Gitcho
asked on
Job Interview Advice
I've never done anything like this before, but was thinking this might be a good opportunity to get feedback from a hardware perspective.
I've been shortlisted, and now have an interview coming up tomorrow for a "do-it-all" network/desktop/server/tel
They have just sent me this job description, and I wanted to get some feedback. Here's what I know :
- they have been contracting out support up until now
- 3 LAN's, 100+ computers
- 200+ staff
- staff has very little IT knowledge (the person who wrote this description may not have much IT knowledge - but i'm not sure)
Bit about me: I have 10+ years IT experience (mostly helpdesk-type experience), strong web-development and client/server scripting, strong people/training skills, high aptitude for all things IT. I have at least SOME experience in all areas mentioned below.
If you were preparing for this interview, what questions would you be asking ?
Thanks in advace for your thoughts & comments ...
[direct post from the word doc - identifying info removed]
--------------------------
ICT Technician Job Description
1. Job Summary
The purpose of an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Technician at [xyz company] is to provide maintenance, management and administration support functions of the following network & systems:
1. All Local Area Networks (LANs) including all computers & all peripherals
2. All telephone systems (wireline & wireless) including telephones
3. All remote control systems and other technology related equipment/systems
4. All Security & Fire Alarm systems
The maintenance, management and administration support functions are to be provided for all [xyz company] offices and facilities and property (i.e. administration & various office etc.).
2. Duties and Responsibilities
2.1 General
- To attend classes, seminars and reviews professional literature to enhance knowledge and to stay abreast with trends and new technical developments related to tasks as defined below.
- Be sensitivity to the different levels of staff expertise
- To dedicate his time during working hours completely to the tasks as defined below
- To follow general office practices & regulations and to conduct yourself in a business like manner during working hours.
- Display a positive attitude during working hours
2.2 Maintenance (Hardware & Software)
2.2.1 For all Network & Systems
- To respond promptly to any reported hardware or software problems. As appropriate, to take the action as required rectifying the reported problem, either remotely or via site visits.
- It is the technician's responsibility to determine when a technical problem has exceeded his capability. These problems must then be immediately escalated to the office or department manager as appropriate.
- As applicable, ensure the operational continuity, disaster recovery plans, data back up routines & security goals, as defined, are met by the users. If these goals are in peril, it is the responsibility of the technician to bring it to the attention of the office or department manager.
- Proactively respond to all alerts and indications of potential problems immediately
- Ensure all regularly scheduled maintenance & testing tasks as defined by the office or department manager are completed on time. In the event there is not ample time allotted, it is the responsibility of the technician to bring it to the attention of the appropriate manager.
- Train & instruct staff to follow operating procedures & controls as defined
- Be familiar with the network infrastructure (cable and patch panel, router, hub, Internet access, etc.)
- Follow supplier’s recommended maintenance procedures
- Ensure that any misuse of the system, including the use of unauthorized software or hardware, is brought immediately to the attention of the office or department manager.
- Enter all reported trouble and problem solutions in the computerized trouble reporting, tracking and history system.
- Liaise with external support agencies to resolve faults quickly, when and if necessary.
- Liaise with external suppliers for the repair of equipment under warranty or maintenance contract.
2.2.2 Computer System (LAN, Workstations, Printers, Scanners etc.)
- Monitor the LAN traffic & performance (i.e. Server utilization, Cache hits, Disk capacity, etc.) for possible congestions & operational problems.
- Liaise with the designated person responsible for electrical standards & safety to ensure that all electrical outlets used for LAN and computer hardware meet/comply with the requirements.
- Assist the School’s IT Coordinator in the deployment of computer hardware around the school
2.2.3 Telephone Systems (Wireline & Wireless)
- Monitor the telephone traffic (i.e. trunk, link usage & number of busy signals) to avoid any trunk and system congestions
- Train users, as necessary, in the proper use of the telephone system
2.2.4 Remote Control
- Monitor the telephone lines and the associated equipment (i.e. auto dialer, recorded message according equipment etc.) to ensure uninterrupted operation.
