I was at SMU this morning to listen to a couple panel discussions about technology and advertising.
The event was primarily designed for SMU students curious about a career in the interactive media world, but I heard a couple bits of advice that I think would be applicable to anyone looking to make it in the tech biz.
The most interesting stuff was from Blair Westlake, corporate vice president of the Media & Entertainment Group at Microsoft.
Mr. Westlake — who had 13 interviews before he got his job with Microsoft, including two with CEO Steve Ballmer — said that the biggest complaint about job applicants he hears from other Microsoft managers is that the applicants often fail to answer the questions they’re asked during the meetings.
“If you’re asked what time it is, don’t start talking about the weather,” he said during the SMU forum.
Mr. Westlake also noted that technical expertise isn’t a requirement in order to work at a technology company like Microsoft.
However, even if you aren’t a programmer or electrical engineer, you should be intimately familiar with how to use the software or hardware you’re interested in, he said.
When you go in to meet with the company, be prepared to talk about the products you’re interested in and engage the interviewer in a conversation.
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