Interview HELP!!!

[eta_carinae]

So I have an interview tomorrow morning at 8 am for an entry level environmental engineering position. The job would be full-time during the summer, with the option of being part-time in the fall. The job description says they want to start the week of the 17th, which is fine (I'll be here), but my friends are getting married in Mexico the following week and a bunch of us have planned to go for the whole week since last fall. It's already paid for and everything....

I was supposed to meet with this guy from the career center at school today to do a "mock" interview. They do an interview with you, tape it, and then go over what was good/bad with you. Plus, they give you tips about things like clothes and questions and stuff. Problem is, the guy never showed up. I waited outside the career center for almost an hour before I finally got so frustrated I left :irate: So now I'm going to this interview practically cold, and I'm freaking out a bit :sweaty:

Anyway, my question is, should I tell them during the interview that I will be out of town the week after the position is supposed to start? I think it would be bad (assuming I get hired) to pull it on them the week I start. I really want this job, it is an absolute perfect opportunity - full time in the summer while I do night school, and then part time in the fall when I have a regular schedule. So what do you think? Any good ideas? Heck, any interview tips at all would be appreciated at this point.

[Jul]

Okay, couple of things:

a) treat this like something where you're going in to get information on them as well. You're interviewing them to see if they will match with your needs. You guys are sharing information to see if you'll match... you have skills to offer them, and they have money to offer you :D

b) make sure to ask in as nice a way as you can, "What are the advantages that your company has over other companies like (feel free to drop the names of their competitors)?" That takes the the light off of you and puts it squarely on them. Make them squirm a bit

c) Yes, definitely tell them that you're going to be out of town for a week, unfortunately, on a pre-planned, pre-paid trip that you cannot cancel. I would just put it that way and don't get into the details of the trip. This shouldn't get in the way and in fact shows that you're a responsible candidate, letting them know in advance about your situation...

d) Whenever they ask a question, wait, one mippippippippi, take a breath, and then start speaking. Make sure to check any kind of impulse to speak fast. Take your time..

e) you're gonna be nervous, that's a given... but, as the ole' say goes, fake it till you feel it... try to exude a relaxed, friendly appearance on the outside no matter what they ask or say.. unless it's an unwanted come-on, then feel free to go off.. ;)

f) make sure that when you meet your interviewer(s) that you look them in the eye, have a smile on your face, offer them your hand, and give them a firm handshake.

g) make sure to take a copy of your resume with you in case they don't have a copy handy.

h) what color are you wearing to your interview tomorrow. Red is a powerful color and shows strength and confidence, so if you have a nice red top to wear with your suit, that would be good...

anybody else wanna jump in here with suggestions??

[DentArthurDent]

absofrellinglutely, Lady. Always give them the whole story upfront. It may mean thay don't look at you for the Job, but you will be square with them. Often, hiring people will remember somebody who is responsible and upfront...and that can play well for later... so other than that relax be straight and interested. You'll do great... do you go to Mines? just curious...

AFD

ETA: What Jul said ! man do I type slow...

[Jul]

heh ;)

yeah, do what afd said that I forgot: be interested in what they're saying and ask questions about the work that they do there... :aok: that's really important too..

[eta_carinae]

Jul - thanks for the tips! Those are great. I'm going to be wearing a grey/navy suit that I bought last year and a new crisp white shirt I just bought today. I feel funny in a suit, but I want to look as professional as possible, even if the interviewers are in jeans and tee-shirts (which I kind of doubt since they work in a big building in downtown Denver). I like the bit about asking them about their competitors.... unfortunately, I just tried to print on my printer at home and it's crapping out on me, so I'll have one copy of my resume and one copy of my references, in case they ask. I hear they pass you around to a few different people...

AFD - yep, I'm a grad student at the good ole' Colorado School of Mines. Maybe that will work in my favor.... although another girl in my department (actually a partner on a semester project) just interviewd for the position on Monday, so I don't know how much of an asset that will be!

I spent the evening "rehersing" answers to common questions with my boyfriend, so hopefully I'll be at least a little prepared for tomorrow's onslaught. I'm definetly planning on asking questions, mostly so that it doesn't turn into an inquisition of me!

[AgentSun]

be enthusiastic about it. it might be hard for a lot of people, but thats one reason why they dont get the job. be enthsiastic and make them know that you WANT the job, that you're not just there for the money. you have to let them know that they are spending money on someone good.

[abbadon]

Good luck on the Interview...Knock 'em Dead.. :yes:

[eta_carinae]

Thanks for the support guys! The interview went well, I feel like I did a good job representing myself, I was enthusiastic, friendly, and on time! They said they will have an answer either Friday or Monday, so I guess I'll just have to wait and see. I know of two other girls from my department who have also interviewed for the position, so I think the competition will be pretty tight. We'll see how it goes...

After the interview I had to go work on my semester project for the last class I needed to finish, and we ended up working until 4am this morning. I came home, slept for an hour, and had to head back to present. So now I'm exhausted and going to take a nap!

[DentArthurDent]

That's great... hope you get the position. So have a nice nap... ;)

[Clarsax]

Good luck eta carinae! I hope you get the job.