What should I expect when my potential employer invites me to visit the office?

The name of the pictureThe name of the pictureThe name of the pictureClash Royale CLAN TAG#URR8PPP





.everyoneloves__top-leaderboard:empty,.everyoneloves__mid-leaderboard:empty margin-bottom:0;







up vote
16
down vote

favorite
1












I went to a campus info session held by the organization and chatted with a few people. Later, I sent my contact my career materials and was offered a phone interview. The phone interview lasted about an hour and a half and at the conclusion my potential employer invited me to visit their office.



I know normally you will have a face-to-face interview after a phone interview, if you pass the screening; however, he did not mention anything about an on-site interview. He did say that I can meet with the team and see what the company is like.



Due to my lack of experience, I don't know what I should be expecting on the visit. Should I be expecting a series of interviews with different company personnel or just a casual show-around? Is it even okay to ask about this of my potential employer or to directly clarify what to expect?



For more information, the company is a rapidly growing tech startup with around fifty employees, and it is in the web/user experience industry. The company describes itself as having a very casual culture and working under agile methodology.



UPDATE:

Thanks for everyone who shared their ideas and advices, the visit turned out to be a office-show-around and a couple on site interviews with different teams :)




interviewing company-culture offices




share|improve this question


















  • 1




    Is it the situation you are talking about? workplace.stackexchange.com/questions/3653/…
    – bytebuster
    Nov 15 '12 at 0:09






  • 1




    @bytebuster thanks you for the reference but that was not my situation. I have been to their info session and talked with several company personnel, also went through a phone interview. I'm sure this is not a scam of any kind...
    – Xavier_Ex
    Nov 15 '12 at 4:17










  • That's called courting. It's common, I suspect. The employer has a slightly better chance of securing you over competitors is he/she engages you in a friendly manner with less pressure.
    – user20914
    Jun 4 '14 at 20:42
















up vote
16
down vote

favorite
1












I went to a campus info session held by the organization and chatted with a few people. Later, I sent my contact my career materials and was offered a phone interview. The phone interview lasted about an hour and a half and at the conclusion my potential employer invited me to visit their office.



I know normally you will have a face-to-face interview after a phone interview, if you pass the screening; however, he did not mention anything about an on-site interview. He did say that I can meet with the team and see what the company is like.



Due to my lack of experience, I don't know what I should be expecting on the visit. Should I be expecting a series of interviews with different company personnel or just a casual show-around? Is it even okay to ask about this of my potential employer or to directly clarify what to expect?



For more information, the company is a rapidly growing tech startup with around fifty employees, and it is in the web/user experience industry. The company describes itself as having a very casual culture and working under agile methodology.



UPDATE:

Thanks for everyone who shared their ideas and advices, the visit turned out to be a office-show-around and a couple on site interviews with different teams :)




interviewing company-culture offices




share|improve this question


















  • 1




    Is it the situation you are talking about? workplace.stackexchange.com/questions/3653/…
    – bytebuster
    Nov 15 '12 at 0:09






  • 1




    @bytebuster thanks you for the reference but that was not my situation. I have been to their info session and talked with several company personnel, also went through a phone interview. I'm sure this is not a scam of any kind...
    – Xavier_Ex
    Nov 15 '12 at 4:17










  • That's called courting. It's common, I suspect. The employer has a slightly better chance of securing you over competitors is he/she engages you in a friendly manner with less pressure.
    – user20914
    Jun 4 '14 at 20:42












up vote
16
down vote

favorite
1









up vote
16
down vote

favorite
1






1





I went to a campus info session held by the organization and chatted with a few people. Later, I sent my contact my career materials and was offered a phone interview. The phone interview lasted about an hour and a half and at the conclusion my potential employer invited me to visit their office.



I know normally you will have a face-to-face interview after a phone interview, if you pass the screening; however, he did not mention anything about an on-site interview. He did say that I can meet with the team and see what the company is like.



Due to my lack of experience, I don't know what I should be expecting on the visit. Should I be expecting a series of interviews with different company personnel or just a casual show-around? Is it even okay to ask about this of my potential employer or to directly clarify what to expect?



For more information, the company is a rapidly growing tech startup with around fifty employees, and it is in the web/user experience industry. The company describes itself as having a very casual culture and working under agile methodology.



UPDATE:

Thanks for everyone who shared their ideas and advices, the visit turned out to be a office-show-around and a couple on site interviews with different teams :)




interviewing company-culture offices




share|improve this question














I went to a campus info session held by the organization and chatted with a few people. Later, I sent my contact my career materials and was offered a phone interview. The phone interview lasted about an hour and a half and at the conclusion my potential employer invited me to visit their office.



I know normally you will have a face-to-face interview after a phone interview, if you pass the screening; however, he did not mention anything about an on-site interview. He did say that I can meet with the team and see what the company is like.



Due to my lack of experience, I don't know what I should be expecting on the visit. Should I be expecting a series of interviews with different company personnel or just a casual show-around? Is it even okay to ask about this of my potential employer or to directly clarify what to expect?



For more information, the company is a rapidly growing tech startup with around fifty employees, and it is in the web/user experience industry. The company describes itself as having a very casual culture and working under agile methodology.



UPDATE:

Thanks for everyone who shared their ideas and advices, the visit turned out to be a office-show-around and a couple on site interviews with different teams :)





interviewing company-culture offices





share|improve this question













share|improve this question




share|improve this question








edited Jun 11 '13 at 15:40

























asked Nov 14 '12 at 23:24









Xavier_Ex

203126




203126







  • 1




    Is it the situation you are talking about? workplace.stackexchange.com/questions/3653/…
    – bytebuster
    Nov 15 '12 at 0:09






  • 1




    @bytebuster thanks you for the reference but that was not my situation. I have been to their info session and talked with several company personnel, also went through a phone interview. I'm sure this is not a scam of any kind...
    – Xavier_Ex
    Nov 15 '12 at 4:17










  • That's called courting. It's common, I suspect. The employer has a slightly better chance of securing you over competitors is he/she engages you in a friendly manner with less pressure.
    – user20914
    Jun 4 '14 at 20:42












  • 1




    Is it the situation you are talking about? workplace.stackexchange.com/questions/3653/…
    – bytebuster
    Nov 15 '12 at 0:09






  • 1




    @bytebuster thanks you for the reference but that was not my situation. I have been to their info session and talked with several company personnel, also went through a phone interview. I'm sure this is not a scam of any kind...
    – Xavier_Ex
    Nov 15 '12 at 4:17










  • That's called courting. It's common, I suspect. The employer has a slightly better chance of securing you over competitors is he/she engages you in a friendly manner with less pressure.
    – user20914
    Jun 4 '14 at 20:42







1




1




Is it the situation you are talking about? workplace.stackexchange.com/questions/3653/…
– bytebuster
Nov 15 '12 at 0:09




Is it the situation you are talking about? workplace.stackexchange.com/questions/3653/…
– bytebuster
Nov 15 '12 at 0:09




1




1




@bytebuster thanks you for the reference but that was not my situation. I have been to their info session and talked with several company personnel, also went through a phone interview. I'm sure this is not a scam of any kind...
– Xavier_Ex
Nov 15 '12 at 4:17




@bytebuster thanks you for the reference but that was not my situation. I have been to their info session and talked with several company personnel, also went through a phone interview. I'm sure this is not a scam of any kind...
– Xavier_Ex
Nov 15 '12 at 4:17












That's called courting. It's common, I suspect. The employer has a slightly better chance of securing you over competitors is he/she engages you in a friendly manner with less pressure.
– user20914
Jun 4 '14 at 20:42




That's called courting. It's common, I suspect. The employer has a slightly better chance of securing you over competitors is he/she engages you in a friendly manner with less pressure.
– user20914
Jun 4 '14 at 20:42










