MARKETING MANAGER JOB
LOCATION:
IKOYI - LAGOS, NIGERIA
JOB NUMBER: 1275207
BUSINESS: GE CORPORATE
BUSINESS SEGMENT: INTERNATIONAL
About Us: GE is a diversified technology, media and financial services company dedicated to creating products that make life better. From aircraft engines and power generation to financial services, medical imaging and plastics, GE operates in more than 100 countries and employs more than 300,000 people worldwide.
POSTED POSITION TITLE: MARKETING MANAGER
CAREER LEVEL: EXPERIENCED
FUNCTION: MARKETING
FUNCTION SEGMENT: COMMERCIAL MARKETING
LOCATION: NIGERIA
CITY: IKOYI LAGOS
RELOCATION EXPENSES: PARTIAL EXPENSES
ROLE SUMMARY/PURPOSE:
Assist in the definition and execution of regional growth strategies across GE in the Sub Sahara Africa region: Drive development and execution of regional growth playbook (GPB)Champion specific growth initiatives to meet region-specific customer requirements, competitive threats and market opportunities by segmenting, targeting and positioning solutions aligned with regional GPB and regional commercial leadershipPerform ongoing regional market/territory analysis to identify potential mark
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Prepare and present oral and written reports & presentations on general economic trends, individual corporations, and entire industries as well as reports of findings, illustrating data graphically and translating complex findings into written text• Conduct research on consumer opinions collaborating with marketing professionals, statisticians, pollsters, and other professional
QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS:
Bachelor degree in Marketing, Business or Economics• MBA • Minimum of 10 years commercial experience working in the strategic marketing and / or consultancy arena• Experience in driving cross regional projects of various size, duration and scope, including market assessments, segmentation and voice of customer activities• Experience in a P&L structure (desired)• Strong analytical, project management and organizational skills• Minimum CECOR trained, CAP trained (desired)• Solid knowledge of GE business units (desired)• Ability to analyze, develop hypothesis, and concisely communicate findings both verbally and in writing to senior management • Experience in manipulating data and analytics using demographic, social and financial data • Solid financial and economics acumen required• Familiarity with database and/or data manipulation tools in addition to excel and PowerPoint acumen• Excellent verbal and written communication skills • Ability to work independently and be highly motivated • Local Africa market experience required with minimum of three years.• Strong interpersonal skills
JOB SEGMENTS: Database, Management, Manager, Marketing, Project Manager, Research, Technology
CLICK LINK TO APPLY
http://jobs.gecareers.com/job/IIkoyi-Lagos-Marketing-Manager-Job/992169/
Monday, January 17, 2011
Huawei Technologies recruiting Nigerian Graduates in Lagos
Huawei technologies recruiting: http://www.hauwei.com/career/en
Huawei technologies recruiting: http://www.hauwei.com/career/en
Vacancy in huawei technologies company
Gsm/umts technical sales engineer (lagos)
Qualification
Bachelor or higher degree in telecommunication
engineering/electrical/
computer/electronic engineering is needed
Must possess gsm/umts experience and knowledge of 2g-3g
Candidates apply for this position must be a Nigerian
At least 4-5years post nysc experience
Core network technical sales engineer
Qualification
Bachelor or higher degree in telecommunication
engineering/electrical/computer/electronic engineering is needed
Must possess gsm/umts experience and knowledge of 2g-3g
Candidates apply for this position must be a Nigerian
More than 5years experience in telecommunication company
Field maintenance engineer
Qualification
Bachelor degree in telecommunication or related discipline
Must possess gsm/umts experience and knowledge of 2g-3g
Candidates apply for this position must be a Nigerian
Not less than 5years experience in telecommunication maintenance
Minimum of three years of experience in fm management
For more details visit: dele.b@huawei.com
Candidates should indicate on their application and resume the job title, code and the job position they are applying for and should save their resume with their names and job title.