2.3 Updates &Additions (All Systems)
2.3.1 Software
- Test and install all new software
- Make new software available to appropriate users
- Ensure the Anti-Virus & Fire-Wall software is installed, kept up to date and working properly, where required
- Set up and maintain user e-mail accounts
2.3.2 Hardware
- Test new LAN (i.e. hubs, switches, routers, servers, etc.) & computer (workstation, printers, scanners etc.) equipment on arrival and install in accordance with vendor's specifications.
- Ensure that all installations are needed and meet industry standards.
2.4 Network Management (All Systems)
2.4.1 For all Networks & Systems
- Maintain the computerized Trouble Reporting, Tracking and History system (TRTHS) and ensure all reported trouble and problem solutions are entered in it.
- Use the TRTHS to identify trouble trends, chronic problems & network congestions
- Set-up routine system maintenance & testing schedule in co-ordination with the appropriate office or department manager, to ensure reliable, efficient & uninterrupted network/system operation.
- Make recommendations to the office or department manager, as necessary, to maintain or improve the operational quality & the integrity of the network/systems
- Ensure that the Disaster Recovery Strategy Plan, Redundancy Strategies (if applicable) & the Data Back-Up Schedule are up-to-date and functioning.
- Ensure the hardware & software documentation & drawings are correct & reflect current network configurations.
- Ensure that only authorized staff does programming functions
- Check the network back up logs where appropriate
- Set up, maintain and remove user network accounts where appropriate
2.4.2 Computer System (LAN, workstations, printers, scanners etc.)
- Ensure that the IP Address Scope is current
- Ensure that the Security Strategies (i.e. unauthorized & abuse of access, unauthorized modification & functions etc.) are implemented and up-to-date.
- Ensure that the Access Controls (i.e. identification and password) are implemented & current and that no unauthorized people (i.e. former employees) have access to them.
- Ensure the software licensee agreements are observed & current
- Participates in long and short range technology planning.
2.5 Administration
2.5.1 For all Networks & Systems
- Maintain inventory (software & hardware) and service records
- Keep suppliers warranty records current
- Check for correctness and authorize all bill payments & invoices from suppliers & service providers
--------------------------
I've been shortlisted, and now have an interview coming up tomorrow for a "do-it-all" network/desktop/server/tel
They have just sent me this job description, and I wanted to get some feedback. Here's what I know :
- they have been contracting out support up until now
- 3 LAN's, 100+ computers
- 200+ staff
- staff has very little IT knowledge (the person who wrote this description may not have much IT knowledge - but i'm not sure)
Bit about me: I have 10+ years IT experience (mostly helpdesk-type experience), strong web-development and client/server scripting, strong people/training skills, high aptitude for all things IT. I have at least SOME experience in all areas mentioned below.
If you were preparing for this interview, what questions would you be asking ?
Thanks in advace for your thoughts & comments ...
[direct post from the word doc - identifying info removed]
--------------------------
ICT Technician Job Description
1. Job Summary
The purpose of an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Technician at [xyz company] is to provide maintenance, management and administration support functions of the following network & systems:
1. All Local Area Networks (LANs) including all computers & all peripherals
2. All telephone systems (wireline & wireless) including telephones
3. All remote control systems and other technology related equipment/systems
4. All Security & Fire Alarm systems
The maintenance, management and administration support functions are to be provided for all [xyz company] offices and facilities and property (i.e. administration & various office etc.).
2. Duties and Responsibilities
2.1 General
- To attend classes, seminars and reviews professional literature to enhance knowledge and to stay abreast with trends and new technical developments related to tasks as defined below.
- Be sensitivity to the different levels of staff expertise
- To dedicate his time during working hours completely to the tasks as defined below
- To follow general office practices & regulations and to conduct yourself in a business like manner during working hours.
- Display a positive attitude during working hours
2.2 Maintenance (Hardware & Software)
2.2.1 For all Network & Systems
- To respond promptly to any reported hardware or software problems. As appropriate, to take the action as required rectifying the reported problem, either remotely or via site visits.
- It is the technician's responsibility to determine when a technical problem has exceeded his capability. These problems must then be immediately escalated to the office or department manager as appropriate.
- As applicable, ensure the operational continuity, disaster recovery plans, data back up routines & security goals, as defined, are met by the users. If these goals are in peril, it is the responsibility of the technician to bring it to the attention of the office or department manager.
