Reply to: I am the interview pro

[d000hg]

Sadly d000000000gh, it's real life and it does count sadly in the sales part of contracting.

First impressions etc

Yeah it does make a difference if you're REALLY bad but in a techy role it's expected in many cases or at least tolerated, so you can get away with it.

I agree and disagree. Yes most techies are like this, and they are the ones who stay in the back room, have their long pony tails, greasy hair and go on about role playing games, manga etc etc

Contractors on the other hand, look smart, fit in with the management, and can aim their conversations at the tech level that the business owners / directors can understand. And this is why we are paid a lot more, and techies are on £25k (which makes them the biggest earner amongst their clan member friends.)

It depends what you DO as a contractor. You can be a techy contractor who spends all their time writing code and designing systems in UML. Or you can work remotely via email and hope they never realise. That's my tactic

[escapeUK]

The stereotypes above are awful.

But thats the thing about stereotypes, they are generally true of a group. Otherwise it wouldnt be the stereotype. Doesnt mean that everyone in that group is like that though.

[Scoobos]

Totally disagree, that's a misconception; I'm a techhy and I plan on sticking with it.

If you work in rubbish places, you meet rubbish staff.

Arrogance of dismissing hard technical skills and ability as not as worthwhile as PM is part of the problem too. Communication is two way.

The stereotypes above are awful.

I've worked with the very best IT companies in the world, in technical support roles and architecture - and have met very few techies who behave as you describe.

Oh and what SpaceCadet said.

[escapeUK]

What a load of nonsense. Many of the best techies (across all scientific fields) would stutter and stumble in that kind of situation. If you're being hired as a techy, it shouldn't really matter.

I agree and disagree. Yes most techies are like this, and they are the ones who stay in the back room, have their long pony tails, greasy hair and go on about role playing games, manga etc etc

Contractors on the other hand, look smart, fit in with the management, and can aim their conversations at the tech level that the business owners / directors can understand. And this is why we are paid a lot more, and techies are on £25k (which makes them the biggest earner amongst their clan member friends.)

[escapeUK]

Do you look at people's faces when you are talking to them?

I try to, unless they are really fat and then Ive noticed my brain makes them become invisible and I have to make myself notice them.

[hyperD]

What a load of nonsense. Many of the best techies (across all scientific fields) would stutter and stumble in that kind of situation. If you're being hired as a techy, it shouldn't really matter.

Sadly d000000000gh, it's real life and it does count sadly in the sales part of contracting.

First impressions etc

[d000hg]

Its called being under pressure to deliver.

Honestly, anyone who cannot talk confidentally about themselves and the jobs they have done, really isnt cut out for contracting. I mean if you cant talk confidentally about yourself, you're going to be real tulip on the job despite what you may like to think.

What a load of nonsense. Many of the best techies (across all scientific fields) would stutter and stumble in that kind of situation. If you're being hired as a techy, it shouldn't really matter.

[shaunbhoy]

Its called being under pressure to deliver.

Honestly, anyone who cannot talk confidentally about themselves and the jobs they have done, really isnt cut out for contracting. I mean if you cant talk confidentally about yourself, you're going to be real tulip on the job despite what you may like to think.

[BolshieBastard]

Why is it that I am flawless in my delivery when explaining my job history and techy know how... If I'm at home and nobody's there!

Come the actual meeting, even though it's in a Starbucks and not a stuffy meeting room I still fumble my speech and my new favourite words become erm and err.

Ah Tulips



This is not a question but a rant, I think hahha

Its called being under pressure to deliver.

Honestly, anyone who cannot talk confidentally about themselves and the jobs they have done, really isnt cut out for contracting. I mean if you cant talk confidentally about yourself, you're going to be real tulip on the job despite what you may like to think.

[Spacecadet]

Why is it that I am flawless in my delivery when explaining my job history and techy know how... If I'm at home and nobody's there!

Come the actual meeting, even though it's in a Starbucks and not a stuffy meeting room I still fumble my speech and my new favourite words become erm and err.

Ah Tulips



This is not a question but a rant, I think hahha

I'm the exact opposite... I get carried away and go on to some sort of sales autopilot. I'm probably friendlier and more personable in an interview situation than outside. I'm careful not to lie but if I wasn't such a nerdy geek I'd be in sales

I don't even make the mistake of talking too much, rather I somehow know how to draw the interviewer in and know when to shut up and listen carefully for the answer they want to hear back. Join that with a smattering of small talk (I NEVER do small talk out of interviews!), compliments, "In" jokes a tiny bit of self deprecating humour and interviews always end very positively.

[nomadd]

so its a lifetime on benefits for you then

Scarily, half my lifetime has been spent contracting. Which has brought some "benefits", I guess.

[d000hg]

Why is it that I am flawless in my delivery when explaining my job history and techy know how... If I'm at home and nobody's there!

Come the actual meeting, even though it's in a Starbucks and not a stuffy meeting room I still fumble my speech and my new favourite words become erm and err.

Ah Tulips



This is not a question but a rant, I think hahha

Is it because you're an IT nerd with no social skills? That's my excuse...

[DodgyAgent]

Yes, I give them my Vietnam Death Stare. If they flinch, I know they are lying. At that point, things turn ugly...

so its a lifetime on benefits for you then

[nomadd]

Do you look at people's faces when you are talking to them?

Yes, I give them my Vietnam Death Stare. If they flinch, I know they are lying. At that point, things turn ugly...

[DodgyAgent]

Do you look at people's faces when you are talking to them?