basic PLUS

Easter Becker-Smith is a leadership development and life coach. Her blog is full of helpful tips job seekers. Easter coaches individuals who are seeking jobs, ...

Article Word Count: 587 [View Summary] Comments (0)
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Have you been asked the job interview question, "Tell me about yourself?" It is a tried and true question or maybe a tired, but true question that many interviewers still ask. When an interviewer asks this question, it is typically one of the first questions asked. What is the interviewer really trying to find out? He wants to get an overall picture about you. Here is how you do not want to answer this interview question:

* "Well, I was born in Kalamazoo"...NO...the interviewer does not want a biography.
* "I am married with a baby boy, a dog named Rex, and a cat"...NO...way too personal and off subject of the job."
* "I am a hard worker"......NO....way too cliché and has no meaning.
* "I am a people person"...NO...another worse cliché. A serial killer could say the same thing.

The best interview answer to the question, "Tell me about yourself," is to talk about your successes in a way that tells the interviewer that you can fit their job needs. To give your best answer you must know what the job description is, and what the company is looking for. If your interviewer really does want to know about where you grew up, she will ask that specific question. This could lead to an illegal question, but that is a topic for another article. I pulled a job listing for an electrical engineer. I read the overall job description and the thirteen bullet points of the job description. The overall description is:

We are seeking to hire a corporate electrical engineer responsible for maintaining and improving the electrical systems for XYZ Energy's existing facilities. The successful candidate will also be responsible for design guidance, review, and construction support for future facilities.

Then I reviewed the bullet points and chose one that was technical and one that involved people. Here are the two bullet points:

* Lead investigations with site personnel to troubleshoot and resolve plant electrical system problems.
* Work with site and construction personnel to develop and implement small capital projects to improve site electrical systems including providing electrical input for project proposal development.

There are many job requirements to this position. In this electrical engineer interview, you do not want to limit yourself to sounding like you have only one or two of skills, with the first interview answer you give. You do want to give actual results that you have accomplished. If you are known for finding problems others miss and you are someone who can get a team working together, then your answer to, "Tell me about yourself," for the job listed above will be something similar to:

"I am an electrical engineer with eight years of working in a variety of situations. I am known to be able to find problems that others have missed, and then work with the on-site teams to quickly get the problems fixed, to improve the electrical systems and facilities. The last company I worked for had an issue and I saved an estimated $500,000 in equipment failures because I discovered the problem and we fixed it right away."

You can see that the interview answer incorporated part of the overall description, as well as the bullet points listed. Be sure that you are always honest in an interview. Lying about your abilities or achievements will catch up with you. The bottom line for the answer to any interview question is to give an honest answer, and talk about your skills and results.

Easter Becker-Smith is a trusted leadership and development life coach. She has interviewed thousands of people throughout her business career. Her blog at http://coacheaster.com is very helpful and insightful for keeping a positive mindset while job searching. She also offers on tips on job interviewing skills, as well as workshops and one on one job interview coaching.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Easter_Becker-Smith

Easter Becker-Smith - EzineArticles Expert Author
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