some interviewing tips please...

I'm going in for an interview tomorrow for a possible summer internship with an engineering firm. This is my first big interview and I was hoping for some tips from maybe some of you who have been there, done that. Thanks in advance.

-Know what the company does, mission statement, history etc

-Know your job function...exactly what you will be doing at this company.

-Wear your best suit....looking fly makes you less nervous :)

-Bring some of your projects you have been working on in school. They may ask you about them and it would be good if you had it handy to show.

-Have a big breakfast.......a full stomach makes you calmer

-Don't be scared....What I do is psych myself by saying "hey, I'm probably smarter than these guys anyway" :) May not be true, but atleast is calms me down. ;)

Hope that helps.....good Luck! *** Edited 1/20/2004 10:31:59 PM UTC by Antuan***

Be prepared for detailed questions about projects that you have worked on. What want wrong, what went well, what would you do to improve the process, etc.

Depending on the company, I just treat it as a conversation with a co-worker. If you are comfortable, the interviewer is comfortable, which makes you even more comfortable, and more likely to get the job.

Good luck.

I'd say to make sure when they ask you, "do you have any questions?" you have some geniune questons...beyond those about the search process. Even if you think you know everything about the company, ask some questions. Ask them to talk about their organizational strengths and challenges; or about why they like working there. Break a leg!

Alright, congrats! I've done many internships when I was in college, and these are a few things I've learned:

1. As stated above, treat it like a conversation with a co-worker. By the time you get there, you've done everything you can to prepare. So just relax and enjoy the ride. Interviewing can be fun.

2. Non-Verbals are key. For example, leaning slightly forward in your chair shows more interest than slouching. Do a search on the net for some more basic info.

And this one has worked wonders for me, but you must be tactful...
3. Turn the tables on them. They'll ask you plenty of questions, so don't worry about making time to sell yourself; they'll take care of that. Instead, make the company sell themselves to you. Ask good questions by taking a simple question and making it tough. Example: Instead of asking 'what projects will I work on,' ask: 'what kind of responsibility can I expect of the projects I am involved with?' The more tough questions you ask, the more you will stand out from the other candidates. If you can stump them, you'll score some bonus points.

By 'interviewing them,' you can get into the driver's seat if you are good at it. Sometimes by focusing on selling yourself, you could be percevied as slightly defensive, lacking confidence. But if you can effectively turn the tables, suddenly you are assertive, self-confident, and a real go-getter. Just keep in mind there is a fine line between confident and cocky. Have the mind set that they want you, but they don't need you.

As for what to wear, it's hard to say. I would recommend the best looking semi-formal outfit you have that doesn't involve a jacket or tie. Think I'm meeting my girlfriends parents for dinner at a nice restaurant. But, then again, I'm a designer, and could get away with dressing casual for an interview. Engineering is more on the Type A side, and it's better to be safe than sorry.

Have fun!

You can never go wrong in a suit and tie for an interview for an "office" type job. If you're over-dressed for the job it doesn't count against you, conversely, if you are under-dressed it could be a fatal blow. It shows in a non-verbal way how seriously you take the company...

Also body language is a biggie. Look them in the eye....don't just stare down at the table or you notes.

Check out this site...it has a bunch of good tips and ideas for interviewing.

Be confident in your answers and let them know that you are serious about the task and dedicated to the company. What kind of engineering firm?

And if all those fail, imagine your interviewer(s) in their underwear. :-D You may have a nice or not so nice mental picture of that person but it least it will calm you down.

-Tina

With that reccomendation, he could end up getting more flustered, Tina! ;) ;)

Edit: Interview postponed til Monday...thanks for all of the tips guys. I really appreciate it. *** Edited 1/21/2004 8:15:53 PM UTC by SFGAdv lover***

Interview was a big success, I'm guaranteed a spot for the summer internships. Thanks for all of your tips guys.

congrats, SFGADvlover!

what firm was it for bro?

It was Remington & Vernick Engineers. They have a few offices, 1 in PA, and the rest in NJ.