Got Answers? Top Questions to Expect in an IT Interview

While certain interview questions are common, understanding how to answer key questions can help you nail your next interview.  Here are five key questions you will likely encounter, and what the interviewer is really looking for by asking them.

What did you do for your last company (or in your current position)?

Questions of this nature are used to get a better understanding of your most recent work experience.  While you may have skills beyond your current duties, those that you have recently performed are often the easiest for you to transition into with a new company.

Don’t just spout what you have written on your resume (they’ve already seen it).  Take the opportunity to highlight the job duties you currently perform, or most recently performed, that will demonstrate how your current experience works for the position.  Don’t be afraid to draw parallels to show exactly how the pieces connect.  Reference job duties from the job description and connect them to your professional experience – or better yet, your accomplishments.

Why did you leave your last position (or why are you looking to leave your current position)?

No matter what you think of your previous or current employer, avoid saying anything negative.  This isn’t an opportunity to complain, it is a chance to explain what you are looking for going forward.  Take negatives and turn them into goals.

For example, spin “there was no room for advancement” into “I am interested in pursuing new opportunities to learn and grow within the field,” or “my boss had unreasonable expectations or a poor attitude” into “I am looking for an environment that has a leadership style that allows me to flourish.”

Most negative employment experiences are signs of what you are not looking for in an employer.  Take that information and use it to determine what you do want and speak to that instead.

What is your biggest accomplishment?

This is your opportunity to tell a (short) story.  Consider a large project or cumbersome assignment that took significant time and effort on your part.  Describe the nature of the project, but keep it brief.  Speak to the main challenges that you faced, and how each one was overcome.  Close with a synopsis of the results and include metrics when possible.  For example, “my efforts resulted in a savings of over $20,000 in the first two years” is much more impressive than, “the project resulted in significant cost savings.”

What are your preferred technology products, and why?

This is a second chance to explain how your experience can be helpful to the company’s bottom line.  If you are experienced in, and generally satisfied with, the operation of technology solutions used within the position for which you are applying, mention those now.  If you have experience in more advanced technology, or options that may be of future benefit to the potential employer, include those as well.  This lets the interviewer know what you can do, what you have done, and why it worked.

Can you describe a situation where you had to deal with conflict on the job?

This question is more about HOW you dealt with the conflict than what the conflict actually was.  This is another area where you should avoid speaking negatively of any person or company specifically.  Instead, present the core issue or disagreement without referring to people, such as “there was a disagreement regarding the best way to proceed on the project” or “the varying priorities between team members made it challenging to find common ground.”  Then explain how you approached resolving the conflict.

At times, this question may be focused on particular job duties or areas, such as conflicts with coworkers, management, or customers. Use the same formula, being careful to avoid placing blame and keep the conversation focused on the techniques, not the people.

If you are interested in learning more about how to answer interview questions like a rock star, or are simply looking for a new opportunity in the area, contact The Squires Group today!

 


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