How to Prepare for a Network Engineer Interview

By Joe Wilson

Congratulations, you did it! You passed the Cisco certification exam.

Now what do you do?

Engineers that have completed their Cisco certification successfully often consider looking for a new job. These types people usually fall into three different categories. There are newbies who are entering IT for the first time, engineers who want a change or to work on a different technology, and finally professionals who want to move up in their career. All of these changes will most likely also come with the consideration of more money.

No matter where you are in your career, if you want to make a change, it will no doubt mean your going to have to face the dreaded job interview. Some network engineers do really well on interviews, and some don't. Here are have a few pointers for those of you who have some trouble with interviews. Hopefully these will help you be one of those who do well and get that job.

Be confident, but not cocky. The CCNA is a great certification to have, it's where you start as a network engineer. But don't walk into the interview thinking you know everything because you have a CCNA. There most certainly will be other CCNA's, CCNP's and possibly a CCIE or two at your interview - and they will be able to tell if you know your stuff or if you have an ego problem.

Answer questions accurately. Speak intelligently about the subject, but don't make up an answer if you don't know it. There is no penalty for not knowing something. If you did your preparation right -- by reading up on things you haven't used in a while -- you'll do just fine.

Always continue to keep yourself current with recent technologies. Things you learn quickly fade away if you don't use it. Keep reviewing your CCNA topics, and get started on your first CCNP exam. I've seen too many newly-minted CCNAs who quickly forgot everything they learned for the exam because they stopped studying right after they passed.

Prepare for the interview. You would not believe how many engineers just go to an interview and don't re-familiar themselves with technologies they don't use often. This kind of preparation is very similar to preparing for a Cisco CCNA or CCNP exam. Study the books, take some practice questions, and get your hands back into configuring something you havent' configured in a while. An interview is very similar to taking an exam, except there won't be any multiple choice question at the interview.

If you do these simple things, your interview will be a breeze and they will surely hire you. - 31896

About the Author:

Want to get more great tips for your next Network Engineer Interview? Visit Routerfreak.com and get your free visio stencils while your there.

Winning Job Interview Techniques

By Martina Pratt

There are few things more stressful than job interviews. The best way to take some of the pressure off is to be completely prepared. How? Practice can indeed make perfect when it comes to preparing for tough questions and putting your best foot forward to prospective employers. Here are a few you can do ahead of time to help yourself feel prepared:

1. Remind yourself who you are. That might sound strange, but how long as it been since you thought long and hard about your interests and hobbies? While you are technically looking for work, not play, what you do in your free time can say a lot about the kind of person you are. Be ready to share what your personal interests are. What's more, make sure that you make a connection to the job you are seeking. For example, if you love dancing, point out that you enjoy the freedom of expression and exerting yourself physically.

2. Show interest in the position you are interviewing for. Do as much research as possible about the company and the position they are looking to fill. Employers want people who love their jobs every day, not simply someone to get the job done. They have a mission for the company and they want the employees invested in that mission.

3. Be ready for questions that don't seem to be relevant. Asking questions such as "What do you feel are your weaknesses?" is pretty standard in the interview process. They want to know how you think on your feet and how well you can sell yourself. Keep you answers honest, but never lose focus on the job that you are hoping to get when choosing your words. If you feel that you could do better when it comes to collaborating with others, say so. But be sure to add that you tend to think better in the quiet and are perfectly comfortable executing ideas in a group. Do you see the difference?

4. Looks matter. What you've always heard about first impressions is true, especially when it comes to interviewing. While it's perfectly fine to show your own sense of style, keep it professional. There's a difference between the black heels you wear to a night club and the ones that are acceptable in the work place. Make sure that you are freshly showered (and shaven) and your hair styled appropriately. While popping a little mint into your mouth a few minutes prior to the handshake is good, chewing gum is certainly not. Another important thing to remember is posture and body language. Sit up straight and exude confidence, don't hide behind crossed arms or hands in pockets.

Once you are finished answering questions, do not be afraid to ask a few of your own. Your interest in the corporate culture or the company's mission shows that you want to know more and can see yourself thriving there. Let the interviewer be the first to bring up the subject of salary and benefits. This first meeting should be about seeing if you and the company are a good fit, not if you can afford your car payment. Go into the interview prepared, and you should come across as the confident and well qualified candidate that you are. - 31896

About the Author:

Martina Pratt is a job coach in a major midwestern city. She frequently advises her clients on online college and online degree programs to help advance their careers.

The Secrets To Landing That Job You Have Been Dreaming Of

By Scott Paul

There are many different things you can do to help you land the job you want. One of the first things to do is to go over this list of items and read it closely to give yourself a good chance of landing the job. If you take all of these items to heart, you will really have a greater advantage when you hit the job market.

The first thing to do is research the company you are applying with. What we mean by this is to find out how long they have been in business, what products to they sell, how many employees do they have, what was the most recent press release, and in short find out the overall scope of the business and what it entails.

The way you dress is also very important. Too many people who are interviewing for a job just wear a suit. While a suit looks nice, it can cost you the job. What we mean is that if you are applying to be a fork lift operator and apply with a suit on, you will stick out like a soar thumb. Dress the part and look like you fit in already when you get to the interview. The last thing you want is for people to remember the guy who didn't fit in when you leave your interview.

When interviewing it is important to match your interviewer. If the interviewer is on the edge of their seat, do the same. The interviewer has their hands in their lap, do the same thing. We are not talking about playing simon says, but we are talking about connecting with your interviewer in ways that they won't even think about but will make them feel more comfortable.