9 Answers
9






active

oldest

votes

















up vote
19
down vote



accepted










It's an interview. Ask them what the itinerary will be. They want you to meet your potential team mates and vice versa. Both parties need to get a feel of what the other person is like in a civil gathering. They'll be watching for behavioural cues that'll tell them how you'll fit into their team (everybody recruiting is an amateur psychologist these days. le sigh). Expect a showing to most of the people you might be working with and at least a discussion with the 2 most senior people on the team. It's not unusual to start talking money at this point too, especially if you're meeting with decision-makers on the team. Just don't be the one to bring it up



While you're there, don't get carried away in the pageantry of it all. You should also be trying to assimilate as much they're trying to glean from you. Do you like the office environment? Are they all perched on stools in cramped, noisy environments? Are they all a group of backburned geriatrics or a gang of yobs or a mix of both? Make your own assessment of the shop while you're there, they certainly will be making theirs of you.






share|improve this answer




















  • Thanks for the advice, I didn't know there was this kind of interview hah. I thought all the interviews were "sitting down at 2 sides of a desk and start talking papers" like.
    – Xavier_Ex
    Nov 15 '12 at 6:40






  • 4




    @Xavier_Ex, aye, any chance to learn more about you, you can safely tag as an interview
    – kolossus
    Nov 15 '12 at 9:02






  • 8




    And rememeber you are being evaluated every minute you are there not just in any formal interview session. So how you treat the receptionist may be taken into account, whether you made an off-color joke in the restroom may be taken into account, etc. Assume you are being interviewed the entire time you are there.
    – HLGEM
    Nov 15 '12 at 15:45






  • 1




    Great point on "everything counts". Was the phone screen fairly technical? If so, this may be more about culture fit. Keep in mind that you are interviewing them as well. Have some great questions prepared. You want to come out of this interview prepared to accept (or reject) any offer they make, or give them a timeline until you can accept or reject an offer (if you have other interviews scheduled, for example).
    – Ethel Evans
    Nov 15 '12 at 19:35

















up vote
14
down vote













Considering




The company culture is very casual and agile as they described




you should be just fine to ask what format the visit will be.



There is no "point deduction" for asking this.



(If there is, you don't want to work there!)






share|improve this answer






















  • Thanks that sounds reasonable, I sure will ask for more information when they get back to me. :)
    – Xavier_Ex
    Nov 15 '12 at 4:22

















up vote
10
down vote













This happened to me. It was described as a "meet and greet," but it was really an interview. Not that it was all that hard, but I'd come prepared for an interview no matter what they tell you. Also, if they tell you who you're meeting, check them out on linkedin.






share|improve this answer




















  • I am not provided have any names or agenda... You said it was really an interview for you, so was it like you sit down with the interviewer(s) in a room and then they started asking questions like a formal interview? Or was it just casual conversation between team members?
    – Xavier_Ex
    Nov 15 '12 at 4:21

















up vote
4
down vote













Generally speaking, any meeting with a prospective employer should be considered an interview -- if they know who you are, can report positive or negative impressions to the hiring manager, it's an interview. Whether that is at their office, on the street, or at your current employer.



An interview is nothing more than an opportunity to favorably impress them (and vice-versa). There are structured interviews, where they have a detailed plan of how they expect it to go, there are freeform interviews where they are just seeing what happens. But any and all interactions between you (even indirectly), can and probably will factor into their decision -- whether that is bumping into each other at the grocery store or a two week "BUDs"-style training/evalation.






share|improve this answer



























    up vote
    3
    down vote













    The company that I currently work for did 1 phone interview, 4 face-to-face office interviews, 1 psychiatric evaluation, 1 criminal background check, 1 blood and urine sample testing, and the final leg of the interview process was a meet-and-greet with my department. The company is housed in 5 separate buildings across the city so I was able to explore all the company grounds as well as meet and get a feel for how the team was going to be.



    Not only is this an interview process from the company's standpoint, but this is an interview process with a positive reinforcement for you. You'll get to, hopefully, see your office and where you'll be working - the people around you and get a feel for their general attitude towards the company and yourself, and how your management presents you to other people. This could make or break your decision as to whether you would want to work at this company, so please make sure you take just as much of this opportunity for you to assess the company as the company is going to assess you.



    You also shouldn't hesitate to ask your human resources contact at the company as to what to expect, as it could prepare you for some events that may otherwise come as a surprise.



    You'll find, especially if you stay in the corporate world, that the higher your wages are and the more responsibility the position is the more "perks" and longer the interview process will be. The 1 interview and your hired the next day is no more, welcome to the better parts of the Corporate World.






    share|improve this answer
















    • 1




      Wow your experience sounds like they are hiring you as an CEO or at least a department head haha... Thanks for sharing your experience, as an entry level job seeker I don't expect that kind of long-winded process yet. :)
      – Xavier_Ex
      Nov 16 '12 at 8:10










    • This was for a junior developer/project coordinator position. :/
      – cloyd800
      Nov 16 '12 at 10:43










    • Wow I don't know it would be that intense :/
      – Xavier_Ex
      Nov 16 '12 at 18:30

















    up vote
    3
    down vote













    You can certainly ask if there is a traditional interview involved in the visit, but don't kid yourself; even if you don't sit down with a hiring manager you are being interviewed and evaluated.



    I've often used this approach to see how a candidate interacts with his/her potential peers. It also allows the team to meet the candidate face to face. Sure there will be the casual conversation but I can almost guarantee that you'll be thrown a few technical questions within that casual conversation. Even thou they may not seem like it at the time.



    You are being observed and notes are being taken. At the end of the day the manager is going to talk with every team member that you met or interacted with to get their impressions, comments, and feedback.



    Be yourself and treat it like a gathering of your professional peers.






    share|improve this answer




















    • Thanks for the answer, sounds like I gotta load myself with techie notes first.
      – Xavier_Ex
      Nov 16 '12 at 8:12

















    up vote
    2
    down vote













    As others say, approach it as if it's an interview.



    • Dress nice (Suit & Tie? Slacks and a collared shirt?)

    • Bring copies of your resume

    • Be 15 minutes early

    • Be Polite

    • Be Honest (I don't know the answer to that question, but I can get the answer...)

    • Practice if you can:

      • cracking the coding interview

      • programming interviews exposed


    • Sell Yourself. Most important. The better you sell yourself, the better your chance of not just getting the job, but getting a good paycheck to go with it.

    I haven't interviewed in awhile, but those basic rules generally lead me right. I haven't had a chance to use either of the books, but I would cram given an impending interview.






    share|improve this answer


















    • 3




      Cultural point on dress . . . casual and agile, in tech, suggests caution that you don't overdress. The advice that you can't overdress for an interview isn't true for casual, agile tech companies. You don't want them to think you are "a suit". Business casual, if you want to play it safe (slacks and collared shirt). You may want to ask the recruiter for specifics.
      – Ethel Evans
      Nov 15 '12 at 19:46






    • 1




      @EthelEvans thanks I actually asked them what the dress code is, and they said "just come as yourself".
      – Xavier_Ex
      Nov 16 '12 at 8:07

















    up vote
    2
    down vote













    The dynamics of this interview are different from the earlier stages.



    In the first company I worked for, something like 25 out of 100 applicants got to where you are now, five of the 25 got job offers, and one out of those five accepted. The numbers will vary from situation to situation, but you get the idea.



    You've basically been "qualified." They've weeded out the people who are unqualified and/or have "bad attitudes" (from the company's point of view).



    Having finished the weeding out process, the company now wants to see how you "fit in" on their home ground. Of course, you want to continue observing the dress code and courtesies, but the fact that you made it this far suggests that you have. At this point, you should be thinking about "interviewing" them, as well as having them interview you.



    That is, you should find out as much as possible about the company, and ask intelligent questions. Some of them will be "unspoken;" when you get there, you will observe how people dress, act, and go about their day, without asking. But do ask them about their challenges, what they expect from new hires, and "how things are done around here." They, in turn, will draw conclusions about your level of interest (and fit), from your questions.



    At this stage, there are two ways to interview; to maximize the chances of being hired, and to maximize the chances of finding a good fit. If you need the job, say what you think they want to hear.



