I got an interview...

[Tim13]

"It's at the Georgetown facility... do they have any other facilities(I honestly don't know)?"

Learn everything that you can about the company. How many plants/factories they have, who's the CEO, what were their earnings, are they publicly traded, how large is their work force? By demonstrating to a potential employer that you've done your homework about their company, and still applied for a job there, you are telling them just how much you want to work there.

 

[gunsmith]

if you're nervous

Have a shot or two of some good whiskey, and chew some gum during the interview so they don't smell it.

Also do not shave or shower for two days before the interview, as a day or two growth of a beard is really manly looking and if you shower you lose valuable
pheremones.

This advice has got me where I am today!...now...do you want fries with that?

 

[Fburgtx]

To address another question,
In regards to other facilities, they are importing a few guns now to sell at cheaper prices (see STI Spartan). Don't know if they import from the Phillipines or what. You might also ask about their purchase of Lone Star Armaments (Stephenville, TX) a while back. Study the STI website, too!!

 

[waterhouse]

I think their only U.S. plant is in Georgetown (about 20 minutes north of Austin). The company is great, they very much support competition shooting and seem to be getting into cowboy shooting with the new Texican.

They seem like great folk . . . I've gone to pick up orders at the factory and everyone there, from the secretaries to the top dog, are cordial and seem into shooting. I don't do much of the "gun games" stuff, but I have customers who do and they all talk highly of STI . . . company reps showing up at matches and such and always promoting the sport.

If you want to grab a beer or go shooting while you are in town send me an email, and again, good luck. The Austin area can always use a few more shooters.

 

[joplinsks]

The two most important pointers for an interview are:

1) Be positive about EVERYTHING. Don't talk negative about former jobs, supervisors, etc. Interviewers will ALWAYS side with other employers and talking negative, even when you don't realize it, will label you as a troublemaker with no future. That's why it's always best to practice and prepare well for interviews, especially if your employment history has faults. Even if you have numerous degrees and excellent qualifications, you'll still be asked why you left prior jobs and those answers will play greatly in their decision.

2) Know something about the company. Always helps to break the ice if you and the interviewer have something in common. It's very impressive if you can discuss knowing a well liked former or current employee or explain any previous dealings you have had with the company. Companies like hiring folks who are like one of the family from the start.

 

[TexKettering]

I'm seriously impressed. Thanks for all the great input.. you've all eased my nerves and made me feel better already.

I hope to nail this thing and I will be sure to keep you guys posted.

 

[JimmyG]

1. Know your subject matter. Be affable yet mostly quiet, speak when spoken to, and look the peeps in the eye whilst giving your answers in an honest manner. No fidget, no fiddle, no fear. If you belong, believe it more than any other thing and then they will too.

2. Dress well. Go to a men's clothing store where you'll find sharp women who adore sharp men. Tell her, ask her, and let her adorn you. After you get the job, ask her out, even if she's twenty years your senior. Oops, I digress...

 

[Eyesac]

Good luck! Hope it works out for ya!

 

[ozwyn]

1. eye contact. Look the interviewer in the eye and stay focused

2. show some enegry and enthusiasm. NOT spazzing, but find something to be excited about and show a eagerness to do the work, even the crappy parts of it.

 

[Correia]

If you want to get a feel for STI, go over to their webpage and read all of the Skinnergrams. That is the boss' blog. It will give you a feel for how they think.

I've worked with STI a lot over the last two years. They are actually my single favorite gun company to deal with. They're a bunch of fun people who love guns.

 

[TexKettering]

If you want to get a feel for STI, go over to their webpage and read all of the Skinnergrams. That is the boss' blog. It will give you a feel for how they think.

I've worked with STI a lot over the last two years. They are actually my single favorite gun company to deal with. They're a bunch of fun people who love guns.

I have read a few of the blogs, but I'll see to read up on more of them.

What do you do, out of curiousity?

 

[Plain Old Bill]

Finally something I know!

Been interviewing for...well, for a LONG time. It's a large part of what I do as a Director of HR.

1. Be yourself- smile, be self-depreciating in small talk, and be yourself.
2. If you're nervous, say so. You're probably not the only one in the room who is!
3. Dress nicely and act like you do it every day!
4. Someone already said it- BE POSITIVE! the last thing in the world an interviewer wants to hear is how bad things went at your last job, class, life....or how this is your last best remaining option.
5. Make it clear that you'd trample the living and hurdle the dead for this job.
6. reserve the salary and benefit questions for later....don't worry, they'll get to them soon, maybe in the next round of interviews.
7. Keep us posted on how it goes!!!!!

GOOD LUCK!

 

[Correia]

What do you do, out of curiousity?

I own a gunstore. FBMG is the largest STI dealer in Utah. I've dealt with STI a lot, and I couldn't ask for a better bunch of people.

 

[Houston Tom]

if they are a publicly traded company then they have to post the numbers read em, Of course check their website. Trade associations may also have information on the company as well.

 

[MP5]

One thing that very clearly helped me land my current job was letting the interviewer understand that I took the time to research the company and wasn't there just because the position was available.

Turn questions with potentially negative answers into things that can reflect positively on your motivation, self-awareness, etc.: you might get questions like "Why did you leave your last job?", "What did you like least about your last job", etc. Do not give into the temptation to bitch and moan about any past experiences or bosses. Don't go on about "me, me, me" and what you want, but ask questions and give answers that lead the discussion towards the company and how you can contribute to it.

