The job market is competitive regardless of your area of expertise. If you’re hunting for your next IT job, then you may find yourself up against other smart, motivated, and qualified candidates. That’s why it’s important to put all your effort into the interview to prove that you’re not just another face in the crowd. The tips below may just give you that extra edge. Here are professional ways to avoid committing some of the biggest interview blunders of all times on your next appointment.
6 Ways to Avoid Biggest Interview Blunders Off All Times
1. Research The Company
Some interviewers may ask what you know about their company. Simply saying “not much” isn’t a very professional answer. If you’ve been firing off resumes to a lot of different companies, then chances are you won’t know about all of them, however, once you have lined up a face-to-face interview, it’s time to do some research. Find out about the company’s history, its mission, and even its founder.
2. Have Answers Ready For The Most Common Questions
Be prepared to be asked technical questions related to your IT discipline, such as what a PHP string contains. You may also be asked generic questions about your career ambitions, teamwork skills, and work history.
You’re going to be nervous during your interview, and you don’t want to be left tongue-tied. That’s why you may want to rehearse some answers to the more common question. Practice them a few times at home, and then you will be able to answer them smoothly during the interview.
3. Sell Yourself
The chances are that there are a bunch of other candidates being interviewed. You will want to do something to make yourself stand out from the crowd. Try and go the extra mile to sell your skills, your work ethic, and anything else that could benefit the company.
4. Don’t Forget To Ask The Interviewer Questions
There comes a time at the end of most interviews when the interviewer asks if you have any questions. Don’t simply shake your head, because asking questions lets the interviewer know that you’re genuinely interested in the position.
Remember, interviews aren’t just for determining if you’re right for the job, They’re also for determining if the job is right for you. If you have any questions about the duties, hours, or pay then make sure to find out.
5. Be Early
The unforeseen can strike at any time, so make sure you leave extra early for your interview. Being tardy gives a poor first impression.
It also pays to be early because the company will probably have some paperwork for you to fill out when you arrive.
6. Dress Sharp
You don’t need to dress like James Bond. However, you should still turn up looking sharp. Doing so is another way to generate a strong first impression.
Final Thoughts
By being prepared, you have given yourself the best chance of acing your interview. Just remember to sell yourself at the interview by showcasing your key skills, attributes, and knowledge of the company. Also, be prepared for technical questions about your IT discipline. Before long, you will have landed your next position.
More About Me
Many atimes during my early days as an employee, I made some of these interview mistakes. They are very painful and I hardly forgive myself.
But after years of experience, now I can laugh when I see people making these interview blunders and I can easily give a hand.
Thanks Daniel for talking on this.
You’ve given great tips to help improve confidence level during an IT interview. But the actual interview is still a nightmare to most first timers.
That’s kinda true Fouad, many people stills falls short of many of these interview blunders. And some of these challenges may fall on background and confidence factor.
Hello Olawale, Great article and all the points mentioned in the article are equally important, before giving any interview we should always do a thorough research about the company, you never know when that interviewer will ask you about company, you should always be ready for common question such as introduce yourself, what is your ambition in life, why we should hire you, etc. Selling is the way to distinguish yourself from the pack of crowd and it gives you bonus points in the selection process. Dressing sharp, coming early and asking interviewer question after the interview is conducted are basic thing which helps you to stand out from the crowd.