Job Interview

[dnguyen1]

i haven't been interview at a big company before for an NC programmer position. i have an upcoming interview and i was wonder if anyone know, or have an idea of what kind of questions will be ask at the interview. any comments would be really appreciated

thanks a lot

 

DNguyen,

[Guest]

First question will probably be,

 

So, tell me about DNguyen.

 

Be prepared to talk and explain how you got where you are at, why you are looking to move from your current position and why you would be a good fit for the position you are applying.

 

I like to ask about what the individual believes are his strong points but more importantly what are his weak points.

[DavidB]

Good advice John.

 

If they want something that you haven't done before tell them you are keen to learn.

 

Tell them you know a great bunch of poeple that can do anything with Mastercam

 

 

GOOD LUCK

[crazy^millman]

I would aks questions like what got you started programming.

 

What are some of the machines you have programmed?

 

What are some of the controls you have done programs for?

 

I would ask you what SFM you like ot use on Aluminum or feed per tooth or feed per inch at a spefic RPM for a 3/4 45 deg endmill. What depth of cut?

 

I might give you a print and ask for ideas on an apporach.

 

I might aks if you are breathing and want to work and are willing to stick around and hire you on the spot. (Inside joke I have had 4 shop guys come in the last month and work anwhere from 45 mintues to 3 days and not come back. Though I did have a guy show up that left at lunch Thurday last week not call or anything and wonder if he still had a job )

 

 

I guess the biggest thing is how well you carry yourself and how confident you are without being an arse about it. I always try to be humble in what I can do that way I sell myself well enough to get the job but not be expected to walk on water becuase I do not care who you are takes time anywhere you go to get in the swing of things.

 

Have a resume and shaved and dress pretty decent as well that goes a lone wya to personal responsiblity.

 

Good luck.

[fastercam]

Don't be surprised if they sit you down in front of the box and have you shown them at least some rudimentary skills in Mastercam. If this is the case, make sure it's in the version you're now most comfortable with. This happened to me some years ago. Fortunately, all went well and I got the job.

 

Good luck.

[DC Gorn]

What fastercam said, My last interview they sat me infront of a box with a print and said go for it. Funny thing was I was nervous and the interviewer asked to change the number scheme for the "N" numbers so I opened the post and started to change it. He was like NO! I ment in the editor oh never mind you passed. Then I had a writen test. 6 hour interview all told. It did end in a offer and I have been here ever since.

 

Afterwards the interviewer did tell me he had people that claimed they knew Mastercam but could not draw and program a simple box.

[Kevangel]

Positive willing attitude and can get along with co-workers is an important point to help get past any weak(if any) points.

[mcpgmr]

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He was like NO! I ment in the editor oh never mind you passed. Then I had a writen test. 6 hour interview all told. It did end in a offer and I have been here ever since.

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Had the same interview and test. When they told me what they were offering I was totaly disapointed. I'd be stuck in traffic making over 10k less a year. Good luck !

[randymcdermott]

All good advice in the preceeding.

 

I've heard it said that in a lot of cases the decision to hire is made in the first 2 minuits of your interview and it is best if you can take control of the conversation for those 2 minuits.

 

Best of luck!

 

Randy

[Nathan G. Baldwin]

Whatever you do, don't lie. We've had some guys at previous employers who have told one thing in interview, another in presentation. The truth always comes out.

I've always heard that if you wear a watch, do NOT look at it, and to answer the ever present what are your faults question with positive answers like

"some times I have trouble accepting my own failure when I mess something up" or "I tend to be too critical of myself" or "I'm an incredibly active people person and sometimes have to catch myself or I'll chat it up"

 

HTH

[DC Gorn]

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Had the same interview and test. When they told me what they were offering I was totaly disapointed. I'd be stuck in traffic making over 10k less a year. Good luck !

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Man I am glad you did not take the job. I was coming from the Western part of PA and was just laid off. It is truly a great company. They are paying for my move, all the costs selling my house and they did not even mention you get paid OT. Which is unlimited, its nice to work for a company that has money the last three places I worked for were fighting to stay in business.

 

Edit: Still I can't shake the feeling I got sloppy seconds.

 

[ 12-20-2005, 01:59 PM: Message edited by: DC Gorn ]

[dnguyen1]

I really appreciated for all the comments and input you guy posted in reply, thanks a lot for giving an ideas of what it might be like. i will keep these things in mind for tomorrow.

have a wonderful holiday season with your family,

 

Dnguyen,