Help with IT Interview (Survey)

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 Aug 2014 01:43:30 -0400

Since the RP staff didn't like the way I phrased my earlier question - this has been modified so it makes more sense (See below the Edit):

EDIT

I got the job!

END EDIT

I had my first full time job interview today via telephone. It was a "technical" interview, and I might have blown it because I suck at remembering acronyms. So, next time, what should I do:

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 1 at 2014 9:27 AM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 Aug 2014 09:27:36 -0400

I wouldn't necessarily use the word suck though!

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 1 at 2014 11:40 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 Aug 2014 11:40:05 -0400

I don't want people on my teams to judge interviewees on their knowledge of acronyms, only on their knowledge of what they'd be doing in the job. And I certainly wouldn't want to work for a company that judged me on my knowledge of acronyms. I hire dozens of technical people each year in the global software engineering organization I run, so I'd add a fifth option, "Don't worry about not knowing the acronyms the first time. Write down what you didn't know and learn it for the next interview."

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 1 at 2014 4:29 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 Aug 2014 16:29:16 -0400

All: Apparently, I GOT THE JOB - I GOT THE JOB - I GOT THE JOB!!!!!! WOOT! Start on the 11th!

Response by PFC Stephen Eric Serati made Aug 1 at 2014 6:55 PM

PFC Stephen Eric Serati — Fri, 01 Aug 2014 18:55:25 -0400

In my experience-learn about the position your applying for,and remember that civilian jobs are run quite differently than the military.Knowing acronyms is ok but having indepth knowledge and being able to share it in an interviewers platform is very immportant.This was your first time learn from it.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 1 at 2014 10:12 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 Aug 2014 22:12:39 -0400

Marc, now that you've had your 1st interview, you'll be better prepared to handle the next one. The 1st one is always the toughest. As for the acronyms, think back to the ones mentioned in the interview, obviously those were the important ones to the interviewer...write them down and have them in front of you for the next one (just in case). If you use any acronmyns on your resume, be sure you are familiar with those. Also, remember sometimes we tend to be a bit harder on ourselves then we need to be. It's not easy taking off the uniform and stepping into the civilan word, we still think and act like Soldiers (we always will be). That's a point in our favor as you bring other valuable qualities to the table. Now you're better prepared for the next one....unless you get that call that lets you know...you didn't blow it after all. Good Luck!

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 1 at 2014 11:46 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 Aug 2014 23:46:42 -0400

As to follow up with your blown interview:

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Aug 2 at 2014 6:33 AM

MSG Wade Huffman — Sat, 02 Aug 2014 06:33:09 -0400

Congratulations on the new job, SFC Wayman!

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Aug 2 at 2014 7:51 AM

SFC William Swartz Jr — Sat, 02 Aug 2014 07:51:45 -0400

Good thing I came into this conversation late..was gonna say something about a goat or a camel, but since you got the job, congrats brother and good luck with your new career!!

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Aug 2 at 2014 10:06 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Sat, 02 Aug 2014 22:06:53 -0400

Great news SFC Private RallyPoint Member! All of the above but with Kenny Rogers's advice - "Know when to hold'em, know when to fold'em". I'm in the midst of interviews myself and knowing when to bluff becomes a necessary skill set.

Response by Capt Jeff S. made Aug 3 at 2014 12:06 AM

Capt Jeff S. — Sun, 03 Aug 2014 00:06:00 -0400

Don't lie. Be honest. Ask for clarification if they hit you with an acronym that you don't remember. Never tell the interviewer you suck at anything. That's the kiss of death. Emphasize your strengths in IT. Focus on the positive.

Response by SFC Stephen Carden made Aug 3 at 2014 9:57 PM

SFC Stephen Carden — Sun, 03 Aug 2014 21:57:37 -0400

Congrats old man. Glad to hear your transition will be an easy one. I am about to hit it hard myself, but I don't want to start interviewing too early. We never did lunch, so if you are still around, let me know and we will get together.

Response by PFC Kevin Adrian made Aug 4 at 2014 2:55 PM

PFC Kevin Adrian — Mon, 04 Aug 2014 14:55:11 -0400

I am just finishing my CCENT and A Plus and am getting ready to take the certifications and am nervous as a long tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs. I keep telling myself I will be fine, but I still think I might lose my lunch.

Response by SSG Ed Mikus made Aug 5 at 2014 12:52 PM

SSG Ed Mikus — Tue, 05 Aug 2014 12:52:26 -0400

having a list in front of you is not cheating, it is was a closed book interview they would have you there.

Congratulations by the way!

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 5 at 2014 7:44 PM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 Aug 2014 19:44:56 -0400

Always be honest... with a twist

Response by LTC Chad Storlie made Aug 11 at 2014 1:29 PM

LTC Chad Storlie — Mon, 11 Aug 2014 13:29:22 -0400

Attached is a recent article that I used two easy to remember frameworks for answering interview questions and the top 10 questions that will be asked.

http://taskandpurpose.com/3-communication-methods-master-next-job-interview/

Hope this helps!

Chad

3 Communication Methods To Master Before Your Next Job Interview

A successful interview uses a relaxed and effective communication style combined with a structured, complete response to common interview questions.

Response by CPL Karina Franco-rey made Aug 14 at 2014 1:06 AM

CPL Karina Franco-rey — Thu, 14 Aug 2014 01:06:04 -0400

You definitely don't want to screw it, but it would be helpful to have the list handy. Be honest and let them know you have printed yourself a list in preparation of any questions. Then sell yourself!

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 28 at 2015 10:03 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 22:03:34 -0400

if you do not recognize the acronym than ask; the important thing is to recognize the concept. Clarity in the IT world depends on where you are coming from; the Army uses it's own terminology for many things, for instance how many different civilian titles are there for an Army Network Technician? If you are knowledgeable about what you do, they will know it, just like you can tell when someone is blowing smoke or if they really know what they are talking about. that is just my opinion, in any case, Congratulations on your new job.