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!

networker050184

I'll answer some of your questions from my experience.

What do you wear?

If you don't know what to wear always be safe and wear a suit. Better safe than sorry IMO.

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

I usually just go with a few days of stubble since I have the facial hair of a 15 year old. One day my goal is to be able to grow a full beard For the interview it is always clean shaven though.

Questions to ask? Questions to avoid asking?

I always ask about things that are important to me like benefits, room for advancement, what will I be doing on a daily basis etc. As far as what not to ask, just keep it on subject and use your best judgment. Don't ask him/her out for a date or their view on politics. Keep it to work related questions.



My biggest advice would be to not lie about your skills. You don't want to get yourself into a situation you can't handle and get fired.

Bokeh

From an ex-recruiter stand point, we always told the candidates not to talk salary. If they ask what you are looking for, ask them what does someone with your skills and education make at their company? He who mentions salary first usually loses.

Do your research on the company. Know who their competitors are, the more info you have the better.

If you are truely interested in the position, ask for it. Numerous employers told us over the years that they liked someone, and had hoped they would have asked for the position.

As for what to wear, never can do wrong with a suit. Just make sure your shoes are shined and socks match. I cant count the times we had employers in the office to interview for a position and folks showed up in a suit with running shoes on, or mismatched/white socks, etc.

Follow up with a thank you note in email, mail, or even better in person if possible. Ask what the next step is in the hiring process.

skrpune

Since we seem to have mostly male feedback here, I'll give some feedback for my fellow ladies out there, and I'm curious what the consensus is from other techie-gals. Personally, I am SO glad that I don't have to wear a suit & tie, but I am loathe to wear pantyhose & heels. It's so not me and I hate it and I hate to wear skirts. Plus skirts aren't exactly conducive to some of the physical tasks that go along with techie work, so they're pretty much out of the question for me. And since I don't like to present a package to a potential employer that's not really me, I don't generally get super-formal dressy or wear a suit/skirt on interviews. [I know that there are some folks who will say that I'm losing out on certain opportunities by not going all-out in clothing, but at this stage of my life, I really don't want a job where I would be expected to wear a suit every day.] I will however wear some nice slacks & a dress shirt or nice sweater & heels. MAYBE if I'm feeling extra girly that day (big maybe), I'll wear a dress if it's an in person first/HR interview, but definitely not for technical interviews - don't want to be making the wrong impression if I get tested on some PC's/networking and have to crawl under a desk!

Things on my questions to ask list, depending on the position/situation:
- is this a new position? what does/will the average day or week for this position entail?
- what's the size of the team? plans for expansion or new roles in the near future? whether there are growth/advancement opportunities within the team, especially if you like a challenge & are interested in moving forward with this company.
- if it's not a M-F, 9-5 position...is there a specific availability schedule they are/aren't looking for?
- ask for clarification of any questions you don't understand. If you're at a technical interview, and you get asked a question but aren't sure of the context/details, ask for some more info. Or just ask them "in what context do you ask, context_A or context_B?" You won't look silly if you ask for clarification, and it might even make you look like you have a deeper understanding of the complexity involved with what they're asking about. Also, it's better to ask & make sure you answer the right question than to go off on a tangent about something they weren't even asking. Swallow that pride & ask them what they meant. Usually, it's not totally cool to answer a question with another question, but I'd say this is the exception.
- ask when you should be hearing from them or what the next step of the interview process is. I've never really done, but it's highly advisable and indicates that you're definitely interested in the position and in hearing from them about it. But it's a fine line between showing interest and being seen as overly pushy or desperate for the job, so proceed with caution!

Things NOT to ask or touch on:
- pay rates, benefits & days off, etc. Until you have an offer, in my opinion, it's somewhat unseemly to be asking, "So how many days off do I get?" or "What are the specific benefits and how much does this job pay?" Bonuses are in that in between area...if you're going for a position that might heavily depend on performance based bonuses, it might be worthwhile to ask about the bonus structure at an interview (I'd say not the first interview, maybe 2nd or 3rd and put it in a context about understanding the company's overall structure and philosophy if possible). In general, I'd say these are conversations to be had at the negotiation stage after an initial offer is made.
- politics, religion, etc. Don't go in there with your Obama "YES WE CAN" pin prominently displayed on your chest. Don't get me wrong, I like Obama just fine, but I wouldn't like it if liking Obama cost me a job because the interviewer was a staunch republican. I prefer to be around other progressives, but I have worked with and can work with conservatives, and I'd like to be judged on my talents rather than my political leanings.

One definite DO is to be honest. Don't overshare (they don't need to know all your deepest, darkest secrets!) but don't try to cover your lack of knowledge on a certain subject with BS or flat out lies. If you don't know something, say you don't know it. You can sugar coat it a bit & present it in a nice manner though - "I don't have previous training or hands on experience with that particular technology, but I would be very interested in learning more about it." If you can, make educated guesses, but do let the interviewer know that you ARE making a guess based on your experience with other technologies or based on your basic troubleshooting steps. For example, I was recently asked how to troubleshoot a non-working RGB projector. I flat out told them that I have no experience with it, but I'd start with the simple stuff like making sure that it's plugged in, there's power to the outlet, that all the connecting wires on the projector are inserted properly, power button is set to on, etc. Sounds silly & oversimplistic maybe, but it shows that I'd at least give it a shot instead of throwing my hands up in defeat when presented with a challenge.