    If you most want to find a good fit, be the most "yourself." If you honestly feel there is a misfit, ask one or two questions about what bothers you, and then tell them of your concerns. That won't get you the job, but at least they'll appreciate your honesty.






    share|improve this answer



























      up vote
      1
      down vote













      Ask if there is any overall plan about the visit or if you need to prepare any relevant material for the (informal?) meeting. This should give you enough information on how to prepare yourself.






      share|improve this answer




















        Your Answer







        StackExchange.ready(function()
        var channelOptions =
        tags: "".split(" "),
        id: "423"
        ;
        initTagRenderer("".split(" "), "".split(" "), channelOptions);

        StackExchange.using("externalEditor", function()
        // Have to fire editor after snippets, if snippets enabled
        if (StackExchange.settings.snippets.snippetsEnabled)
        StackExchange.using("snippets", function()
        createEditor();
        );

        else
        createEditor();

        );

        function createEditor()
        StackExchange.prepareEditor(
        heartbeatType: 'answer',
        convertImagesToLinks: false,
        noModals: false,
        showLowRepImageUploadWarning: true,
        reputationToPostImages: null,
        bindNavPrevention: true,
        postfix: "",
        noCode: true, onDemand: false,
        discardSelector: ".discard-answer"
        ,immediatelyShowMarkdownHelp:true
        );



        );








         

        draft saved


        draft discarded


















        StackExchange.ready(
        function ()
        StackExchange.openid.initPostLogin('.new-post-login', 'https%3a%2f%2fworkplace.stackexchange.com%2fquestions%2f6222%2fwhat-should-i-expect-when-my-potential-employer-invites-me-to-visit-the-office%23new-answer', 'question_page');

        );

        Post as a guest












        StackExchange.ready(function ()
        $("#show-editor-button input, #show-editor-button button").click(function ()
        var showEditor = function()
        $("#show-editor-button").hide();
        $("#post-form").removeClass("dno");
        StackExchange.editor.finallyInit();
        ;

        var useFancy = $(this).data('confirm-use-fancy');
        if(useFancy == 'True')
        var popupTitle = $(this).data('confirm-fancy-title');
        var popupBody = $(this).data('confirm-fancy-body');
        var popupAccept = $(this).data('confirm-fancy-accept-button');

        $(this).loadPopup(
        url: '/post/self-answer-popup',
        loaded: function(popup)
        var pTitle = $(popup).find('h2');
        var pBody = $(popup).find('.popup-body');
        var pSubmit = $(popup).find('.popup-submit');

        pTitle.text(popupTitle);
        pBody.html(popupBody);
        pSubmit.val(popupAccept).click(showEditor);

        )
        else
        var confirmText = $(this).data('confirm-text');
        if (confirmText ? confirm(confirmText) : true)
        showEditor();


        );
        );






        9 Answers
        9






        active

        oldest

        votes








        9 Answers
        9






        active

        oldest

        votes









        active

        oldest

        votes






        active

        oldest

        votes








        up vote
        19
        down vote



        accepted










        It's an interview. Ask them what the itinerary will be. They want you to meet your potential team mates and vice versa. Both parties need to get a feel of what the other person is like in a civil gathering. They'll be watching for behavioural cues that'll tell them how you'll fit into their team (everybody recruiting is an amateur psychologist these days. le sigh). Expect a showing to most of the people you might be working with and at least a discussion with the 2 most senior people on the team. It's not unusual to start talking money at this point too, especially if you're meeting with decision-makers on the team. Just don't be the one to bring it up



        While you're there, don't get carried away in the pageantry of it all. You should also be trying to assimilate as much they're trying to glean from you. Do you like the office environment? Are they all perched on stools in cramped, noisy environments? Are they all a group of backburned geriatrics or a gang of yobs or a mix of both? Make your own assessment of the shop while you're there, they certainly will be making theirs of you.






        share|improve this answer




















        • Thanks for the advice, I didn't know there was this kind of interview hah. I thought all the interviews were "sitting down at 2 sides of a desk and start talking papers" like.
          – Xavier_Ex
          Nov 15 '12 at 6:40






        • 4




          @Xavier_Ex, aye, any chance to learn more about you, you can safely tag as an interview
          – kolossus
          Nov 15 '12 at 9:02






        • 8




          And rememeber you are being evaluated every minute you are there not just in any formal interview session. So how you treat the receptionist may be taken into account, whether you made an off-color joke in the restroom may be taken into account, etc. Assume you are being interviewed the entire time you are there.
          – HLGEM
          Nov 15 '12 at 15:45






        • 1




          Great point on "everything counts". Was the phone screen fairly technical? If so, this may be more about culture fit. Keep in mind that you are interviewing them as well. Have some great questions prepared. You want to come out of this interview prepared to accept (or reject) any offer they make, or give them a timeline until you can accept or reject an offer (if you have other interviews scheduled, for example).
          – Ethel Evans
          Nov 15 '12 at 19:35














        up vote
        19
        down vote



        accepted










        It's an interview. Ask them what the itinerary will be. They want you to meet your potential team mates and vice versa. Both parties need to get a feel of what the other person is like in a civil gathering. They'll be watching for behavioural cues that'll tell them how you'll fit into their team (everybody recruiting is an amateur psychologist these days. le sigh). Expect a showing to most of the people you might be working with and at least a discussion with the 2 most senior people on the team. It's not unusual to start talking money at this point too, especially if you're meeting with decision-makers on the team. Just don't be the one to bring it up



        While you're there, don't get carried away in the pageantry of it all. You should also be trying to assimilate as much they're trying to glean from you. Do you like the office environment? Are they all perched on stools in cramped, noisy environments? Are they all a group of backburned geriatrics or a gang of yobs or a mix of both? Make your own assessment of the shop while you're there, they certainly will be making theirs of you.






        share|improve this answer




















        • Thanks for the advice, I didn't know there was this kind of interview hah. I thought all the interviews were "sitting down at 2 sides of a desk and start talking papers" like.
          – Xavier_Ex
          Nov 15 '12 at 6:40






        • 4




          @Xavier_Ex, aye, any chance to learn more about you, you can safely tag as an interview
          – kolossus
          Nov 15 '12 at 9:02






        • 8




          And rememeber you are being evaluated every minute you are there not just in any formal interview session. So how you treat the receptionist may be taken into account, whether you made an off-color joke in the restroom may be taken into account, etc. Assume you are being interviewed the entire time you are there.
          – HLGEM
          Nov 15 '12 at 15:45






        • 1




          Great point on "everything counts". Was the phone screen fairly technical? If so, this may be more about culture fit. Keep in mind that you are interviewing them as well. Have some great questions prepared. You want to come out of this interview prepared to accept (or reject) any offer they make, or give them a timeline until you can accept or reject an offer (if you have other interviews scheduled, for example).
          – Ethel Evans
          Nov 15 '12 at 19:35












        up vote
        19
        down vote



        accepted







        up vote
        19
        down vote



        accepted






        It's an interview. Ask them what the itinerary will be. They want you to meet your potential team mates and vice versa. Both parties need to get a feel of what the other person is like in a civil gathering. They'll be watching for behavioural cues that'll tell them how you'll fit into their team (everybody recruiting is an amateur psychologist these days. le sigh). Expect a showing to most of the people you might be working with and at least a discussion with the 2 most senior people on the team. It's not unusual to start talking money at this point too, especially if you're meeting with decision-makers on the team. Just don't be the one to bring it up



        While you're there, don't get carried away in the pageantry of it all. You should also be trying to assimilate as much they're trying to glean from you. Do you like the office environment? Are they all perched on stools in cramped, noisy environments? Are they all a group of backburned geriatrics or a gang of yobs or a mix of both? Make your own assessment of the shop while you're there, they certainly will be making theirs of you.






