So you've done your homework and settled on a couple of agencies to help you find contract work. You've made your initial contact, and your "exploratory" interview is scheduled at their office in two days. This interview is your chance to tell them exactly what you are about. Just listen to me, and I'll show you how to have them eating out of your hand! Let's do some roleplaying. You are David or Debbie, the Dashing Developer, and I am Wade the Technical Recruiter. Before the interview You need to do some soul-searching. You must determine (and later explain) exactly why you are interviewing. My objective in interviewing you is to find out the following:
- Your availability profile
- Your hard skill set
- Your IPC skills
- Your availability profile
- How much notice do you need before beginning a job?
- Can we call you for "same day" assignments?
- Can you travel anywhere to work, or do you need to stick close to city bus routes?
- Can you work weekends?
- Are there any locations or types of businesses that you would not work for? An example might be, "I don't want to work in hospitals, because they really depress me."
- Do you want short "quick hitter" assignments that may only last a day or two, or do you prefer long-term work?
- How long do you intend to be available for assignments overall?
- Are you ultimately looking for a permanent job?
- Do you have a set pay rate you require before you'll consider a contract assignment, or are you flexible about pay depending on the situation?
- What kind of work do you most want to do?
- What kind of work would you settle for?
- Are you willing to wait for a specific type of work or location, or are you willing to diversify and stay busy?
- How soon could you start?
- Are there any anticipated gaps in your availability for employment?
- Have you planned upcoming trips abroad?
- What can you do? What can you not do?
- Are you a Web designer?
- Are databases your thing?
- What certifications do you have?
- Can you perform hardware repairs if needed?
- Tell me about any project management you have done.
- You must dress appropriately. Ask me what to wear when you set the appointment, and then wear it. Leave the earrings and sandals at home, and cover the tattoos as best you can. This is not the statement you want to make right now.
- Look me in the eye throughout my questions and your answers. Don't stare a hole in my head, but avoid looking at the floor and rolling your eyes, no matter how stupid my questions seem. Basic eye contact will do the trick.
- Go straight to Point B. Use the shortest distance to get to your answer. Don't start talking until you know where your answer is going. That way you are less likely to ramble.
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