Also, be prepared for common interview questions. Research what the common questions are - where do you see yourself in x years, what's your biggest weakness/strength, what's a time when you were challenged, how do you troubleshoot, what do you do when you don't know how to do/fix something, etc. - and come up with some unique and honest responses. Again, don't be oversharing, but do practice so that you can succinctly give intellectual responses at interviews instead of sitting there going "ummm, errr, ummm" while you think of something.

Your physical demeanor also plays into how you're perceived in an interview. Sit up straight. If you're going to lean in any direction, lean forward & not back - you want to look interested, not like you're chilling on your couch at home with the dog. Make eye contact. Give a firm handshake hello and goodbye. Jot down the names of the person/people you're interviewing with, and DO send a thank you email or letter afterwards.

And last but certainly not least - be polite, respectful, and treat them how you'd like to be treated if you were on the other side of the table. Not only is it nice to do so and surely it makes a good impression, but also you never never know where or in what capacity you'll run into these folks again. Even if this job goes kaput, you might run into these HR folks or interviewers again at another interview/job (it's a smalllll world), and you don't want to be memorable for the wrong reasons...

tnelson6429

From another Techie Girl

I have to agree...don't talk $ or bennies on the 1st interview unless they bring it up. As a former manager, when I interviewed candidates I always had them come in for a 2nd interview if they:

asked me sincere questions about the company
expressed their career goals - even long term
dressed to impress - showed they were serious
provided any awards, letters of recommendations
showed ENTHUSIASM about the job
Guy - definitely shave unless you have a medical condition
do NOT wear a lot of cologne
do NOT flirt

Good luck and hope it helped

networker050184

skrpune wrote: »

Things NOT to ask or touch on:
- pay rates, benefits & days off, etc. Until you have an offer, in my opinion, it's somewhat unseemly to be asking, "So how many days off do I get?" or "What are the specific benefits and how much does this job pay?" Bonuses are in that in between area...if you're going for a position that might heavily depend on performance based bonuses, it might be worthwhile to ask about the bonus structure at an interview (I'd say not the first interview, maybe 2nd or 3rd and put it in a context about understanding the company's overall structure and philosophy if possible). In general, I'd say these are conversations to be had at the negotiation stage after an initial offer is made.

I agree with most of your post, except this part. Why would you waste your time on two or three interviews with a company if you don't even know if they can offer you what you want? I wouldn't even consider a job without full benefits for my family so I get that question out of the way quickly so as not to waste everyone's time. The same with pay. They at least should offer you a range to ensure they are in your ballpark.

If you are desperate for a job and will take anything then I guess you can skip these questions but if you are seeking a serious career these will be things you will want to know imediatley.

someeh

tnelson6429 wrote: »

From another Techie Girl

I have to agree...don't talk $ or bennies on the 1st interview unless they bring it up. As a former manager, when I interviewed candidates I always had them come in for a 2nd interview if they:

asked me sincere questions about the company
expressed their career goals - even long term
dressed to impress - showed they were serious
provided any awards, letters of recommendations
showed ENTHUSIASM about the job
Guy - definitely shave unless you have a medical condition
do NOT wear a lot of cologne
do NOT flirt

Good luck and hope it helped

Well.. I assume if the recruiter is a female and throws a few flirty lines it doesn't hurt to flirt back =0)....
I usually keep it simple on the attire, slacks and a button up shirt and tie. I always go clean cut. I haven't gone to alot of interviews but I know you can't show that you're nervous. You have to go determine and motivated, that's what they like to see in an individual.

skrpune

tnelson6429 wrote: »

do NOT wear a lot of cologne
do NOT flirt

I definitely agree here on the cologne. I completely forgot about the cologne/perfume thing. I'm pretty sensitive to smells (I can take musky or fruity smells, but anything flowery or perfume-y gives me headaches and/or makes me nauseous), so I would have to hurry an interview along if the person I was interviewing was making me feel physically ill! In general, it's just not professional to leave a scent trail (good or bad) in the workplace or on an interview.

I'm with the not flirting thing too. Just because someone compliments your tie (or whatever) it doesn't mean they have the hots for ya. Keep your dating prospects and your job prospects separate.

@networker050184, I can see your point. I guess the important questions to ask will vary a bit by your own personal situation. I'm not in a position in my career where I'm looking for or qualifying for the big bucks, and thankfully my husband is bringing home a fairly decent salary/benefits & we live reasonably so we're not in a financial pickle...so getting a fair wage and getting some more experience (both technical interview & job experience) are my goals right now. For your situation, you can totally "get away with" asking about salary and benefits without appearing like a greedy person - you are looking out for your family, and the interviewer will likely see that if it's presented in that context. My opinion is that you might still want to wait until after a first interview though - show them the goods, make them want to buy it, and THEN let them ask how much it costs...once they know they want you, you have better bargaining power. Just my two cents.

