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> But, with the exception of my recent foray into dot.com companies, all of my
> employers have been Fortune 100 companies...and not once did I ever
> interview with HR on my specialty. Either it isn't as common a practice as
> you suggest, or I've been very, very lucky..;)
Either way, you have my envy. In my experience, HR interviews tend to be
awkward on both sides. The interviewer doesn't usually know what to ask,
and I'm waiting to get to the more important interviews.
> I've had one or two HR people interview me in a casual manner about my field
> in general (not tech comm at the time), more in a conversational format than
> an interview, but they never drilled deeper than the mulch. More like they
> were trying to get a feel for my personality, how I'd fit with the team,
> etc.
Sometimes, I half-suspect that the HR person simply wants to stake a
claim to being part of the process, or to look busy. But, then, I have a
nasty, cynical mind that gets worse with every year. :-)
> I take a different approach when I to into interviews. I used to get nervous
> and worked up, but now I go in and interview the company. I respond to
> interviewers questions and inane "what ifs" with responses that sell my
> skills, not necessarily the answer they're looking for. Being in command of
> the interview is a mindset you have to get into long before you walk in the
> lobby.
Taking control of the interview often works, but you need to make sure
that you don't appear arrogant as you do it.
As for nervousness, I feel it no matter what strategy I'm planning. I
used to feel the same way when I ran competitively. For me, the
nervousness is a good sign; it means that I can psych myself up for the
coming ordeal. I've notice that, whenever I don't feel nervous, I don't
do well, so I have an almost superstitious regard for nervousness. I
suppose that's what actors call flop-sweat.
--
Bruce Byfield 604.421.7177 bbyfield -at- axionet -dot- com
"And the court gave them justice
As justice is given by well-mannered thugs."
-Geoff Pearson, "If They Come In the Morning"
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