        share|improve this answer












        It's an interview. Ask them what the itinerary will be. They want you to meet your potential team mates and vice versa. Both parties need to get a feel of what the other person is like in a civil gathering. They'll be watching for behavioural cues that'll tell them how you'll fit into their team (everybody recruiting is an amateur psychologist these days. le sigh). Expect a showing to most of the people you might be working with and at least a discussion with the 2 most senior people on the team. It's not unusual to start talking money at this point too, especially if you're meeting with decision-makers on the team. Just don't be the one to bring it up



        While you're there, don't get carried away in the pageantry of it all. You should also be trying to assimilate as much they're trying to glean from you. Do you like the office environment? Are they all perched on stools in cramped, noisy environments? Are they all a group of backburned geriatrics or a gang of yobs or a mix of both? Make your own assessment of the shop while you're there, they certainly will be making theirs of you.







        share|improve this answer












        share|improve this answer



        share|improve this answer










        answered Nov 15 '12 at 4:36









        kolossus

        4,2211440




        4,2211440











        • Thanks for the advice, I didn't know there was this kind of interview hah. I thought all the interviews were "sitting down at 2 sides of a desk and start talking papers" like.
          – Xavier_Ex
          Nov 15 '12 at 6:40






        • 4




          @Xavier_Ex, aye, any chance to learn more about you, you can safely tag as an interview
          – kolossus
          Nov 15 '12 at 9:02






        • 8




          And rememeber you are being evaluated every minute you are there not just in any formal interview session. So how you treat the receptionist may be taken into account, whether you made an off-color joke in the restroom may be taken into account, etc. Assume you are being interviewed the entire time you are there.
          – HLGEM
          Nov 15 '12 at 15:45






        • 1




          Great point on "everything counts". Was the phone screen fairly technical? If so, this may be more about culture fit. Keep in mind that you are interviewing them as well. Have some great questions prepared. You want to come out of this interview prepared to accept (or reject) any offer they make, or give them a timeline until you can accept or reject an offer (if you have other interviews scheduled, for example).
          – Ethel Evans
          Nov 15 '12 at 19:35
















        • Thanks for the advice, I didn't know there was this kind of interview hah. I thought all the interviews were "sitting down at 2 sides of a desk and start talking papers" like.
          – Xavier_Ex
          Nov 15 '12 at 6:40






        • 4




          @Xavier_Ex, aye, any chance to learn more about you, you can safely tag as an interview
          – kolossus
          Nov 15 '12 at 9:02






        • 8




          And rememeber you are being evaluated every minute you are there not just in any formal interview session. So how you treat the receptionist may be taken into account, whether you made an off-color joke in the restroom may be taken into account, etc. Assume you are being interviewed the entire time you are there.
          – HLGEM
          Nov 15 '12 at 15:45






        • 1




          Great point on "everything counts". Was the phone screen fairly technical? If so, this may be more about culture fit. Keep in mind that you are interviewing them as well. Have some great questions prepared. You want to come out of this interview prepared to accept (or reject) any offer they make, or give them a timeline until you can accept or reject an offer (if you have other interviews scheduled, for example).
          – Ethel Evans
          Nov 15 '12 at 19:35















        Thanks for the advice, I didn't know there was this kind of interview hah. I thought all the interviews were "sitting down at 2 sides of a desk and start talking papers" like.
        – Xavier_Ex
        Nov 15 '12 at 6:40




        Thanks for the advice, I didn't know there was this kind of interview hah. I thought all the interviews were "sitting down at 2 sides of a desk and start talking papers" like.
        – Xavier_Ex
        Nov 15 '12 at 6:40




        4




        4




        @Xavier_Ex, aye, any chance to learn more about you, you can safely tag as an interview
        – kolossus
        Nov 15 '12 at 9:02




        @Xavier_Ex, aye, any chance to learn more about you, you can safely tag as an interview
        – kolossus
        Nov 15 '12 at 9:02




        8




        8




        And rememeber you are being evaluated every minute you are there not just in any formal interview session. So how you treat the receptionist may be taken into account, whether you made an off-color joke in the restroom may be taken into account, etc. Assume you are being interviewed the entire time you are there.
        – HLGEM
        Nov 15 '12 at 15:45




        And rememeber you are being evaluated every minute you are there not just in any formal interview session. So how you treat the receptionist may be taken into account, whether you made an off-color joke in the restroom may be taken into account, etc. Assume you are being interviewed the entire time you are there.
        – HLGEM
        Nov 15 '12 at 15:45




        1




        1




        Great point on "everything counts". Was the phone screen fairly technical? If so, this may be more about culture fit. Keep in mind that you are interviewing them as well. Have some great questions prepared. You want to come out of this interview prepared to accept (or reject) any offer they make, or give them a timeline until you can accept or reject an offer (if you have other interviews scheduled, for example).
        – Ethel Evans
        Nov 15 '12 at 19:35




        Great point on "everything counts". Was the phone screen fairly technical? If so, this may be more about culture fit. Keep in mind that you are interviewing them as well. Have some great questions prepared. You want to come out of this interview prepared to accept (or reject) any offer they make, or give them a timeline until you can accept or reject an offer (if you have other interviews scheduled, for example).
        – Ethel Evans
        Nov 15 '12 at 19:35












        up vote
        14
        down vote













        Considering




        The company culture is very casual and agile as they described




        you should be just fine to ask what format the visit will be.



        There is no "point deduction" for asking this.



        (If there is, you don't want to work there!)






        share|improve this answer






















        • Thanks that sounds reasonable, I sure will ask for more information when they get back to me. :)
          – Xavier_Ex
          Nov 15 '12 at 4:22














        up vote
        14
        down vote













        Considering




        The company culture is very casual and agile as they described




        you should be just fine to ask what format the visit will be.



        There is no "point deduction" for asking this.



        (If there is, you don't want to work there!)






        share|improve this answer






















        • Thanks that sounds reasonable, I sure will ask for more information when they get back to me. :)
          – Xavier_Ex
          Nov 15 '12 at 4:22












        up vote
        14
        down vote










        up vote
        14
        down vote









        Considering




        The company culture is very casual and agile as they described




        you should be just fine to ask what format the visit will be.



        There is no "point deduction" for asking this.



        (If there is, you don't want to work there!)






        share|improve this answer














        Considering




        The company culture is very casual and agile as they described




        you should be just fine to ask what format the visit will be.



        There is no "point deduction" for asking this.



        (If there is, you don't want to work there!)







        share|improve this answer














        share|improve this answer



        share|improve this answer








        edited Feb 6 '13 at 2:26

























        answered Nov 15 '12 at 1:21









        Greg McNulty

        2,6701523




        2,6701523











        • Thanks that sounds reasonable, I sure will ask for more information when they get back to me. :)
          – Xavier_Ex
          Nov 15 '12 at 4:22
















        • Thanks that sounds reasonable, I sure will ask for more information when they get back to me. :)
          – Xavier_Ex
          Nov 15 '12 at 4:22















        Thanks that sounds reasonable, I sure will ask for more information when they get back to me. :)
        – Xavier_Ex
        Nov 15 '12 at 4:22




        Thanks that sounds reasonable, I sure will ask for more information when they get back to me. :)
        – Xavier_Ex
        Nov 15 '12 at 4:22










        up vote
        10
        down vote













        This happened to me. It was described as a "meet and greet," but it was really an interview. Not that it was all that hard, but I'd come prepared for an interview no matter what they tell you. Also, if they tell you who you're meeting, check them out on linkedin.






        share|improve this answer




















        • I am not provided have any names or agenda... You said it was really an interview for you, so was it like you sit down with the interviewer(s) in a room and then they started asking questions like a formal interview? Or was it just casual conversation between team members?
          – Xavier_Ex
          Nov 15 '12 at 4:21














        up vote
        10
        down vote













        This happened to me. It was described as a "meet and greet," but it was really an interview. Not that it was all that hard, but I'd come prepared for an interview no matter what they tell you. Also, if they tell you who you're meeting, check them out on linkedin.






