Successfully Navigating a Tech Interview: Part 2

Successfully Navigating a Tech Interview: Part 2
While tech interviews differ in some major ways from non-technical interviews, when it comes down to it, an interview is an interview. To be successful and land a job, you have to not only prove that you are capable to perform the job, but also that you are likeable and that you will fit into the company culture. Because when it comes to tech jobs, you are unlikely to even secure an interview if you don’t have the correct certifications, you will need to find other ways to prove that you are the perfect person for the job. We will discuss some of the ways you can accomplish this below.
1. Be Courteous: This is a very simple thing but very important and powerful. With all things being equal, your ability to work well with others, becomes very important. Show simple courtesies by being polite to the receptionist, other people in the office and of course to the person interviewing you.
2. Be prepared: Before you step into the interview, you should have already considered some answers to potential questions, and should understand well what type of qualifications your interviewer is looking for.
3. Do Your Research: This is another interview basic. Do your research on the company. Know their history and where they are trying to go. Be sure to be aware of any major changes and announcements. Incorporate this information into your answers whenever you are able to. This will show the interviewer that you have put some thought into how your skills will be an asset to the company. A careful look at the company’s website and on Google or Yahoo news will give you a good amount of background and breaking information.
4. Be On Time: This is another interview basic. Being on time shows a certain level of respect and responsibility, that is necessary to being a good employee. Make a dry run to the interview spot before the big day, to ensure that you are able to get where you need to go on time.
5. Dress Appropriately: Even if you assume that a particular workplace is a casual, you should always show up in business professional attire. It is much better to be appropriately and over dressed then to be underdressed.
6. Ask Questions: Have some well, thought-out questions prepared before you show up to your interview. Also take notes during your interview and jot down some questions you might want to ask at the end of the interview so that you don’t forget.
7. Follow Up: After you interview, be sure to follow up with a thank-you email or card sent through the mail no matter how the interview turns out. This simple gesture may cause the interviewer to keep you in mind the next time there is an opening.
A tech interview, like any other interview can be incredibly nerve wracking. The important thing to remember is that if you get the interviewing basics down, you will be able to perform well at any interview. The basics include being courteous, being prepared, do your research, be on time, dress appropriately, ask questions, and follow up.