Candidates can follow up on the employment adverts and available positions in the career website: visit:
http://www.hauwei.com/career/en
All application must be submitted within seven days of this advert
Huawei technologies recruiting: http://www.hauwei.com/career/en
Vacancy in huawei technologies company
Gsm/umts technical sales engineer (lagos)
Qualification
Bachelor or higher degree in telecommunication
engineering/electrical/
computer/electronic engineering is needed
Must possess gsm/umts experience and knowledge of 2g-3g
Candidates apply for this position must be a Nigerian
At least 4-5years post nysc experience
Core network technical sales engineer
Qualification
Bachelor or higher degree in telecommunication
engineering/electrical/computer/electronic engineering is needed
Must possess gsm/umts experience and knowledge of 2g-3g
Candidates apply for this position must be a Nigerian
More than 5years experience in telecommunication company
Field maintenance engineer
Qualification
Bachelor degree in telecommunication or related discipline
Must possess gsm/umts experience and knowledge of 2g-3g
Candidates apply for this position must be a Nigerian
Not less than 5years experience in telecommunication maintenance
Minimum of three years of experience in fm management
For more details visit: dele.b@huawei.com
Candidates should indicate on their application and resume the job title, code and the job position they are applying for and should save their resume with their names and job title.
Candidates can follow up on the employment adverts and available positions in the career website: visit:
http://www.hauwei.com/career/en
All application must be submitted within seven days of this advert
GE Recruiting Nigerian Graduates for Sales Support Engineer
SALES SUPPORT ENGINEER
JOB NUMBER: 1293919
DATE POSTED: 10 JANUARY 2011
FUNCTION: SALES - CLIENT, ACCOUNT AND AFFILIATE ORIGINATION AND MANAGEMENT
BUSINESS: GE ENERGY - POWER & WATER
CAREER LEVEL: EXPERIENCED
LOCATION: PORT HARCOURT, NIGERIA
ABOUT US
GE is a diversified technology, media and financial services company, dedicated to creating products that make life better. From aircraft engines and power generation to financial services, medical imaging, television programming and oil and gas. GE operates in more than 100 countries and employs over 300,000 people worldwide (www.ge.com).
In an effort to help Nigeria meet its growing demand for electricity, GE has supplied over 100 gas turbines to the country. From our custom solutions in the oil & gas, energy and healthcare industries to our local inspection and servicing facilities, GE has fostered growing relationships with both the government and private business sectors, helping the country reach its potential. (www.ge.com/ng)
ROLE SUMMARY/PURPOSE
The Sales Support Engineer 6 is responsible for defined work or projects with moderate complexity. In this role you will follow an individual work plan and meets day-to-day short-term objectives and resolve issues through immediate action or short-term planning.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Identify and develop new business opportunities to maintain and grow the sales pipeline
Support the sales growth of an assigned geographic area to achieve financial targets
Coordinate all entities involved in the Inquiry to Order Cycle phase to guarantee the completeness and the quality of proposals released to Sale Force and customers, as well as area reporting
Apply and develop pricing strategies to assure maximum benefits in terms of margin to the
Build customer satisfaction through outstanding relationships
Develop proper growth strategies to assure maximum increase of the business volume of the area
Assure the proper cost control preparation of each proposal released in accordance to the standards
Responsible for reporting to Order to Remittance (OTR) leader weekly about jobs on assigned area
Maintain existing businesses while prospecting for new application areas
Carry out routine analysis of cooling and boiler waters
Write daily, weekly and monthly reports and review with clients as appropriate
QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college (or a high school diploma/GED with at least four years of experience in a customer service or sales position).
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering is preferred.
Additional experience working in field activities, Sales Support or Sales Force is preferred.
Strong oral and written communication skills.
Strong interpersonal and leadership skills.
Willingness and ability to travel 60% of the time.
CLICK LINK TO APPLY
http://jobs.gecareers.com/job/Port-Harcourt-Sales-Support-Engineer-Job/1095421/
JOB NUMBER: 1293919
DATE POSTED: 10 JANUARY 2011
FUNCTION: SALES - CLIENT, ACCOUNT AND AFFILIATE ORIGINATION AND MANAGEMENT
BUSINESS: GE ENERGY - POWER & WATER
CAREER LEVEL: EXPERIENCED
LOCATION: PORT HARCOURT, NIGERIA
ABOUT US
GE is a diversified technology, media and financial services company, dedicated to creating products that make life better. From aircraft engines and power generation to financial services, medical imaging, television programming and oil and gas. GE operates in more than 100 countries and employs over 300,000 people worldwide (www.ge.com).
