I had no idea this exam thing was going to be sprung on me, or that it was just one more step rather than a real interview. I walked in, phone-lady introduced herself and seated me in the conference room, and said she'd go find the guy in charge, who is heading this up. So...I sat alone in the conference room for five or ten minutes, and then she came back with him, introduced me, and he said "So...you understand the process, right? You'll be taking this exam here - likely you won't have time to finish it, but do your best - and then when the time is up, I'd like to introduce you to some of the guys." I didn't say anything about not knowing ahead of time, but it must have been obvious that I was nervous. *sigh*
So...they went off. Considering the first two questions were ones I couldn't answer without a computer in front of me, I came about this close [ ] to just breaking down and crying. It just seemed like the end of the road. But I pulled myself together and at least took a stab at all but about one question. It was NOT a fun exam. Most of it was stuff I've done a ZILLION times, and could do in seconds with a computer in front of me, but without one...I just blanked. Stuff like "list the steps for adding a user in Active Directories, and how you would then go about adding the user to group X", and "How would you add a Windows XP system to a Windows 2003 domain?" I KNOW HOW! But without a computer there, I was stumbling. And then there were bunches of really vague questions, like "How would you go about troubleshooting a call about an e-mail problem?" Well...first I'd have to calm the user down and determine what exactly the problem was. Then...it could be one of a million different things. And "How would you go about removing a virus?" I wrote down some stuff, mostly places where I'd look for information, and finished that question by saying "Bottom line is, it depends..." Etc. Four pages or so, back and front, of stuff like this. I have NO clue how I did. I at least tried to mention if I did or did not have experience with a given scenario or product.
I didn't quite finish before they came back - the main guy and two techs. One tech is a guy I'd be working with if I get this position, and I liked him instantly. I can only hope he felt the same, but I think I was really stiff during the whole second part of this. Head guy told me to do a quick rundown of my experience, and I flubbed it, I think. Spoke too quickly, not enough detail, definitely no personable details. *sigh* I'm really lousy at that. I asked them a bunch of questions about the job - basically it involves PC support for all kinds of administrative departments on campus - no actual schools, as they have their own staff. It would mean a lot of housecalls, a lot of walking, a lot of face to face time with diverse and sundry users. I want it even MORE now. I really, really want it.
There was also brief mention made about a position that may be opening, but it sounds like it's mostly a helpdesk / behind the scenes job. Lot of policy editing, working with login scripts, that sort of thing. Not something I know much about. And they'd already asking me at that point if I prefered working helpdesk or dispatch, and I'd already confessed to liking a mix and not being super happy not doing anything BUT helpdesk, though I certainly don't mind a mix. So...I have a feeling I'm scratched out for that position, if it ever opens.
Now I have to wait until next week to see if I made the next round, in which case they'll be doing more interviews. And I located main guy's e-mail address, so I'm gonna come up with some sort of letter in a bit.
I was just wondering about you...
Mrsnad
I'll say.
:-)
It sounds like it went just fine!
Sounds like a tough day. I always have a couple cringe moments on the way home where I wish I'd have said something differently... or not said so much, or have said something I didn't.
I hope for the best!
Here's for another phone call!
Urgh! That *so* sounds like something a school would pull.
I think you should call them back and say now that you've taken the pencil-n-paper exam you'd like to know when you can schedule the PRACTICAL portion of the exam so that you can demonstrate your actual skill.
Harumph.
Rosie, I've hired 6 folks in the last few months(series growth spurt here), so here's my perspective.
In talking with folks, I/we are looking for people who have the technical talent, or most of it since we can fill in the holes for candidates who fit otherwise. One of the major things we're also looking at is personality matches with us and the existing staff. Show 'em your stuff technically, but just relax and talk as well.
I interviewed a guy last week who once turned down a job, though he was unemployed at the time, because it would have involved helping outsource stuff overseas. I only learned that because we were just chatting about "stuff". He earned big points for this seemingly offhand remark.
Professional dress is important, but you've got that covered I believe. We look at interviewees in with the "can we put him/her in front of a client?" viewpoint.
I hope this is/was helpful. I'll be looking forward to hearing about the next step in your search.
Now ... remember, these are computer geeks, so they were probably just as nervous as you!
Second ... What kind of question is "how do you remove a virus?" Do you know what virus it is? Is the user running a virus protection program at all? Which one? When did they last update it? What are the symptoms? Have they transmitted it to floppies yet? Is it a virus, or spyware?
I'l do for you what DaBear does for me ... you did your best, and now it's done.
Was he cute?