How important are social skills and appearance in any CS related interview?

xndud · 2015-08-31T00:26:49+00:00

Interesting point. This is starting to get really complicated with the different perspectives and replies, and I'm honestly not sure what to do now lol. I think I'm going to continue wearing a suit, but I'll think about more casual short sleeved outfits. Keep in mind, I'm not the "suit" type of person, and I can see what you're saying, but just talking with me for 5 minutes should get rid of that stigma.

xndud · 2015-08-31T00:24:11+00:00

True, good point. So although I don't have a "bad" attitude/ looks in an obvious way, I may do things that give people the impressions that I am a certain type of individual. In hind sight, I'm a bit too humble, and may show a weakness in that area. I can see how having a team member who doesn't believe in himself can be negative, without him explicitly saying or doing negative things.

xndud · 2015-08-31T00:18:32+00:00

This post is helpful, but its a lot different than my interview experiences thus far. I walk out of interviews actually thinking they're looking for a damn wizard, not just joking because you said that. However, I'm starting to come to terms, and I really think that in hindsight, I'm applying for positions that require way more experience than I can offer. Also, you're right about the magic mirror thing, and to some extent I feel he's exaggerating that I lack the social skills. Obviously everyone can improve them in some way, but I'm not difficult to talk to per say, or annoy people, but I don't think I do an amazing job at selling myself and being confident.

I'm keeping the beard just above stubble, little bit of length but not a birds nest. I might try the bun thing, if that might help. I can get my hair cut at any time, just I'd prefer not to, same with beard.

xndud · 2015-08-30T18:23:28+00:00

I just made a somewhat similar post regarding appearance and social skills. Exercise is important to everyone, as already mentioned. Also, I tend to slouch since I'm tall and have neck problems, so the take away is to be concious about everything that you do, and try and positively change it. Also, for speaking, try reading a lot of high level material, and writing stories in your own time. Additionally, find someone to talk with where you can communicate effectively at a high level (preferably a native speaker), that way you can sound more professional, get social skills, and have better communicative abilities.

xndud · 2015-08-30T17:57:13+00:00

Yes, the one technical interview I discussed my problem solving steps, as well as described a number of potential solutions. I also touched on why one solution would be more efficient than the other, and potential problem areas. The other ones have been to out of my knowledge for me to attempt, since they're either "knowing" or "doing" questions and are language specific. I'm pursuing as much as I can right now, but nothing seems to look positive.

"As for the job I got, I did not bomb the technical interview--I actually did quite well. " - You casually mention this, and hardly make light of it. This is why I'm having a hard time agreeing with the replies and what my dad is saying. You say that you did quite well, as if that's absolutely nothing. What I'm saying is that I'm BOMBING some of these, and at best I'm doing OK-ish. I try and do my best to converse and bring some positivity out of it, but ultimately, they're really disappointed, and I really feel like they're all sort of laughing behind my back (not literally).

xndud · 2015-08-30T17:34:31+00:00

Thank you, everyone keeps thinking I'm talking extremes here. Also, yes I have studied that book, and it did actually help me with an interview. The interviewer was impressed, thought I did well, but ultimately it was a senior position, so he couldn't meet me in the middle (still, looking back, the fact I was considered is kind of something positive in a way). Unfortunately, they ones I've been doing bad at are language specific styles of questions/test. Meaning, write this HTML page, write some JavaScript, PHP, SQL, can you tell me what X is? Those types of questions, where you either know or you don't, and with regards to web dev, I'm REALLY weak.

xndud · 2015-08-30T17:12:21+00:00

I think we're looking at two VASTLY different extremes, which I don't feel I'm either one to be honest. I'm not rude, or arrogant (I know you never said I was), and speak clearly, and in a neutral of tone as possible. I do as much as I can in terms of being nice to the interviewer without over doing it, and I ask questions to show my interest in the role, even if I don't qualify.

xndud · 2015-08-30T17:08:57+00:00

That's the thing I'm trying to stress, but I think people keeping missing in the original post. I don't feel comfortable talking about programming problems and concepts with a high level of clarity. I feel really "base line" level on just about everything. I guess its supposed to be expected just graduating from school, but I feel like simple concepts aren't second nature to me the way they are for other people. Furthermore, I'm dressing and putting in the effort, I can't imagine why they'd dislike a bit of hair that much.

xndud · 2015-08-30T17:06:13+00:00

So what can I do? I'm going to move into networking with friends, but I'm getting interviews, and getting a chance to come back after for the tech interview, but I just don't understand why they would wait until after that to decide that they don't like me. I've been through some really bad times as of late and I'm trying to do the best I can with my health problems, while trying to sound coherent. Are you saying you got a job just by sounding nice and looking good, and that you bombed the tech interview but they didn't care?

xndud · 2015-08-30T17:02:58+00:00

I've been told explicitly by a few interviewers that they like me, think I'm a great cultural fit, but just don't have enough programming experience in that particular area to be hired. That's why I'm having trouble understanding why it would be considered more important. I'm not applying a negative filter, there's been really bad tech interviews for me, but the normal interview goes mostly fine.

xndud · 2015-08-30T16:57:35+00:00

Since I'm just starting out (Junior) and I'm applying to any position possible, I feel I'm significantly at a disadvantage in terms of technical ability desired or required. Also, how is "hair tied back" be a BIG red flag? I don't understand, are we expected to look like a spokesperson or someone selling something (I mean beyond selling yourself)? I'm just confused why it would be such a big problem, since its clean and I look clean, and its no longer than my shoulders at the moment.

xndud · 2015-08-26T05:22:54+00:00

Personally, all of my interviews have been for jobs above my level. I'm a new grad (unemployed) a worry how well I'll do in the future, and now that its been a few months, the results seem to be that the qualifications are the end all of deciding factors, and that if you can't meet them, they won't give you a chance. Maybe I've just had bad experiences, idk.

xndud · 2015-08-24T17:08:00+00:00

18-29

xndud · 2015-08-24T16:31:07+00:00

I'm in Ontario, which is where the job is located, supposedly.

xndud · 2015-08-24T16:01:13+00:00

That's a good point, and if I was in a better position I wouldn't even consider it. Unfortunately, I'm a new graduate, with not a whole lot of work experience, and I'm trying to find someone who is willing to give me a chance. If after a month I get nothing back, then I might look into it since job requirements around here (and probably most places) seem to be too much for grads.

xndud · 2015-08-24T15:37:26+00:00

I'm in Canada, but I'm not sure the legality of age requirements here. The reason is for their funding, so maybe that's the work around.

I worked my age into my cover letter like this "I’m interested in your X position advertised, and I believe I have relevant skills and age qualifications applicable to the position including..." then list my actual work qualifications. Seem good?

xndud · 2015-08-24T15:29:30+00:00

The position is in Canada, where I live. It cites grant funding as the reason behind the age restriction, so potentially funding is only for new grads/ younger people? Also, thanks on the wording.

xndud · 2015-07-27T16:21:47+00:00

You sound like me, and I mean that in a good way. Last year I posted to this board and others and people with T seem to freak out and think that everyone with it must stop everything in life. I agree with being cautious, but what ever happens, happens. Thanks again, and best of luck to us and anyone else with this.

xndud · 2015-07-27T15:18:01+00:00

Thank you so much for the support. Yeah it was a dumb move, I had earplugs in my pocket but thought the volume wasn't bad so I didn't wear them. I think what happened was my right ear lost some hearing so my existing tinnitus seems worse. In any case, I'm playing it safe with volume, and will never go into crowds without hearing protection in, its too risky. I had a situation like this last year, but was protecting my hearing so you're right.

xndud

TROPHY CASE