The last thing to do when trying to land that dream job, is to bring examples of work that you have done that apply to the industry. If you are going into graphic design, bring tons of stuff to show your future employer. On top of bringing in things, post it all to a website that your interviewer can go back to after you are gone. - 31896

About the Author:

Scott writes articles about marketing director jobs and about sales and marketing director jobs

How To Prepare For Job Interviews For Executive Job Openings

By Jason Lee

In consulting firms interviews you may be asked some "real-world" problem, usually one with which you're totally unfamiliar! Use them as an opportunity to demonstrate how you approach problems. They also try to pressurize you usually through silence or confrontational questions, to see how you react. Answer pleasantly and calmly, ignoring the provocation.

If you have questions, be sure to ask the recruiter or headhunter prior to the second interview who had set up the arrangement. It generally is a daylong series of discussions with potential supervisors, co-workers and other managers or department heads. In disciplines like education, you may be asked to bring a portfolio or to prepare and deliver a class while being observed by other professionals. Some organizations also administer tests or give tours. The JobConcierge Best Executive Recruiters list is a free list of recruiters and headhunters who help anyone find jobs, including executive jobs and executive level jobs.

When you appear for interview a group may interview you. . Handle this situation in much the same way as if there were only one interviewer, taking care to direct your answers toward each person in the group. Treat each successive interview as if it were your first. Maintain your enthusiasm with each new person you meet. If you are asked the same question for the sixth time, remember that the person who asks has not yet heard your answer. If possible, learn the name and title of each member of the group before the interview. This will allow you to know with what orientation or area of interest each person approaches the meeting. It is best to know this in advance of the interview day.

Occasionally, second interviews include group interviews in which several applicants for the same position are presented with a problem to solve or subject to discuss as a group. The interviewer merely observe. In this case, keep in mind that you are being evaluated in terms of how you interact with the other members of your group. Recognize that you will be visiting a working organization and the people you see may not be able to devote exclusive attention to you. Don't take it personally if an interviewer takes a call; pick up the thread of the conversation when the interviewer is free again. On-site interviews often include meals. Follow your hosts' lead, both in ordering and in deciding whether to talk about work-related or casual topics. These meals are part of an evaluative process, whether or not they appear informal.

Maintain eye contact and return a firm handshake if a hand is extended, close the interview with the same enthusiastic and energetic style with which you approached it. Be aware of signals that indicate that the interview is over. An interviewer may stand or express appreciation for your time. This is your clue to close the interview. Express your enthusiasm for the organization and, if you are interested in the position, ask the interviewer when a decision will be made and when you may call. Send a thank-you note following each interview. For more job search advice and job interview advice, check out the JobConcierge Best Job Search Advice on the Internet. JobConcierge collected some of the best job search advice on cover letter tips, career change advice, networking advice, video resume tips and ranked the best articles on the executive job search website. - 31896

About the Author:

JobConcierge offers automated job search - real people search 300 job boards and submit applications to take care of your entire online job search. The site is known for its best jobs for 2010

Executive Career Services - Tips On How To Interview For 100k+ Jobs

By Jason Lee

Preparation is vital for interviews as it offers you and an employer the opportunity to learn whether or not there is a "fit" between you and the employer's organization. While you can't anticipate every question, you can prepare yourself to make the most of whatever you are asked. Think about your own abilities and experience in relation to an employer's needs. Be able to discuss why you want both this type of work and a position with this particular employer. Identify your strengths in relation to each job for which you interview. Prepare examples to make your answers credible and memorable. You can then use an open-ended question to allow you to talk about the strengths you wish to stress. Anything on your resume is fair game for discussion. Prepare to describe, explain or discuss any item on it.

Typically On-campus recruiters typically make a great deal of information available to you in the library. Ask for the name and the title of the person with whom you will meet and inquire as to what the day will entail. A full day will often include a group interview and perhaps a meeting over lunch. If you're a doctoral student applying for a research position, you'll usually also be asked to give a talk. Ask if there is any special preparation that may be helpful. These are appropriate requests; do not hesitate to make them. Employers often ask questions in terms of superlatives. What was your most challenging experience? Your best job? Your worst mistake? Anticipate and prepare for such questions. Be sure to ask the executive recruiter or headhunter who helped setup the interview. You can find a free list of recruiters who hire people for executive jobs and executive level jobs at JobConcierge Best Executive Recruiters.

Make transportation plans and arrive early so there is no chance of unnecessary stress being created by a late arrival. In some settings, dress is somewhat less formal. Obtain appropriate clothes. A conservative suit is standard interview attire for both men and women. Prepare questions that are not answered by the employer's annual report or brochure. A lively, friendly and confident approach to a first meeting can set the stage for positive impressions. Approach the interview situation with enthusiasm that is expressed in your body language and demeanor

Always remember to keep your answers job-related in case of interviews. Initial screening generally lasts about 30 minutes. It varies from highly structured question-answer formats to open-ended conversations. Also remember that you have a brief time to discuss your qualifications.

In many cases initial screenings are sometimes conducted by telephone. Prepare for your telephone interview in the same way that you prepare for a face-to-face meeting by researching the organization, reviewing your resume and knowing your own strengths and professional goals. Use positive body language and facial expressions to be sure that your voice expresses your energy and enthusiasm. If you are interviewed by more than one person, take notes as they introduce themselves so you can remember who is who. Designate a time and arrange a quiet, orderly and private space at your telephone for the discussion. For more job search advice and job interview advice, check out the JobConcierge Best Job Search Advice on the Internet. JobConcierge collected some of the best job search advice on guerrilla job tactics, interview advice, and common job search mistakes and resume advice and ranked the best articles on the executive job search website. - 31896

About the Author:

JobConcierge offers automated job search - real people who search 300 job boards and submit applications to take care of your entire online job search. The site is known for its best jobs for 2010