I applied online and the process took a day - interviewed at Rackspace in November 2013, Interview Details – Preliminaries: I was looking for my first entry level role in the IT industry after many years of experience in retail. I initially applied for the position of Windows Systems Administrator on the Rackspace Careers website. Although I was proactively seeking certification during this time (had already passed the first of two exam of Comptia A+), I wasn't expecting a response back as most jobs it seemed required 'x' years of experience and a multitude of qualifications, thought I may get a standard generic email like all the other companies send out. What Happened Next: I received a call a day or two later from HR explaining that my current level of skills, qualifications and experience didn't match the requirements that they were looking for, which I entirely agreed with. However, he then proceeded to tell me that they had a more entry level position working in their data centre that I may be interested in applying for. I expressed my interest in this data centre role and then was asked if I could participate in a technical telephone assessment there and then, which I agreed to. The telephone assessment comprised of many questions related to Windows, Linux, hardware (troubleshooting) and networking. I managed to pass this assessment and was then invited for an interview the next week. Interview Preparation: I visited the Rackspace Careers website to get a deeper understanding of the company; I research its roots, products and services, especially there core values etc. There were a great load of resources on the website including videos which impressed me a lot. The Interview: I had one interviewer on the day, who was very friendly, honest and easy to talk to. I was offered a cold drink before proceeding to the interview room. It was very relaxed; something that I wasn't used to from past interviews. I was asked a series of questions relating to my past experience, current interests and goals. I was then asked technical and scenario based questions which tested how I would react to particular situations. Overall, I thought it was a very well rounded interview; I felt like they actually wanted to get to know me as an individual in addition to testing for my technical competency. Was shown around the data centre and was asked if I had any ideas on how to improve the data centre. Overall experience was amazing have I never been to an interview which made me feel very welcome and really took interest in my character and personal values and not just what I had achieved academically. Was given plenty of constructive and positive feedback which was great.