In an effort to help Nigeria meet its growing demand for electricity, GE has supplied over 100 gas turbines to the country. From our custom solutions in the oil & gas, energy and healthcare industries to our local inspection and servicing facilities, GE has fostered growing relationships with both the government and private business sectors, helping the country reach its potential. (www.ge.com/ng)
ROLE SUMMARY/PURPOSE
The Sales Support Engineer 6 is responsible for defined work or projects with moderate complexity. In this role you will follow an individual work plan and meets day-to-day short-term objectives and resolve issues through immediate action or short-term planning.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Identify and develop new business opportunities to maintain and grow the sales pipeline
Support the sales growth of an assigned geographic area to achieve financial targets
Coordinate all entities involved in the Inquiry to Order Cycle phase to guarantee the completeness and the quality of proposals released to Sale Force and customers, as well as area reporting
Apply and develop pricing strategies to assure maximum benefits in terms of margin to the
Build customer satisfaction through outstanding relationships
Develop proper growth strategies to assure maximum increase of the business volume of the area
Assure the proper cost control preparation of each proposal released in accordance to the standards
Responsible for reporting to Order to Remittance (OTR) leader weekly about jobs on assigned area
Maintain existing businesses while prospecting for new application areas
Carry out routine analysis of cooling and boiler waters
Write daily, weekly and monthly reports and review with clients as appropriate
QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college (or a high school diploma/GED with at least four years of experience in a customer service or sales position).
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering is preferred.
Additional experience working in field activities, Sales Support or Sales Force is preferred.
Strong oral and written communication skills.
Strong interpersonal and leadership skills.
Willingness and ability to travel 60% of the time.
CLICK LINK TO APPLY
http://jobs.gecareers.com/job/Port-Harcourt-Sales-Support-Engineer-Job/1095421/
Interra recruiting Nigerian Graduates in Abuja
GENERAL MANAGER
LOCATION: ABUJA, FCT
JOB # 346729
The job role is principally to manage and enhance the company's performance through efficient use and management of resources, achievement of corporate goals and targets and also coordinating the growth and expansion of the company.
REQUIREMENTS:
Must possess general management skills (including leadership assertiveness, integrity, personnel/team development, communication).
Financial analysis, budgeting, cost management skills.
Good knowledge of the ICT/Outsourcing industry.
Business analysis and risk management skills.
Resource management skills.
Strategy planning skills.
Interpersonal/networking skills.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Provide a strategic link between staff and the senior Management Team on all internal aspects of the work of the company.
Coordinate the effective implementation of management decisions and guide the operations of the company in compliance with statutory provisions.
Develop and direct broad business and strategy planning processes with a focus on the smooth implementation of the company’s growth strategy
Formulate corporate business policies, define objectives, set and monitor achievement of business targets.
Oversee the execution of partnership agreements and ensure that the Company optimizes benefits from such relationships.
Develop and maintain good reputation in operating markets and good relationships with stakeholders
Create an enabling environment that empowers management and staff to proactively respond to opportunities and challenges in the business environment in pursuit of the company’s business objectives.
Initiate strategies to ensure the corporate identity and public image of the company is enhanced.
Monitor and support Heads of Departments to enable them deliver on their departmental programmes, achieve set targets and improve overall performance.
EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS:
A good university degree in the social sciences, sciences or engineering
Post graduate qualification (MBA)
A professional qualification will be an added advantage.
Not less than five years work experience with at least 3 in a core senior management capacity.
CLICK LINK TO APPLY
http://interra.catsone.com/careers/index.php?m=portal&a=details&jobOrderID=346729
http://getnaijajob.blogspot.com/2011/01/interra-recruiting-in-abuja.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+getnaijajob+%28Get+a+Job+in+Nigeria%29&utm_content=Yahoo%21+Mail
LOCATION: ABUJA, FCT
JOB # 346729
The job role is principally to manage and enhance the company's performance through efficient use and management of resources, achievement of corporate goals and targets and also coordinating the growth and expansion of the company.
REQUIREMENTS:
Must possess general management skills (including leadership assertiveness, integrity, personnel/team development, communication).
Financial analysis, budgeting, cost management skills.
Good knowledge of the ICT/Outsourcing industry.
Business analysis and risk management skills.
Resource management skills.
Strategy planning skills.
Interpersonal/networking skills.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Provide a strategic link between staff and the senior Management Team on all internal aspects of the work of the company.
Coordinate the effective implementation of management decisions and guide the operations of the company in compliance with statutory provisions.
