Tech Jobs: Improving Your Interviewing Skills

You can have an education from the finest university in the state, a letter of recommendation from a highly respected professor, and a resume that speaks for itself and still miss out on those high paying tech jobs. Why? Because so much of a manager's decision is based in the interview. Some look for key words and bullet points that must come out in an interview or they won't even consider making a hire. Others, while not nearly so mathematical about the process, still place a great deal of weight on the interview. If you want to succeed in your career, you'll have to get good at impressing hiring managers from the moment you walk in the door. Here are some ways to improve. Educate Yourself No, this has nothing to do with improving your skills, although that's always important. Rather, you should educate yourself about the company with whom you hope to work. Nothing impresses in an interview setting like having some background knowledge on the company. Know what products they come out with, what services they provide, and maybe even a bit about the founders. When the manager asks you why you want to work for them, you need to have a better answer than, "I heard the pay is good." Tech jobs are highly prized and you need every advantage you can get. Be Willing and Able It was once said that the only trait you needed to be rich was to be willing to do whatever it took (within legal boundaries). It really is that simple, and it goes for getting into the highest paying and most sought after tech jobs as well. While there is no way to guarantee that the next person who interviews you will hire you, the more you say yes and the less you say no, the better your chances. If you go into an interview willing to do a job that you consider beneath you or to move to a new location or to do something outside your comfort zone, you are going to start getting much more positive results. Show Enthusiasm Enthusiasm is infectious. If you're normally a laid back, low key individual, it might be time to turn up the energy a bit when you go in for an interview. Remember, you're competing for these tech jobs against people who are fresh out of college, chomping at the bit to get their careers flying from the first moment. You have to match that enthusiasm, even if you bury them in terms of your experience. Companies want employees who will work hard for their brand. Make sure the hiring manager understands that no one will out work you.