To start this, you will notice that I do not post to this on the weekends. As I have said previously, treat this like a job. I only work weekends when there is a deadline or emergency of some sort. None of those are present currently in this project, so other than checking the job boards, and skimming e-mail, I take the weekends off to be with family, do laundry, etc...
Followed "the routine":
- Check job posting alerts (and apply for any matches)
- Check e-mail
- Catch up on tweets, LinkedIn and Facebook
- Update blog
Today I had my first interview. In short, it went better than I could have expected - to those who know me, you know that I expect to do well - I aced this one. The fact that I am stating this for all to see might seem a bit "risky" if I am wrong, but I am taking you on my journey in real-time, so there it is.
To prepare, I read my own resume and skimmed some of the "self marketing" documents I have been working on. I know the material well, but as with any presentation, I want to be prepared and not nervous. I printed out 4 copies of my resume and put a copy on a USB drive in case I need more or if anyone of the interviewers would like to have an electronic copy.
On Friday I discussed the dress for this company with my recruiter. I think a good rule of thumb is two steps above usual dress. I opted for a sports jacket, slacks and no tie. It was a good choice, many people were in shorts - the tie would have been too much.
I made sure I got plenty of rest and ate luch shortly before the interview; did not want to get hungry or antsy half way through.
I arrived 15 minutes prior to my appointment time. My recruiter met me there and made the initial introductions; so far so good.
I initially met with the lead developer and current holder of the position that I would be taking over. As the interview progressed, I learned that he was really not interested in management and where this position would lead him.
Next in was the GM and the interview started. I let them both talk about the position, what it was, how it had come to be and where it was going to go. WOW - this is about as a perfect fit for me as there can be. Needs strong Project Management and leadership. The role will also require direct interface with customers. All I knew going in was that the job did not have a formal job description, the company just knew what they had now was not optimal.
The interview went on with both the GM and the developer with the GM taking the lead of the discussion. He asked the basics, and pressed to make sure I was not just a developer thinking about "moving to the dark-side"; he wanted leadership, not another programmer. He asked what my weak spot was. I answered this candidly but in a positive light. I spoke about my passion - I get excited about new projects and sometimes try to move faster than everyone else is ready to.
About 20 minutes in the GM stated he wanted my input on things - this was my queue. This in my opinion is the most important part of an interview. Time to make that first impression and tell your potential boss what you bring to the table.
I took control of the conversation at this point - leading them to ask more and specific questions.
The GM seemed to like what he saw. It was helpful that when he started asking about roles and responsibilities that he wanted to add to the current position that I had the exact experience he was looking for. Specifically; taking control of "shiny object syndrome" and reducing the backlog of bugs; right up my alley. Then the icing on the cake, he asked if I could deal directly with customers. This in fact is my sweet spot above most development managers - I can talk tech with business people from a business point of view.
After a little over an hour, the GM excused himself and left me to be "grilled" as he put it by the developer. We had a great conversation. He wanted to know how I would handle situations from adding more structure to their programing process to dealing with the various personalities.
All in all, a great interview. I was the first candidate to interview and the ball is in thier court at this point. I will follow up with a thank you e-mail to both in the morning.
As great as this interview was, it was just that - an interview. This is a major task accomplishment, but the goal has not yet been achieved. Time to stay on track, continue to network and look for positions...