Develop and direct broad business and strategy planning processes with a focus on the smooth implementation of the company’s growth strategy
Formulate corporate business policies, define objectives, set and monitor achievement of business targets.
Oversee the execution of partnership agreements and ensure that the Company optimizes benefits from such relationships.
Develop and maintain good reputation in operating markets and good relationships with stakeholders
Create an enabling environment that empowers management and staff to proactively respond to opportunities and challenges in the business environment in pursuit of the company’s business objectives.
Initiate strategies to ensure the corporate identity and public image of the company is enhanced.
Monitor and support Heads of Departments to enable them deliver on their departmental programmes, achieve set targets and improve overall performance.
EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS:
A good university degree in the social sciences, sciences or engineering
Post graduate qualification (MBA)
A professional qualification will be an added advantage.
Not less than five years work experience with at least 3 in a core senior management capacity.
CLICK LINK TO APPLY
http://interra.catsone.com/careers/index.php?m=portal&a=details&jobOrderID=346729
http://getnaijajob.blogspot.com/2011/01/interra-recruiting-in-abuja.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+getnaijajob+%28Get+a+Job+in+Nigeria%29&utm_content=Yahoo%21+Mail
Nigerian Airforce Recruitment Exercise 2011 For SSCE/GCE/NECO/NCE/OND Applicants
Nigerian Airforce Recruitment Exercise 2011 For SSCE/GCE/NECO/NCE/OND Applicants
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
Nationality: Applicant must be of Nigerian origin.
Age: Applicants must be between the ages of 17 and 22 for non-tradesmen/women, 17 and 24 for tradesmen/women by 31 December 2011.
Marital Status: All applicants must be single.
Height:
Minimum height is 1.68 meters or 5.5ft for males and 1.65m or 5.4ft for females.
Medical Fitness:
All applicants must be medically fit and meet the Nigerian Air Force medical and employment standards.
Applicants with HND or First Degrees/Post-Graduate Certificates, University Diplomas and Grade II Teacher’s certificates will not be considered for recruitment as airmen/airwomen into the Nigerian Air Force.
Applicant’s attestation form must be signed by a military officer from the same state as the applicant and not below the rank of Squadron Leader or equivalent in the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Navy, and Police Officer of the rank of Assistant CP and above. Local Government Chairmen/Secretaries, magistrates and principals of government Secondary Schools from applicants’ state of origin can also sign the attestation forms. In addition, applicants are to bring with them a letter of attestation of good character from any of the officers above to the Zonal Recruitment Centers and final selection interview.
Educational Qualification.
Non-Trade
Applicants must possess a minimum of 5 credits including Mathematics and English Language at not more than 2 sittings obtained not later than 4 years to this exercise. In addition, all applicants are also required to possess their school’s testimonials.
Tradesmen/women
Applicants must satisfy the requirements stated for Non-Trade above. In addition, applicants applying as tradesmen/tradeswomen must possess ND (with minimum of Lower Credit) or other relevant trade qualification from government-approved institutions. Applicant with NCE and University Diploma need not apply. Applicants are advised to carefully read the requirements below before filling the form:
Medical Records: ND in Medical Records.
Nursing: RN-RM
Lab Technician: ND in Lab Tech
X-Ray Technicians: ND/Certificate in X-ray Technology.
Dental Technician: ND in Dental Technology.
Statistics: ND Maths/Stats.
Assistant Chaplain: ND in Christian Religious Study.
Assistant Imam: ND in Arabic/Islamic Studies.
Mechanical Technicians: ND in Mechanical Engr.
Meteorologist: ND in Meteorology
Electrical Technicians: ND Electrical Electronics
ND Civil Engineering
ND Quantity Surveying
Public Relations/Info: ND Mass Comm.
Secretarial Assistants: ND in Public Admin/Secretarial Studies
Library Assistants: ND in Library Science
Music: ND in Music from Government approved institutions. In addition, playing experience in any recognised Band will be an advantage.
Driver/Mechanic: Trade Test and current driver’s license.
Trade certificate in Masonry, Carpentry and Plumbing
Qualifying Recruitment Tests will hold in the following Centers:
Makurdi: Nigerian Air Force Base, Makurdi
Ilorin: 227 Wing, Nigerian Air Force, Ilorin
Lagos: Sam Ethnan Air Force Base, Ikeja – Lagos
Enugu: 305 Flying Training School, Enugu
Port-Harcourt: 97 Special Operations Group, Nigerian Air Force, Port-Harcourt
Benin: 81 Air Maritime Group,Nigerian Air Force Benin.
