Interview Tips Chris Shaw Cshaw@Xtivia.com Cshaw@Xtivia.com

My view SQL Server DBA for over 15 years. Full Time Employee Contractor 7 years as a Hiring Manager Currently Senior Consultant at Xtivia -SQL Server MVP -Co Authored 3 books - Blog – Chrisshaw.wordpress.com Cshaw@Xtivia.com @SQLShaw

Agenda Prep Work Non-Technical Questions Technical Question Common Mistakes After the Interview Cshaw@Xtivia.com @SQLShaw

When does the interview start? From the first contact to set up a time to meet. Voice Messages Receptionist Your online presence (This Room @1:45) Social Networking Is Alive! Cshaw@Xtivia.com @SQLShaw

Prep Work Have your resume reviewed by a professional Sample Code Before you get there. Have your resume reviewed by a professional Bring a copies Know what it says Sample Code Reference Sheet Questions

Prep Work Be very selective on word choices. Questions Be very selective on word choices. Rather than asking if they have a flex schedule, ask what the normal day may look like. Stay away from benefits, money or time off unless they bring up the topic. But be sure to find out the information that is important.

Prep Work Know the company Do you really want the job? Know the company Size, Milestones, Locations and Key people. Be ready to explain why you want the job, get excited. Who do you know?

Prep Work Professional Attire Be Early Turn off your cell phone Before you start Professional Attire Be Early Turn off your cell phone

Non-Technical Questions Often the most difficult Be Honest Trick Questions Numbers on Resumes Past Experience What makes you a good fit Why we should hire you

Non-Technical Questions Common Questions Tell me about yourself? Why should we hire you? What interests you in our company?

Technical Questions Listen to what they ask a lot can be learned here Are the questions based to solve current issues they are having or had? Pick of the pain points How would you go about performance tuning this process? Don’t disagree, even if you know your right.

Technical Questions Explain your answers and experience. Listen to what they ask a lot can be learned here Explain your answers and experience. Be careful to not ramble. What if you don’t know What would the first things you would do after starting?

Questions If given a chance, ask questions. Sample Questions Your turn. If given a chance, ask questions. Shows interest Sample Questions What current challenges are you facing I like to hit the ground running, would a server backup plan and config review be a good first task

Common Pitfall’s Too Much Personal info Whatever you do, don’t forget… Too Much Personal info Don’t talk to just fill time. Give direct answers and stop. Trash talking past employers or employees Being Late Attire

After your interview Send a Thank You note. Tilt the scales your direction. Send a Thank You note. As soon as you leave, make notes. Many times the questions they ask you can reveal a lot. Did you pass along references?

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