I agree with the above posters who emphasize dressing and acting like a proper gentleman and listening carefully and answering to the point instead of just talking randomly because you're nervous. Sincere smiles can also take you far in life, if not in every interview. Employers need people with more than just a skill set or degree, but with the ability to mesh with existing employees.

 

[Waitone]

Be polite to everyone you meet. Everyone. Secretaries, co-workers, other co-op types, and especially the rumpled up bald-headed dude who just happens to show up about lunch time. The last one may well be the one who makes the final decision.

Run to Kinko's and print up a business card containing relevant contact information. Reason for the card is that it facilitates the exchange of information and let's you see who you are talking to. For whatever the reason you offering your business card will put the onerous on the other guy to provide you with their business card. That way you don't have to remember a fist full of people. Then immediately after getting to your computer you can write thank you notes to everyone you spoke with. Three lines max and in each case ask for the position. Email rules.

Good luck!

 

[goings_51]

I can't believe only one person has really hit on one of the most important things...know everything you can about the company!

I took a grad school class on business communication, but the main theme was that you can't be overprepaired. Our main project that lasted the whole semester was to prepare for an interview with an employer of our choosing. By the end of that semester I had compressed hundreds of pages of information into a few pages of bullets. I probably knew as much about the company as my interviewer who had worked there 20 years when I did it for real. This prof. went so far as to have us book interview rooms in the Business Center and do full dress rehersals. He also had lots of contacts so occasionally someone would show up for a rehearsal with a classmate and find either the proffessor or a manager from the company the student was interested in sitting accross the table. (BTW - this guy is now one of the youngest presidents ever of a public university in Texas)

You need to get detailed. Why did they switch from Fedex to DHL last year? Do they think the upcoming election cycle will help them reach their goal of selling XXXX units/month by December? Have increasing commidity prices played a major role in their business strategy, or are most of their costs from design and labor? Etc. If you do this, you will stand out from all the other yahoos that go into an interview asking about parking or what the cafeteria serves.

I reduced the job market to statistics when I graduated. At that time the average was something like 100 resumes = 1 interview. 5 interviews = 1 job.

I sent two resumes and had one interview. The 2nd resume also offered an interview, but I already had a job. When I got ready for my 2nd job after school, I sent one resume. This system works.

PS +1 on all of the nice suit, clean shave, etc. advise - but that should just be assumed.

Edit - +1 on everything Waitone said too.

 

[TexKettering]

goings 51 said
PS +1 on all of the nice suit, clean shave, etc. advise - but that should just be assumed.

Heh, I agree with you there. I knew that much, but have not had a formal interview yet. The other jobs I've gotten have had pretty informal interviews since I knew people at those places.

Thanks for the information all.

And a hello to a fellow San Antonian.

 

[GigaBuist]

Make sure you have a dress belt and shoes that match and go with the suit.

... and for the love of God make sure your holster matches the belt!



I'd give you advice but I stink at interviews. I undersell myself by a long shot, and I've been told that by people who've hired me in spite of a poor interview. Being humble is a good trait, but apparently it's not a very good one when you're interviewing.

 

[Hawk]

STI is on fire. I hope they don't grow too fast, but they surely have use for talented individuals.

From SkinnerGram 100 dated 08/03/07:

Thanks to the "guys (and gals) in the back", it’s getting better quickly! Those folks are bustin’ butt for you and had turned out more guns at the end of July than were produced for ALL of 2005. At the current rate, complete firearm output for 2007 should be approximately 65% over 2006. Pretty damn good! Some of your orders should soon start completing ahead of our promised dates and I believe that we can start quoting 14-15 weeks right now.

65% hunh? I'd like to know what agencies in what countries are ponying up for the tact series as well...

Good luck!
Looks like a rising star.

 

[Sir Aardvark]

Here's something that works good in interviews I've had.

After they are done asking you all of their questions, ask them one or two of your own, such as "What incentives does your company have in place to allow your employees to succeed?" - of course, make sure it is intelligent and on topic for your situation.

 

[MudPuppy]

Some good advice here, a couple of things I'd add.

• Have a copy (or two) of your resume with you.
• Send a follow thank you card--that can set you apart

Good luck, we need as many gun guys as we can get in this liberal holdout!

 

[Robert Hairless]

[Double post removed. My apology for any annoyance substituted.]

 

[Rexster]

Be confident, but don't act so confident you appear cocky. Be polite to the lowliest person you meet; the exec may indeed ask the receptionist or cleaning lady if you were polite to them. Balance confidence with humility! Do not drive like a maniac while on your way, lest the person you cut off in traffic turn out to be the one conducting the interview. If you are invited to eat, taste your food BEFORE you put salt on it. The DFW area is where the South phases into the West, and both places value politeness and manners, yet value confidence in a man. Good luck!

 

[Robert Hairless]

Some of the best career managagement (job hunting and related matters) guidance for a very long time is from Martin Yate, author of the "Knock Them Dead" series on the subject. Your message led me to check the web for Martin's latest activities and I discovered that he also has a web site: KnockemDead.com. I've linked to the menu of his advice on interviews. Do take a look and consider what he says seriously. Martin knows what he is doing and does it well.