Kaduna: Nigerian Air Force Base, Kawo – Kaduna
Kano: 303 Flying Training School, Kano
Maiduguri: 204 Wing, Nigerian Air Force Base, Maiduguri
Akure: 323 Artillery Regiment, Owena Barracks, Akure
Sokoto: 26 Battalion, Gingiya Barracks, Sokoto
Yola: 75 Strike Group, Nigerian Air Force, Yola
All applicants will be required to submit for scrutiny, the original copies of the documents listed under Paragraph 9(b) at the recruitment centers and during the final selection interview. Applicants will be required to present following documents if selected for the zonal recruitment test:
Two recent passport size photographs to be stamped and countersigned by officer of appropriate rank specified, Local Government Chairmen/Secretaries and other specified officers in Paragraph 7.
Photocopies of:
(I) Birth Certificate or Declaration of Age (Any age declaration done less than five years to this exercise will not be acceptable).
(II) Educational and Trade Certificates
Any applicant suspected to have impersonated or submitted false document(s) shall be disqualified from the selection exercise. Also any false declaration detected later may lead to withdrawal from training. Such applicants may be handed over to the Police for prosecution.
The Nigerian Air Force will not entertain any enquiries in respect of applicants whose applications have been rejected.
The application fee is N1000 only.
SUBMISSION OF FORM
On completion of the application forms, applicants must print out the Pay4Me Acknowledgment slip by clicking on the PAY APPLICATION FEE button.
Applicants are to use the printed acknowledgment slip to make payment at any of the designated banks.
Application Support:
09-8704817, 09-8708476, 08078406568
Technical Support:
For Technical Support, please call:09-8704817, 09-8708476, 08078406568 or Email: airforce.support@swglobal.com
Note:
All phone lines are available between
8:30AM and 5:30PM
Kindly check their website or google it and apply.
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
Nationality: Applicant must be of Nigerian origin.
Age: Applicants must be between the ages of 17 and 22 for non-tradesmen/women, 17 and 24 for tradesmen/women by 31 December 2011.
Marital Status: All applicants must be single.
Height:
Minimum height is 1.68 meters or 5.5ft for males and 1.65m or 5.4ft for females.
Medical Fitness:
All applicants must be medically fit and meet the Nigerian Air Force medical and employment standards.
Applicants with HND or First Degrees/Post-Graduate Certificates, University Diplomas and Grade II Teacher’s certificates will not be considered for recruitment as airmen/airwomen into the Nigerian Air Force.
Applicant’s attestation form must be signed by a military officer from the same state as the applicant and not below the rank of Squadron Leader or equivalent in the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Navy, and Police Officer of the rank of Assistant CP and above. Local Government Chairmen/Secretaries, magistrates and principals of government Secondary Schools from applicants’ state of origin can also sign the attestation forms. In addition, applicants are to bring with them a letter of attestation of good character from any of the officers above to the Zonal Recruitment Centers and final selection interview.
Educational Qualification.
Non-Trade
Applicants must possess a minimum of 5 credits including Mathematics and English Language at not more than 2 sittings obtained not later than 4 years to this exercise. In addition, all applicants are also required to possess their school’s testimonials.
Tradesmen/women
Applicants must satisfy the requirements stated for Non-Trade above. In addition, applicants applying as tradesmen/tradeswomen must possess ND (with minimum of Lower Credit) or other relevant trade qualification from government-approved institutions. Applicant with NCE and University Diploma need not apply. Applicants are advised to carefully read the requirements below before filling the form:
Medical Records: ND in Medical Records.
Nursing: RN-RM
Lab Technician: ND in Lab Tech
X-Ray Technicians: ND/Certificate in X-ray Technology.
Dental Technician: ND in Dental Technology.
Statistics: ND Maths/Stats.
Assistant Chaplain: ND in Christian Religious Study.
Assistant Imam: ND in Arabic/Islamic Studies.
Mechanical Technicians: ND in Mechanical Engr.
Meteorologist: ND in Meteorology
Electrical Technicians: ND Electrical Electronics
ND Civil Engineering
ND Quantity Surveying
Public Relations/Info: ND Mass Comm.
