How to answer this question in an interview - how do you keep up with...

pamccabe

Had an interview the other day and for the first time I heard the question, "How do you keep up with technology changes?". Found it an interesting question and told them about the various sites and podcasts I listen to. Is there something specific an employer is looking for when asking this question?

Master Of Puppets

It is a valid question considering the nature of our field. I would answer it the same as you did - mention all the sites and forums I take part in on a daily basis. Take classes, read up on/research new technologies. We have the internet, it is hard to not stay current Also, I am lucky that most of my closest friends are in IT too so we often chat about stuff. I don't think that there is much to that question unless I'm missing something.

networker050184

Keeping certifications up to date, reading industry news, researching new products that could help the company etc. That is how I would answer it.

NetworkVeteran

I suspect what they are looking for is your honest answer. I would tell them about which education and certifications I had recently completed, updated, and/or was working on--including how to easily validate that. Take that, anyone competing against me with stale credentials! I would describe recent industry trends and how I'd kept on top of them.

ccnxjr

He might be looking for ideas him(or her)self :P

It's a very dated question, and good answers have been listed.
To give your answer more substance list the periodicals, television shows (or youtube channels) that you frequent.
Also, chuck in an opinion on a "new technology" good or bad, but back up your opinion with a compare/contrast to a competing technology (to demonstrate awareness) or older technology.

I would say to truly nail this interview you would have demonstrated your awareness of new technologies as part of answers to other questions.
If they are going off a script, by the time they get to this question they'll be a bit flustered and impressed enough.

paul78

I've always asked this question when interviewing candidates. For me, I don't look for a wrong or right answer. It's really a way for me to gauge the enthusiasm and the manner that the candidate will respond. I watch for body language and listen for the passion in the way that the candidate describes technology.

pamccabe

Thank you for everyone's input. Yea, I thought I was thinking too much about it. Seemed straight forward, but wasn't sure if they were looking for a specific answer. Thank you too Paul, excellent to hear.