How to nail an IT interview
Congratulations! You've landed your first job interview in IT! This is an exciting step towards your new, rewarding career. But with a competitive job market, how do you turn your interview jitters into brilliance? Don’t worry; we’ll equip you with our top tips and actionable strategies to remain top of mind for hiring managers.
Become an expert on your own resume
Don't just memorize your resume. Think of the job listing as a riddle, the answers which lie hidden in your resume. This is how a hiring manager sees it: they have a problem, and they need a solution in their potential new hire. Consider your skills in real-world terms and how they might be used in various scenarios on the job. Exploring “day in the life” content for the position can help you identify specific ways in which your skills fit the role.
Pro Tip: Think of compelling stories ahead of time that showcase your achievements. Did your troubleshooting skills save the day during a critical group project? Highlight this! If you have actual data to show how you’ve made an impact (example: Decreased department average ticket backlog by 75 percent).
Break down the job description
The job description is your roadmap to success. It tells you everything the hiring manager needs and is just waiting for you to solve all the problems. In the heat of the interview, it can be easy to feel flustered and forget where you’ve applied your skills in the past. For each requirement, identify a relevant situation where you demonstrated a similar skill. This strategy will help prepare you for both technical and behavioral interview questions. If there are any unfamiliar terms, research them with online resources like TechTerms.
Pro Tip: Save the job listing in a Word document for your records. Sometimes the listings are removed before you have the chance to prepare.
Shine brighter than the competition
With a strong grasp of your resume and the job description, you're well on your way. But how do you stand out from the crowd?
Confidence is key
Project unwavering confidence in your abilities and enthusiasm for the IT field. Each interview is a chance to showcase your unique value proposition (UVP). That starts with the dreaded first question, “Tell me about yourself.” This is usually not an invitation to start talking about Fido. Try something like, “I just finished my IT program...” Let them know where you’re at professionally now and what you’re most excited about moving forward. Align where you want to go next with the company and position as much as possible and highlight your skills and value fitting into that immediate future.
The art of the question: Engage and impress
When it's your turn to ask questions, you might feel like the interview is over. However, just because they’re done asking about you doesn’t mean they’re done assessing you. This is your chance to ask questions about the job itself and make sure the company and position are a fit for you. If you aren’t asking these questions, even if the interviewer thinks you’re a great candidate, you can appear uninterested in the role. You can also use this as another opportunity to highlight your ability. If you ask about the top challenges you may face in the role and the interviewer gives specific examples, you may be able to respond by speaking to how you can overcome them based on prior experience.
Pro Tip: Research the company beforehand, but don’t just show your knowledge of their work. Mention recent company news, accomplishments, industry trends and how they affect the company. This extra effort makes a big difference and shows that you’re keeping up with the times.
Leave a lasting impression: The Thank-You email
A personalized thank-you email after the interview is a must-do. It expresses gratitude for the interviewer's time and reiterates your interest in the position. A well-crafted follow-up can set you apart, especially if it’s sent promptly. Sending it a few hours after the interview is best. This makes it feel intentional but ensures the interview is still fresh in their minds. Write a draft version as a guide and add specific details from your interview session to make it personal and highlight your best attributes.
Bonus Tip: Practice your interview skills with friends and family. If you’re feeling very creative, reach out to someone in your LinkedIn network who works in the field and might be willing to conduct a mock interview with you. The more prepared you are, the calmer and more confident you'll feel on interview day.
By incorporating these strategies, you'll be well on your way to conquering your first IT interview and launching a successful career. Remember, even though you love IT, you’re not a robot. Preparation is key, but don't forget to let your personality shine. Good luck!
Author Eliza Lee is a marketing coordinator at ACI Learning.
