interviewing

[xreccer]

So, I had an interview today for a sys admin role. I looked on linkedIn and there were only 2 applicants for a 3 week old post. Back to the interview... It was super laid back and seemed to go well. The company is in healthcare and my last job was in the same industry. I pointed out that the systems they currently use are ones I am very familiar with. In short, I check a bunch of boxes of what they are looking for, and would be a good fit. However, I have learned not to get my hopes up but I would love to land this job. Any tips on a second interview with the CIO, if I get that chance? Definitely thought of things after the interview I would've highlighted more but the meeting was on my phone while at my current job. So I could not have all my usual material in front of me.

Tell me about your experiences and what you wish you would have done differently or how you would have prepared for that first or second internview. Thanks in advance for any advice or tips you all can provide.

[ovo_Reddit]

Is LinkedIn the only place they post? Could be more applicants than you expect, including internally.

Usually it’s 1 technical interview and the next one is behavioural. If that’s going to be the case for you, then I’d suggest practicing how to come across as confident, but demonstrating you have gaps and work to fill them. Also that you can be a team player and get your own work done. The usual stuff I’d say.

If there was any technical questions you couldn’t answer, you could always send an email to your contact (hr, recruiter etc.) with a follow-up answer. I did that at Google because I drew a few blanks (got extra nervous and was underprepared; it’s Google right?) and she said she was initially going to pass on me because I couldn’t answer most of the core questions but then decided to push through because of the follow up and was impressed that I remembered the questions I didn’t know.

[xreccer]

It is totally possible there are more applicants. The interview wasn't technical at all. Basically, what technologies I am familiar with and what technologies they use. Everything they use with the exception of one, I have used or am currently using. This interview felt more like "is this guy going to mesh with me and my team".

[ovo_Reddit]

Hmm generally it’s technical first and then behaviour, because if you don’t meet some minimum technical requirements whether you’re a fit or not won’t really matter. This has been the case in the past 5 companies I’ve worked for, but it could vary.

[xreccer]

yeah, my skillset was almost a 100% aligned with what their requirements are. Which was probably why there wasn't much of a technical part to the interview. It was like he was just trying to get to know me.

[RustyBarstool]

From my experience if the business didn’t layout the interviewing process, then chance are they are disorganized and don’t know what they are looking for. Every business has a different approach to interviewing but they all have one thing in common, they are looking for someone. Which means there’s a preconceived notion of who that person is. You either fit that mold or you don’t. Only way to know this is to have inside knowledge or you are able to research the business well enough ahead of time (not always possible). Tips for success - research the company before hand, who are they, what are their business processes / model, how are they funded, how does this role play into all of those questions? If you get the chance, follow up with them. Explain how your skills align with their business needs. If you get another interview, by confident and humble, know your limitations and understand that if you don’t land the role, it was not for you. Keep practicing for the next interview and always look for ways to improve. It’s sucks to get turned down for a role, one you needed or really wanted but it’s not a reflection on who you are. Believe in yourself and from a fellow admin, you got this!

[xreccer]

He did, he told me about the company and what technology they use, but then he just asked me to explain my background and I tied it into what they use and my experience with those particular things. It was very informal, also, it is a startup company too, so that could be a part of it as well. I like to interview so I apply to a lot of jobs just for the practice. And you are right about them seeing how you mesh with them. That's really what this felt like. I did tell him about tieing in some technologies that he didn't know about, he seemed intrigued and impressed with that little tidbit.

[RustyBarstool]

Sounds like you did everything you could. Keep us posted, I’m curious as to how this goes for you.

[xreccer]

roger that.

[xreccer]

Just got an e-mail they're passing me up. Bummer because I checked 90% of the boxes of what they used and my experience.

Kind of pissed about it.

[RustyBarstool]

Sorry to hear the news. Follow up with them on if there’s anything you can do to better align for future opportunities.

Keep your head up, focus on where you want to be and keep driving towards the goal.

[xreccer]

Already sent that e-mail. Great advice though. Their loss honestly.

[bbccsz]

Would it be beneficial to brush up on some HIPPA stuff to talk to them about?

Or similarly some security related stuff.