snagged an interview finally!!!

[wannagetstarted]

hey everyone , good news hopefully. got an interview in a week with a hvac company that works with chicago housing department.. kinda embarresed because i did not get it on my own, and old friend helped me . i spoke with my friends supervisor and he said he is very interested in interviewing me but the president of the company is not in this week hes on vacation. so wants to wait til he gets back so they both could talk to me. there looking for install helpers. i want to make a good impression any suggestions? i'll try and see if i can get a drivers abstract (record) to give to them so they can see i am interested...

[Tech Rob]

Emphasize a willingness to learn above all. Everything else is secondary, unless you have problems with attendance :D

Good luck!

[austinjcooper]

i work in chicago on the north side, and we are always looking for good installers and or service techs

[stephy]

Go in there and SELL yourself......

and.....Stop being embarassed that conections got you the interview from a friend........

Outside influance is important, but now it's time to sell yourself.....

{I wish I would have understood this when I was your age}

Now it's time to......

Getstarted.......:D

Stephen

[dandyme]

Good attitude
Clean cut
clothes that hold theirself up
show up on time or a little early
AND lose any body jewelery

[thermotron1]

It is great that you have a friend that is able to help you out in finding an opportunity. I'm a firm believer in networking...in the future be sure to establish as many relationships as possible, try to maintain them, and don't burn any bridges. It will take you place...trust me ;)

Being in HR I interview sometimes all day long, so here's a couple of tips from my side of the desk:

Be 15 minutes early and make an outstanding impression with the first person you talk to...probably a receptionist of some sort. (People talk, and that first person carries more weight than you think no matter what their title is)

Don't oversell yourself. Just be yourself (within reason of course)

Try to put a positive spin on everything, even bad situations. Employers will ask, what the worst company you worked for is, tell me about a conflict you had with a co-worker, have you ever been mad at your boss? Etc....
Answer them honestly...yes...is a good start. Bad situations happen, and the person interviewing is more curious to see what your reaction to that situation was. For example, "yes I had a disagreement with a co-worker. We resolved it by sitting down after work one day and had a conversation, attempting to work through it. We finally came to an agreement and it was _________________ we now work together fine. I learned that if you take the time to speak and listen to someone that you are having problems with, it makes life much easier."

RELAX --> The guy sitting across the table from you puts his pants on the exact same way you do.

GOOD LUCK!

[thermotron1]

TO add more:

Show up with a list of references...they don't all have to be relevant to the industry. It shows initiative, and they will eventually be needed anyways.

Always bring in a new resume, even if you know they already have one. And prepare some well thought out questions...ask -> what would a typical day be like? What sort of training would I recieve? Will there be other opportunities for me 5-10 years down the road (This is a good one because it suggests longevity). Doing this shows preparation and that you've actually thought it out, and that you care about the position. Also, finding out as much information about the company and what they do, who they service, etc. will also demonstrate your preparation and interest in the position.

Learn the buzz words of the industry or that all employers like to hear, and use them where fitting. I like to hear the words:

ambitious
willingness to learn
dedicated
service oriented
conscientious
adaptable
confident
mechanical aptitude

Hope this helps...good luck!

[wannagetstarted]

thanks for all the advice , i will be sure to use them all. would 4 refrences be ok? one refrence is a former co-worker that did counter sales but now self employed/service tech.. the others are close friends that have careers... they did not say a certain time to go, just to come by with a resume. but i will give them a call on friday ask what time is best for them.

[thermotron1]

thanks for all the advice , i will be sure to use them all. would 4 refrences be ok? one refrence is a former co-worker that did counter sales but now self employed/service tech.. the others are close friends that have careers... they did not say a certain time to go, just to come by with a resume. but i will give them a call on friday ask what time is best for them.

Be able to provide as many references as possible, even if it means they are not from the specific industry. References are not only used to verify technical abilities but also to verify employment, work ethic, personal character, etc. I would certainly provide more references of those you have worked with previously than of people that know you but have not worked for you. Just my 2 cents worth.