I just got out of an interview. My mind is swirling.

I just got out of an interview 5 minutes ago. It went well, I have no idea if I got the job, but it's been 7 years since my last interview. I was expecting 15 minutes or so, but over an hour one on one in-depth questions, I feel like I just ran a marathon.

What are your interview stories?

 

I've only had one interview (besides quick ones for jobs I worked in HS), and that was for an internship that eventually turned into a full-time job for several years. When I interviewed with the company I'm with now, the boss opened a bottle of wine, we BS'd for a half-hour, opened a 2nd bottle, briefly talked business and he said I was hired.

What kind of job? Are you looking to leave a current job?

 

Research assistant in a lab that primarily works on brain tumors.

 

I've had long interviews in business, five hours at Microsoft a while back, but most research assistant positions are pretty quick and easy. I suppose it's good, get the right person the first time since it will take a few months training to learn all the protocols.

 

Well no matter if you did or didn't you should always consider it a good experience.

 

As a general rule, I think the longer the interview, the better

 

Long interviews are definitely a good sign. I have found that it's also good if you can find things other than the job to talk about.

I once applied for a fellowship. 24 people vying for 12 spots - a day-long interview process of role-playing, panel discussions, 1-on-1. It was hairy.

 

Thanks for the encouragement folks. Hours later now, it's amazing how much the interview took out of me. I'll sleep much better tonight than I did last night.

 

Tech interviews I always thought were fun. Laid back, with brain-teasers. They wanted to make sure they would like working with you. Much more personality-based.

Consulting interviews were more intense, but they wanted to discover your thinking process. I always enjoyed them.

Corporate finance investment bank interviews were the worst. Final rounds were generally three 12-18 hour days. You have to work long hours, so they want to make sure you have the stamina and can still be sharp at the end. You just go from office to office, usually three on one, asking you the same questions and trying to trip you up. At the end of every night, they try to get you drunk to make sure you aren't an ass when you're inebriated and can be cogent with a hangover the next day.

 

I could tell some wild interview stories but lack of time....

The crazier the story, the less likely to get the job.

Anyway, good luck.