Interview Tips : Permie v Contract

[SimonMac]

I have done an obscene number of interviews for Permie roles, on both sides of the table, and quite comfortbale with whats needed etc. How do Contract interviews differ? I have been on a few already and noticed quite a few subtle differences as to how the are structured etc.

I have a final interview for a contract where I am down to the last two, can anyone give me some tips that can give me the edge?!

[kandr]

I have done an obscene number of interviews for Permie roles, on both sides of the table, and quite comfortbale with whats needed etc. How do Contract interviews differ? I have been on a few already and noticed quite a few subtle differences as to how the are structured etc.

I have a final interview for a contract where I am down to the last two, can anyone give me some tips that can give me the edge?!

Usually contract interviews are merely a technicality, well done you got it.

[northernladuk]

Usually contract interviews are merely a technicality, well done you got it.

Seriously, if you have nothing intelligent or worthwhile saying just stop posting rubbish.

The difference between a contract and permie is the the outcome they are expecting. A permie role will spend more time (than with a contractor) thinking about you as an investment to the company. Yes you must be able to fulfil the criteria of the role you are interviewing for but they are looking to invest in a permie, someone with the right attitude, team fit and so on. You can easily train and skill someone up, it is much harder to make someone a team player or be company focussed. I would expect they would ask you questions about your goals for the future and attitude to your work/company. You don't necessarily need to be a god in your field as there are other aspects of you they are after to bring value to their company. You are there to add long term value and capability to company.

In a contracting interview they want someone that can do the job required in the best possible way. There will be much more focus on your skills and what you have done in the past. Can you carry out this task from day one, do you have prior experience in this technology area and are you the right person for the task. They won't ask about your goals and future because they don't care. They are looking for a god in that field to get their pound of flesh from you and not that fussed about any extra value you can bring in the short term. You are there to do a piece of work and then bugger off.

It's a bit like a macro interview and a micro interview with different focus between the two.

This does of course change depending on the role you are going for. The requirements of people to code or be technical will be different to interviews for managers but I still think there is a difference of approach to a contract interview or perm as outlined above.

HTH

[cojak]

Usually contract interviews are merely a technicality, well done you got it.

Oh I don't think so.

@ the OP: You'll need to go through the job description and prepare. Think of previous contracts/areas of your permie role where you used the skills the client is asking for. Dig out documentation examples. Recreate examples if necessary.

But mainly go in with a 'can-do' attitude.

(@kandr: Is that you Joey??)

[kandr]

Seriously, if you have nothing intelligent or worthwhile saying just stop posting rubbish.

The difference between a contract and permie is the the outcome they are expecting.

HTH

What a complete moron.

[Sausage Surprise]

Once got asked at a contractor interview "Why do you want to work for companyX?" I answered that the location and rate were acceptable and I could do the job.

Not sure that was what he wanted to hear.

I didn't get it.

[kandr]

Let me expand on my answer for the mentally challenged (northernlad), contractor interviews are usually short just to check out that you match up to your CV. If they start asking about where you see yourself in 5 years then you are in trouble.

[Clippy]

Oh I don't think so.

@ the OP: You'll need to go through the job description and prepare. Think of previous contracts/areas of your permie role where you used the skills the client is asking for. Dig out documentation examples. Recreate examples if necessary.

But mainly go in with a 'can-do' attitude.

(@kandr: Is that you Joey??)

NOB25?

[SimonMac]

Usually contract interviews are merely a technicality, well done you got it.

How does that work when this is my second interview? Are they just toying with me now :cry:

[kandr]

How does that work when this is my second interview? Are they just toying with me now :cry:

Ive never had a second interview, they always hire me after a quick chat. Sound like permiedom to me.