I landed my first job interview!
 

Today I got an email from someone at Johns Hopkins University Center for Inherited Disease Research, and they want to interview me for the position of a genotyping technician! I am so psyched! I know I didn't specifically apply for this job, so that means they acquired my resume and are genuinely interested in me! :D

It will be my first real job interview ever, so I'm sure to be really nervous. Does anyone have any suggestions for me to prepare?

CONGRATS!!!! That sounds like a very interesting position. I know you'll do great during your interview!!!!


Allison

Congrats!!!

Congratulations, and good luck.

Most of these will seem obvious, but just in case:

Be on time.

Dress well, and conservatively. Business attire.

Be respectful.

Take a copy of your resume just in case.

Learn something about your interviewer if possible.

Be conversational, but don't talk too much.

Think before you speak. Remember the old adage that it's better to be silent and let people think you're a fool than open your mouth and remove all doubt. Or, remember to engage your brain before putting your mouth in gear.

If you don't know the answer to something, say so. Don't try to B.S. your way through it. They will respect no answer more than a dumb one.

Be upbeat.

Sell yourself, but don't oversell.

Thank the interviewer for his/her time at the beginning and end of the appointment.

Think out answers to questions you might be asked like, "Why do you want this job -- or why do you want to work at Johns Hopkins.

Think about what work experiences you have had and what you can bring to the job and be able to communicate them effictively, but without bragging.

Be honest -- professional interviewers see right through "snow jobs." And for heaven's sake, tell the truth. If they catch you fibbing, you're toast.

Think about what you have to offer them.

Don't sit down until you have been invited to.

Look the questioner in the eye when talking to him/her.

Don't ramble. Answer questions directly.

Don't bring up salary as the first topic of discussion.

Listen carefully.

Try not to do distracting things like cracking your knuckles.

Have a couple of questions for the interviewer regarding the job in case he/she asks.

If you want the position, be sure to tell him/her so before leaving.

As I said, all of these seem obvious, but in the heat of that first interview they are easy to forget. These aren't out of any book, but rather come from many years of interviewing people for jobs -- and applying for positions myself.

Don't give trite answers. If he/she asks you for your future goals, or what you want to be doing in five years, don't say, "I want your job." Everybody used to say that. Think about your answer before you get to the interview. This is a favorite question of interviewers. (I used to tell everyone I wanted to be the manager of the Breezewood, PA Holiday Inn -- I don't recommend that as a good answer.)

What all of this is about is common sense.

Finally, try to be relaxed.

Again, best of luck. Let us know how you do.

Thanks everyone, and thanks DeltAlum for your advice. I'm definitely going to be spending a lot of time preparing because I don't want to look like an idiot! :) I'll let you all know how it goes.

Just wanted to add my congrats to the list. :) DeltAlum gave really great advice. Your local library/bookstore will have tons of books on interviewing advice too, so it may help you to skim through one or two to get an idea of some of the questions that might be asked of you. Admittedly I did that and sure enough, some of the exact questions from the book were asked in the interview. Also, although this wasn't stated I feel it's important to say it...err on the conservative side. This applies to both dress and answers. Not that you wouldn't want to be truthful but it helps if you appear confident yet open to suggestions.
Good luck I'm sure you'll do great :)

Ladybug brings up an excellent followup to one of my points.

At a place like Johns Hopkins, you probably want to lose the nose rings, etc. In fact, I'd forget all piercings except ears for women -- at very least for the interview. They're probably pretty conservative. If they are, and if you're offended by that thought, you don't want to work there.

I had a former employee who was one of the last of the original "hippies." Long hair, beard, etc. He applied for a management position at Disney World. They don't (or at least didn't at that time) allow any kind of facial hair, etc.

When the HR person called me for a reference, I just plain asked her about his beard. She said that he knew it would have to go. He got the job, and it went.

The next time I saw him, I literally didn't recognize him.

Congrats on the interview!! :)

LOL, luckily I don't have any visible piercings... well I do have my cartilage pierced in my left ear, so maybe I'll take that out. Of course I always wear my hair down so I doubt they would see it anyway. And I have a belly button ring, but I certainly don't plan on wearing anything that shows it! I think I'll be ok in that area :)

I talked to the lady on the phone today and scheduled the interview for May 6. I'm excited, but nervous... I mean it's in Baltimore and I've only driven in Baltimore once before, so i hope I don't get lost or anything! But she sounds really young, which is a relief because I can probably feel a little less intimidated by a younger person :)

Bout Time you go and get a real job!!!!

God, I wish I could get out of being in Biz for my self and work for the Inernational!

Wash behind the ears, make sure nothing is hanging from your teeth, and you do not have wrinkles in clothes!

The Bestest of Luck To A Very Special GCer, We are ALL Behind YA!



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