IT Interview Tips: Your Guide to an Exceptional Interview
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The document provides a comprehensive guide for job seekers preparing for interviews, emphasizing the importance of using social media for job searches and conducting thorough research on potential employers and positions. It offers practical tips on answering interview questions, discussing salary, and dressing appropriately, as well as advice on following up after interviews and handling resignations. The guide aims to equip candidates with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the job interview process effectively.
IT Interview Tips: Your Guide to an Exceptional Interview
- 1. CLIENT LOGO HERE Face-To-Face Connections: Your Guide to an Exceptional Interview 03/21/13
- 2. Agenda 2 • 5 Tips for using social media to land a job • Doing your homework • Answering questions • Asking questions • Discussing salary • Dressing for success • The follow-up • Resignation & counter offers • Q&A
- 3. 5 tips for using social media to land a job 3 1. Use Google Alerts to be notified when news about a potential employer is available. Tools like Tweetdeck and Hootsuite will also enable you to follow job boards & staffing companies for up-to-the minute openings. 2. Use the company search feature on LinkedIn to see who has recently joined or left potential employers. 3. Upload an “elevator pitch” in your Twitter bio. Select a professional avatar & custom background that gives details about you and your qualifications. 4. Make work experiences and aspirations central to your Facebook profile. Don’t fear personal details as long as you’re comfortable talking about them in an interview setting. 5. Complete your platform’s profiles. Set privacy settings appropriately so personal photos are only viewed by personal friends. Remain consistent among all of your online platforms.
- 4. Be sure to do your homework! 4 Homework on the company •History •Current Situation •The future •Sources to use: • Your recruiter • Company websites • LinkedIn • Google+ • Glassdoor.com • Annual reports • Business associates • Periodicals Homework on the position •Primary responsibilities •Expectations •Questions to ask: • Who has been successful and why? • What technical skills are required? • Who failed and why? • Who does the position report to? Homework on yourself •Career history • Dates, positions, responsibilities etc… •Strengths & weaknesses •Brush up on new accreditations & trends •Prepare to cite specific examples of your personal achievements •Highlight career progress •Reflect on your success
- 5. Prepare to answer the questions Ask a friend, neighbor, relative or recruiter to help you conduct a practice interview & prepare to answer these typical interview questions: 5
- 6. Now that you’ve rehearsed your answers, be sure to ask the right questions 6 Good interviews are usually free-flowing conversations, not one-sided speech or a jarring Q&A session. Here are some great questions to ask during an interview:
- 7. Preparing for the salary discussion You should never start discussions about salary during your interview, however at times, the interviewer will bring up the topic. Here are some points to consider if they do: •Most companies want to make a fair offer •They want to bring new employees on board at a salary level that provides incentive to excel while remaining consistent with their existing compensation structure. •Manage your expectations •Speak with your recruiter or utilize resources like our salary guide to get an accurate understanding of what the position should earn in your specific location. •The position is the single most important element of your decision •A quality position and the opportunity to work with people in a dynamic work environment offer many rewards that money can’t buy. Make sure the job is a good fit for you before accepting an offer. 7
- 8. Preparing for the salary discussion You should never start discussions about salary during your interview, however at times, the interviewer will bring up the topic. Here are some points to consider if they do: •Get the whole picture •Compensation packages can be arranged & rearranged to satisfy both you and the company. •Keep your recruiter involved •Part of our job is to handle sensitive negotiations. We can often offer alternatives that will satisfy both parties, so keep us involved in every part of the process to ensure an acceptable solution. •Salary discussions •It’s best not to name a figure if at all possible in an effort not to over-or-under price yourself. If you are asked directly, say something like “I am very interested in this opportunity and I feel I can make a meaningful contribution. I am currently earning $____ per year. I would be open to a competitive offer.” 8
- 9. Dressing for success The interview may be face-to-face, but it’s important that the entire outfit convey confidence, professionalism & respect for the interviewer. Although there is no one- size-fits-all dress code, here is a general set of rules for IT professionals: •Technical Position •“If you’re applying for a technical position, you won’t need a suit.” – Carole Martin, former Monster contributor and author of Boost Your Interview IQ •Women: Sweater or blouse and slacks or skirt •Men: Collared shirt and khakis or slacks •Managerial Positions: •“Upgrade your attire if you’re interviewing for a higher-level job. You dress in the best clothes you have. Dress in the best clothes you have.” – David Perry of Perry-Martel International and author of Career Guide for the High-Tech Professional •Men & Women: Suits and pant-suits 9
- 10. Follow through by following up Sending a follow-up letter is a great way to remind the interviewer about your skills, communicate things you forgot to say & courteously thank them for taking the time to interview you. Here are a few points to consider when sending follow-up letters: •Send the letter as soon as possible. Ideally, your letter should go out the next day. •A hard copy letter is preferred, but an email is acceptable. You can also send a LinkedIn note. •Be as brief as possible. It demonstrates respect for the interviewer’s time. •The body of the letter should accomplish four main objectives: •Thank the interviewer for their time •Reiterate interest and enthusiasm in the company and position •Highlighting your experiences and accomplishments •Asking if you can proceed to the next step. •Make sure someone proofreads the letter before sending it off to your recruiter for a review. 10
- 11. Sample follow-up letter Dear Mr. Smith: I appreciate the time spent with you discussing XYZ Company and the ______ position. It was a pleasure meeting with you, _____ and _____. I feel my qualifications and skill set in ______, ______ and ______ reflect those necessary to be successful at XYZ Company. At ABC Corporation, I successfully installed a state-of-the-art ______ system on-time and under-budget, as well as managed a staff of up to fifteen professionals. I am confident that I have the experience and drive to successfully manage the _____ Department. I feel an even greater excitement level about the opportunity because it will allow me to attain my goals of ______, ______ and ______. I look forward to our next meeting to discuss this in greater detail. Sincerely, Your name 11
- 12. How to handle resignations & counter offers While resigning from your current position can be emotional and stressful, there are several things you can do to make the process go smoothly. •Put it in writing •It is formal and will become part of your permanent record. It is for your own protection. •It will help you keep the focus on positive aspects of your career move rather than any negative aspects of your old situation. •It relives the pressure of having to speak first. •The sooner you leave the company, the better •You are in a lame duck position. •The company will get by without you. •You should invest your time and energy into getting ready and rested for your new opportunity. •Do not talk or entertain counter offers •What kind of company are you working for that you have to threaten to resign before they pay you what you are actually worth? •When times get tough, your employer may begin the cutbacks with you. •The fact that you considered leaving may hurt your chances for a promotion. 12
- 13. QUESTIONS ?