Entries tagged 'interviewing'
What do you ask when interviewing a company?
I think we can all agree that interviewing is a two way street. Though maybe a little more heavily weighted towards the employer, we also get to ask questions to determine whether the company is a place where we want to either start or continue to develop our careers. That’s why our question this week focused on you as the interviewer of a new employer; “What is the one question you always ask during interviews to make sure the job is right for you?”One common theme that emerged was what the company has to offer you. From on the job development, to community involvement to, yes bonuses, it was important for you to know how a company will support you and your career and maybe even some of your interests:
Asking about your Facebook profile is a big no no
A resounding NO echoed through our Facebook page when we asked you our question of the week yesterday; “Have you ever been asked about your Facebook profile in an interview?”
Not only had you not been asked about your profile, but it appears to have become a bit of a taboo topic. In fact, here is how some of you felt if you were to be asked about your information on Facebook:
Top 5 ways to make a lasting impression in interviews
Dear JobsBlog: I really want to work in the technology industry, but never seem to make it past the interview stage. How do I make a lasting impression in an interview?- Desperately Seeking Recognition
Dear Desperately Seeking:
This is a really great question. Fortunately, we were able to gather data from recruiters and hiring managers to help answer this question. Together we’ve come up with a unique list of the top five ways you can make a lasting impact during interviews. Hang on to your seats . . . here we go!What would you do differently next time?
Dear JobsBlog:
I recently had an interview where the interviewer asked me to describe my latest programming project. After we finished talking about the project, she asked "What would you do differently next time?” She seemed to be looking for a specific example, but I wasn’t sure. What's the best way to prepare for this question?- Getting Ready
Are you a good fit for Microsoft? Show us (Part III of III)
Dear JobsBlog:
I'm gearing up for an interview with Microsoft. I’m prepared for the technical questions, but want to know what non-technical "soft skills" I should focus on in my interview. Any suggestions?-Covering All My Bases
Dear Covering All My Bases:
In Part I of my answer, I explained The Three P’s of Microsoft: Passion, Potential and People and I focused specifically on how to convey "Passion" during the hiring process. In Part II, I discussed "Potential.Today, in my final part of this series, I will talk about "People."
Are you a good fit for Microsoft? Show us (Part II of III)
Dear JobsBlog:
I'm gearing up for an interview with Microsoft. I’m prepared for the technical questions, but want to know what non-technical "soft skills" I should focus on in my interview. Any suggestions?-Covering All My Bases
Dear Covering All My Bases:
In Part I of my answer, I explained The Three P’s of Microsoft: Passion, Potential and People and I focused specifically on how to convey "Passion" during the hiring process.Today, I want to continue the conversation and discuss "Potential."
How to prepare questions for your interview
I recently participated in a job group panel and was asked for my interview tips. As I answered the question, I realized that I've come up with a whole bunch of additional suggestions since I last wrote about interviews for JobsBlog.The first thing isn't a tip, so much as a philosophy of interviews: when faced with an interview, it is important to recognize that the process serves a dual purpose.
1) Interviews gives us a chance to find out whether or not you can contribute to the company, add value to your team and do the duties that are listed in the job description. This is the obvious purpose of an interview.
2) An interview is also a chance for YOU to interview the team to find out if it is a place where you want to work, a role that you want to take and a manager and team with whom you will "fit in."
It is imperative that you remember this second purpose. Interviewers will almost always open the floor to the interviewee at the end of the session to ask THEM questions. So be prepared!
Rock out in the Microsoft candidate experience lobby
If you haven’t seen our candidate experience lobby in Building 111, you’re going to want to come check it out.We’ve had quite a few recent additions to our lounge including the newest games, Modern Warfare 2 controllers (for the serious gamer) and a sweet new Rockband set up - complete with ACDC “Back in the Black” drum sticks!
We’re also setting up some Zunes and (soon) Windows 7 Phones at the bar so candidates can explore the great variety of Microsoft devices while waiting for their interviews…
Our updated lobby creates the ultimate Microsoft experience for candidates while they’re here visiting us. It’s an awesome place to start the Microsoft journey, rock out, or just relax!
Who knows, soon you may be able to play Kinect in the lobby too.
-Kelly
Your Story: Interviewing at Microsoft by new hire Thom Mitchell - Part II
Part II: The Day of the Interview (read Part I here)I got to the Microsoft lobby about 10 minutes early. After a somewhat anxious period of waiting in the reception room, I began the interview loop. I ended up interviewing with five people - some were managers, some were peers and some were dotted-line managers with whom I'd be working with as part of a matrixed organization.
All of the interviews were interesting, collegial and detailed. Only one interviewer really grilled me - but that was because I didn't pick up on his copious hints and blew a question. Luckily, he gave me a second chance and I did much better, although not great, with that answer. Except for that one tough question, the day felt more like the interviewers were trying to see if I'd fit into their organization, not wondering whether I could do the job. The presumption seemed to be that if I had made it this far, then I could probably do the job.
Your Story: Interviewing at Microsoft by new hire Thom Mitchell - Part I
Microsoft has a legendary reputation as a difficult place to interview, but a great place to work.Some months back, I was pleasantly surprised to receive an email from a Microsoft recruiter requesting an interview for what sounded like an interesting pre-sales position. The next day, the recruiter called me and spent some 30 minutes digging into my background and resume - asking questions and listening to my answers. It felt more like a conversation than a traditional interview. Based on our talk, she scheduled a phone interview with one of the hiring managers for the very next day.
The hiring manager called at the appointed time and we spent approximately an hour going through my background in greater detail. He also focused on trying to understand how I work, my pre-sales experience and how I would interact with other members of a sales org, clients, etc. He asked a few questions about my technical knowledge, but, again, the whole exchange felt closer to a casual conversation than a high-stakes do-or-die interview. He used up very little time telling me about Microsoft, and – when he did discuss the company – he highlighted its opportunities and its responsibilities.
The interview went well enough for me to pass to the next level - the dreaded technical interview.
