Database Underground | Sean McCown » Here are my Interview Questions

October 19, 2006 | Comments: (0)

Here are my Interview Questions

TAGS: General Database

Someone wrote and asked about the dumb questions I have been told to ask interviewers. Here are some of them. I found them in my email box from my last round of interviewing. And you know what, no matter what I do, I just can't imagine any of these words coming out of my mouth...

• What are the characteristics of the most successful people here?
• What are the key skills and abilities necessary to be successful in this position? What are you looking for?
• What defines outstanding performance here? How is that performance evaluated?
• What would I have to do to be considered a key resource on your team?
• What value would I bring to the team?
• How would you position me on your team?
• How would my skills help meet your goals?
• What goals does your group have that you are excited about?

OK, that's the list... if any of you like them, then feel free to use them, but if someone came in and asked me any of these I don't know what I'd do. I'll tell you what the most successful people here do, they don't ask me questions like that.

As well, here's something on thank you cards I was also sent.

Thank You Cards

Why send a thank you card? Because your competition probably isn't, and sending a card can make the difference in who gets the offer. Sending a card is professional and shows genuine interest in the opportunity. MiscRecruitingCompany recommends sending a thank you card versus a letter because it stands out and is more likely to be read quickly by the hiring manager.

MiscRecruitingCompany recommends that you use plain, simple thank you cards readily available in any card shop or grocery store. There should be no writing on the card except for the thank you on the cover. A plain tan color is just right. If you are interviewing for a contract position, an email followed up by a "snail mail" card is appropriate. When interviewing be sure to get the correct spelling (write it down) of each person you interview with. Use blue ink. First, thank the interviewers for their courtesy in meeting you, then reference some of the strengths you bring to the table that interested them in your interview, and close by asking for the job.

Sample text:

"Dear Robert,

Thank you for your courtesy this morning. I enjoyed meeting you and your team. To recap, I believe my two years of SQL development matches your needs and that I will be able to help your team meet it's rollout deadline. I am looking forward to hearing some great news.

Take care,

John Doe."

You know though... no matter how long I go on, I'll never understand the thank you note. I just can't see that it will ever make a difference. If you don't make the grade, you just don't make it, and sending a note isn't going to change that. Just like not sending a note... if you're perfect for the job, not sending a note isn't going to make a difference either.

Posted by Sean McCown on October 19, 2006 09:07 AM

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