Interviewing for IT Jobs
Are You Interview-Savvy?
Interviewing is a skill that must be practiced and developed. Preparation, strategy and commitment are necessary in order to increase your chances of securing an IT employment opportunity. At Eastridge InfoTech, our staffing specialist team serves as a valuable resource for career placement by making sure our candidates are fully prepared and have the necessary tools for successful interviewing with our client companies.
The two most common types of interviews are telephone interviews and face-to-face interviews. While each present their own challenges and opportunities, our expert IT staffing professionals can coach you throughout the process to help you hone your interviewing skills for each type.
Master the Phone Interview
Phone interviews are a common first step once a potential employer has reviewed your resume and identified you as a candidate of interest. Generally, the main goal in a phone interview is to advance to a face-to-face interview. A challenging aspect of interviewing over the phone is the inability to gauge nonverbal communication; however, a phone interview can leave a strong, lasting impression on your interviewer if you’re well prepared.
When interviewing over the phone, choose a location where you and the interviewer will not be distracted by background noise and where you can relax and feel comfortable to sound confident.
Communication during the phone interview is key to your success. The interviewer wants to know that you can effectively communicate and summarize your ideas as well as talk openly about areas in which you’d like to grow professionally. If you’re stumped by a question, don’t rush your answer. Take some time to think about your response. And don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through.
Your job search resources should be accessible during your interview. Having your resume and the position description at your fingertips will ensure that you can easily reference relevant information. It’s also important to do your homework before your phone interview by researching the hiring company and the roles and functions of the job you are applying for.
Be sure to address how the position aligns with your career accomplishments, education, goals and professional potential, but save detailed examples for your in-person interview. It’s also helpful to prepare a list of questions about the company and IT employment opportunity in advance.
Eastridge InfoTech’s IT staffing professionals conduct many phone interviews daily, so they have valuable first-hand insight on etiquette and various techniques that can maximize your impact on the hiring manager during your phone interview. Create a profile with Eastridge InfoTech to become a candidate for unique IT jobs and take advantage of the employment services we offer.
Ace the Face-to-Face Interview
In-person interviews are a critical component of your job search process because employers create a perception of you beyond your work experience and achievements. Employers notice your mannerisms, conversation style, professional appearance, ability to communicate effectively and more.
Unlike phone interviews, nonverbal communication and presentation skills can influence success. Positive body language makes you appear professional, confident and motivated, among other things. It’s also important to use a solid handshake and maintain good posture and eye contact, both of which communicate self-assurance.
Other factors that contribute toward an effective interview include your preparedness, the attire you choose to wear and the way you communicate. Just as with the phone interview, familiarize yourself with the employer, job position and range of products or services the company offers. In addition, ask probing questions to show you’re a self-starter and that you’re interested in the job.
Be prepared to answer questions during your interview that evaluate and measure your knowledge, skills and technical competencies. It is not uncommon to take a technical or logic test based on the core competencies and functions of the job you are applying for.
These exams help determine your skill set, skill level and thought process, as well as your personality type and other traits that are not reflected on your IT resume. Use the technical test as a tool to further prove your knowledge in your area of expertise. This is your chance to demonstrate what makes you the most suitable candidate for the job.
Eastridge InfoTech’s Job Search Assistance
Eastridge InfoTech’s IT staffing professionals can help you ace your face-to-face interview, whether it’s a one-on-one meeting or a panel. Your job search specialist can coach you on how to respond thoughtfully and appropriately to tough, open-ended and situational questions, as well as how to approach questions about your weaknesses, career aspirations, value to the company and much more.
Eastridge InfoTech also offers assistance in other aspects of your job search, such as resume coaching, negotiating hires and more. Plus, our IT job placement approach ensures that you’re properly matched with a company whose professional goals are aligned with yours.
We have the tools necessary to help you secure your next job in information technology. Begin your IT job search with Eastridge InfoTech by creating a profile with us.