You may have had the experience of returning from an IT interview glowing with the
knowledge that you nailed it. Then, you wait weeks for someone to return your
calls, only to find out that you missed the mark. It may be that you were simply
beat out by a more qualified candidate. However, it could be that you made a
mistake somewhere along the line that knocked you out of contention.I've outlined six missteps that might blow up your next IT interview. Use the tips to avoid gaffes that may cost you your next move in this competitive IT market.
Tip #1: Don't discuss pay too
early
As the manager of a software store for 10 years, I can honestly
say that questions about pay in the first interview from anyone other than a
temporary applicant always bothered me a little. Temp jobs aside, if you are not
really out there just for the money, asking this question right out of the gate
is going to make any other questions you ask sound conniving and insincere.
Unless the subject comes up, don't wade into the issue of the pay in the first
interview. You can talk about it after you impress the employer enough for a
second interview.
Tip #2: Talk tech to techies
only
Feel free to discuss what you know, but remember: If you are
talking to a nontechnical manager or human resources representative, you are not
going to impress them with talk about life in the trenches. My previous
supervisor was totally unimpressed with anything to do with technology. A sure
way to put the man to sleep was to begin any story that had to do with
computers.
When I interviewed for a previous position, the department
manager actually had a technically savvy person participate in the interview to
ask and respond to questions she would not understand. When I saw this tactic
being used, I knew it was not a time to try to impress with a lot of techno
babble.
Answer questions about your work history briefly and keep the
tech comments to a minimum until you know the history of the company and the
people involved in the hiring process. If you have questions about the
technology in use at the site, keep your questions specific and relevant to the
position for which you are applying.
Tip #3: Keep
your philosophy to yourself
If you hate Bill Gates, Windows XP, and
the whole Office Suite, keep it to yourself. Ranting about your tech philosophy
can ruin your chances at the position.
I once interviewed a young man for
a retail sales position in a software store. When I asked about his opinion of
the then-new Windows 98, the applicant ranted about "the revolution of UNIX" and
loosening the grip of Microsoft on the PC market. I am not exaggerating; the man
sounded like he was ready to sign on to a paramilitary group. I almost didn't
have the heart to tell him my company was a Value Added Reseller for
Microsoft.
Chances are, you will work with many people who need your help
with one of the Microsoft products, so you don't want to blast the tools you
will likely be using and supporting. If you are asked about how you feel about a
product, be honest, but don't preach. The interviewer probably just wants to see
how you respond to such questions.
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