08-04-2005 18:14									#1
	Job Interview Part XVI Enter the AD-FREE zone

OK! So finally, I got a call back.. I'm going for a job interview with the big finnish N. I'm kind of nervous though.. I had to talk myself into getting it since they had 'lost my resume and application'. However, I know that might be true, since I might have e-mailed it to the wrong department . So, basically I called up and talked some and now I'm going for an interview next week, so it was fast stuff. Who am I kidding, no one can resist my talking when I'm in the zone, getting what I need to get!

However, this will be the first interview IN A LONG LONG TIME. I have actually been on few very informal interviews, but this seems more like a formal one, plus I was told to 'reserve enough time' because it could last quite a while. Wow, thanks for the booster! Now I'm totally nervous. I don't know what to expect, and seems like I have forgotten all the golden rules. I need to get to the positive from thinking all the possible ways I can fail in that interview. Advices, tips, please?

	08-04-2005 18:44									#2
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Dress up and be polite. And whatever you do, do not pull out a sony/ericsson cell phone.

	08-04-2005 18:57									#3
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Don't try to feel the guy's nuts. Some people don't like that - even in Finland.

	08-04-2005 22:52									#4
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Thanks for the advices, espcially Kontiki made good points.

pchang, I'm contemplating between dressign in a suit or just dressing to clean and .. neutral clothes. Mind you, going for a suit in here is rare, even in job interview situation. The worst is overdoing. If you ask me, it wouldn't be overdoing so I'm still thinking about that. And no I don't have rival phone

Kontiki, it's a she.

	08-04-2005 23:01									#5
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I don't think a suit at any type of interview is bad. I'm going for a semi-interview for a masters degree/ scholarship in a couple of weeks, and I'm still going to wear a suit even though I won't actually be sitting down and getting grilled.

	08-04-2005 23:04									#6
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Be ready to answer negative questions with positive answers.

Like "name your biggest weakness"

1. Sometimes I sacrifice family time due to work.
2. Sometimes I take too long trying to solve something myself before asking for help. I'm getting better at it, but every now and then I fall into my old pattern.
3. Somtimes when I'm working with a team and nothing is getting done, I try to step up and take charge even when it's not supposed to be my role.

	08-04-2005 23:08									#7
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rah, ohh that's a good one. I don't think i would have come up with such good ways to answer that particular question, that will come up for sure.

Gibsie, Like I said, _in here_ it's a bit different. But, I'm still thinkign if I should, regardless.

	08-04-2005 23:16									#8
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Maybe not suit, but good shoes, pants, shirt and tie.

	08-04-2005 23:19									#9
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Yeah.. I'm looking for a compromise, basically not 'overdressing' or vice versa. Good shoes, definitely, pants yes, shirt yes, but I might leave the tie out. Then again, I might take the tie with me. Plus basically, this is a 4 month summer job/trainee type of thing, so yeah I need to play down and cool, even though the job itself will be quite cool.

	09-04-2005 01:24									#10
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quote: Originally posted by rah Be ready to answer negative questions with positive answers. Like "name your biggest weakness" 1. Sometimes I sacrifice family time due to work. 2. Sometimes I take too long trying to solve something myself before asking for help. I'm getting better at it, but every now and then I fall into my old pattern. 3. Somtimes when I'm working with a team and nothing is getting done, I try to step up and take charge even when it's not supposed to be my role.

esp #3

	09-04-2005 01:28									#11
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In the UK, at the end of an interview they tend to ask something along the lines of 'Now have you got anything to ask us?'.

Think of question thats different from all the other numbnut questions they've been asked ('how long do I get for dinner' or 'how many days holiday do i get'), and one that shows you've looked into the company and/or job youre applying for.

	09-04-2005 01:52									#12
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In this case perhaps "Do I get a free cell phone?"

	09-04-2005 03:11									#13
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reds4ever, yeah I guess that's pretty universal thing and I'm sure I'll have to answer to that one. You know, it's so... our nature is very different. The worst you can do is brown nose, so you have to be extremely .. smart with it. Say, if I was in somewhere else, I could be asking things like 'so, where do you see the company in 5/10 years?' or stuff like that. Or personal questions. But basically that's not an option now. Also option for trying to make the interviewer talk as much as possible about herself is not an option, even though that's a great strategy and something I recommend to everyone.. the more they talk about themselves, the better it's for you and the time flies faster and they have better taste in their mouths when it's all over. So I need to be smart, and not overly brown nosing. That question I need to answer, I have thought about it, yet I can't see what i'm going to answer, yet.

