Competing for that sought after IT or tech position isn’t as exciting when there’s 100 other people with almost the exact education (or more), experience (or more) going for the exact same roles. We’ll let you in on a secret though. Although having a resume that adds a little extra (think committee work or personality) might get you the interview, it’s you who will determine whether you are considered for the job. We’ve seen fresh out of college recruits winning positions over those with years of experience.
Here’s some interview tips to keep in mind when going for those IT positions that will help set you apart:
1. Be Yourself.
We know it’s overused, but there’s still so many who clam up and get nervous during interviews and forget that those interviewers are nervous too. You’re more likely to make a lasting impression by being conversational than shaking in your chair and pretending to be someone you’re not.
2. Smile before you get there.
If you’re in a good mood before going into the interview, that smile will rub off on those interviewing you. Especially when you’re one of many of the day, it can be a breath of fresh air for an interviewer to meet someone who is smiling and genuinely happy to be there.
3. Respond to questions with more than just a “yes” or “no.”
Try to answer everything question by elaborating on why you’ve responded that way and then finish with a short example of your experience, such as “Yes, I do have great multitasking skills; while in college I had to juggle 5 courses at one time while also working two jobs and still graduated with a 4.0 because I organized my time effectively with a system that worked for me.”
4. If you know the name of the person who will be interviewing you, Google them.
Find out a bit about them and then casually bring it up during the interview – like one of your examples. Do they like baseball? Use a baseball analogy to describe how you can work under pressure. They’ll be impressed and you’ll have something in common to discuss casually that will increase your chances of being remembered.
5. Google the business as well.
More organizations are asking you what you know about the job, the brand, their mission, etc. They’ll also ask you why you want the job. Being able to retract information about the company and use it in your responses will prove you did your research.
6. Use your time prior to the interview to prepare.
You can often use Google to find practice interview questions based on your industry or position. Write answers down to these most used questions and practice them. Bring your notebook with you to the interview with cue notes – there’s no rule that you must come empty-handed. If anything, you’ll win brownie points for being prepared and ready.
7. Don’t answer the personal questions.
If you have kids, are a single parent, have a medical issue that won’t affect your work or any other triggers that may keep you from getting the job, don’t bring them up even when asked. There are certain questions that interviewers are not allowed to ask and they’re not allowed to refuse you the position based on your responses. If you have constraints, bring them up after you’ve gotten the job.
8. Ask for feedback.
Even if you do get the role and especially if you don’t, ask your interviewers at the end of the meeting how it went. Or, send an email shortly afterward saying thank you for their time and ask for feedback to help you with your job search.
9. Use Each Interview as a Learning Experience
Remember, if you don’t get the position, other job opportunities will come. Use each interview as a learning experience. If you said something you shouldn’t have or messed up on an answer, use that to better prepare for your next interview and you’ll have your dream job in no time.
10. Further your Education
If you find that education is what’s holding you back from the competition, furthering your education is always a great investment in your future. ICOHS offers a number of IT Programs that require no previous experience and can be completed in weeks, not years. Click here to learn more.
Interested in finding out even more about how ICOHS College will be preparing you for your IT future? Reach out for a conversation today at admissions@icohs.edu