        share|improve this answer




















        • I am not provided have any names or agenda... You said it was really an interview for you, so was it like you sit down with the interviewer(s) in a room and then they started asking questions like a formal interview? Or was it just casual conversation between team members?
          – Xavier_Ex
          Nov 15 '12 at 4:21












        up vote
        10
        down vote










        up vote
        10
        down vote









        This happened to me. It was described as a "meet and greet," but it was really an interview. Not that it was all that hard, but I'd come prepared for an interview no matter what they tell you. Also, if they tell you who you're meeting, check them out on linkedin.






        share|improve this answer












        This happened to me. It was described as a "meet and greet," but it was really an interview. Not that it was all that hard, but I'd come prepared for an interview no matter what they tell you. Also, if they tell you who you're meeting, check them out on linkedin.







        share|improve this answer












        share|improve this answer



        share|improve this answer










        answered Nov 15 '12 at 1:53









        Amy Blankenship

        7,13711836




        7,13711836











        • I am not provided have any names or agenda... You said it was really an interview for you, so was it like you sit down with the interviewer(s) in a room and then they started asking questions like a formal interview? Or was it just casual conversation between team members?
          – Xavier_Ex
          Nov 15 '12 at 4:21
















        • I am not provided have any names or agenda... You said it was really an interview for you, so was it like you sit down with the interviewer(s) in a room and then they started asking questions like a formal interview? Or was it just casual conversation between team members?
          – Xavier_Ex
          Nov 15 '12 at 4:21















        I am not provided have any names or agenda... You said it was really an interview for you, so was it like you sit down with the interviewer(s) in a room and then they started asking questions like a formal interview? Or was it just casual conversation between team members?
        – Xavier_Ex
        Nov 15 '12 at 4:21




        I am not provided have any names or agenda... You said it was really an interview for you, so was it like you sit down with the interviewer(s) in a room and then they started asking questions like a formal interview? Or was it just casual conversation between team members?
        – Xavier_Ex
        Nov 15 '12 at 4:21










        up vote
        4
        down vote













        Generally speaking, any meeting with a prospective employer should be considered an interview -- if they know who you are, can report positive or negative impressions to the hiring manager, it's an interview. Whether that is at their office, on the street, or at your current employer.



        An interview is nothing more than an opportunity to favorably impress them (and vice-versa). There are structured interviews, where they have a detailed plan of how they expect it to go, there are freeform interviews where they are just seeing what happens. But any and all interactions between you (even indirectly), can and probably will factor into their decision -- whether that is bumping into each other at the grocery store or a two week "BUDs"-style training/evalation.






        share|improve this answer
























          up vote
          4
          down vote













          Generally speaking, any meeting with a prospective employer should be considered an interview -- if they know who you are, can report positive or negative impressions to the hiring manager, it's an interview. Whether that is at their office, on the street, or at your current employer.



          An interview is nothing more than an opportunity to favorably impress them (and vice-versa). There are structured interviews, where they have a detailed plan of how they expect it to go, there are freeform interviews where they are just seeing what happens. But any and all interactions between you (even indirectly), can and probably will factor into their decision -- whether that is bumping into each other at the grocery store or a two week "BUDs"-style training/evalation.






          share|improve this answer






















            up vote
            4
            down vote










            up vote
            4
            down vote









            Generally speaking, any meeting with a prospective employer should be considered an interview -- if they know who you are, can report positive or negative impressions to the hiring manager, it's an interview. Whether that is at their office, on the street, or at your current employer.



            An interview is nothing more than an opportunity to favorably impress them (and vice-versa). There are structured interviews, where they have a detailed plan of how they expect it to go, there are freeform interviews where they are just seeing what happens. But any and all interactions between you (even indirectly), can and probably will factor into their decision -- whether that is bumping into each other at the grocery store or a two week "BUDs"-style training/evalation.






            share|improve this answer












            Generally speaking, any meeting with a prospective employer should be considered an interview -- if they know who you are, can report positive or negative impressions to the hiring manager, it's an interview. Whether that is at their office, on the street, or at your current employer.



            An interview is nothing more than an opportunity to favorably impress them (and vice-versa). There are structured interviews, where they have a detailed plan of how they expect it to go, there are freeform interviews where they are just seeing what happens. But any and all interactions between you (even indirectly), can and probably will factor into their decision -- whether that is bumping into each other at the grocery store or a two week "BUDs"-style training/evalation.







            share|improve this answer












            share|improve this answer



            share|improve this answer










            answered Nov 15 '12 at 16:38









            jmoreno

            7,9271840




            7,9271840




















                up vote
                3
                down vote













                The company that I currently work for did 1 phone interview, 4 face-to-face office interviews, 1 psychiatric evaluation, 1 criminal background check, 1 blood and urine sample testing, and the final leg of the interview process was a meet-and-greet with my department. The company is housed in 5 separate buildings across the city so I was able to explore all the company grounds as well as meet and get a feel for how the team was going to be.



                Not only is this an interview process from the company's standpoint, but this is an interview process with a positive reinforcement for you. You'll get to, hopefully, see your office and where you'll be working - the people around you and get a feel for their general attitude towards the company and yourself, and how your management presents you to other people. This could make or break your decision as to whether you would want to work at this company, so please make sure you take just as much of this opportunity for you to assess the company as the company is going to assess you.



                You also shouldn't hesitate to ask your human resources contact at the company as to what to expect, as it could prepare you for some events that may otherwise come as a surprise.



                You'll find, especially if you stay in the corporate world, that the higher your wages are and the more responsibility the position is the more "perks" and longer the interview process will be. The 1 interview and your hired the next day is no more, welcome to the better parts of the Corporate World.






                share|improve this answer
















                • 1




                  Wow your experience sounds like they are hiring you as an CEO or at least a department head haha... Thanks for sharing your experience, as an entry level job seeker I don't expect that kind of long-winded process yet. :)
                  – Xavier_Ex
                  Nov 16 '12 at 8:10










                • This was for a junior developer/project coordinator position. :/
                  – cloyd800
                  Nov 16 '12 at 10:43










                • Wow I don't know it would be that intense :/
                  – Xavier_Ex
                  Nov 16 '12 at 18:30














                up vote
                3
                down vote













                The company that I currently work for did 1 phone interview, 4 face-to-face office interviews, 1 psychiatric evaluation, 1 criminal background check, 1 blood and urine sample testing, and the final leg of the interview process was a meet-and-greet with my department. The company is housed in 5 separate buildings across the city so I was able to explore all the company grounds as well as meet and get a feel for how the team was going to be.



                Not only is this an interview process from the company's standpoint, but this is an interview process with a positive reinforcement for you. You'll get to, hopefully, see your office and where you'll be working - the people around you and get a feel for their general attitude towards the company and yourself, and how your management presents you to other people. This could make or break your decision as to whether you would want to work at this company, so please make sure you take just as much of this opportunity for you to assess the company as the company is going to assess you.



                You also shouldn't hesitate to ask your human resources contact at the company as to what to expect, as it could prepare you for some events that may otherwise come as a surprise.



                You'll find, especially if you stay in the corporate world, that the higher your wages are and the more responsibility the position is the more "perks" and longer the interview process will be. The 1 interview and your hired the next day is no more, welcome to the better parts of the Corporate World.






                share|improve this answer
















                • 1




                  Wow your experience sounds like they are hiring you as an CEO or at least a department head haha... Thanks for sharing your experience, as an entry level job seeker I don't expect that kind of long-winded process yet. :)
                  – Xavier_Ex
                  Nov 16 '12 at 8:10










                • This was for a junior developer/project coordinator position. :/
                  – cloyd800
                  Nov 16 '12 at 10:43










                • Wow I don't know it would be that intense :/
                  – Xavier_Ex
                  Nov 16 '12 at 18:30












                up vote
                3
                down vote










                up vote
                3
                down vote









                The company that I currently work for did 1 phone interview, 4 face-to-face office interviews, 1 psychiatric evaluation, 1 criminal background check, 1 blood and urine sample testing, and the final leg of the interview process was a meet-and-greet with my department. The company is housed in 5 separate buildings across the city so I was able to explore all the company grounds as well as meet and get a feel for how the team was going to be.



