Nadya;

Some suggestions:

1. Always have an updated Resume. Create more than one Resume showing your skill set in different areas. Show case your skills according to the requirements of the job.

2. Have a list of all jobs you have had for the last 10 years, employers names and details.

3. Have a list of all programming projects and some details like “n tier, com objects, client/server, web application, etc.

4. Create a list of questions to ask.

5. Always do homework on the company to find out whatever you can.

6. Practice an interview – get a book on the subject – there are many printed and for sale. Interviewers ask “interesting questions”. Such as, “Tell me, what is the most negative thing about your working habits”? Turn it around to a positive such as, “Early in my career I did not adequately comment my code and then realized the importance of doing so. Now, even months after writing comments within my code my colleagues and I can understand the purpose of what the code should accomplish”.

7. Be ready with some short stories about something unique you have accomplished that does not put others down but does show your value at solving problems.

8. Keep a folder containing the specific type of Resume, and all correspondence from any interview.

9. Maintain a calander with dates to do follow ups with what person, and details.

10. Here is one I have been asked several times, "What do you do when asked to resolve a problem with someone elses code and while solving the problem you also see a 'better way to code something'"? My answer is, "I solve the problem, comment out the other code, date and comment my action and leave the rest of the code alone"!

I created a VFP application for my job search which is lost somewhere. In fact the original was in FoxPro 2.0. It would give me a report as to whom to call on what day, plan my week (interviews, resumes sent, which version, cover letters, contacts) and lots of other goodies while I was looking for employment.

Good luck. Sometimes we make our own luck - so be positive!

Tom


>Hi Thomas,
>
>Thanks a lot for the response. See the answers inside.
>
>>Nadya;
>>
>>My experience is it is a good idea to do a follow up call. Show your interest in the position!
>>
>
>I'll call today then.
>
>>Do some research on the company. Your local library may be able to help you. How many employees, how much money the company makes, and other information can be obtained in many instances.
>>
>
>It's a state (government) organization. They told me the number of people working but I am not sure, I recall correctly. As I remember, about 2000 people.
>
>
>>If you have not done so, ask some relevant questions. Ask two or three questions and do not over do it.
>>
>>
>>1. Is this a new position?
>
>The prev. person was retired.
>
>>2. What is the immediate assignment and long term goals?
>
>I should have asked that. Basically, the position is to maintain the department's Intranet & Internet sites.
>
>>3. Do you work in teams or individually?
>
>This position is a sole position.
>
>>
>>Well, I could go on as I have had more experience at this than the average person. At one time I taught classes on how to write resumes, cover letters, and how to interview.
>>
>>If you do nothing else write a short letter to the person with whom you interviewed and thank them for his/her time and express how much you would enjoy working for the company.
>
>I sent a thank you letter at the day of the interview. I was interviewed by 4 different persons, but unfortunately I had contact info only for one of them. So, I sent her a thank you note and my thank to all other interviewers. She replied politely that I can contact any time. What exactly should be my actions now?
>
>>
>>In the mean time continue looking for other positions through the newspaper, professional publications, headhunters, friends, and your network. You are new to the area so friends and network may not exist – so create one through the local user group – I hope you have a user group!
>>
>
>I don't know, if we have a local user group in Columbus. I know, there is one in Clivelend, but it's a 2h. drive... I got another phone call today from different company. Their background - Visual Foxpro with migrating to NET, so looks like a perfect fit. I am going to have an interview with a recruiter tomorrow. What can you advice?
>
>Thanks again.