6 Job Interview Tips for IT Professionals

There may be plenty of IT jobs in Houston, from network engineers to business analysts. But if you don’t ace the interview, then you’re not going to get the offer. How can you increase your odds of landing the technology job you want? Here are some tips to help you:

Tip #1: Research the company.

Learn as much as you can about the potential employer ahead of time. Find out about their history, products, services, industry awards and reputation, clients, and technology. The company website should be your first stop, but go beyond that and look for news articles and postings that can give you a more comprehensive perspective on the organization you’re interviewing with.

Tip #2: Prepare for common questions ahead of time.

You never know exactly what a hiring manager will ask during a job interview; however, there are a few common questions that are typical, such as:

  • Tell me about yourself.
  • Why do you want to work here?
  • What’s your greatest strength / weakness?
  • What accomplishments are you most proud of?
  • What has been your biggest professional challenge?

Prepare ahead of time for these kinds of questions so you can answer them confidently and with specific examples. You don’t need to rehearse your answers over and over and deliver them verbatim. But you do need to think ahead about the overall message you want to get across.

Tip #3: Be ready to ask your own questions.

If you don’t ask any questions during the interview, a hiring manager is going to view you as either unprepared or disinterested. To demonstrate your interest in the opportunity, prepare some questions head of time. Don’t ask about salary and benefits unless the hiring manager brings up the topic. But do ask more about the position, the goals and expectations of it, and the company culture.

Tip #4: Arrive early.

You may need to complete paperwork, or there could be a traffic accident on the way. Whatever the case, prepare for the unexpected by planning to arrive at least 15 minutes early.

Tip #5: Sell yourself.

The hiring manager wants to know whether you’re looking for just any job, or their job. That’s why it’s important to show enthusiasm for the opportunity and communicate how your skills and accomplishments are a match for it. Even if the job doesn’t sound ideal at first, make every effort to sell yourself. You never know if another opportunity could open up within the same company that is the perfect fit for you.

Tip #6: Follow up.

After the interview, be sure to follow up with a “thank you” letter or email. Reiterate your interest in the job and why you should be hired. This is your last opportunity to promote yourself; don’t waste it.

If you’d like expert help finding your next technology job in Houston, call Murray Resources. As one Houston’s top IT employment agencies, we can ensure you gain access to the best IT jobs, whether you’re a developer, analyst, project manager or engineer. If you’re ready to learn more, contact us today.