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That first interview for your graduate IT job

According to BCS, British Computer Society, the growing demand for skilled IT professionals will be frustrated by a 25% shortfall of IT graduates by 2009. This shortage however does not mean IT graduates have an easier job hunting process to find the right graduate IT job. The shortfall makes the employer more aware than ever before of the skills out there and heightens the competition to attract the best IT graduates. Due to this IT graduates should be well prepared for their job interview to compete for the best graduate IT jobs.

To ensure you have prepared for your interview to help you get that graduate IT job you’ve always wanted, we have complied a list of tips about, behaviour during the interview, questions that may be asked and questions you might want to ask.

When you get to the interview for your graduate IT job and meet the interviewer be sure to shake his or her hand firmly if he or she offers. When that first step is done try to get a feel from the interviewer’s attitude if it will be an informal or formal interview. Do not sit down until the interviewer offers you a seat and always make eye contact with the person opposite you, but do not stare because it is considered rude and it implies you are uncomfortable. Be aware of your posture by sitting upright and pay attention to everything that is said. By putting your hands on the table in front you or on your lap you will remain calm and it prevents you from fiddling. The last thing to take into account is not to eat or smoke even if the interviewer invites you to do so. You are however welcome to accept a coffee, tea or water if you want.

The interview is all about giving the right answers and it is how you will get the graduate IT job you want! Stay focused and listen carefully without interrupting the interviewer. Make sure you always show interest in the questions and when you answer, answer slowly and clearly. Your answers should be concise and clear and remember to take time before you answer a question. If you are not sure what the interviewer is asking, ask for clarification. If you do not have an answer to a question, please don’t be afraid of saying so. Never criticise your current or former employers and don’t talk about confidential information. Always be honest and find opportunities to sell yourself! Talk about the skills for the job the employer is looking for and show your determination, enthusiasm and willingness to learn.

Questions you may be asked are:

• What are you strengths and weaknesses?
• Tell me about a time when you made a wrong decision?
• Why do you think you would be good at this job?
• What can you bring to our organisation?

Always make sure you have some questions to ask, as this will show your interested in the job and that you paid attention during the interview. When you start to ask questions remember they have to be relevant and show that you have researched the company. You should always ask about training and whom you will be working with. If you want you can ask about the company culture and team culture to find out if this fits your personality. Questions about salary and benefits should be left until a later stage of the interview process. After your questions you may also ask when the company expects to be making a decision. Before you walk away you thank the interviewer for being invited and you re-emphasis your interest in the job.

Questions you may ask are:

• What are you looking for in the ideal candidate for this role?
• How many graduate IT jobs are you advertising for?
• How many IT graduates have applied for this graduate IT job position?
• Can you describe your company culture in the office?

The interview is a very important stage in the application process for your graduate IT job. In general it can be said that every interview needs to be prepared to the same standards as if you were going to an interview for the first time.

For more information about graduate IT jobs and companies to interview with go to: http://www.itjobsforgraduates.com/browse/Footer-Graduate-IT-Jobs/en

Source: http://www.itjobsforgraduates.com

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