Secretarial Assistants: ND in Public Admin/Secretarial Studies
Library Assistants: ND in Library Science
Music: ND in Music from Government approved institutions. In addition, playing experience in any recognised Band will be an advantage.
Driver/Mechanic: Trade Test and current driver’s license.
Trade certificate in Masonry, Carpentry and Plumbing
Qualifying Recruitment Tests will hold in the following Centers:
Makurdi: Nigerian Air Force Base, Makurdi
Ilorin: 227 Wing, Nigerian Air Force, Ilorin
Lagos: Sam Ethnan Air Force Base, Ikeja – Lagos
Enugu: 305 Flying Training School, Enugu
Port-Harcourt: 97 Special Operations Group, Nigerian Air Force, Port-Harcourt
Benin: 81 Air Maritime Group,Nigerian Air Force Benin.
Kaduna: Nigerian Air Force Base, Kawo – Kaduna
Kano: 303 Flying Training School, Kano
Maiduguri: 204 Wing, Nigerian Air Force Base, Maiduguri
Akure: 323 Artillery Regiment, Owena Barracks, Akure
Sokoto: 26 Battalion, Gingiya Barracks, Sokoto
Yola: 75 Strike Group, Nigerian Air Force, Yola
All applicants will be required to submit for scrutiny, the original copies of the documents listed under Paragraph 9(b) at the recruitment centers and during the final selection interview. Applicants will be required to present following documents if selected for the zonal recruitment test:
Two recent passport size photographs to be stamped and countersigned by officer of appropriate rank specified, Local Government Chairmen/Secretaries and other specified officers in Paragraph 7.
Photocopies of:
(I) Birth Certificate or Declaration of Age (Any age declaration done less than five years to this exercise will not be acceptable).
(II) Educational and Trade Certificates
Any applicant suspected to have impersonated or submitted false document(s) shall be disqualified from the selection exercise. Also any false declaration detected later may lead to withdrawal from training. Such applicants may be handed over to the Police for prosecution.
The Nigerian Air Force will not entertain any enquiries in respect of applicants whose applications have been rejected.
The application fee is N1000 only.
SUBMISSION OF FORM
On completion of the application forms, applicants must print out the Pay4Me Acknowledgment slip by clicking on the PAY APPLICATION FEE button.
Applicants are to use the printed acknowledgment slip to make payment at any of the designated banks.
Application Support:
09-8704817, 09-8708476, 08078406568
Technical Support:
For Technical Support, please call:09-8704817, 09-8708476, 08078406568 or Email: airforce.support@swglobal.com
Note:
All phone lines are available between
8:30AM and 5:30PM
Kindly check their website or google it and apply.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
How to pass an interview
Introduction
Having experience of being an interviewer and an interviewee means I get to see both sides of the equation. As an interviewer I find nothing more tedious than a techie spouting on about how wonderful the new technologies are and how they are the answer to all our problems. The majority of all software projects that fail have nothing to do with the technology and more to do with failures in project management than anything else. Failure to extract the correct requirements and manage them is in my opinion the biggest reason for failure. No ‘cool’ technology is going to solve that problem.
The strongest piece of advice I can give any developer prior to an interview is to demonstrate to the interviewer they are focused on building the simplest thing that will work in order to solve the business problem.
Here are my other tips for successful interview technique:
◦Firstly, no advice about firm hand shakes, and looking people in the eye. If you are confident and know your subject, the interviewer won’t care if you don’t crush their hand or look at them lovingly!
◦Look smart. It's irrelevant of course in terms of your ability, but alas, smart clothes create a good first impression. You also might be client facing. So, it’s worth proving that you shower every now and then and know how to put a tie on!
◦The main purpose of the interview is to hire the 'best fit'. The 'best fit' could be a back room technical geeky genius or someone less technical and more business aware. You'll need to gauge this at the interview. Then you can focus your questions to show that you fit the role they have described.
◦Never focus on why the role would be good for you and what you would get out of it. The client does not care. They are solely interested in whether they can trust you to do the job on time and to budget.
◦Never try to pretend that you know something that you don't. You will be caught out. No one hires a blagger. They are far too risky. The boss wants to know that at the end of the day they can trust you to either get something done, or put your hand up and ask for help. Honesty goes a long way. If you have to take a guess, then explain that it is a guess beforehand. If you do not know how to solve something, admit you don't, but suggest how and where you could find the solution. It shows you are resourceful.