- Proactively respond to all alerts and indications of potential problems immediately
- Ensure all regularly scheduled maintenance & testing tasks as defined by the office or department manager are completed on time. In the event there is not ample time allotted, it is the responsibility of the technician to bring it to the attention of the appropriate manager.
- Train & instruct staff to follow operating procedures & controls as defined
- Be familiar with the network infrastructure (cable and patch panel, router, hub, Internet access, etc.)
- Follow supplier’s recommended maintenance procedures
- Ensure that any misuse of the system, including the use of unauthorized software or hardware, is brought immediately to the attention of the office or department manager.
- Enter all reported trouble and problem solutions in the computerized trouble reporting, tracking and history system.
- Liaise with external support agencies to resolve faults quickly, when and if necessary.
- Liaise with external suppliers for the repair of equipment under warranty or maintenance contract.
2.2.2 Computer System (LAN, Workstations, Printers, Scanners etc.)
- Monitor the LAN traffic & performance (i.e. Server utilization, Cache hits, Disk capacity, etc.) for possible congestions & operational problems.
- Liaise with the designated person responsible for electrical standards & safety to ensure that all electrical outlets used for LAN and computer hardware meet/comply with the requirements.
- Assist the School’s IT Coordinator in the deployment of computer hardware around the school
2.2.3 Telephone Systems (Wireline & Wireless)
- Monitor the telephone traffic (i.e. trunk, link usage & number of busy signals) to avoid any trunk and system congestions
- Train users, as necessary, in the proper use of the telephone system
2.2.4 Remote Control
- Monitor the telephone lines and the associated equipment (i.e. auto dialer, recorded message according equipment etc.) to ensure uninterrupted operation.
2.3 Updates &Additions (All Systems)
2.3.1 Software
- Test and install all new software
- Make new software available to appropriate users
- Ensure the Anti-Virus & Fire-Wall software is installed, kept up to date and working properly, where required
- Set up and maintain user e-mail accounts
2.3.2 Hardware
- Test new LAN (i.e. hubs, switches, routers, servers, etc.) & computer (workstation, printers, scanners etc.) equipment on arrival and install in accordance with vendor's specifications.
- Ensure that all installations are needed and meet industry standards.
2.4 Network Management (All Systems)
2.4.1 For all Networks & Systems
- Maintain the computerized Trouble Reporting, Tracking and History system (TRTHS) and ensure all reported trouble and problem solutions are entered in it.
- Use the TRTHS to identify trouble trends, chronic problems & network congestions
- Set-up routine system maintenance & testing schedule in co-ordination with the appropriate office or department manager, to ensure reliable, efficient & uninterrupted network/system operation.
- Make recommendations to the office or department manager, as necessary, to maintain or improve the operational quality & the integrity of the network/systems
- Ensure that the Disaster Recovery Strategy Plan, Redundancy Strategies (if applicable) & the Data Back-Up Schedule are up-to-date and functioning.
- Ensure the hardware & software documentation & drawings are correct & reflect current network configurations.
- Ensure that only authorized staff does programming functions
- Check the network back up logs where appropriate
- Set up, maintain and remove user network accounts where appropriate
2.4.2 Computer System (LAN, workstations, printers, scanners etc.)
- Ensure that the IP Address Scope is current
- Ensure that the Security Strategies (i.e. unauthorized & abuse of access, unauthorized modification & functions etc.) are implemented and up-to-date.
- Ensure that the Access Controls (i.e. identification and password) are implemented & current and that no unauthorized people (i.e. former employees) have access to them.
- Ensure the software licensee agreements are observed & current
- Participates in long and short range technology planning.
2.5 Administration
2.5.1 For all Networks & Systems
- Maintain inventory (software & hardware) and service records
- Keep suppliers warranty records current
- Check for correctness and authorize all bill payments & invoices from suppliers & service providers
--------------------------
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
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SOLUTION
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Simple:
If you can't dazzle them with brilliance,
baffle them with bullshit.
T
If you can't dazzle them with brilliance,
baffle them with bullshit.
