Post by ohcanada on Apr 16, 2012 1:49:50 GMT
Interview advice - based on my Feb. 2012 interview with Aramco in Houston
Accept the interview - I suggest that, even if you have doubts and fears and questions, go to an interview, if you are offered one. It was a great experience, everyone was so welcoming, and it was so exciting to be in Houston and at Aramco. Worry about the details later. Just accept the honor of being interviewed by the world's biggest oil company, and go. My recruiter gave me that advice, and I was so thankful she did.
Switching gears - Both times I was interviewed, I didn't know exactly what job I was being interviewed for, until I got in the room. The first time, the job wasn't even listed on the careers page. The second time, I prepped for one job I had applied for – and it turned out they thought I would be better in a different job within my field. So, I would say, be flexible and try not to appear surprised.
Personal details - Don't talk too much in the interview about the personal side of your potential move, e.g. will my spouse be able to work there, can I take my pets, how long before I know, what is the pay, etc. - remember, you don't have the job yet!
These are not relocation or HR people. The point is to get the offer, then fuss about the details. Concentrate on being professional. Save the personal questions or concerns for your recruiter.
Example: In an interview, I raised one anxious question about potential work for my spouse, since I am female and would have to go on 'single status' – it was weighing heavily on my mind. One interviewer said, quite rightly, "Well, that is a separate issue, isn't it?" (Luckily I got an offer anyway.)
Food - Eat breakfast before you come to the interviews, and bring a snack. I interviewed two separate times in Houston, first in a private interview, then again (different job) a few months later during the large Feb. 2012 job fair. Both times, the interviews ran late. During the job fair, we were hours behind and I ended up being interviewed way after lunch, which left me feeling a little shaky. My fault - should have brought a snack.
Informality - In my case, I found both interviews to be very informal, compared to many of my recent North American-style interviews. They didn't go for that appalling, HR-dominated, structured, ratings/score-oriented style of interview I hate so much, where everyone starts ticking off little check-boxes... Both times, the Aramco interview was more of a genuine conversation about what I have done and how I would fit in and what the new job might be like... I was more relaxed than I have ever been in an interview and I hope that allowed me to shine. What a relief. Thank you, Aramco.
Grooming - We Americans and Canadians are a little too relaxed about appearance some times. Don't get sloppy. You may be able to do the work, but you also have to represent Aramco appropriately. Tsk, tsk. Just saying...
Orientation - I thought the orientation (by an Aramco expat) was great. We had lots of questions and lots of laughs in our little group. It will put your mind at ease.
Entrance and exit strategy - Stop to shake hands across the table with each person before the interview starts – and ask for business cards. I would prepare and rehe some exit lines for when the interview ends. Both times, my interview was in a very small, confined interview room, and it felt awkward as I gathered up my papers and tried to shake hands with four or five people and then back out of the narrow room. I had practiced some Arabic and a nice thank-you but got completely tongue-tied at the last moment. Wish I had practiced more.
Fear and regret - I spent weeks worrying that I wouldn't get the job – and alternately worrying I would get the job! Then I got an offer (three weeks after the Feb. job fair). Now I'm agonizing while we wheeze slowly through the medical and background checks. What if I don't get the job, after all this? It's agony, all 'round, but hopefully well worth it in the end. Good luck.
Accept the interview - I suggest that, even if you have doubts and fears and questions, go to an interview, if you are offered one. It was a great experience, everyone was so welcoming, and it was so exciting to be in Houston and at Aramco. Worry about the details later. Just accept the honor of being interviewed by the world's biggest oil company, and go. My recruiter gave me that advice, and I was so thankful she did.
Switching gears - Both times I was interviewed, I didn't know exactly what job I was being interviewed for, until I got in the room. The first time, the job wasn't even listed on the careers page. The second time, I prepped for one job I had applied for – and it turned out they thought I would be better in a different job within my field. So, I would say, be flexible and try not to appear surprised.
Personal details - Don't talk too much in the interview about the personal side of your potential move, e.g. will my spouse be able to work there, can I take my pets, how long before I know, what is the pay, etc. - remember, you don't have the job yet!
These are not relocation or HR people. The point is to get the offer, then fuss about the details. Concentrate on being professional. Save the personal questions or concerns for your recruiter.
Example: In an interview, I raised one anxious question about potential work for my spouse, since I am female and would have to go on 'single status' – it was weighing heavily on my mind. One interviewer said, quite rightly, "Well, that is a separate issue, isn't it?" (Luckily I got an offer anyway.)
Food - Eat breakfast before you come to the interviews, and bring a snack. I interviewed two separate times in Houston, first in a private interview, then again (different job) a few months later during the large Feb. 2012 job fair. Both times, the interviews ran late. During the job fair, we were hours behind and I ended up being interviewed way after lunch, which left me feeling a little shaky. My fault - should have brought a snack.
Informality - In my case, I found both interviews to be very informal, compared to many of my recent North American-style interviews. They didn't go for that appalling, HR-dominated, structured, ratings/score-oriented style of interview I hate so much, where everyone starts ticking off little check-boxes... Both times, the Aramco interview was more of a genuine conversation about what I have done and how I would fit in and what the new job might be like... I was more relaxed than I have ever been in an interview and I hope that allowed me to shine. What a relief. Thank you, Aramco.
Grooming - We Americans and Canadians are a little too relaxed about appearance some times. Don't get sloppy. You may be able to do the work, but you also have to represent Aramco appropriately. Tsk, tsk. Just saying...
Orientation - I thought the orientation (by an Aramco expat) was great. We had lots of questions and lots of laughs in our little group. It will put your mind at ease.
Entrance and exit strategy - Stop to shake hands across the table with each person before the interview starts – and ask for business cards. I would prepare and rehe some exit lines for when the interview ends. Both times, my interview was in a very small, confined interview room, and it felt awkward as I gathered up my papers and tried to shake hands with four or five people and then back out of the narrow room. I had practiced some Arabic and a nice thank-you but got completely tongue-tied at the last moment. Wish I had practiced more.
Fear and regret - I spent weeks worrying that I wouldn't get the job – and alternately worrying I would get the job! Then I got an offer (three weeks after the Feb. job fair). Now I'm agonizing while we wheeze slowly through the medical and background checks. What if I don't get the job, after all this? It's agony, all 'round, but hopefully well worth it in the end. Good luck.
But...you never give up on your dreams.