Interviewing for a job in IT isn´t that much different than any other industry, but there are some things that could make a difference. Make sure you´re prepared with knowledge about the company and it´s business, as well as your technical expertise, before you walk in the door.
So, you´re thinking of looking for another IT job. You´re tired of what you´re doing, and you want a new opportunity. You´ve even landed an interview for the job. Before you go, make sure to do your homework on the company, the industry it´s in and the computing environment. Even if you´re not in IT now, the same rules apply.
One of the most important things that high-tech workers can do is understand the business world, and be able to communicate in a non-technical fashion.
Find out about the industry to gain knowledge that will help in your job to support the business. Of course, you are not expected to be an industry expert, but this will help you stand out above other applicants for the same job.
If you´ve been in the business for awhile, you most likely have skills that could be considered outdated. If you were once a mainframe programmer, and worse yet it was using punched cards, this is good to have in your background but may not be relevant to the job you want. This information may be best kept for specific discussions about development methodology or procedures rather than something you bring up as the best highlight of your career.
The following guidelines will help you prepare for your next high-tech interview.
- Apply only for jobs which you´re qualified
Make no mistake, there are many applicants looking at the same job you are. Some have a degree where you don´t, and others are much more experienced. If the position is a "senior" level, and you are just out of school, this probably isn´t the job for you. Likewise, if the employer wants a "team lead" and you have never been in such a position, you better pass on this one. - Do not fabricate experience or expertise
On your resume, it says you´ve been a webmaster for the past 15 years. Well, being that the web hasn´t been in existence that long, and it´s completely impossible for you to have this experience, do not be surprised if you don´t get any calls for an interview. If your experience is really 1 year doing HTML coding, then that´s what it is. Don´t get in over your head by trying to be something you´re not. - Understand the business and industry
A huge advantage can be gained by doing a little research on a company and it´s industry. Most computer and technical folks don´t bother with this kind of info, but it can make the difference between selecting you or the other candidate who spent the time to know it. The company doesn´t just want a "computer guy", they want someone who can leverage technology to support the company´s goals and objectives. - Communicate your expectations
Most high-tech professionals seek out new employment for (1) more money or (2) more challenges. Do you plan on getting a year´s experience, then moving on? Are you using this as a stepping-stone to get into another industry? Will you be leaving in another few years to go back to school? These are common happenings in the IT industry, and it´s in everyone´s best interest if you´re honest about your intentions. Use the time in your interview to find out what the company is looking for in the relationship, and communicate your professional goals to the hiring manager so that everyone knows the expectations. - Sell yourself and the reasons you can make a difference
Whether you have 1 year experience or 10, there are unique things about you and your background that you can use to help get the job. If you don´t have a Bachelor´s degree, then don´t focus on that in the interview. Instead, highlight your strongest skills and how you can benefit the company using your previous experience in whatever industry. Maybe your interpersonal communications skills make you a good team player, or your business background helps you better understand user requirements.
The most important thing you can do in your next high-tech or IT interview is to be prepared, and be yourself. If you stretch the truth about your technical abilities, it will come out one way or another. You will either be stumped in the interview and find yourself in an awkward moment, or you might fake it enough to get the job, but then find you can´t do it because you don´t have the skills. This can be a win-win situation if you focus on your strengths, technical abilities and previous experience.
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