IT Interview: Do's and Don'ts

KoolTrix

I was wondering what everyone's experience is with interviews.
some helpful tips, suggestions, advice
some Do's and Don'ts for Interviews in the IT field

for starters.. What do you wear?

Button up, Khaki's, Blazer?
2 Piece Suit with Tie?

How many of you guys out there have beards? Clean shaved?

Questions to ask? Questions to avoid asking?

Don't say this, Say this?

Anything and everything.

Thanks!

undomiel

If you have any facial hair make sure it is well trimmed. If you're young facial hair (if you can grow it presentably) will help you look older and more dependable. Look well groomed over all. Dress your best. Better to over dress than under dress. Questions to ask? Well you want to find out about the job and the company. Make sure you do a lot of research on the company so that you don't walk in wondering what the heck this company does. Ask questions about why this job role is open, what your responsibilities will be, a tour of the environment you'll be working in (which is not always applicable i.e. field tech), introductions to a few of your team members, what are some of the biggest issues that this role will be addressing, what is the companies currently plan for weathering this bad economy which also requires your to do some research on the companies financials such as checking their quarterly reports if available, and don't forget to tell them at the end when you're shaking the hiring manager's hand that you want the job and you can do it well for them. Whenever possible show them that you can do the job, as that is what the questions are for to open up opportunities to demonstrate your skills and talents. Make sure you know yourself and your skills and that you can explain your value whether it be from the lowly help desk guy (my value is in my empathy with the customer) to an engineering position (my value is in the research that I put in off the clock to deliver a sound design to the customer). The bottom line is how you can improve their bottom line, which is what every position does whether it generates revenue or protects the ability to generate revenue. Think about it from that perspective and what you can contribute to this. Don't forget to be confident about yourself and your abilities and you'll do fine!