How to nail your next interview? Tips and tricks to get your dream job the Bica way
Navigating the IT job market can be a challenging task. While tension might not be entirely unavoidable, with the right preparation and mindset, any candidate can make a lasting impression on interviewers. In order to ease this process, our HR experts have compiled a list of essential tips to help you stand out. This roadmap is tried and tested by our consultants, assuring your success.
1. Start Strong with Your CV
The interview process starts with a well-crafted resume. Ensure your CV is tailored to the job you’re applying for by highlighting relevant experience, education, certificates and technologies you’re experienced with. Avoid the addition of previous roles that are not related to the direction you’d like to develop in. Personal details such as birthdate, marital status and address are not the subject matter and should be skipped as well. Make sure to also choose a simple and legible design – you can find an abundance of online platforms (free and paid) that can sort, edit and frame your expertise in a structured and professional-looking manner.
2. Be Curious About the Role and Company
Conduct thorough research on companies where you apply – understanding the products, services, culture, and recent achievements can give you a deeper perspective on the organization’s values and goals. This will allow you to build genuine interest and enthusiasm about the role. If the information you find is not a perfect fit to what you are looking for, remain open minded and note these items down as points you can discuss during an interview.
3. Look Into the Team
Due diligence is key. If you’re working with a recruiter, they should prepare you on who you can expect to meet. If going about this on your own, take time to look up the team on the company’s website or LinkedIn. Putting a face to the name in the invite can ease off some of the pre-interview anxiety, as well as allow you to prepare on the topics that might come up.
4. Understand the Role and What is Needed of You
One of the goals of an initial interview should be to ensure you have a clear idea of the role’s requirements and how your background aligns with what’s expected. Note down questions about the team you might join, the position, processes, and try to understand what direction the company is moving towards. It’s great to have a clear boundary in your mind about what you want and don’t want in your next role but it’s also helpful to remain open-minded and be ready to negotiate. Keep space for the opportunity to be surprised and offered a path that you might have not considered before.
5. How to Nail the “Tell Us About You” Prompt
The key to every good conversation is storytelling. Interviewers already know your qualifications, skills and tech stack. Your focus should be on sharing how and why you got to the points listed in your CV. Rather than saying “I managed a project,” describe in detail what the project was, what challenges it presented and why you made the decisions you did to overcome them. What went right? What will you do the same again and what would you change? Putting context to a statement in a resume reveals your thought process and allows people to get to know you better. In the IT field, technical skills are crucial, but don’t underestimate the value of soft skills.
6. Be Honest and Forthcoming
This one is all about building trust. If you’re asked a question and you don’t know the answer, be honest. It’s better to acknowledge a gap in your knowledge than to try to bluff your way through an answer. Also, understand that while topics such as salary expectations might be a bit uncomfortable, directly addressing them saves time on both sides. Keep the company you are communicating with to the same standard – honesty should go both ways.
Interviews are a two way street and you should always use them as an opportunity to gain as much information as possible about what your daily work life might be like. By implementing these tips, you can approach your next interview with more confidence. Good luck!
If you or your organisation needs a skilled HR consultancy that fits your team like a glove, please contact us at our contact form.