                Not only is this an interview process from the company's standpoint, but this is an interview process with a positive reinforcement for you. You'll get to, hopefully, see your office and where you'll be working - the people around you and get a feel for their general attitude towards the company and yourself, and how your management presents you to other people. This could make or break your decision as to whether you would want to work at this company, so please make sure you take just as much of this opportunity for you to assess the company as the company is going to assess you.



                You also shouldn't hesitate to ask your human resources contact at the company as to what to expect, as it could prepare you for some events that may otherwise come as a surprise.



                You'll find, especially if you stay in the corporate world, that the higher your wages are and the more responsibility the position is the more "perks" and longer the interview process will be. The 1 interview and your hired the next day is no more, welcome to the better parts of the Corporate World.






                share|improve this answer












                The company that I currently work for did 1 phone interview, 4 face-to-face office interviews, 1 psychiatric evaluation, 1 criminal background check, 1 blood and urine sample testing, and the final leg of the interview process was a meet-and-greet with my department. The company is housed in 5 separate buildings across the city so I was able to explore all the company grounds as well as meet and get a feel for how the team was going to be.



                Not only is this an interview process from the company's standpoint, but this is an interview process with a positive reinforcement for you. You'll get to, hopefully, see your office and where you'll be working - the people around you and get a feel for their general attitude towards the company and yourself, and how your management presents you to other people. This could make or break your decision as to whether you would want to work at this company, so please make sure you take just as much of this opportunity for you to assess the company as the company is going to assess you.



                You also shouldn't hesitate to ask your human resources contact at the company as to what to expect, as it could prepare you for some events that may otherwise come as a surprise.



                You'll find, especially if you stay in the corporate world, that the higher your wages are and the more responsibility the position is the more "perks" and longer the interview process will be. The 1 interview and your hired the next day is no more, welcome to the better parts of the Corporate World.







                share|improve this answer












                share|improve this answer



                share|improve this answer










                answered Nov 15 '12 at 14:30









                cloyd800

                548213




                548213







                • 1




                  Wow your experience sounds like they are hiring you as an CEO or at least a department head haha... Thanks for sharing your experience, as an entry level job seeker I don't expect that kind of long-winded process yet. :)
                  – Xavier_Ex
                  Nov 16 '12 at 8:10










                • This was for a junior developer/project coordinator position. :/
                  – cloyd800
                  Nov 16 '12 at 10:43










                • Wow I don't know it would be that intense :/
                  – Xavier_Ex
                  Nov 16 '12 at 18:30












                • 1




                  Wow your experience sounds like they are hiring you as an CEO or at least a department head haha... Thanks for sharing your experience, as an entry level job seeker I don't expect that kind of long-winded process yet. :)
                  – Xavier_Ex
                  Nov 16 '12 at 8:10










                • This was for a junior developer/project coordinator position. :/
                  – cloyd800
                  Nov 16 '12 at 10:43










                • Wow I don't know it would be that intense :/
                  – Xavier_Ex
                  Nov 16 '12 at 18:30







                1




                1




                Wow your experience sounds like they are hiring you as an CEO or at least a department head haha... Thanks for sharing your experience, as an entry level job seeker I don't expect that kind of long-winded process yet. :)
                – Xavier_Ex
                Nov 16 '12 at 8:10




                Wow your experience sounds like they are hiring you as an CEO or at least a department head haha... Thanks for sharing your experience, as an entry level job seeker I don't expect that kind of long-winded process yet. :)
                – Xavier_Ex
                Nov 16 '12 at 8:10












                This was for a junior developer/project coordinator position. :/
                – cloyd800
                Nov 16 '12 at 10:43




                This was for a junior developer/project coordinator position. :/
                – cloyd800
                Nov 16 '12 at 10:43












                Wow I don't know it would be that intense :/
                – Xavier_Ex
                Nov 16 '12 at 18:30




                Wow I don't know it would be that intense :/
                – Xavier_Ex
                Nov 16 '12 at 18:30










                up vote
                3
                down vote













                You can certainly ask if there is a traditional interview involved in the visit, but don't kid yourself; even if you don't sit down with a hiring manager you are being interviewed and evaluated.



                I've often used this approach to see how a candidate interacts with his/her potential peers. It also allows the team to meet the candidate face to face. Sure there will be the casual conversation but I can almost guarantee that you'll be thrown a few technical questions within that casual conversation. Even thou they may not seem like it at the time.



                You are being observed and notes are being taken. At the end of the day the manager is going to talk with every team member that you met or interacted with to get their impressions, comments, and feedback.



                Be yourself and treat it like a gathering of your professional peers.






                share|improve this answer




















                • Thanks for the answer, sounds like I gotta load myself with techie notes first.
                  – Xavier_Ex
                  Nov 16 '12 at 8:12














                up vote
                3
                down vote













                You can certainly ask if there is a traditional interview involved in the visit, but don't kid yourself; even if you don't sit down with a hiring manager you are being interviewed and evaluated.



                I've often used this approach to see how a candidate interacts with his/her potential peers. It also allows the team to meet the candidate face to face. Sure there will be the casual conversation but I can almost guarantee that you'll be thrown a few technical questions within that casual conversation. Even thou they may not seem like it at the time.



                You are being observed and notes are being taken. At the end of the day the manager is going to talk with every team member that you met or interacted with to get their impressions, comments, and feedback.



                Be yourself and treat it like a gathering of your professional peers.






                share|improve this answer




















                • Thanks for the answer, sounds like I gotta load myself with techie notes first.
                  – Xavier_Ex
                  Nov 16 '12 at 8:12












                up vote
                3
                down vote










                up vote
                3
                down vote









                You can certainly ask if there is a traditional interview involved in the visit, but don't kid yourself; even if you don't sit down with a hiring manager you are being interviewed and evaluated.



                I've often used this approach to see how a candidate interacts with his/her potential peers. It also allows the team to meet the candidate face to face. Sure there will be the casual conversation but I can almost guarantee that you'll be thrown a few technical questions within that casual conversation. Even thou they may not seem like it at the time.



                You are being observed and notes are being taken. At the end of the day the manager is going to talk with every team member that you met or interacted with to get their impressions, comments, and feedback.



                Be yourself and treat it like a gathering of your professional peers.






                share|improve this answer












                You can certainly ask if there is a traditional interview involved in the visit, but don't kid yourself; even if you don't sit down with a hiring manager you are being interviewed and evaluated.



                I've often used this approach to see how a candidate interacts with his/her potential peers. It also allows the team to meet the candidate face to face. Sure there will be the casual conversation but I can almost guarantee that you'll be thrown a few technical questions within that casual conversation. Even thou they may not seem like it at the time.



                You are being observed and notes are being taken. At the end of the day the manager is going to talk with every team member that you met or interacted with to get their impressions, comments, and feedback.



                Be yourself and treat it like a gathering of your professional peers.







                share|improve this answer












                share|improve this answer



                share|improve this answer










                answered Nov 15 '12 at 16:37









                Steve

                3,70611127




                3,70611127











                • Thanks for the answer, sounds like I gotta load myself with techie notes first.
                  – Xavier_Ex
                  Nov 16 '12 at 8:12
















                • Thanks for the answer, sounds like I gotta load myself with techie notes first.
                  – Xavier_Ex
                  Nov 16 '12 at 8:12















                Thanks for the answer, sounds like I gotta load myself with techie notes first.
                – Xavier_Ex
                Nov 16 '12 at 8:12




                Thanks for the answer, sounds like I gotta load myself with techie notes first.
                – Xavier_Ex
                Nov 16 '12 at 8:12










                up vote
                2
                down vote













                As others say, approach it as if it's an interview.



                • Dress nice (Suit & Tie? Slacks and a collared shirt?)

                • Bring copies of your resume

                • Be 15 minutes early

                • Be Polite

                • Be Honest (I don't know the answer to that question, but I can get the answer...)