T
LOL
gitcho,
I just send some sample Disscussion interview ,i think it will be useful for u...
if its ok ,u accept my answer..Bye
--------------------------
VGR: Can you introduce yourself, and how you are tied to the PC card project?
hardware: Russ Norrby Owner of Mr. Hardware Computers, Kurt helps me with technical issues and is a expert at Amiga & PC issues
kurt: Kurt Grach, I work for Probity Electronics,Inc a small Design firm that designs surveillence equipment for the government. I help russ from time to time in developing verious hardware for the amiga
VGR: Can you give me a little background on Mr. Hardware and how long it has been around.. and what you sell?
hardware: We have been around since 1985, We are the owners of SBase Pro4, Other programs include Retail Escort, Video Escort, We also make and excellent PC to Amiga multimedia adapter for keyboards It is called the MRHK-1d, We repair and sell all Amiga products.
kurt: we also have full tower systems for all amiga models, large power supplies for all amiga models, wireless keyboard and mouse for the amiga
VGR: I guess the first basic question is how is this different from a Bridgeboard?
kurt: for one it deos not take power from the bus, because the PIII draws so much power the average amiga power supply would give up the ghost, so we include the ability to take power from an external power supply ATX or AT
hardware: Our boards go up to 1.3 gig processors
VGR:I guess most people will try to compare it to a Bridgeboard.. when that is the wrong thing to compair it to
kurt: thats right it really just allows you to have two computers without two boxes, Prices are in line with what a standard PC mother board would cost
hardware: The prices are very inexpensive.
VGR:so it really needs no slot.. it can just lay inside the computer case and do its thing?
kurt: thats right all you need is power
VGR: It is a complete PC computer on a 16Bit ISA card right?
kurt: complete is the word, from soup to nuts everthing is on the card
VGR:Is a 16bit ISA slot needed?
kurt: No it does not need anything the ISA slot is just to hold the card. So an ISA slot is not needed
hardware: Nope
VGR: How does it talk to the Amiga side of things? Through a NIC?
hardware: It is actually a seperate computer, The 370 model has this built in.
kurt: Network off the built in realtek 10/100 chip.
VGR: What Amiga machines will it work in? 2000, 3000(T), 4000(T)?
hardware: all big box
kurt: any, 1200 T if you have room
VGR: Are there any plans to have it support software like the siamese project?
kurt: you can use siamese software with it
VGR: Will you be showin the cards in St. Louis?
hardware: Definetly, We will be showing the 2 units off at Amiga St. Louis show on Saturday & Sunday
VGR: Both cards are ISA based cards.. is there any plans with the release of G-Rex and Mediator to release PCI form-factor version?
kurt: You don't need ISA slots because every thing is built into the card including a 4X AGP Graphics chip
hardware: Yes there is, We will be taking pre-orders for the 370 model and it will ship in about 3 weeks
VRG: 370 is a ISA or PCI form factor card?
kurt: the current card can work in a mediator or Grex but not across the bus, the 370 can be fitted in a PCI or ISA form factor, But can not access other cards on the bus, If we get enough sales of the current cards.
VGR: Can you buy just a bare card from Mr. Hardware?
hardware: Yes you can
VGR: Will you offer a number of bundle packages, Memory, CPU ect..?
kurt: Bare card includes all cables and expansion and drivers for 95/98/me nt4/2000/linux
hardware: Yes we intend to offer what ever is needed, one model will have a K6 3plus and 128 meg for only $295
VGR: Are the PC cards able to run other Operating Systems?
hardware: Anything that will run on a PC will run on this
kurt: we have full linux drivers for the sound lan,graphics
VGR: What type of Amiga customer do you think will be interested in these product?
hardware: People trying to decide on which computer to keep there Amiga or Pc
kurt: anybody that wants or needs to run windows or linux
VGR: What about expansion?
kurt: there is no need for ISA card expansion becuase there is four USB ports on the card along with PCI 3d sound ,dvd exceleration, 4x AGP with enviormental bump mapping 64 MB of shared memory, most expansion needs are already built in
VGR: What about Monitor/Keyboard/Mouse switching.. will Mr. Hardware offer something for that?
hardware: Yes we have external KVM's that will include Amiga emulation
VGR: When will both boards be ready to ship?
hardware: One is ready today the other in about 3 weeks, Our website is www.mrhardwarecomputers.com
kurt: we have everthing needed to make this work and to tie the two systems seemlessly together, the preliminary user manuals will be posted on the site to give people more info printed ones will be included
Bye
Ranganathan.p
VGR: all drivers for the PC will be included at shipping?