◦Just answer the question. It is easy for techies to 'go off on one' and get carried away by drilling down into some detailed technical area when it is not required. Provide the information necessary and ask the interviewer if that covers what they wanted to know.
◦Don't interrupt. Remember your manners and wait for the other person to finish speaking. Make notes whilst they are speaking if you are worried you'll forget your points by the time they have finished. Watch out for your eagerness being mistaken for simply being rude.
◦Try to ensure the conversation is evenly balanced. If they speak for 90% of the time you won't get your points across and be able to impress them. If you speak 90% of the time they will think you talk too much and are a poor listener.
◦Prepare your questions. Create a set of open questions that provoke conversations about topics which you know a lot about. No one else in that room is going to blow your trumpet. You've got to blow it yourself. Filter your prepared questions that are relevant to the position they have explained to you during the interview. Unless the position is highly technical then avoid getting bogged down in deep technical discussions that do not give you the opportunity to demonstrate your skills in other areas like software process and lifecycle.
◦Align your responses based on the interviewer. If they are non technical then don't bore them with deep technical information they know nothing about. They won't be impressed. Use the buzzwords and describe the benefits in terms of how it can help improve the business and hit deadlines. If they are very technical then you might want to get heavily technical to show them you know what you are talking about.
◦Ask them about the business problem. You are potentially going to be hired as an IT doctor to diagnose and solve their business problems with technology. Your not being hired to use the latest Whizz-bang CV compliant technology, but are there to help their business. Demonstrate that you are focused on providing business value, rather than just using the latest technology to build 'cool stuff'. This is key.
◦Treat the exercise as a skill matching exercise. You are trying to evaluate if it is a good fit. Be yourself and find out as much as you need to about the role. Don't wait until day 1 to realise that it is 9 months analysis when you would prefer to start designing from already documented requirements. Show that you know and understand the commercial realities of software development. For example, when suggesting solutions and discussing approaches you should be aware of the difference between tactical and strategic solutions. You should understand why they just want to knock up a quick fix solution, rather than turn a requirement into a software science project. Being aware of the balance between cost of solution and the practicalities is very important.
◦Show that you have an understanding of where technology is heading. Assuming you read web sites, and journals regularly, ensure you get that across to the interviewer. It is a big bonus if you can show you understand what is coming up, rather than still sticking to old versions of software.
◦Demonstrate that you understand the project life cycle, together with some formal iterative methodologies. However, don't give the impression that everything must be done formally. Show that you understand the balance between 'over doing it' from and 'getting the job done'.
◦Never discuss rates and hours with the interviewer unless you have personal commitments that they need to be aware of. If you are worried about 'number of hours' on a daily rate, then get it put into the contract that a day consists of 8 hours of your services. Anything more is chargeable pro rata. Don't give the impression you know everything. You actually know very little, except a lot about one very small subject. No one likes an ego - they wreck teams and cause mayhem.
◦Sum up at the end and summarise how you think you can help, and also the areas that you cannot help. For example, you may be great at VBScript, but a novice at JavaScript. Make sure you mention this. If you don't want the job then say so there and then. The interviewer will respect you for saying so.
◦Do some homework about the company before the interview. A quick hour search on internet will be okay. Get some facts and shoe horn a couple of quotes into the interview to show them that you have found out about the company. It's the fact that you made the effort to find out that is important.
◦And finally, show that you are human. Use your sense of humour.
Published: Monday, October 02, 2006
Having experience of being an interviewer and an interviewee means I get to see both sides of the equation. As an interviewer I find nothing more tedious than a techie spouting on about how wonderful the new technologies are and how they are the answer to all our problems. The majority of all software projects that fail have nothing to do with the technology and more to do with failures in project management than anything else. Failure to extract the correct requirements and manage them is in my opinion the biggest reason for failure. No ‘cool’ technology is going to solve that problem.
The strongest piece of advice I can give any developer prior to an interview is to demonstrate to the interviewer they are focused on building the simplest thing that will work in order to solve the business problem.
Here are my other tips for successful interview technique:
◦Firstly, no advice about firm hand shakes, and looking people in the eye. If you are confident and know your subject, the interviewer won’t care if you don’t crush their hand or look at them lovingly!
