Okay guys...

I have a very big interview with a very big company on Wed. I've been researching the heck out of this company (prefer not to use any names here) and have come up with a list of things to make sure I get answered by one of the 11 people that are interviewing me over a 10 hour period. I'm one of THREE people that they're considering.

This is a INTERNATIONAL company and I've never worked for anyone on this scale. So, with that in mind, what types of things do I need to make sure I investigate further?

I've got the obvious ones like benefits, relocation, promotional policies, work environment, philosophies, travel, vacation structure, etc... I'm looking for stuff that those of you that work for HUGE companies see now that you might not have seen nor thought about with smaller companies.

Any help, insight, and/or guidance is most appreciated. This is, potentially, a HUGE move in my career and I'm taking this very seriously.

RP

 

RP you've named all the one's I would ask about so all I will say is good luck man!

 

I would imagine they have some kind of continuing educational program. However that is something I would ask them. Naturally since you want to become more valuable to them as a team member you would like to continue your education in the direction they deem appropriate and wonder what avenues they have available to you.

Remember since there are 3 people in the running it’s not just about landing the job but also blowing the other two candidates out of the water…

Good luck buddy…

 

Maybe look at it from another angle too.
You've already covered the things that really affect you and your family...

So....
What questions would you want a potential employee to be asking you?

 

Research their leaders and show interest. Above all jus show that you did your research on the company and have lknowledge. When I do interviews or sit in them we encourage the people to do some research in our company. I work with a subsidiary of Citigroup, the largest company in the world and we are very proud of our leaders and what the company has done. So just show interest and knowledge, theres no real q's to ask.

 

Ask if they have company cars so that you don't have to drive the KR to work at 3.00+ per gallon :-)

Seriously though, it seems like you've covered a lot of bases. But, employers like to see that you're inquisitive about their company.

The following may seem like common sense and, if I insult anyone's intelligence, I apologize because that's not my intent.

I think you've covered mostly every base regarding things that you need to ask, but if you're talking off the cuff, I'd definitely ask them how they like working for the company and talk enthusiastically about things that you know are up and coming in the company. And, the only reason I say anything is because when the heat is on and the stress of the interview is consuming you, it's very commonplace that questions and conversations like these go out the window. Motivation is the key - if you show them that you're enthusiastic about recent developments and can't wait to jump in to make future developments even better, it makes you look GOOD.

GOOD LUCK!!!!!! Hope to see you posting soon that you got the position!

 

Well that pretty well narrows it down to either, Citi Bank, Citi Mortgage, Travelers, Lava, Primerica, Salomon Smith Barney, Phibro, etc., etc., etc.
"to many to mention" There is a lot of history there in a short amount of time especially as of recent history. 1/2 of the mergers and buy outs they have made in the last 10 years are long shots. So when reformated and remarketed they will either sky rocket and give phenominal returns in the next 20-30 years or they will crash the company! LOL
I feel sorry for your interviewees having to try and study all of that in thier company research before an interview.

 

Good luck!

 

Sounds like you've got it covered Rock-o. Confidence, a smile and warm attitude will be all you need. And for the love of pete don't wear your sponge bob tie, mmmmkay?

 

Ya well we only have them look at our s and citigroups management if they wish to. Sandy Weills to be more specific since he is the one that really created what you see today. But even that isnt manditory its if they wish to. We encourage it since we'd like someone that wants to work for the company not just looking for a paycheck.

 

Yea I'm just looking for cash myself...
I am divesified, but it'd still be a hard hit if they can't pull atleast most them up!

 

I would ask about Lay-Off cycles. Have they had any, how often, protocol for returning from Lay-Off, and whether or not they give recommendations.

I would also want to know what other groups within the company I would be working with, how many outside contractors, and how disputes get settled between different groups. Scenario - You're assigned to a huge drilling contract, you go out on site, and a conflict arrises between you and a foreman from an outside contractor. You bring the problem up to the superintentdant, and he's got a third opinion. Normally, what the S.I. says is the way the problem is solved. However, if the project goes south, and you are on it, you had better have your concerns down in writing and filed with your boss or Human Resources. Otherwise, you're fired along with everyone else, and it's a blemish on your work history. The bad thing about big companies is that they have big Uh-Ohs, and more than just one head usually roles with those Uh-Ohs.

The only tips I have are;

Be at least a half hour early to the interview.

NEVER say anything bad about your current employer, or former employers.

NEVER say anything bad about people you currently work with, or used to work with, especially in an attempt to make you look better by making them look bad.

Make sure you have all of your work history details in order and in mind. Fill in any gaps, and provide reasonable explanations for those gaps.

Talk as little as you can about Vacation/Time Off. The benefits are ok to talk about, but stay away from sounding like your very interested in Vacations, sick leave, and workmans comp.

ALWAYS take a second or two and think through any answers you are about to give to deeper questions. Do not go on endlessly on answers either. To the point answers with a little additional info is good, but adding little fringe details can be annoying unless asked for.

NEVER shoot from the cuff. If you don't know, don't wing it.

Give firm handshakes, but not TOO firm.

If there are ladies in the room, do not let your eyes wander. Look them in the eye only, and make sure not to change the level of enthusiasm when answering questions from them. It's a subliminal habit that men do alot without realizing it. It marks you as one who doesn't respect one sex as much as another (whether it's true or not).

And lastly, be confident but not too aggressive. You want to show confidence, but don't try to own the interview. You want them to be comfortable with you at all times.

I'm sure you've done the interview thing before, so take what you will from the above.

 

Just a couple of hints.

Don't bring up any benefits until the person you're talking to does. At that point you can ask follow up questions and get the answers you want.

The attitude they're looking for is someone who will bring something to the table, and keep bringing stuff to the table on their own. They like to know personal betterment is something you do for yourself, not the paycheck.

Also, be prepared to deal with "What do you think the best way is to do..." type of questions.

-Fatz

 

How well do they perform on employee retention? If their employees tend to stay for a long time then it is probably a good company. If they turn over their employees often, that is not good.

What about overtime? Are you compensated for any time that you work over 40 hours? I work as a salaried employee, but if I work anything over 40 hours I get paid overtime.

 

REALLY???
Who do you work for?