1st Ever Contract Interview - What to expect?

[thunderlizard]

And I would subtract point 3 actually. Or at least say that you're attracted to the project, rather than the company itself.
I've always been up front about giving 100% for whichever company is paying for my time, however good or bad a company it is, and it's never been a problem.

[TheFaQQer]

And I would subtract point 3 actually. Or at least say that you're attracted to the project, rather than the company itself.
I've always been up front about giving 100% for whichever company is paying for my time, however good or bad a company it is, and it's never been a problem.

Ditto.

I was asked at an interview yesterday what my motivation would be for taking the role - I told them it was to get a longer contract than the one I was on at the moment! Face to face interview tomorrow.

[Troll]

.. and whatever you do, don't forget to use the "Contractors handshake"

Grasp the interviewers Index and first fingers (not the whole extended hand) and lightly tug.

For the more experienced and "in the know " Contractors, grasp the whole extended hand but use your first finger to gently tickle the palm of the interviewer hand whilst shaking

HTH

[NotAllThere]

I agree.

My best interview/meeting advice is this. Write down all the skills you have, technical and personal. Then read it back to yourself over and over until you have it drilled into you. Put weaknesses out of your mind, tell yourself you are the one they want, try not to be worried about not getting it (even if you have to lie to yourself). Basically psych yourself up on how great you are and how much this company need you more than anyone else.

Then when you walk into your interview you will bowl them over, you will be confident, chatty and approachable. They will pick you over people who have bags more experience.

Also remember that you need to find out what you are doing there, don't leave with any questions in your head. This is your chance to evaluate the company as well!

Before any interview, prepare a set of life stories/anecdotes, that demonstrate how you've successfully applied each skill. Memorising these success stories will allow you to give much more rounded answers to questions, without having to cast around thinking about what to say.

The goal of the interview is to have the other side thinking that they've lost if they don't take you on. It's often the case that you reach a point where they are trying to sell to you, to convince you to take the contract.