Also question 'what will you bring to our team' is a tough one. I mean, to answer smart, not just 'My contribution will be my energy etc. + I can work with all kinds of people and I get along with everyone'. It's a tough nut!

But I need to be showing interest, so I'm thinking strategies.. somehow it's easier to help someone else, and when it's your turn, your head tends to go blank and you just forgot it all . I guess it also means I do care for this particular job very much and I wasn't even raising any hopes of actually getting to the interview even. But now it's here, it's soon, and I need to be ready.

	09-04-2005 03:57									#14
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quote: Originally posted by pchang Dress up and be polite. And whatever you do, do not pull out a sony/ericsson cell phone.

Don´t pull out anything else either. Even if you´re very proud of it

	09-04-2005 06:32									#15
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Well well, I think I'll go with the proper look anyway. I'll make a compromise. I won't go with real shoes for suit (because I have really killer shoes for suit) but similar. I'll go with real pants (suit) and then I'll go and buy me a new shirt, because I don't want to go with a real shirt for suit. I mean I got a white really sharp shirt, but it's too sharp I figure, like being a president type of sharp. So I'll go and dress it down with the shirt, which will be a shirt that you could wear with suit, but not like 400 dollar shirt or white. I'll go with orange shirt, but really smart and good looking, and without tie. This way I won't be over or under dressed for it and give good impression. And I'll get a haircut.

One thing though... she wanted me to bring all documents about past jobs etc. no problem, but she also said documents with relation to hobbies etc. How can I bring documents about my hobbies? I mean what the hell does that mean? I have NO idea... but she asked, so it would be stupid to neglect this wish. Maybe she meant I should bring my resume that also has some of my hobbies listed? I just don't see how you can bring a document about your hobbies otherwise. Like proof.

What else could I need? I figure I need my resume, I'll go and take few official pics and attach a pic to it, make it sharp and proper, then I need to bring my proof of studying (being active in the Uni this year), because basically I lost my student card, so I can proof that I really am a student etc what I said I was, then regular ID (drivers license).. what else? **** I'm just nervous already. Too much on stake here.. this is make or break for me. This is the path I need to take, so I can't blow this opportunity.

	09-04-2005 16:01									#16
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quote: Originally posted by Pekka One thing though... she wanted me to bring all documents about past jobs etc. no problem, but she also said documents with relation to hobbies etc. How can I bring documents about my hobbies? I mean what the hell does that mean? I have NO idea... but she asked, so it would be stupid to neglect this wish. Maybe she meant I should bring my resume that also has some of my hobbies listed? I just don't see how you can bring a document about your hobbies otherwise. Like proof.

They need written proof that you have hobbies? Crazy Finns

quote: what else? **** I'm just nervous already. Too much on stake here.. this is make or break for me. This is the path I need to take, so I can't blow this opportunity.

Try to relax and I´m sure it´ll work itself out. Good luck!

	09-04-2005 16:23									#17
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Kamrat X, yaeh I didn't even understand this hobby documentation. About the first time I didn't understand my native language. I guess it was bound to happen some year.

And yes if I can relax, it'll go smoothly. However, this is make or brake, so I'm kind of nervous. I start thinking the wrong things, like weird things to say or do.. and then at some point that's all I can think of, 'how embarrasing would it be if I just slapped myself to the forehead', 'how weird would it be if I tried to put the word brick into my sentences as many time as possible', 'would I rise to be a legend if I interrupt her, don't think about how or when, just .. basic instinct, let it go, you're a machine and you're not in control anymore, might happen, be sharp so you remember when it happens'. **** like that.. And then I have to focus all my energy to beat these 'great ideas', and to stay composed, and that's only outside. Inside the game is already taking a sick, sick twist.

Everyone knows when it gets tough. The tough part is where you absolutely are not sure anymore if you can control yourself. You think you just might blurt out, even if you have never done it in your life. Or do something stupid that you just thought of. And then you focus harder, and the chances of you blurting seems to be ever more increasing! And at that point you are not focused on the interview itself and... it's just going bad.

