How to Hone Your IT Interview Skills
Few job markets today are as competitive as the IT job market. As a candidate, you must make sure when you land an interview, you make the most of the opportunity and stand out from the crowd. Use these tips to hone your IT job interview skills, and make a great impression every time.
Practice Nonverbal Communication
You probably know the importance of practicing answering interview questions; however, it is also important to practice your nonverbal communication skills. You want to make sure you’re sending the right messages, even when you’re not speaking. Sit up straight, make eye contact, don’t fidget in your seat, don’t gesticulate wildly, etc.
Be an Active Listener
The key to strong interview performance, especially in an IT interview, is listening. If you do not listen to every question and take in every piece of information, you won’t perform well. Don’t be afraid to ask clarifying questions if anything the hiring manager says is unclear. This will show you want to be accurate and that you pay attention to detail.
Be Relaxed, but Not Too Familiar
You want to get yourself into the mental state where you’re feeling confident and relaxed, rather than anxious. However, you don’t want to tip the scale too far and become so relaxed you get too informal or familiar with the hiring manager. Even if you’re developing a great rapport, you’re there for a job interview, not a friendship interview.
Don’t Get Overconfident
You should exude confidence in yourself, but be aware of just how confident you get. There is a fine line between confidence and cockiness. You may know for a fact you are the best coder in a tri-county area but acting cocky about it will quickly put you out of the running.
Ask Great Questions
When you’re handed the floor, don’t ask run-of-the-mill questions every other candidate will ask. Show you’ve thought about the position and ask about corporate culture, opportunities for professional development, the challenges facing the team you’d be joining, etc. You can also stand out by asking for additional information on topics that were touched on in the interview.
Close the Deal
Never leave an IT interview without telling the hiring manager you’re interested in the role and asking about next steps. This is easy to forget, so write a note on your list of questions to remind yourself to ask. Skipping over this can lead the hiring manager to believe you are no longer interested in the job.
Say Thank You
Lots of people forgo sending thank-you notes, so you can stand out by going the extra mile. Think about it this way: If it comes down to you and one other candidate, you want to be the one who sent a personal thank you.
Are You Looking for New IT Career Opportunities?
If you are seeking out new and exciting career opportunities in IT, it pays to have an expert recruiter on your side. PEAK Technical Consulting can connect you with positions that align with your goals. Contact us to start the conversation today.
About PEAK
PEAK Technical Consulting has created connections with employers nationwide, where you can find projects and roles to make the most of your abilities and advance your career. Since 1968, PEAK has helped IT professionals find jobs that offer flexibility, challenges and rewards. We are committed to giving you the resources and support you need to build the career of your dreams.