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Job Interview Checklist
Insource.ICT finds IT jobs for IT people…
When you’re looking for a IT job, you’ll need to go on many interviews.
This is our ‘IT Job Interview Checklist’
Before each interview:
- Thoroughly prepare for the interview:
- Research the company. A great place to start is our ‘Candidate Pack’ which will be emailed to you by your Consultant before the interview. It’s also a good idea to go online and research the company and your interviewer.
- Go over the job specification with your Consultant.
- Prepare a list of potential questions that you might be asked – and think about how you might answer. It’s important that you don’t sound ‘rehearsed’ so don’t spend too much time on this!
- Check the logistics. Do you have directions to the offices? Have you picked out a professional outfit to wear? Have you confirmed your attendance with our Consultant?
- Get a good night’s sleep before the interview.
- Arrive well-groomed at the interview. Also, if you’re a smoker, avoid smoking before the interview so that you don’t arrive smelling like second hand smoke.
- Arrive at least 10 minutes before the scheduled interview time. It’s not acceptable to be late.
- Greet the Receptionist and be courteous to all of the people that you come into contact with at the company. Remember that your ‘first impression’ starts as soon as you enter the building.
- If you’re given an Application Form to complete, don’t complain. Your CV may contain all of the information required on the form – but fill it in neatly and completely anyway. Some companies monitor your reaction to being asked to complete a standard Application Form.
During the Interview:
- Do introduce yourself to the interviewer with a smile and a firm handshake.
- Do wait until you’re offered a chair before sitting. When seated, sit upright and look interested at all times.
- Do make eye contact. Failing to make eye contact will make you look uneasy.
- Do speak clearly and project your voice – without shouting! People who speak clearly sound – and look – more confident.
- Don’t chew gum.
- Don’t take cell phone calls during the interview – under any circumstances! Switch your cell phone off.
- Do show enthusiasm for the job and company that the interviewer is discussing with you.
- Do sell yourself at appropriate moments.
- Do avoid controversial topics. This includes personal or family problems.
- Avoid answering questions with ‘yes’ or ‘no’. Always try to explain your answer in detail.
- Don’t ask questions about salary, benefits and leave during the first interview unless the interviewer brings up the topic first.
- Refrain from saying negative things about former employers, colleagues or industry competitors.
- Never lie – under any circumstances. You will be caught out.
- Don’t rush into answering a question. It’s okay to take your time to gather your thoughts before answering.
- Focus on your achievements. Avoid providing negative information about yourself.
- Remember to ask the intelligent questions that you spent time preparing. This is your opportunity to evaluate the job, your interviewer and the company.
- Don’t close the door to the opportunity.
- Close the interview by expressing interest in the job. It’s okay to ask about the follow up steps in the process.
- On your way out of the building, be polite to – and thank – all of the administrative people who helped you on your way into the interview.
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