It doesn’t matter how smart, experienced, accomplished, or confident you are – you need to prepare for every IT interview. Neglecting to do so could put your chances of getting hired into serious jeopardy. In advance of your next interview, follow these preparation strategies:
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Research the Company.
The more you know about the company, the better. Find out what kind of successes and failures they have had of late, what kind of long-term plans they’ve announced, and what kind of reputation they have in the industry. You can then use these insights to help you better position yourself as the ideal candidate for the job.
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Brush up on Your Technical Skills.
IT interviews increasingly require candidates to actually demonstrate their technical skills. This not only proves their credentials, it demonstrates their ability to think critically and work under pressure. If possible, try to find out what the demonstration will require, then start refreshing yourself on coding languages and technical skills that you may need to use.
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Review the Job Listing.
The original job listing can be a terrific resource. It lays out for you exactly what kind of candidate the company is looking for, and hopefully it touches on both the hard and soft skills required. Carefully review the job listing so you know what credentials to emphasize during the interview, and try to read between the lines. There may be desired credentials that are only hinted at, rather than explicitly stated.
- Prepare a Portfolio. As an IT professional, you are in a unique position to actually show off your work. Your portfolio can include examples of code you have written, networks you have designed, and proposals you have submitted. Gather together anything that highlights your skills and accomplishments, but be sure to exercise some restraint. An overstuffed portfolio will likely go ignored.
- Get in the Right Head Space. Ideally, you want to go into your interview feeling relaxed, prepared, and confident. But with so much on the line, getting to this tranquil space can be a challenge. Make sure that you get plenty of sleep the night before, eat before the interview, and review all the documents you’re bringing along. Then remind yourself that you are a qualified professional who would be an asset to your potential employer. The interviewer will be evaluating your body language and demeanor, so be sure your nerves are not getting the best of you.
If you have been called in for an interview, you clearly stand out from other candidates. But there are a number of steps left to go before you actually get a job offer. Find resources to help you seal the deal by working with The Squires Group.
