The tech industry is growing and evolving at an unprecedented rate, and tech talent is in demand. If you are in the market for a new IT job, now is an excellent time to explore your options. However, high demand can also mean high competition for top roles.
Use these top tips to prepare and stand out during the tech interview process:
Do Your Tech Company Homework
This is a no-brainer for those who spend a lot of time online: make sure you take the time to learn about the company and the potential role. Visit the company website and check out the “About” page.
Understanding the company’s mission and values can give you insight into how to answer interview questions, such as “why do you want to work for us?”.
Some companies include information about their interview process on their website, which will let you know what to expect and how to prepare.
Be Honest About Your IT Skills and Experience
There is nothing more painful for an interviewer than to watch a candidate try to fake their way through technical questions. If you don’t know an answer, explain how you would find a solution if you faced the problem during a workday. If you find yourself torn between two possible answers, argue both sides. Your interviewer won’t expect you to know everything, but they will be analyzing your problem-solving abilities and observing how you behave under pressure.
Be Yourself
Your resume, references, and pre-interview assignments will help an interviewer determine if you have the hard skills to succeed in the role. Your in-person (or virtual) interview allows you to prove you also have the soft skills and personality to be an excellent cultural fit for the company. So be yourself. It’s in your best interest to make sure you like the company’s cultural “personality” too.
Show Interest
Passion and enthusiasm are exceptional qualities in a job seeker, so don’t be afraid to show your interest in the opportunity.
Playing it cool can come across as disengagement and earn you no points in a job interview.
It’s almost certain you will be asked questions about why you think you’re a good fit for the role. Be sure to highlight the professional skills and experience you bring to the role, but if you have personal tech projects your work on in your free time, share those, too. A candidate with true passion for their work will stand out among the competition.
Ask Technical Questions
Another great way to show interest and enthusiasm is by asking questions at the end of the interview. In some cases, your technical interview will be so comprehensive all your prepared questions will be answered. In that case, it’s acceptable to give a brief list of your curiosities and how your questions were answered.
Follow Up with Gratitude
Gratitude is memorable! It’s a good idea to send a short thank-you note to the recruiter or hiring manager within 24 hours of your interview. If you interacted with more than one team member, consider sending an individual or a group email thanking them, too. If you haven’t received any information about the role after a week, politely follow up to show interest and ask about next steps or new opportunities.
Don’t be A Ghost
Have you ever been ghosted? Ghosting is when you stop all communication without any explanation given to the other party. This doesn’t feel good, and erodes relationships. Maintaining a relationship with the recruiter you are in contact with allows you to be considered for future roles that may come up. If a job is no longer interesting to you or you have been presented a better offer, just send a short note to let them know. Recruiters have access to technologies, contacts and industry experience that are extremely valuable as you grow your career. Don’t ghost the recruiter and you will be able to have access to these tools in the future.
Are you a tech professional looking for exceptional job opportunities?
Prosum matches great people with career-advancing roles and unique tech projects in the Western US. Our personal approach to staffing means a superior experience for you. Partner with Prosum today!
