OK… so today I got my first “true” job interview. “True” because it was the first time I got one for a real job and not a summer internship.
This is kinda confidential so I won’t talk about names or addresses, but I’ll say as much as I can.
First of all, I was called by someone to be asked if I was okay with some M$ programming languages and some database systems. At first, I didn’t know what it was all about but as the person explained to me, some organization was asking for two new programmers to work on a project. As being on the IT field, some of the technologies were known to me and others not, so all I did was telling the woman the truth. Some days later I was called for an interview with the IT department of the organization that was recruiting people.
Well… my résumé is mostly (all) about Linux and open-source stuff so I was very surprised with this call but I decided to give it a shot. Today was the day.
After being presented to the people in the room, the recruiter first asked me what was all the fuzz about for being such an OSS guy. I told him it was a matter of personal preference and I had nothing against M$ software (lol)… No, seriously, it’s just a matter of preference. I don’t like having Windows at my laptop and I just have it on a VM for academic work. Nothing else. I prefer OSS technologies just because I can learn from them and tweak them to my needs and wishes! I understand this may not be the biggest priority for most people but it’s MY priority and I just won’t use the same thing my partner does just because it’s the main platform. It’s just my preference!
Back to the interview: I was also asked if it was a problem for me if I had to do something with M$ technologies. I said that of course it wasn’t a problem. This may be my first job and I’m open to anything (just like S60 
). And I am. One thing is my personal preference and the other is work.
One of my colleagues was also called and I was asked why should they opt for me instead of him. Darn! This was a tough one. First of all, I don’t have anything against him. We get along very well and we enjoy working with each other (although he’s a M$ guy, mom always said to play well with others ). So I just said that and I told them that’s not something I wasn’t very confident to talk about. Maybe that wasn’t the best thing to say but that’s what came up to my mind.
The best thing was when they offered me training. That was great! He asked me if I was available to give up some of my personal spare time to be taught about M$ languages. I was very happy. Of course I said yes. But then, he asked me if there was a problem if they don’t give me any training. How was I going to handle the organization’s demands? Well… as most of the things I know, I’ve learned them all by myself so… some more stuff wouldn’t be a problem.
The good stuff: If I am chosen, I’ll be paid ~€1000 (without taxes) on a highly reputable organization. I’ll get training for free and I’ll get new stuff to put on my résumé.
The drawbacks: It’s a 12-month contract. They work with proprietary technologies. There is a tiny possibility of staying on the organization after the project finishes. Everything is very formal and organized. I honestly don’t like that. I prefer working on an easy-going workspace. Just like my summer internship! It was great! Everyone was OK with everyone. It was very informal! After one week I brought my mp3 player and a usb fan. But in this place… everything has to be so organized and stuff…
My perspective:
I honestly don’t think they’ll opt for me. Of course this is a nice opportunity for me as a first job and I was a little sad because I couldn’t keep up with their technological demands as most of my knowledge and professional experience resides on Linux and OSS.
It was the first (and I hope it will be the last) time I hit my head onto the wall thinking to myself “why oh why didn’t i take the evilway?”…
Fortunately there are some OSS companies in my country and they’re actively recruiting which is a good thing. Lets just wait and see…
There’s also something I was told after I narrated the interview:
“You did well when you told them you know little about M$ stuff. You were honest. Remember: A lie is like bad code. It’s hard to maintain!“.
So remember: it’s better to keep your dignity instead of being a king without a kingdom.
May the source be with you!
Tags: experience, interview, job, job interview
