Re: interview critique

[Robert <http://dummy.us.eu.org/robert>]

Thanks for the feedback.  I'll respond point-by-point below.

--- Paola Taranta <http://www.ca.com/~ptaranta> wrote:
> Dear Robert:
> 
> From your last email it sounds like you will be having an interview with
> Alexa, congratulations.

Yeah.  I slept terribly last night worrying about what I would say.  Ugh.

> I think the book knock em dead, by yate, might be helpful as you prepare for
> interviews. Most libraries and book stores have it, including the front
> office of edd.

I was going to ask about books.  I thought I should pursue the practising to
its logical end.  However, I'll try to find this book.  Thanks.

> I also have a copy if you want you can borrow it from me.

Let me see if I can find it at the where-I-live Library.  If not, I'll ask to borrow
it.  Or maybe I'll buy it.

> I
> found the book helpful, in understanding the interview from the interviewers
> perspective, ie they need to find out
> 
> Can you do the job?
> Will you compliment the department?
> Are you willing to take the extra step?
> Are you manageable?
> Is the money right?
> 
> Only one of the questions has to do with your job skills.

Yeah.  Actually, my skills are rather specialized.  However, I would like to
convey that, given my long history, I could learn anything to fulfill the
requirements of the position in question.

> I am sorry that you got depressed by the our meeting. We all have room for
> improvement with interviewing, you seem to be both a good programmer and a
> good person. I feel that with a little work on your answers your strengths
> will be more apparent during an interview. Do not say any negative comments
> about yourself, your job during the interview is to sell yourself, not to
> tell people about your weaknesses.

Yeah.  I now realize that I wish I had concentrated on my interviewing skills
earlier in my unemployment.  Explaining the gap in my work history is getting
harder and harder.  (It's been almost 2 years now.)

OTOH, Alexa wasn't hiring back then!  :-)

> [The questions you remember.]

Good, thanks.  That was exactly what I needed.  I realized that since I'm more
"literary" than "oratory", I should write out the answer to every conceivable
question before the interview and hope it sticks in my brain.

> Take care
> paola