Kasor

Sorry to ask, you should able to get all this basic answer from the college career office or people that you know. Interview is interview and not matter in which career field. Be professional and be yourself. If you don't know, then you don't know. Sometime you are dealing with experience recuriter or manager. They will know if you B.S around or actually know the materials.

Never go wrong with dark blue suite, black shoe/sock, and nice clean gel haircut.

Good Luck

Plantwiz

skrpune wrote: »

I definitely agree here on the cologne. I completely forgot about the cologne/perfume thing. I'm pretty sensitive to smells (I can take musky or fruity smells, but anything flowery or perfume-y gives me headaches and/or makes me nauseous), so I would have to hurry an interview along if the person I was interviewing was making me feel physically ill! In general, it's just not professional to leave a scent trail (good or bad) in the workplace or on an interview.

I'm with the not flirting thing too. Just because someone compliments your tie (or whatever) it doesn't mean they have the hots for ya. Keep your dating prospects and your job prospects separate.

@networker050184, I can see your point. I guess the important questions to ask will vary a bit by your own personal situation. I'm not in a position in my career where I'm looking for or qualifying for the big bucks, and thankfully my husband is bringing home a fairly decent salary/benefits & we live reasonably so we're not in a financial pickle...so getting a fair wage and getting some more experience (both technical interview & job experience) are my goals right now. For your situation, you can totally "get away with" asking about salary and benefits without appearing like a greedy person - you are looking out for your family, and the interviewer will likely see that if it's presented in that context. My opinion is that you might still want to wait until after a first interview though - show them the goods, make them want to buy it, and THEN let them ask how much it costs...once they know they want you, you have better bargaining power. Just my two cents.

(......did I just write that?......nope...hey skrpune....get out of my head Same with the post above).




j/k
Nice comments!

Sett

tnelson6429 wrote: »

do NOT flirt

Damn...

laidbackfreak

tnelson6429 wrote: »

do NOT flirt
QUOTE]

i totally agree with this, but will add I once got a date following an interview......

i didnt get the job tho :-/ lol I got the date later

skrpune

Plantwiz wrote: »

(......did I just write that?......nope...hey skrpune....get out of my head Same with the post above).




j/k
Nice comments!

thanks! And I promise to stay out of your head if you stay out of mine...it's getting crowded in there...

LarryDaMan

Bokeh wrote: »

From an ex-recruiter stand point, we always told the candidates not to talk salary. If they ask what you are looking for, ask them what does someone with your skills and education make at their company? He who mentions salary first usually loses.

I generally agree with this.

If anything, give a salary range to make sure everyone is in the same ballpark. For example if you are looking for at least 100K, then tell them that your requirement will fall in the 100-120K range. This method has worked for me in the past.

It can be awkward when you get too far into discussions and then realize that you are on Boardwalk and they are on Baltic Avenue.

markk2008

Some very useful information here, thanks guys.

sprkymrk

Recently we did NOT hire a couple of individuals for a job, even though they were fully qualified - and here are the reasons:

Candidate #1: We really liked this guy. He was friendly, outgoing, had run his own business for several years and was currently employed as a manager where he had been for about a year. He seemed pretty smart.

However, he asked at least 3 times how much sick leave we have. Then he let it slip once that he was sick a lot. In the industry, we call this a "red flag".

Candidate #2: This guy also seemed very qualified. Additionally he had several years of military service in his background, which always tends to give you a leg up as a DoD Contractor. Our only concern was that he didn't seem very outgoing. He was very reserved. Too quiet. No expressions, no sign of emotion, didn't talk unless you asked him a direct question. Very dead-pan. This concerned us because the position was going to be directly interacting with customers. Social/people skills are very important. We thought maybe he is just nervous and will loosen up over time, so we had him back for a second interview, and then even a third time just for a social "get to know who you might be working with" tour. We nicknamed him "dead-pan Dan". He didn't get the job.

Candidate #3: This was a sharp, young guy with a decent resume and appeared to have the skills we needed. Personality was good. On his resume, he indicated he had A+, Net+ and Sec+ certifications. So my boss requested proof by using the CompTIA method to make your certifications available to others. Well this guy couldn't figure out how to do that. So my boss emailed him a link to CompTIA's site explaining the procedure. The guy still couldn't figure it out, so instead he sent my boss his CompTIA username and password telling my boss to log in as him and check that way.

To make matters worse, it turns out he only had A+, and not the Net+ or Sec+ like he listed on his resume. When my boss informed him of this, the guy looked surprised and said "But I took the classes and got the certificates". Turns out, he thought a certificate of completion for a 1-week Net+/Sec+ class meant he was certified.

I put these examples here since they are real examples of what has been stated above as do's/don'ts.

Unamerican Idol

interview don't: don't break the pen clip when doing a written test.

i've had this habit since high school where i twirl the pen around my hand when and sometimes put my finger underneath the pen clip and it eventually snaps off. anyways, i broke the pen clip at the interview and got the job anyways (so maybe you should do this).