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What to do  before the launching of Resume

• Master your resume

• Know all your configuration in guide 1 and 2 eg VLAN, vtp, DHCP, Access port, Trunk port, Routing, Redundancy Protocols etc

• Know your day to day activities at work

• Pick a Technical Scenario question

• Know your environment in terms of designs and size of the network eg how many switches, routers and APs  do you support( Use the job description)

• Pick your specific models interms of your FW, Core Switches, Access SW, WLC, Aps ( Use the Job description)

Schedule of Interviews

NB: Master your job description and Resume before doing an interview and always ask for a minimum of 48 hrs notice for a phone interview and 72 for F2F

Before You Go for a scheduled interview

• Research the company including their web page.
• Be prepared for the frequently asked questions (see following pages) if you haven’t interviewed in a while, either role-play with someone or write down the answers.
• Prepare questions about the company, position, project, team, etc focusing on the big picture . . . take them with you.
• Try to get there at least 10-15 minutes before the scheduled time and take into account things like signing in at the front desk, parking, filling out an application, getting lost . . .

How to Open an Interview  

• Thank the interviewer for taking the time to meet with you establishes good eye contact and give a firm handshake.
• As the interview begins, become an active participant; you are interviewing them as much as they are interviewing you.
• Convey to the interviewer what you understand about the position and ask if there is anything else they can add. For example, “NPTC has told me that you are looking for a Network engineer with 3 years experience in routing and switching, wireless etc; is there anything else that you can tell me about the position.”
• Ask the interviewer, “What skills do you feel are important to be successful in this position in addition, what you would like this person to accomplish in the first 3 months, 6 months and 1 year.”

Skills to use during the Interview . . .

• Remember that no matter what they ask you, they are asking you ”What have you done in the past and how does it apply to what we’re doing here?”
• Always give examples of what you have done. For example, “
• If they ask you about something that you don’t have experience with, don’t try to cover up. Let them know you don’t have experience in that area but give them an example of a time when you had to pick up a new skill and how you applied it in a given period of time.  For example, “When I started at my last company, I didn’t know Unix at all.  Within four months, I was able to pick up
• If they ask you about compensation, don’t play games. Tell them what you’re making and what your expectations are.  If you are interviewing through us, we have already told them your current compensation and your expectations.

Closing the Interview . . .

• As the interview is wrapping up, thank the interviewer for their time and let them know if you are interested in the opportunity, when you could be available to start.
• Also ask them what would be the next step?
• Ask them if they might need any further information to help them make a decision, In addition, ask the interviewer if they have any concerns regarding how you fit with the requirements of the position and if there are any areas that they would like clarified. Tell them if you become successful it will be a decision they will never regret

WAYS TO SUCCEED ON INTERVIEWS!

1. Dress for success – reflect a professional image.
2. Be early for interviews (5-10 minutes).
3. Express interest and enthusiasm (empathy).
4. De-emphasize money and fringe benefits (open on salary).
5. Compliment past employers or minimize if unpleasant.
6. Maintain good eye contact.
7. Extend a firm, friendly handshake.
8. Express appreciation for interviewer’s time.
9. Give direct responses to questions.
10. Ask questions about position and the company.
11. Be receptive to the possibility of transfer to other locations if posible.
12. Exhibit confidence and poise (at easy₁ calm).
13. Be assertive without being overly aggressive.
14. Exhibit tact.
15. Express yourself clearly (voice₁ diction, grammar).
16. Express a career purpose and goal.
17. Express willingness to “earn your stripes.”
18. Demonstrate mature attitude.
19. Exercise courteous, well-mannered behavior.
20. Make short, direct responses to questions on unfavorable factors in record.
21. Indicate participation in company activities (team play).
22. Demonstrate decisiveness.
23. Fill out company application neatly and completely.
24. Show interest in finding a good career opportunity.
25. Express interest in long term opportunities (goals).
26. Show understanding, compassion.
27. Reflect high moral standards.
28. Show interest in the company or industry you are interviewing with.
29. Be energetic; well rested.
30. Avoid prejudicial comments.
31. Show broad interests (work and play).
32. Take criticism as a professional statement.
33. Get an offer then make a decision about the company

TWENTY-NINE WAYS TO BLOW AN INTERVIEW
Jobs are WON and LOST in the interview.  NPTC has determined a number of reasons that have resulted in past failures. You can turn each negative into a positive and make them work for you. REVIEW IT PRIOR TO EACH INTERVIEW

1. Poor personal appearance.
2. Lack of interest and enthusiasm. (Passive and indifferent).
3. over emphasis on money. (Interested only in best dollar offer).
4. Negative comments about current or past employers.
5. Failure to look at interviewer when conversing.
6. Limp, fishy handshake.
7. Late for interview.
8. Failure to express appreciation for interviewer’s time.
9. Failure to ask questions during the interview about the company, the position, the future.
10. Vague responses to questions such as the inability to quantify accomplishments.
11. over aggressive, conceited “know it all” complex.
12. Inability to express self clearly. (Poor voice, diction, grammar).
13. Lack of planning for career. (No purpose or goals).
14. Unwilling to start at the bottom; expect too much … too soon.
15. Make excuses; evasive; hedge on unfavorable factors in record.
16. Lack of tact.
17. Lack of courtesy, ill-mannered.
18. Lack of maturity.
19. Lack of vitality.
20. Indecision.
21. Sloppy application blank.
22. Merely shopping around.
23. Want job only for short time.
24. No interest in company or industry.
25. Cynicism
26. Low moral standards.
27. Intolerance. (Strong prejudices).
28. Narrow interests.
29. Inability to take criticism.