                • Practice if you can:

                  • cracking the coding interview

                  • programming interviews exposed


                • Sell Yourself. Most important. The better you sell yourself, the better your chance of not just getting the job, but getting a good paycheck to go with it.

                I haven't interviewed in awhile, but those basic rules generally lead me right. I haven't had a chance to use either of the books, but I would cram given an impending interview.






                share|improve this answer


















                • 3




                  Cultural point on dress . . . casual and agile, in tech, suggests caution that you don't overdress. The advice that you can't overdress for an interview isn't true for casual, agile tech companies. You don't want them to think you are "a suit". Business casual, if you want to play it safe (slacks and collared shirt). You may want to ask the recruiter for specifics.
                  – Ethel Evans
                  Nov 15 '12 at 19:46






                • 1




                  @EthelEvans thanks I actually asked them what the dress code is, and they said "just come as yourself".
                  – Xavier_Ex
                  Nov 16 '12 at 8:07














                up vote
                2
                down vote













                As others say, approach it as if it's an interview.



                • Dress nice (Suit & Tie? Slacks and a collared shirt?)

                • Bring copies of your resume

                • Be 15 minutes early

                • Be Polite

                • Be Honest (I don't know the answer to that question, but I can get the answer...)

                • Practice if you can:

                  • cracking the coding interview

                  • programming interviews exposed


                • Sell Yourself. Most important. The better you sell yourself, the better your chance of not just getting the job, but getting a good paycheck to go with it.

                I haven't interviewed in awhile, but those basic rules generally lead me right. I haven't had a chance to use either of the books, but I would cram given an impending interview.






                share|improve this answer


















                • 3




                  Cultural point on dress . . . casual and agile, in tech, suggests caution that you don't overdress. The advice that you can't overdress for an interview isn't true for casual, agile tech companies. You don't want them to think you are "a suit". Business casual, if you want to play it safe (slacks and collared shirt). You may want to ask the recruiter for specifics.
                  – Ethel Evans
                  Nov 15 '12 at 19:46






                • 1




                  @EthelEvans thanks I actually asked them what the dress code is, and they said "just come as yourself".
                  – Xavier_Ex
                  Nov 16 '12 at 8:07












                up vote
                2
                down vote










                up vote
                2
                down vote









                As others say, approach it as if it's an interview.



                • Dress nice (Suit & Tie? Slacks and a collared shirt?)

                • Bring copies of your resume

                • Be 15 minutes early

                • Be Polite

                • Be Honest (I don't know the answer to that question, but I can get the answer...)

                • Practice if you can:

                  • cracking the coding interview

                  • programming interviews exposed


                • Sell Yourself. Most important. The better you sell yourself, the better your chance of not just getting the job, but getting a good paycheck to go with it.

                I haven't interviewed in awhile, but those basic rules generally lead me right. I haven't had a chance to use either of the books, but I would cram given an impending interview.






                share|improve this answer














                As others say, approach it as if it's an interview.



                • Dress nice (Suit & Tie? Slacks and a collared shirt?)

                • Bring copies of your resume

                • Be 15 minutes early

                • Be Polite

                • Be Honest (I don't know the answer to that question, but I can get the answer...)

                • Practice if you can:

                  • cracking the coding interview

                  • programming interviews exposed


                • Sell Yourself. Most important. The better you sell yourself, the better your chance of not just getting the job, but getting a good paycheck to go with it.

                I haven't interviewed in awhile, but those basic rules generally lead me right. I haven't had a chance to use either of the books, but I would cram given an impending interview.







                share|improve this answer














                share|improve this answer



                share|improve this answer








                edited Nov 15 '12 at 18:14









                gnat

                3,23273066




                3,23273066










                answered Nov 15 '12 at 17:52









                WernerCD

                1,379713




                1,379713







                • 3




                  Cultural point on dress . . . casual and agile, in tech, suggests caution that you don't overdress. The advice that you can't overdress for an interview isn't true for casual, agile tech companies. You don't want them to think you are "a suit". Business casual, if you want to play it safe (slacks and collared shirt). You may want to ask the recruiter for specifics.
                  – Ethel Evans
                  Nov 15 '12 at 19:46






                • 1




                  @EthelEvans thanks I actually asked them what the dress code is, and they said "just come as yourself".
                  – Xavier_Ex
                  Nov 16 '12 at 8:07












                • 3




                  Cultural point on dress . . . casual and agile, in tech, suggests caution that you don't overdress. The advice that you can't overdress for an interview isn't true for casual, agile tech companies. You don't want them to think you are "a suit". Business casual, if you want to play it safe (slacks and collared shirt). You may want to ask the recruiter for specifics.
                  – Ethel Evans
                  Nov 15 '12 at 19:46






                • 1




                  @EthelEvans thanks I actually asked them what the dress code is, and they said "just come as yourself".
                  – Xavier_Ex
                  Nov 16 '12 at 8:07







                3




                3




                Cultural point on dress . . . casual and agile, in tech, suggests caution that you don't overdress. The advice that you can't overdress for an interview isn't true for casual, agile tech companies. You don't want them to think you are "a suit". Business casual, if you want to play it safe (slacks and collared shirt). You may want to ask the recruiter for specifics.
                – Ethel Evans
                Nov 15 '12 at 19:46




                Cultural point on dress . . . casual and agile, in tech, suggests caution that you don't overdress. The advice that you can't overdress for an interview isn't true for casual, agile tech companies. You don't want them to think you are "a suit". Business casual, if you want to play it safe (slacks and collared shirt). You may want to ask the recruiter for specifics.
                – Ethel Evans
                Nov 15 '12 at 19:46




                1




                1




                @EthelEvans thanks I actually asked them what the dress code is, and they said "just come as yourself".
                – Xavier_Ex
                Nov 16 '12 at 8:07




                @EthelEvans thanks I actually asked them what the dress code is, and they said "just come as yourself".
                – Xavier_Ex
                Nov 16 '12 at 8:07










                up vote
                2
                down vote













                The dynamics of this interview are different from the earlier stages.



                In the first company I worked for, something like 25 out of 100 applicants got to where you are now, five of the 25 got job offers, and one out of those five accepted. The numbers will vary from situation to situation, but you get the idea.



                You've basically been "qualified." They've weeded out the people who are unqualified and/or have "bad attitudes" (from the company's point of view).



                Having finished the weeding out process, the company now wants to see how you "fit in" on their home ground. Of course, you want to continue observing the dress code and courtesies, but the fact that you made it this far suggests that you have. At this point, you should be thinking about "interviewing" them, as well as having them interview you.



                That is, you should find out as much as possible about the company, and ask intelligent questions. Some of them will be "unspoken;" when you get there, you will observe how people dress, act, and go about their day, without asking. But do ask them about their challenges, what they expect from new hires, and "how things are done around here." They, in turn, will draw conclusions about your level of interest (and fit), from your questions.



                At this stage, there are two ways to interview; to maximize the chances of being hired, and to maximize the chances of finding a good fit. If you need the job, say what you think they want to hear.



                If you most want to find a good fit, be the most "yourself." If you honestly feel there is a misfit, ask one or two questions about what bothers you, and then tell them of your concerns. That won't get you the job, but at least they'll appreciate your honesty.






                share|improve this answer
























                  up vote
                  2
                  down vote













                  The dynamics of this interview are different from the earlier stages.



                  In the first company I worked for, something like 25 out of 100 applicants got to where you are now, five of the 25 got job offers, and one out of those five accepted. The numbers will vary from situation to situation, but you get the idea.



                  You've basically been "qualified." They've weeded out the people who are unqualified and/or have "bad attitudes" (from the company's point of view).



                  Having finished the weeding out process, the company now wants to see how you "fit in" on their home ground. Of course, you want to continue observing the dress code and courtesies, but the fact that you made it this far suggests that you have. At this point, you should be thinking about "interviewing" them, as well as having them interview you.