Then one thing I need to work on, which I don't know how, but basically I have a problem with first impressions. That is, people are often intimidated by me for some reason. The more .. shy ones are usually outright afraid of me, and I always have to make the first moves in everything when it comes to making contact. I've been told this many times by my friends or people I've been associated with once they got to know me. That it takes few minutes before they can relax. I seriously don't know what it is, and they don't either. Some say I have penetrating eyes, I mean they're just blue and not sharp around but that the way I look at people is intimidating even if it's just my basic 'ok what's happening in here guys?'. I mean of course until you know me and you know my mad dog stare is worse and I was being nice before. That combined to my rather big physique and all that stuff, it's hard for me to make a first impression that is very positive. However, the good part is, I win everyone over in less than 10 minutes usually. It's difficult for me to get into the bunch, but once I'm there, which I usually do get to be, then I rise to the occasion and be the superman, and one thing I can win fast is trust. And of course it's good because no one usually ****s with me for no reason at all. And when I get to showcase myself and what I do. I mean I'm a sexy bastard, but intimidating one if you have been teased at school, I carry no attitude with me or anything, but a) they're PUNKS knowing I'm coming to get them or b) they've been teased at school and somehow they get flashbacks and project that feeling as it was coming from me. I need to win this first obstacle, so that they can feel relaxed and secure, and then I win them so fast because they feel extra secure, because they learn I'm a good guy and have values and all that stuff, that I can be trusted even though I look like I might kill them all if they bring me the wrong cup of coffee. Which is true, but not something I usually do.

It's difficult for me to explain. It's tough because if she feels intimidated, that's it. If I can help her to get over it, I'll be her favourite worker in the house right after. This is not a problem with women thank God. Mostly with men.

Last edited by Pekka on 09-04-2005 at 16:38

	09-04-2005 16:46									#18
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What I mean is, I usually have to throw a quick joke, I mean not tell a joke, but break the ice like that so they will see how I roll and they don't have to worry about me hurting them.

	09-04-2005 16:57									#19
	Re: Job Interview Part XVI Support Apolyton, pre-order Civilization IV

quote: Originally posted by Pekka OK! So finally, I got a call back.. I'm going for a job interview with the big finnish N.

Finland has ninjas?

	10-04-2005 03:06									#20
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Pekka, is the interview on Monday or do you have to be nervous for like the whole week?

	10-04-2005 05:21									#21
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No, it's on the middle of the week, and I'm very nervous already

It doesn't help, that I was told to reserve the day and come in the morning. It means a long one, and I know I'm the only one there, because the actual interviews are already done. When I was talking on the phone in friday, I was told that I should call back to schedule the time, because the actual last interviews were taking place while I was calling there. So I'm there 'as an extra' I think, so it'll be extra hard for me to succeed, and they'll prolly see if I'm worth hiring, but it was still OK since they actually wanted me to come anyway, and I didn't take the ordinary application route it seems. I have to trust on history man... out of 2 calls I have made directly to employers in hopes of getting a job, I got them both times. Let's make it 3 out of 3! But crap,so I know it'll take a long time and it makes my anxiety worse. And I don't know what to expect! I guess that's how they roll.. my problem is I worry quite much about things I really care for. If this wasn't very important for me, as if it was just a job to get money, I wouldn't worry, I'd be reasonably relaxed and prolly would ace it. Now, I'm extra worried, I'm nervous, and.. uh oh.. just take my word, I'm rarely this nervous. And it's not a good sign that I'm nervous already, it's not even monday or anything. It'll build up more I'm too much afraid to fail than I am eager to succeed, and that's my problem and I recognize that, but that thinking pattern is very difficult to change.

	10-04-2005 15:48									#22
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Sounds you have the shakes real bad. I don´t envy you at all... But you have to remember that the reason you´re there in the first place is that you have already made such a good impression that they´ve gone out of their way to see you. You wouldn´t be in this situation if it weren´t that you are very well suited for the position. I´d say that that counts in your favour

Keep that in mind and I think everything will be alright

	11-04-2005 18:40									#23
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That's right.. only couple more days... and it's on. Dad gave me money to buy a new shirt and pair of pants, which I did. I found the cheapest ones, and they still costed 80 euros. And those were the absolutely cheapest. This socialist hell has brainwashed me, because I still feel bad it was that much money. Damn I'm cheap.. but then again, they're ok and will suit me just fine for the interview. I also had my hair cut and I polished my resume more. Took some parts out, added some parts in. I have all the documentations ready, and.. the only thing left is to get a good holder for the documents, that would be proper and decent, and then tomorrow I go and have few face pics taken of me, so I can attach one to my resume.

I'll be really disappointed if I don't get this one, even though it's still kind of a reach for me, at this point. But... ****, I'll go for it, I just hope I can have a good composure so I don't choke or break under pressure. It's gruelling times. Make or break. Do or die. This is it. There is no other interviews for me to go to. This is it. Fail it and... I don't even want to think about it.

	11-04-2005 19:01									#24
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If the interview is in the person's personal space, do a quick check around the room for clues to the person's interest. Something that you can make a postive comment out. Anyone ever entering my area would notice golf items. If they made a golf comment I could be assured that they were reasonably observant and able to think on their feet. It's also a way to break the ice.

And do try to remain calm.