kurt: Yes all drivers are ready now and will be included on a cd, and available for download from the site
VGR: thanks you guys for the time and the info guys
hardware: Rob thank you for your time
kurt: bye
I just send some sample Disscussion interview ,i think it will be useful for u...
if its ok ,u accept my answer..Bye
--------------------------
VGR: Can you introduce yourself, and how you are tied to the PC card project?
hardware: Russ Norrby Owner of Mr. Hardware Computers, Kurt helps me with technical issues and is a expert at Amiga & PC issues
kurt: Kurt Grach, I work for Probity Electronics,Inc a small Design firm that designs surveillence equipment for the government. I help russ from time to time in developing verious hardware for the amiga
VGR: Can you give me a little background on Mr. Hardware and how long it has been around.. and what you sell?
hardware: We have been around since 1985, We are the owners of SBase Pro4, Other programs include Retail Escort, Video Escort, We also make and excellent PC to Amiga multimedia adapter for keyboards It is called the MRHK-1d, We repair and sell all Amiga products.
kurt: we also have full tower systems for all amiga models, large power supplies for all amiga models, wireless keyboard and mouse for the amiga
VGR: I guess the first basic question is how is this different from a Bridgeboard?
kurt: for one it deos not take power from the bus, because the PIII draws so much power the average amiga power supply would give up the ghost, so we include the ability to take power from an external power supply ATX or AT
hardware: Our boards go up to 1.3 gig processors
VGR:I guess most people will try to compare it to a Bridgeboard.. when that is the wrong thing to compair it to
kurt: thats right it really just allows you to have two computers without two boxes, Prices are in line with what a standard PC mother board would cost
hardware: The prices are very inexpensive.
VGR:so it really needs no slot.. it can just lay inside the computer case and do its thing?
kurt: thats right all you need is power
VGR: It is a complete PC computer on a 16Bit ISA card right?
kurt: complete is the word, from soup to nuts everthing is on the card
VGR:Is a 16bit ISA slot needed?
kurt: No it does not need anything the ISA slot is just to hold the card. So an ISA slot is not needed
hardware: Nope
VGR: How does it talk to the Amiga side of things? Through a NIC?
hardware: It is actually a seperate computer, The 370 model has this built in.
kurt: Network off the built in realtek 10/100 chip.
VGR: What Amiga machines will it work in? 2000, 3000(T), 4000(T)?
hardware: all big box
kurt: any, 1200 T if you have room
VGR: Are there any plans to have it support software like the siamese project?
kurt: you can use siamese software with it
VGR: Will you be showin the cards in St. Louis?
hardware: Definetly, We will be showing the 2 units off at Amiga St. Louis show on Saturday & Sunday
VGR: Both cards are ISA based cards.. is there any plans with the release of G-Rex and Mediator to release PCI form-factor version?
kurt: You don't need ISA slots because every thing is built into the card including a 4X AGP Graphics chip
hardware: Yes there is, We will be taking pre-orders for the 370 model and it will ship in about 3 weeks
VRG: 370 is a ISA or PCI form factor card?
kurt: the current card can work in a mediator or Grex but not across the bus, the 370 can be fitted in a PCI or ISA form factor, But can not access other cards on the bus, If we get enough sales of the current cards.
VGR: Can you buy just a bare card from Mr. Hardware?
hardware: Yes you can
VGR: Will you offer a number of bundle packages, Memory, CPU ect..?
kurt: Bare card includes all cables and expansion and drivers for 95/98/me nt4/2000/linux
hardware: Yes we intend to offer what ever is needed, one model will have a K6 3plus and 128 meg for only $295
VGR: Are the PC cards able to run other Operating Systems?
hardware: Anything that will run on a PC will run on this
kurt: we have full linux drivers for the sound lan,graphics
VGR: What type of Amiga customer do you think will be interested in these product?
hardware: People trying to decide on which computer to keep there Amiga or Pc
kurt: anybody that wants or needs to run windows or linux
VGR: What about expansion?
kurt: there is no need for ISA card expansion becuase there is four USB ports on the card along with PCI 3d sound ,dvd exceleration, 4x AGP with enviormental bump mapping 64 MB of shared memory, most expansion needs are already built in
VGR: What about Monitor/Keyboard/Mouse switching.. will Mr. Hardware offer something for that?