                  That is, you should find out as much as possible about the company, and ask intelligent questions. Some of them will be "unspoken;" when you get there, you will observe how people dress, act, and go about their day, without asking. But do ask them about their challenges, what they expect from new hires, and "how things are done around here." They, in turn, will draw conclusions about your level of interest (and fit), from your questions.



                  At this stage, there are two ways to interview; to maximize the chances of being hired, and to maximize the chances of finding a good fit. If you need the job, say what you think they want to hear.



                  If you most want to find a good fit, be the most "yourself." If you honestly feel there is a misfit, ask one or two questions about what bothers you, and then tell them of your concerns. That won't get you the job, but at least they'll appreciate your honesty.






                  share|improve this answer






















                    up vote
                    2
                    down vote










                    up vote
                    2
                    down vote









                    The dynamics of this interview are different from the earlier stages.



                    In the first company I worked for, something like 25 out of 100 applicants got to where you are now, five of the 25 got job offers, and one out of those five accepted. The numbers will vary from situation to situation, but you get the idea.



                    You've basically been "qualified." They've weeded out the people who are unqualified and/or have "bad attitudes" (from the company's point of view).



                    Having finished the weeding out process, the company now wants to see how you "fit in" on their home ground. Of course, you want to continue observing the dress code and courtesies, but the fact that you made it this far suggests that you have. At this point, you should be thinking about "interviewing" them, as well as having them interview you.



                    That is, you should find out as much as possible about the company, and ask intelligent questions. Some of them will be "unspoken;" when you get there, you will observe how people dress, act, and go about their day, without asking. But do ask them about their challenges, what they expect from new hires, and "how things are done around here." They, in turn, will draw conclusions about your level of interest (and fit), from your questions.



                    At this stage, there are two ways to interview; to maximize the chances of being hired, and to maximize the chances of finding a good fit. If you need the job, say what you think they want to hear.



                    If you most want to find a good fit, be the most "yourself." If you honestly feel there is a misfit, ask one or two questions about what bothers you, and then tell them of your concerns. That won't get you the job, but at least they'll appreciate your honesty.






                    share|improve this answer












                    The dynamics of this interview are different from the earlier stages.



                    In the first company I worked for, something like 25 out of 100 applicants got to where you are now, five of the 25 got job offers, and one out of those five accepted. The numbers will vary from situation to situation, but you get the idea.



                    You've basically been "qualified." They've weeded out the people who are unqualified and/or have "bad attitudes" (from the company's point of view).



                    Having finished the weeding out process, the company now wants to see how you "fit in" on their home ground. Of course, you want to continue observing the dress code and courtesies, but the fact that you made it this far suggests that you have. At this point, you should be thinking about "interviewing" them, as well as having them interview you.



                    That is, you should find out as much as possible about the company, and ask intelligent questions. Some of them will be "unspoken;" when you get there, you will observe how people dress, act, and go about their day, without asking. But do ask them about their challenges, what they expect from new hires, and "how things are done around here." They, in turn, will draw conclusions about your level of interest (and fit), from your questions.



                    At this stage, there are two ways to interview; to maximize the chances of being hired, and to maximize the chances of finding a good fit. If you need the job, say what you think they want to hear.



                    If you most want to find a good fit, be the most "yourself." If you honestly feel there is a misfit, ask one or two questions about what bothers you, and then tell them of your concerns. That won't get you the job, but at least they'll appreciate your honesty.







                    share|improve this answer












                    share|improve this answer



                    share|improve this answer










                    answered Jun 4 '14 at 19:32









                    Tom Au

                    31928




                    31928




















                        up vote
                        1
                        down vote













                        Ask if there is any overall plan about the visit or if you need to prepare any relevant material for the (informal?) meeting. This should give you enough information on how to prepare yourself.






                        share|improve this answer
























                          up vote
                          1
                          down vote













                          Ask if there is any overall plan about the visit or if you need to prepare any relevant material for the (informal?) meeting. This should give you enough information on how to prepare yourself.






                          share|improve this answer






















                            up vote
                            1
                            down vote










                            up vote
                            1
                            down vote









                            Ask if there is any overall plan about the visit or if you need to prepare any relevant material for the (informal?) meeting. This should give you enough information on how to prepare yourself.






                            share|improve this answer












                            Ask if there is any overall plan about the visit or if you need to prepare any relevant material for the (informal?) meeting. This should give you enough information on how to prepare yourself.







                            share|improve this answer












                            share|improve this answer



                            share|improve this answer










                            answered Nov 15 '12 at 10:13









                            pkhamre

                            32528




                            32528






















                                 

                                draft saved


                                draft discarded


























                                 


                                draft saved


                                draft discarded














                                StackExchange.ready(
                                function ()
                                StackExchange.openid.initPostLogin('.new-post-login', 'https%3a%2f%2fworkplace.stackexchange.com%2fquestions%2f6222%2fwhat-should-i-expect-when-my-potential-employer-invites-me-to-visit-the-office%23new-answer', 'question_page');

                                );

                                Post as a guest




































































                                Comments

                                Post a Comment

                                Popular posts from this blog

                                What does second last employer means? [closed]

                                Image
                                Clash Royale CLAN TAG #URR8PPP .everyoneloves__top-leaderboard:empty,.everyoneloves__mid-leaderboard:empty margin-bottom:0; up vote -3 down vote favorite Say, for example I have worked in the following companies, Company A => 2010 - 2011 Company B => 2011 - 2012 Company C => 2012 - Till Date Company D => Have offer Now assume Company D is asking to submit documents from my second last employer. So from the list of companies given, which company would be qualified as second last employer? software-industry employer share | improve this question asked Aug 10 '14 at 5:16 Rajaprabhu Aravindasamy 559 1 6 13 closed as off-topic by Jim G., jmort253 ♦ Aug 11 '14 at 1:58 This question appears to be off-topic. The users who voted to close gave this specific reason: "Questions seeking advice on company-specific regulations, agreements, or policies should be directed to your manager or HR department. Questions that address...
                                Read more

                                Installing NextGIS Connect into QGIS 3?

                                Image
                                Clash Royale CLAN TAG #URR8PPP .everyoneloves__top-leaderboard:empty,.everyoneloves__mid-leaderboard:empty margin-bottom:0; up vote 1 down vote favorite Just acquired free version of NEXTGIS and trying to install the plugin for QGIS. It tells me it was not designed for version 3 of QGIS. How do I set up the QGIS-NEXTGIS interface then? qgis qgis-plugins nextgis share | improve this question edited 3 hours ago PolyGeo ♦ 51.9k 17 77 233 asked 4 hours ago IanGS 16 4 New contributor IanGS is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering. Check out our Code of Conduct. add a comment  |  up vote 1 down vote favorite Just acquired free version of NEXTGIS and trying to install the plugin for QGIS. It tells me it was not designed for version 3 of QGIS. How do I set up the QGIS-NEXTGIS interface then? qgis qgis-plugin...
                                Read more

                                One-line joke

                                A one-liner is a joke that is delivered in a single line. A good one-liner is said to be pithy - concise and meaningful. [1] Comedians and actors use this comedic method as part of their act, e.g. Jimmy Carr, Tommy Cooper, Rodney Dangerfield, Norm Macdonald, Ken Dodd, Stewart Francis, Zach Galifianakis, Mitch Hedberg, Anthony Jeselnik, Milton Jones, Shappi Khorsandi, Jay London, Mark Linn-Baker, Demetri Martin, Groucho Marx, Dan Mintz, Emo Philips, Tim Vine, Steven Wright and Henny Youngman and Arnold Schwarzenegger. [ citation needed ] Many fictional characters are also known to deliver one-liners, including James Bond, who usually includes pithy and laconic quips after disposing of a villain. [ citation needed ] Examples "A baby seal walks into a club." "A dyslexic man walks into a bra." (Anonymous) "There are three types of people, those who can count and those who can't." "Venison's dear, isn't it?" (Jimmy Carr) "An escala...
                                Read more