How to avoid common interview mistakes

According to the latest Tech Nations 2017 report, Dundee generated the highest turnover growth of any digital tech cluster from 2011 and 2015.

Already famous for its computer gaming pioneers, it saw 171% digital turnover growth, with economic output increasing to £97 million.

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The news highlights this is a vibrant, fast-growing industry – where go-getters need a defined career plan and determination.

When it comes to the big interview, you need to have your game face on and be ready to battle.

You may well be a whizzkid at creating code, a guru in growing web systems or super-cool in the Cloud, but sometimes it only takes a minor misdemeanour to see your name crossed off.

So, if you’re preparing for the next step in your IT career, here are ways to avoid common mistakes and give yourself a fighting chance.

 

  1. Arrive on time

Turning up late is not the best way to make a first impression. Do a dummy run the day before to make sure you can get there on time.

 

  1. Wear appropriate clothing

Not many candidates show up in a mankini but some come along dressed for a night out with the lads or a hen party. Semi-formal business attire is usually best but, if you’re not sure, ask the person who’s invited you to the interview.

 

  1. Come prepared

Top IT vacancies offered on s1jobs offer lots of information about the role and what will be expected at your interview. Be sure to read this carefully – a little extra homework on the company will help too.

 

  1. Stay focussed

You may find your interviewer has all the charisma of an empty wardrobe but don’t allow your mind to wander to your watch. If your prospective new IT Manager is droning on and on use this time to formulate your next answer.

 

  1. Stick to the job

It may have worked for Jerry Maguire, but screaming ‘Show me the money!’ won’t go down well. Focussing on cash more than the role itself is not what an IT Director likes.

 

  1. Be yourself

If you don’t understand a question, don’t use a prepared answer in panic. This could suggest you haven’t been listening or, worse, you don’t know what you’re talking about. Explain you’re not sure what’s being asked: honesty followed by a correct answer shows you’re unflappable – a great talent in IT.

 

Now give six of your best at interview for those top IT roles on s1jobs.