Also if they ask if you have any questions. It's usually safe to ask about company benefit packages, as long as you stay away from time off questions. (save those until you have a offer)
Another way to dodge this bullet is to ask if they have a corporate vision and what is it. Does it focus on customer service or profit. This type of question shows you're at leat familiar with corporate bullshit. But one must keep a straight face regardless of the answer, and if you can't handle that, you shouldn't ask that one.

	12-04-2005 01:19									#25
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Yes, good advices, thank you very much. There are few differencies in here, that makes these suggestions a bit difficult. I have to be extremely smooth to make a comment about something I spot in the office, that will be personal space and office for sure. But I'll try to come up with something fast to break the ice.

The problem is, I will be calm on the outside, so it's all about how it starts. If it starts badly, then it will be difficult to pick it up and regain confidence. If it starts good, then I'll go calm right away and it will go just fine. But.. I'm a worrier.. chronical worrier. The worst will be driving there and then trying to find the office. After we get going, I'll do good.

Company benefit packages would not be including me, I'm pretty sure. However, I have thought about how to answer that question, and fortunately I have something I do want to ask, and that is if I can attend the courses they have, which are supposed to be for everybody, for personal development (and of course helping you boost up your career inside the company). I'd be interested to knwo about the courses and possibly attending some of them. Maybe some of those symbian developer courses, which I'm sure they have.

About the rest, the vision etc, it was on their website already and I have studied it, about their values and all that crap.

	12-04-2005 01:27									#26
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I always like the vision question because I can judge the look on the person's face to see if it's true or all bullshit. Unless the person is a real pro, their true feelings will show. And if the person is too truthful and says "nothing matters but profit", you know what they value.

Yes, asking about courses they provide is always good at showing you're willing to do extra effort to improve yourself. Other safe questions are about working envioronment.

	13-04-2005 15:42									#27
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It's over and done with. How did I do? I aced it. . It didn't even take that long.. we chatted for about.. about 30 minutes, and then I met my future boss, who showed me the facilities (which were impressive!). She pretty much let me know I got it. She even requested my bank account number already. We just talked about what I want to do there in the future mostly, and what my working schedule will be, pay etc.. I had to fill out the security clearance form, which will be sent to our equvailent of FBI, and they'll either clear me or not. It's obvious how it effects, it's the last thing basically and when they clear me, I go and sign the contract. So.. I feel pretty great right now I got it in the bag boys.. it's just a summer job though, but there was over 1000 applicants from all over Finland. So when I sign the contract, I got myself to the top 2% . I think she was impressed. I'm not just mouthing here, you know I'm extreme worrier, thinking I won't make it always. Well, I don't have to worry anymore. Then again, it was already an achievement to get an opportunity to go to the interview so I'm pleased already.

	13-04-2005 17:02									#28
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....

quote: and then I met my future boss, who showed me the facilities (which were impressive!). She pretty much let me know I got it.

i just got to ask...is she hot?,...


and now the normal question what will be your job at the big finnish N. exactly?


EDIT: because the ****ed up keyboard i have at work with and 'alt Gr' and the z and y switch and all other kinds of things i need to edit a lot

	13-04-2005 17:11									#29
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No no the boss was a he.. the HR person was a she, the one who interviewed me first. But the boss man seems very nice too, genuinely nice guy I think.

My job won't be glamorous, and I'm not exactly sure of all the details, but basically I THINK(!!) I'm 'testing' the phones, loading the software into them, stuff like that. Basically, it's not super demanding, but it's the first step and I must pay my dues. But it's all good, since it's 'for students', it means that they are basically looking people who they think might be staying there later on as well. I already established my wishes on development side, software etc, so this would be a good start.

	13-04-2005 17:27									#30
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quote: Originally posted by Pekka It's over and done with. How did I do? I aced it. . It didn't even take that long.. we chatted for about.. about 30 minutes, and then I met my future boss, who showed me the facilities (which were impressive!). She pretty much let me know I got it. She even requested my bank account number already. We just talked about what I want to do there in the future mostly, and what my working schedule will be, pay etc.. I had to fill out the security clearance form, which will be sent to our equvailent of FBI, and they'll either clear me or not. It's obvious how it effects, it's the last thing basically and when they clear me, I go and sign the contract. So.. I feel pretty great right now I got it in the bag boys.. it's just a summer job though, but there was over 1000 applicants from all over Finland. So when I sign the contract, I got myself to the top 2% . I think she was impressed. I'm not just mouthing here, you know I'm extreme worrier, thinking I won't make it always. Well, I don't have to worry anymore. Then again, it was already an achievement to get an opportunity to go to the interview so I'm pleased already.

Onneksi olkoon!