◦Look smart. It's irrelevant of course in terms of your ability, but alas, smart clothes create a good first impression. You also might be client facing. So, it’s worth proving that you shower every now and then and know how to put a tie on!
◦The main purpose of the interview is to hire the 'best fit'. The 'best fit' could be a back room technical geeky genius or someone less technical and more business aware. You'll need to gauge this at the interview. Then you can focus your questions to show that you fit the role they have described.
◦Never focus on why the role would be good for you and what you would get out of it. The client does not care. They are solely interested in whether they can trust you to do the job on time and to budget.
◦Never try to pretend that you know something that you don't. You will be caught out. No one hires a blagger. They are far too risky. The boss wants to know that at the end of the day they can trust you to either get something done, or put your hand up and ask for help. Honesty goes a long way. If you have to take a guess, then explain that it is a guess beforehand. If you do not know how to solve something, admit you don't, but suggest how and where you could find the solution. It shows you are resourceful.
◦Just answer the question. It is easy for techies to 'go off on one' and get carried away by drilling down into some detailed technical area when it is not required. Provide the information necessary and ask the interviewer if that covers what they wanted to know.
◦Don't interrupt. Remember your manners and wait for the other person to finish speaking. Make notes whilst they are speaking if you are worried you'll forget your points by the time they have finished. Watch out for your eagerness being mistaken for simply being rude.
◦Try to ensure the conversation is evenly balanced. If they speak for 90% of the time you won't get your points across and be able to impress them. If you speak 90% of the time they will think you talk too much and are a poor listener.
◦Prepare your questions. Create a set of open questions that provoke conversations about topics which you know a lot about. No one else in that room is going to blow your trumpet. You've got to blow it yourself. Filter your prepared questions that are relevant to the position they have explained to you during the interview. Unless the position is highly technical then avoid getting bogged down in deep technical discussions that do not give you the opportunity to demonstrate your skills in other areas like software process and lifecycle.
◦Align your responses based on the interviewer. If they are non technical then don't bore them with deep technical information they know nothing about. They won't be impressed. Use the buzzwords and describe the benefits in terms of how it can help improve the business and hit deadlines. If they are very technical then you might want to get heavily technical to show them you know what you are talking about.
◦Ask them about the business problem. You are potentially going to be hired as an IT doctor to diagnose and solve their business problems with technology. Your not being hired to use the latest Whizz-bang CV compliant technology, but are there to help their business. Demonstrate that you are focused on providing business value, rather than just using the latest technology to build 'cool stuff'. This is key.
◦Treat the exercise as a skill matching exercise. You are trying to evaluate if it is a good fit. Be yourself and find out as much as you need to about the role. Don't wait until day 1 to realise that it is 9 months analysis when you would prefer to start designing from already documented requirements. Show that you know and understand the commercial realities of software development. For example, when suggesting solutions and discussing approaches you should be aware of the difference between tactical and strategic solutions. You should understand why they just want to knock up a quick fix solution, rather than turn a requirement into a software science project. Being aware of the balance between cost of solution and the practicalities is very important.
◦Show that you have an understanding of where technology is heading. Assuming you read web sites, and journals regularly, ensure you get that across to the interviewer. It is a big bonus if you can show you understand what is coming up, rather than still sticking to old versions of software.
◦Demonstrate that you understand the project life cycle, together with some formal iterative methodologies. However, don't give the impression that everything must be done formally. Show that you understand the balance between 'over doing it' from and 'getting the job done'.
◦Never discuss rates and hours with the interviewer unless you have personal commitments that they need to be aware of. If you are worried about 'number of hours' on a daily rate, then get it put into the contract that a day consists of 8 hours of your services. Anything more is chargeable pro rata. Don't give the impression you know everything. You actually know very little, except a lot about one very small subject. No one likes an ego - they wreck teams and cause mayhem.
◦Sum up at the end and summarise how you think you can help, and also the areas that you cannot help. For example, you may be great at VBScript, but a novice at JavaScript. Make sure you mention this. If you don't want the job then say so there and then. The interviewer will respect you for saying so.
◦Do some homework about the company before the interview. A quick hour search on internet will be okay. Get some facts and shoe horn a couple of quotes into the interview to show them that you have found out about the company. It's the fact that you made the effort to find out that is important.
◦And finally, show that you are human. Use your sense of humour.
Published: Monday, October 02, 2006
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