hardware: Yes we have external KVM's that will include Amiga emulation
VGR: When will both boards be ready to ship?
hardware: One is ready today the other in about 3 weeks, Our website is www.mrhardwarecomputers.com
kurt: we have everthing needed to make this work and to tie the two systems seemlessly together, the preliminary user manuals will be posted on the site to give people more info printed ones will be included
Bye
Ranganathan.p
VGR: all drivers for the PC will be included at shipping?
kurt: Yes all drivers are ready now and will be included on a cd, and available for download from the site
VGR: thanks you guys for the time and the info guys
hardware: Rob thank you for your time
kurt: bye
ranganathan_gp - Have I missed something but in what way is your offering meant to help?
Gitcho - Hope you got the job - tks for the points. Patrick
Gosh, I didn't realise that Lunchy actually existed! I thought you were a figment of someone's imagination - just goes to show you can't believe everyone all the time! That's some subtext you have "Friendly Neighbourhood Community Support Admin". Seems it's true as well - amazing how myths get propagated!
ASKER
Lunchy's achieved mythical status ? oh great ... I'm new here - and now just happen to be the lucky goon who gets slapped ... sorry 'bout that - honestly didn't realinze that I couldn't post in multiple forums. Was trying to get different perspective on the same question : ie. OS perspective, programming perspective etc.
a thousand apologies to all. Won't do THAT again ...
a thousand apologies to all. Won't do THAT again ...
Example: So Mr Gitcho, one of the job requirements is training field staff who typically assist in supporting end users, what is your experience with that?
Answer: Yes sir, in my previous employment, I was the training resource for X,Y,and Z and I am very comfortable training people. I generally approach training fromo the end user perspective and always want support staff to keep them in mind. Too often I sit through training courses where the content is way over the head of the general audience and it is very apparent on the faces of the attendees. That being said, I like a more basic approach. First going through the basics of the product to levelset people. Then I like to drill into the top 10 issues I have seen over the years. I then like to spend time in troubleshooting techniques.
I would also have a document "cheat sheet" as a handout at the end of training, outlining what we discussed and listing resources for escalating issues including my contact information. I also followup the training with a soft copy of the document as well, so they can pass it out as needed without having to recreate the content.
(Something along the lines of that for every question they ask) Do not babble on, but speak enough in their own language that they are confident you could handle the situation.
Rules to think about:
-Do not be loud.
-Be confident but not arrogant. An employer wants someone who can handle situations and not be micromanaged.
-Get lots of sleep the night before.
-Express the importance of your own training and say it would be great to have the ability to improve your skillset to benefit the company in the long run.
-Avoid any time commitments. If they ask for you to commit to 2 years, be respectful but honest. "I would absolutely give a gentlemans agreement to a 1 year commitment, but to be honest with you, I cannot in good faith commit to anything longer than that. It would be like me asking the company to promise me employment for 2-3 years."
-Be relaxed, get lots of sex the night before.
-BEFORE the interview starts, ask the interviewer their position so you know how to respond to them. If it is an IT person, you can jump into geekspeak. If it is an office manager, you should talk more along the lines of how you can impact their users and give them a stable, reliable technical environment.
-Eye contact when shaking hands. Firm, but not supergrip.
-Do not stare, it makes people uncomfortable.
-Be prepared with some funny stories from your old support jobs (comes in handy with the IT guys)
-prepare and go over these things until the night before and take the night off...do NOT stress out over it, or it will surely show.
-MOST IMPORTANTLY- If you do not knnow an answer, do not make something up. Feel free to think outloud and if you cannot come to a clear conclusion, it is acceptable to say "I think.." or "I am not 100% sure, but I would say..".
-I have known IT rock stars who made something up on the spot, and 1 slip up and they were immediately thrown out of the running for the position. People that do that are a liability and end up costing the company money.
-Take a pen and pad with you, write down all unanswered questions.
-SECRET WEAPON: I ALWAYS email the people back with answers to questions I could not answer at that time. I would prpeface the email with "I apologize for not coming up with the answer on the spot, but I could not get the question out of my head, so I did some research, and the answers I would submit to you are..." So many times I have been told I was the only person to do that, and it made a huge impression.