How to Make a Great First Impression at Your IT Job Interview

If you've been in the job market, you know that getting the interview is the hardest part. You've passed the test on paper, now it's time to really strut yourself and put your best foot forward.  We're sharing our tips and tricks for a successful IT interview that makes a great impression.

If You're Not Early, You're Late!

"Traffic...", "Accident...", "Woke up late..." None of these excuses will help you make a good first impression. Know the routine and know yourself. If you have a habit of hitting the snooze button, set multiple alarms. If you know the traffic will be heavy at the time of your interview, leave earlier.  More than 60 percent of interviewers will not consider hiring someone that's late for the interview.

Know What You're Applying For

Before the interview, re-read the job position that you applied for. Highlight key points in the job description that you know you can fill and revisit what they're looking for in an employee.  Don't forget to do your research on the company as well. Something as simple as, "Do you know our mission statement?" may come up during the interview. Know what and who you are applying to inside and out.

Practice Well-Rounded Answers

Tech interviews are understandably different than the average job interview.  Exemplify your soft skills in your answers. Highlight professional examples in the past where you expertly handled a conflict, increased workflow through communication, or even led a team on a special project.  Odds are that you're already technically qualified for the job or else they wouldn't have bothered to interview you. Now, show them that your personality is ready for their office as well.

Let Your Geek Flag Fly During an IT Interview

Tired of curbing your language around not-so-tech-savvy family and friends. Not here!  Your IT interview is your chance to geek out with a professional who knows what you're talking about. Share your interests, personal and professional, and express your own thoughts and opinions on a service or trend.  Friendly, excited conversation is also a great chance to step out of your interviewee shoes and engage with your interviewer as a peer. Finding a specific topic or trend that gets you both excited can steer the interview towards a comfortable, more familiar path.  Read the interviewer in more than just their responses but their body language. Are they interested or bored? Tailor your geek out to their response and express your passion without talking their ear off.

Prepare Questions for Your Interviewer

"Do you have any questions for us?" This infamous question is the typical indicator that the interview is drawing it a close, but it's an opportunity to express your interest in the position as well as the company.  One of the most commonly made mistakes during interviews is answering this closing question with "No".  Prepare for this question by having your own questions at the ready and impress your potential employer!

Begin Your Career Here!

Take the next step towards a lucrative career!  Bear Staffing has been helping professionals across the country find jobs they love. Contact us to learn more about how we can help you!

Contact us

Read On

Common Management Interview Questions | Staffing Services

Do you dream of moving up in the business world? You'll have to pass the interview process first,...

Bear Staffing Services | Staffing Agency

Don't be a Fool: Job Seeker Blunders

Posted 

In light of April Fool's Day, we want...

4 Online Jobs You Can Find Through a Temporary Staffing Agency

Around 4 million Americans work from home at least 50 percent of the time.

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Receive up-to-date news and announcements.