Five Things IT Hiring Managers Want to Hear During Your Interview
Posted May 5th, 2016
The job interview represents the culmination of the candidate vetting process. Hiring managers have already determined that you look good on paper, but it’s your in-person performance that will determine your success or failure at getting the job. That’s why you need to do everything possible to deliver a stellar performance. Make sure to convey these five essential pieces of information:
Why You Want the Job
You never want to come across as a job seeker who is willing to take any opportunity that presents itself. Hiring managers want to know that you’re not interested in employment generally, but this position specifically. Tell them why you’re excited about the job and company, and why you believe that it presents you with a unique opportunity to thrive.
How You Reflect the Culture
Cultural fit is a huge factor in recruiting these days. You could be extremely talented, but if you don’t reflect the mission, values, style, and goals of a potential employer, you’ll have a hard time getting the job. Research the company culture in advance or talk to someone who works there, and try to assert your cultural fit into all of your interview answers.
The Value that You Bring
During an interview it’s easy to talk a lot while saying very little. Avoid the instinct to be long winded and tangential because it mostly just bombards the interviewer with information he doesn’t need. Make sure that all your answers are concise, relevant, and to the point. In each one, try to establish that you’re not simply qualified, you’re capable of making a bigger impact than the rest of the candidates.
Your Professional Acumen
It’s tempting to end the interview by asking if you’re one of the leading candidates. But you risk making yourself look desperate rather than confident, and in most cases the interviewer will not be able to give you an honest answer. Instead, reiterate that you’re very interested in the job and confident in your qualifications.
A Willingness to Follow Through
Following up an interview with a ‘thank you’ is still a standard practice, even for higher-level IT positions. But it’s essential to send out the right kind of ‘thank you’ email. Make sure that it is brief (about 5-6 sentences), completely free of grammar and spelling errors, and courteous. It should once again establish your interest in the position while subtly reminding the reader of why you’re one of the top candidates.
Acing the interview is an exhilarating feeling, but many job seekers struggle to even get an interested audience. Help yourself find and connect with motivated employers by relying on the resources of Bayside Solutions.
